Bawdy skin-fest opens at HOOTERS August 15th…..
Thanks to my partner-in-crime at VegasFool.com, I just learned that the uproarious burlesque musical ‘Cherry Boom Boom’ is coming back to Vegas. Its original run at TROPICANA in 2016 was prematurely clipped at the cowboy boots after only a few short weeks. But that was due to plenty of behind-the-scenes drama at the long-troubled Tropicana Showroom and not the fault of the show itself.
While it’s likely that the smaller showroom and stage at Hooters Hotel Casino will require an overhaul of the production, there’s no question in my mind that the heart of ‘Cherry Boom Boom’ will still beat hard, strong and bright red, So in anticipation of its second helping of sweetness, here’s my review as published during the initial Tropicana run. Get tickets for the Hooters relaunch by visiting Vegas Fool through this LINK. Prices start at only $37 plus taxes/fees.
WTF did I just see? I can’t really say for sure, but it was enjoyable to the max. Yes, a T & A girl-power topless revue getting a positive review from a male member of the LGBTQ community. Is that an impressive endorsement? I would have to say “yes.” And you’ll be saying “Oh, yes” if you make it to Tropicana to check out Cherry Boom Boom.
I’m going to be absolutely direct here – Cherry Boom Boom is effing crazy. It makes no real sense, despite offering some semblance of a love-story plot. Does it take place in a brothel? A Coyote Ugly-style roadhouse? Perhaps a surreal make-believe world where men barely exist and gorgeous women dance and get intimate together in various types of fetish gear and hard-rocking costumes? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you…not that it matters.
The goal of a burlesque show, either traditional or in one of its many recent re-imaginings (like Absinthe), is to stimulate and entertain. The cast of Cherry Boom Boom does so in spades. It’s worth mentioning that the number of performers is surprisingly large for a production of this nature. But since Cherry has avoided the burlesque moniker in favor of “Rock ‘n Roll A Go-Go”, it’s clear that they’re intent on re-writing the rules for Vegas topless revues.
Tropicana‘s main showroom has a wide, deep stage, which CBB (let’s stick to that abbreviation for awhile) utilizes to the max. The lone two-level set is massive, adorned with chains, large video screens, parallel bars…and a stripper pole road sign. Production numbers fill every corner, zipping around to dizzying effect. It’s the antithesis of Jubilee‘s slow-strolling showgirls of Vegas past.
High above the stage and to the left is a boudoir decorated in vivid pinks. An aerial acrobatic ring descends from the ceiling on occasion, and various props are wheeled out to accommodate specialty acts. They include a mechanical bull and a human-sized bird cage.
Hosted by the androgynous “P*ssy Control” (perhaps named after the song by Prince, whose catalog gets a visit in the soundtrack), the central romance is basically a flimsy coat-hanger on which to hang libido-stimulating production numbers. It’s played out in a world of rock music, bullwhips, lingerie and cowboy boots.
A pair of small-town innocents (Rock of Ages, cough-cough) take jobs at “Cherry Boom Boom”, the brothel/nightclub/whatever of the title. Their first meeting and subsequent romance are mostly mimed wordlessly while naughty action swirls around them. Naturally, they’re drawn into this fantasy lifestyle and decide to explore their own desires. Eventually, they get back together and things wrap up in a finale reminiscent of Grease.
If it wasn’t for the charm of the two principals and their amusing explorations of lust, the plotline could easily be eliminated, and CBB would still be a solid, satisfying production. The performers are some of the most physically attractive women on the Strip. There’s also a hard-bodied juggling aerial cowboy tossed in for girls (and gays).
Costuming is top-notch, the choreography is consistently impressive, and some sequences are downright breathtaking….especially one using wheeled mirror panels and another involving cafe chairs.
Then there’s the soundtrack. Much like Rock of Ages, CBB is a jukebox of hits, but this one crosses genres and spans decades of heart-pounding favorites. I had a hard time staying still in my seat. The songbook includes favorites from artists like AC/DC, Joan Jett, Led Zeppelin, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Presley, Foo Fighters, Melissa Etheridge and Heart. Almost all are the original recordings, mixed and arranged for maximum impact. I noticed only one cover version (“Darling Nikki” by the omnisexual Prince).
Tropicana has had a rough go of it for the last few years, at least with their entertainment offerings. When the rare hit comes along, fate intervenes and things still go awry. Here’s hoping that Cherry Boom Boom is the one that breaks the Tropicana Showroom curse. It truly is a blast…and one that deserves to last.
‘Cherry Boom Boom’ is scheduled to perform 11pm Thursday through Saturday at Hooters Hotel Casino starting August 15th. Tickets start at $37 plus taxes/fees and can be ordered here.
Photos: Sam Novak, Diane L., Cherry Boom Boom
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