Today in Las Vegas Magazine

Battle on the High Strip

The Sirens are still at it and they’re celebrating their 5th year of steaming-up the Strip. Created in 2003 by Emmy award-winning director and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, the lavish production also features a score
composed by award-winning record producer and songwriter, Emilio Estefan (husband of Gloria).

Some fun facts about the production: Siren’s Cove contains approximately 1.5 million gallons of reverse-osmosis filtered, reclaimed hotel gray-water; 86 individual pyrotechnic pieces are shot per show and flame effects consume 7 gallons of liquid propane per show.

Impressive for a show that runs only 18 minutes, if you consider all the work, expense and time invested in the production. Even more amazing is that this show is free and has been since it opened.

We chatted briefly with lead Siren, Stacey Kane, who plays Sinnamon (Sin for short), a role she’s had for three years now. “I started off as Pearl when Sirens first opened in 2003 and slowly worked my way up,” said Stacey.

There are a total of 18 women and 14 men in the cast, though only 11 females and 9 males get to go on for every show. In addition, there are 41 crew members who are in charge of the set, costumes, maintenance and whatever behind-the-scenes production elements need to be met. The cast has it down almost to a science, so they don’t have to rehearse on a weekly basis. They do, however, have “clean-ups,” via the show’s line captain, Kimi Bateman, who ensures that the choreography stays “tight.” Of course, having new “Sirens” means a little bit more rehearsal time for all. It’s interesting to note that each cast member plays more than one role in the show, which makes for an easier transition, all-around.

Stacey shares that every year, auditions are held for new cast members. She recounted her story and how she landed in Vegas, “I was a babysitter in California and a friend from Vegas
suggested I try out for a show. I told my family about
it and they found this audition for me and sent me there as a birthday present.”

Not bad for an ex-cheerleader who bested 50 or so other hopefuls from national auditions held in California, Arizona, New York and Las Vegas. “To be able to play a sexy and intelligent character like Sin every night is great,” Stacey adds. This is obviously one “pro,” but what about a “con”? The answer is immediate: “The weather,” though she is quick to add, “We have a very gracious wardrobe department that provides us with heavy-duty coats, shrugs, gloves in the winter, so we can’t really complain. The “pirates” have quite a challenge because they’re at risk for borderline hypothermia when they’re in the water too long.” No need to fret, the men are equipped with wet suits.

No wonder every show is packed to the gills. Visitors to the hotel have been known to line-up hours in advance of the show to get the best spot for a close-up experience of the fireworks and special effects. Audience numbers per show are estimated to be in the thousands while other big budget Strip shows can only hope for this much. Whoever said “Nothing in life is free” has just been proven wrong.

-Rachel M. Sugay

The Sirens of TI - Siren’s Cove, Treasure Island
Show times are 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11:30 p.m., nightly. (Will change to winter hours in November-December). Free admission. 5th year Anniversary Bash, October 25, Christian Audigier Nightclub – open to the public with a special performance from the Sirens of TI.