Peeling it off: Strip performers are going nearly nude again for ‘Solo Strips’
It’s shocking and steamy, and attendees will turn a blind eye to any legal infractions at the midnight hour. In fact, they’ll be cheering “take it off” as 14 Strip performers toss their clothes for Monday’s sixth-annual SOLO STRIPS production behind closed doors and under the ABSINTHE tent outside Caesars Palace.
The near nudity is for two great causes: Aid for AIDS of Nevada and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The producer is Ryan Lyons, former athletic acrobat at LE REVE — THE DREAM at Wynn Las Vegas. Temperatures will rise as some 400 audience members shower top entertainers with dollar bills encouraging them to peel off even more.
Host Bryan Chan takes charge of the handsome hunks including Drew Leach, Ryan Stuart, Francisco Avina, Ben Lerman, Timber Brown, Steve Weiss, Chris Hodgson and Michael Radiff.
Jennifer Romas and Alexandria Halbauer lead the ladies including Brittni Trippi, Lora Kelsey, Pendu and Sheila Joy Burford. Ryan has been the director and producer of this venture for six years, so it was only natural that I ask him about this year’s midnight production:
What can we expect at this year’s show?
We have a stellar lineup of amazing talent. Singing, percussion, aerial acts and other surprises are in store and all while stripping off layers of costumes to raise funds for AFAN and BCEFA.
Who’s returning? Who’s new?
Bryan Chan has stuck by my side since our first show and is returning as our host again. All the acts are original and created just for this year’s event. We have a great mix of seasoned solo strippers — Jennifer Romas and Alexandria Halbauer from SEXXY, Chris Hodgson (50 SHADES! THE PARODY), Brittni Trippi (CHERRY BOOM BOOM) and freelance aerialist Drew Leach — from last year’s show as returnees.
New to the lineup are former ZOMBIE BURLESQUE dancer Lora Kelsey, pole coach Sheila Joy Burford, STEVE WYNN’S SHOWSTOPPERS performer Michael Radiff, percussionist Steve Weiss (RECYCLED PERCUSSION), Pendu, CHIPPPENDALES performer Ryan Stuart, hand balancer Ben Lerman, Timber Brown and a special performance and introduction from Francisco Avina.
How far can you push the envelope of baring it all?
I’ve encouraged the cast to get creative this year with their strips. As for how far we can push the envelope, one will just have to buy a ticket to see how much skin they will witness during the night. Everyone will want to bring their dollar bills to tip the dancers, as all tips go to our grand total.
How much money do you want to raise?
We’re setting the bar high at $20,000 this year. Performers are donating their bodies and talents, selling presale tickets and asking for outside donations to help us reach our goal.
What does it take to organize this effort?
Patience, a lot of dedication and juggling everyone’s creative ideas. But, to be honest, it’s easy because everyone wants to help and give back. And why not? It’s sexy and fun! From our volunteer stage managers and techs and the tent team at Spiegelworld for their help and generous donation of the space, we all work together with AFAN and BCEFA to become one unit.
When did it start?
SOLO STRIPS was brought to life from its roots in New York City. I was so inspired by my involvement with Broadway Bares several years ago that I asked Jerry Mitchell if I could host a version of SOLO STRIPS in Las Vegas in 2011. We have grown from six original strips to 10 to 14 performers, depending on the year.
Do you get more performers than you need, or is it a struggle?
Every year I get worried that I won’t be able to find enough performers, then each year to my surprise I surpass the number of acts I was aiming for. It’s so amazing to know that our entertainment community wants to give back and get involved. I’ve never really had to say no to performers who want to be a part of the show.
The best thing about each act is that they are all participating understanding that they are the ones who are creating the show together and that it’s not simply a showcase of act after act. It’s much more of a commitment to the cause and raising as much money as we can.
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Tickets start at $20 at AFANLV.org although you are encouraged to throw more $$$$ at the performers as they strip down to almost less than their skivvies. We’ll have our front-row report Tuesday despite the 2 a.m. finish.
