Today in Las Vegas Magazine

SKY HIGH TALENT

In these tough times, it’s even harder to get anything for free, but don’t fret, there are still a handful of these shows dotting the Las Vegas landscape. One of them being Show in the Sky at the Rio All-Suite. Long considered as Vegas’ most popular free show, it was recently revamped (re-launched last May) to go with the times, though it’s still playing four nights a week, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

It premiered as Masquerade Show in the Sky, and was the first of its kind in terms of free entertainment. It featured Brazilian-themed stage action while performers danced on sky fantasy floats.

Today, the production still features stunning dancers in eye-popping costumes, entertaining the audience, as fantasy floats glide above the crowd, creating an energetic and dynamic musical celebration. From sexy designer dresses to bustier tops, the show continues to stimulate spectators. Latin costume styles, created by Designs To Shine, bring a high-fashion style to the show featuring top name designers such as DKNY, bebe and Victoria’s Secret.

There are three different shows, so guests are encouraged to stay a while, to be able to experience a unique show each time. The “bedroom-style” performance, for example, features a 17-foot long bed with high-energy performers; then there’s the “bath/spa style” version complete with a glamorous stage set and sexy girls in towels; and finally, the “modern-day club” performance evokes the feeling of “old Hollywood glamour meets classic burlesque” as the girls come bedecked with rhinestones and feathers.

The show is backed by an incredible cast and crew with years of experience in show business, almost guaranteeing a knock-out production. Producer and creator, Doug Johnson, has been in showbiz for over 25 years and has done it all as singer, dancer, actor, producer, director, musical director, costume designer, choreographer.

Adding a modern element and edge to the production are the Wilson Brothers. Kevin and Marcel provide the moves, injecting elements of jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, pop and musical theatre to the show. Their resume is impressive and they’ve worked and toured with the cream of the crop and the hottest celebrities such as Madonna, Beyonce and Lenny Kravitz. Also active in TV and theater, some of their credits include work in Broadway’s The Lion King, as well as The 80th Annual Academy Awards.

Nothing is left to chance in Show in the Sky, including of course, the work of music producer and composer, Stacey Quinealty, who has done work for some of the biggest names and corporations like Universal Studios, Warner Brothers and even McDonald’s.

Of course, all this creative input wouldn’t be complete without the dancers and performers. The cast of 10 (five male and five female dancers, plus 15 float performers) is headed by Jennifer Joseph and Jaymes Vaughan. Both are no strangers to the showbiz industry and each lists talents that go way beyond dancing. Jennifer, for example, has been a principal vocalist all over the Strip, working in such productions as Folies Bergere and Legends in Concert. Jaymes claim to fame was that he got voted “Sexiest Butt in Las Vegas,” as well as one of “Las Vegas’ 20 Most Beautiful People.”

Lead dance captain John Cook sums up the show, “It’s a little bit of a mini pop-show at the Rio,” adding, “Plus, it’s more adult-themed, a little bit more risqué, and the choreography and costumes are up-to-date.”

Although each ‘show’ runs for only 10 minutes, it’s obvious that a lot of work goes into each production, night after night. The dancers still rehearse once a week, and come May, when the show celebrates its anniversary, it may be revamped again to keep up with the times. They say the best things in life are free – we think this certainly holds true to Show in the Sky.

-Rachel M. Sugay

Show in the Sky
Rio All-Suite Hotel. Show times are 7 p.m. – midnight, Thursday through Sunday. Free and open to the public. Tickets to ride the fantasy floats, $12.95. Call 702-777-7777 and ask for the box office to reserve a spot.