 Feeling
It at Fashionistas
West Side Story, Death of a Salesman, and Glengarry
Glen Ross are just a few stage productions that went on to be made
into films. Fashionistas was a movie first, (albeit porn) before
it made its successful stage debut in Las Vegas in the summer of
2004. And although I am not intending, even for a moment, to put
Fashionistas amongst these classics, what Fashionistas does have
in common with these productions is what all films and plays should
strive for - and that is to entertain or to momentarily take you
away to a far-off place.
In its inaugural year, the John Stagliano-production
made the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s list of “Top Ten
Shows” (ahead of Celine) and is still rocking audiences nightly
(except Wednesdays) at the Empire Ballroom.
This show is not for the faint of heart, but neither
is the NYNY roller coaster that’s just down the street. In
both instances, you should have an idea of what you are in for –
a wild ride, complete with unexpected turns and maybe the desire
to keep your eyes shut throughout the entire time. But remember
to hang on, keep your hands and feet inside at all times during
this particular 88-minute ride, where you are privy to a prolonged
peek into a fetish-filled, erotic underworld, where your only obligation
is to be voyeur and not participant.
 The show is set in the libidinous world of
high fashion and centers on a complex, conflicting love triangle.
So as not to be a spoiler, I won’t give up what happens, but
I can serve-up a few tidbits as to why you should check out this
show that loosely depicts what goes on and off the catwalks.
For one, there is a number in Fashionistas that
just might be the sexiest thing that I’ve seen in a Las Vegas
show (and I saw Dita Von Teese when she recently performed at the
MGM). I won’t tell you which one it is, but imagine a Hanes
or Victoria’s Secret commercial, if it was aired on Cinemax.
Enough said. By the way, that sultry little number was done sans
nudity, just like the rest of the show, and I can’t believe
I am going to write this, but Fashionistas totally works without
nudity. Mystery, illusion, something left to the imagination all
fit here amongst all the erotica.
 That doesn’t mean that the dancers aren’t
‘Maxim- and Men’s Health-ready.’ Graceful Marceea,
and Kelly - who must be the hardest-working hottie in town, certainly
keep Alin (I’m convinced that he must do sit-ups in his sleep)
on his toes, and the talented aerialists, frequently above the crowd,
all give the audience many diversions to watch, which is always
a must for me.
Along with the energy from the performers, a live
drummer and club music help drive the production to its many fevered
pitches. Other than tracks from Madonna, Evanescence and Led Zeppelin,
the music in the show doesn’t exactly feature songs fit for
the radio in the mini-van. Kudos for using a few tracks from our
then, Vegas-based boys, The Crystal Method and “Thank You,
ladies” for finally clearing the visual of that creepy, old
video of Herbie Hancock’s “Rockit” out of my head
and replacing it with your enticing interpretation.
At show’s end, I was entertained, but felt
perplexed about the story within the show. The storyline, like a
good movie or play, kept true to formula with tight scenes, three
acts, a struggle/conflict and a resolution for the protagonist -
but what did it all mean? Upon getting home, I leisurely flipped
through the program, and while marveling about the cast bios and
how educated, well-versed and committed they all are to their craft,
there it was - a synopsis of the show. Huh.
I was a bit upset with myself at first, because
throughout the show, I was trying mightily hard to figure out what
the heck was going on, only to find that there, in the program,
were 13 lines explaining the plot. But then, after looking through
my notes and reflecting on the performance, I had a fine time forming
my own ideas of what I perceived it all to mean. Was all of it just
a dream in the main character’s mind; a biting social commentary
on the superficiality of the high-tech era and fashion world; or
was there something eerily and mystically afoot?
It didn’t matter. I had a great time. It’s
your world - and if you don’t feel like doing your own interpreting
and just want to kick back and enjoy watching incredibly attractive,
gifted performers and visually stimulating costumes, then read the
synopsis before the show. Either way, Fashionistas is sure to entertain
by taking you away to a far-off place.
-Brett Revell
Fashionistas
Empire Ballroom. 3765 Las Vegas Boulevard (across from the Monte
Carlo, behind Walgreens). Show times are 9 p.m., Thursday through
Tuesday. Tickets are $49.95 - $79.95. Show for audiences aged 21
and over. Call 836-0833, to purchase tickets. www.fashionistastheshow.com
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