Crazy Girls

If there were a celebration for coming of age of a Vegas show, “Crazy Girls” would surely be in the running. Now celebrating it's sixteenth year at the Riviera Hotel, the classic combination of sultry burlesque, glitter and cabaret have kept “Crazy Girls” at the top of it's game since 1987. The world famous line-up of shapely, unblemished derrières featured upon the show's traffic-stopping billboard and marquee, has been immortalized further with the erection of a life-size bronze sculpture within the gardens of the Riviera Hotel. Rumor has it, that rubbing a cheek or two brings good luck on the slots! As you'll find out, that's not all these loco ladies have going for them, for “Crazy Girls” has also become the premier topless revue in Vegas, due to it's revival of dying cabaret!

With a blatant disregard for anything not deemed socially acceptable, “Crazy Girls” tumbled into Vegas in 1987, originally intended as a “one last look” show for bachelor parties. In truth, the show's producers couldn't have picked a better decade, since the 80's were all about self and sexual discovery, as well as pushing boundaries. Thing is, “Crazy Girls” doesn't seem to have stopped pushing boundaries during it's Sin City residence. What used to be a 'jiggle and wiggle' show that left a little to the imagination, has evolved to become a tenacious and provocative revue, keen to widen the goal posts of societal acceptance. Under the management of former “Crazy Girl” dancer Karen Raider, the modern production has become one of the most risqué in Vegas; the dancers now bare ALL for several vignettes. Its a far cry from the semi-modest appearances on MSNBC and “E!” just a few years ago!

Having claimed the Riviera's Mardi Gras Theater as their own for sixteen years, “Crazy Girls” has defied the usual premise of tease revues that “make it”. The 350-capacity theater is still as adequate now as it ever was, and its largely because Karen Raider wants to retain the original concept of the show. It's intimate, it's cabaret and it should feel like an almost private experience! The bonus of front row seats, just inches from the cabaret lounge stage creates a sense of closeness between the audience and performer. For a show that thrives on all attention being upon every tiny move, caress and slip of a strap, it's probably the most appropriate venue in Vegas!

The body of a siren and the bravado of a Bond girl; Valentina Smirnova is the latest addition to the 22-strong cast of beauties who bring the Mardi Gras stage to life nightly. For those who may have been living under a rock for the past five years, Smirnova is the green-eyed goddess who featured in the GeeWiz “Yeah Ma” music video; was the face of MGM Grand's “Studio 54” billboard campaign and won “Miss Russian California 2003”. She's enjoyed feature-work with some of the top U.S men's magazines; racking up a fan-base from California to Connecticut – and everywhere in between. Smirnova joins a cast of relatively fresh faces and flawless toned physiques – all selected based upon strict height, weight and shape stipulations. “Crazy Girls” is also one of the few strip-cum-burlesque revues to disallow dancers joining, should they have had any enhancement of certain assets.

Smirnova heads up the troupe for Aerosmith's “Pink”, leading the girls into a racy writhe 'n' grind. Clad in leather chaps with a few scanty chains covering certain modesties, the girls set the tone and pace for the raunch to come. The rotating bed vignette has proven to go down a storm with the punters, as eight girls vie for your attention with bedroom gymnastics men can only dream about. The scene is backed by the Led Zeppelin number “I Can't Quit You Baby” - although we doubt Robert Plant quite envisaged the simulated romp these girls entertain with. Highlights also include a burlesque tribute (a fast track back to the days when showgirl revues were all about the glamor and demureness), as well as a pole dancing vignette, in which the girls are clad in nude embellished body nets. Hot under the collar tease revues may be a dime a dozen in Vegas, but with scenes like this, they pale in comparison. Sultry and sexy, “Crazy Girls” is one revue unashamedly pushing the boundaries of badness unlike any other!