Today in Las Vegas Magazine

No Ifs, Ands or Butts About It - Crazy Girls is 20 Years Old

I first saw “Crazy Girls” 16 years ago when I was in college at UNLV, and before coming here, I was a hick from the Midwest so I hadn’t ever seen a show like “Crazy Girls” before. I remember as a small child, my parents came back from Vegas and stuck a picture of the leggy dancer Juliet Prowse on our fridge and it was then I knew that someday I just had to make the journey to that mythical land called Las Vegas.

Many years later, I walked out of that “Crazy Girls” showroom at the Riviera entertained, a bit shocked, but definitely wanting more – everything that Las Vegas is all about. Guess that’s why I’m still here.

Apparently the masses also just can’t get enough of Las Vegas and those “Crazy Girls” because on September 21, the captivating show will celebrate their 20th anniversary. Back then there were only 18 production shows in Las Vegas and currently there are over 50 such shows with close to a dozen of them being topless.

On a side note, my old college buddy Phil just called me and he recalls then Entertainment Director of the Riviera, Steve Schirripa (Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri from “The Sopranos”) seating him at “Crazy Girls.“

Over the 20 years gifted producer Norbert Aleman, along with Karen Raider, formerly a dancer in the show and now manager of Crazy Girls, have worked on the show, both have seen the show shift, move and undulate with the times. The production has employed over 100 dancers throughout the years to keep the revue fresh; the faces of the filler acts have also changed and the show has experienced more than their share of controversies with its provocative ads, but one thing that has remained constant throughout the years is that it has no illusions about itself.

It doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s not high-brow, you probably won’t learn anything here and the Tony awards aren’t exactly calling, but what it does boast is that it is a show meant to be an enjoyable adult diversion (for both sexes) from everyday life, that has gorgeous women with alluring bodies there only to delight and entertain. 20 years strong and millions of tickets sold - obviously “Crazy Girls” knows what it is and has to offer.

Last week marked the fourth time I have seen “Crazy Girls” and although some of the faces and musical numbers have changed, its format has stayed consistent throughout the years. Start off with a video montage of the history of the show and all that it has gone through; kick the actual show off with an emcee (currently the talented and gregarious Stuart May), mix in a gifted juggler named Nino Frediani (who is legally blind and multi-lingual) and top it all off with, of course, eight of the hottest dancers you can find.

I say dancers, because there is no singing, only lip syncing, and in this instance, I’ve never had a problem with it. I equate it to seeing a revived ‘80’s band live and when they say “…here’s something off our new album…” – I don’t care, give me what I came here for. With “Crazy Girls,” it’s T&A and titillation.

The “Crazy 8” is simply eight girls who, throughout the production, perform either solo or as an ensemble. Some of the stronger, steamier moments of the show are the solo acts; the torrid, sultry duo numbers and when they truly engage and connect with the audience. Too many times in these types of shows, the talent will pull the “vacant, disinterested exotic dancer” on you, meaning they look right through you or over you like you’re not even there. Eye contact is not an option.

I do have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to not see as much silicone that has been associated with this show. I am a fan of the enhancement in some cases, but during a couple of the numbers, a bit of the softness and sexiness of the female form was lost because it wasn’t natural. I also approve of the choice that all the dancers in this show ‘go natural’ and don’t wear stockings.

The showroom at the Riviera, which seats 350, is like the majority of Las Vegas showrooms, in that one has the choice of either a booth or a chair. Although all the seats and sightlines are fine, spend the extra cash and upgrade to a booth, or get one of the seats next to the stage; you will thank me when the dancers come out amongst the audience.

So, “Happy 20th anniversary Crazy Girls!” Thank you for knowing and accepting what you are – a sexy topless revue that’s a guilty little diversion that is pure entertainment.

-Brett Revell