‘53X’ is coed cabaret … in a cabaret — PHOTOS
The new “53X” would be OK if we had to watch it from theater seats. But the way it creates a whole environment reminds us of how sneaky ol’ Vegas made “cabaret” a genre instead of a real place.
Needless to say that on the Strip, “cabaret” is jiggly or flexy dance, not people singing Cole Porter. But it’s not just a classier word for “topless.” It also helps gloss over the fact that these smaller dance revues tend to roost in retrofit spaces: a former steakhouse for “X Rocks,” a 3-D movie theater for “Fantasy.”
“53X” is likewise an adaptive use of Chateau, the Paris Las Vegas nightclub that falls on the tiny side of newer mega-clubs and perhaps got a bit lost in their wake.
The ultra-wide and narrow stage, interrupted by structural beams, wasn’t really designed for this kind of thing. The sight lines are awkward for those in the rows of folding chairs on the left, with a skewed view of the action. But it turns out to be part of the charm.
Drinks land in some type of dry-ice fog at the premium tables. A French maid comes out to tidy up with a feather duster. We finally feel like we are in a real movie-style cabaret where a show is about to break out; not some blah, neutral venue where we herd in to watch something, then get up and leave.
The club setting isn’t even the chief calling card of “53X.” That would be its mix of male and not-even-topless female dancers. It’s an attempt to combine previously segregated audiences: the screamer girls at “Chippendales” and the dudes or couples found at the female dance shows, not usually the first choice of tolerant wives and girlfriends.
The blend works surprisingly well, too, no surprise for fans of Cirque du Soleil’s like-minded “Zumanity.” But “53X” seems more spontaneous in its communal fun.
The male half of the four ballroom couples quickly doff their tux jackets to reveal sleeveless shirts and, later, a lot of cheek. Guys who would flinch at the sight of “Friday the 13th” bogeyman Jason in boxer shorts can be consoled by the women in black thigh boots or cheerleader short shorts.
The coed approach also creates a game of Shuffle the Tropes. Tribal men drum up an exotic goddess (Shaeja Lee-Boiser). A ballet dancer in pointe shoes (Jessica Delgado) finds her way to a bondage number. The dudes in camouflage pants discover the woman on the stripper pole (Jacinthe Morearty).
More suggestive combinations present themselves too. The sexiest segment follows a couple to the shower (Kyle Efthemes and Natali Tangherlini). Two of the ladies later disappear behind a sheet with one of the dancing dudes.
“53X” is bankrolled by “Chippendales” producer Kevin Denberg and helmed by that show’s artistic director, Bryan Cheatham. But it slows down and breathes more than that show’s screaming bachelorettes tolerate, adding some elegant touches to match the costumes by Jeffrey Debarthy.
Drag host Shangela (Darius J. Pierce) of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” emcees and sometimes joins in the numbers, helping recruit audience “volunteers” for the stocks or husband spankings. He gets the job done, even if the jokes come off as canned and he’s not the outsized, stage-commanding personality you might expect.
But, then again, there’s a lot of competition for attention on this stage. The audience gets to know the cast, and the cast members sure get to know one another. Even if it’s all ephemeral eye candy, true to Shangela’s promise of “no theme, no story,” you kind of hate to just jump up and leave when it ends.
If that’s the case, the Chateau Showroom turns back into the Chateau Nightclub, and you’re invited to linger on the rooftop after a show that has blurred the line between the two as well as anywhere on the Strip.
Read more from Mike Weatherford at reviewjournal.com. Contact him at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com and follow @Mikeweatherford on Twitter.
Review
What: “53X”
When: 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays
Where: Chateau Nightclub at Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Tickets: $29.95-$49.95 (702-777-7776)
Grade: B
