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Crazy Girls standing the test of time
By Len Butcher
Not many Las Vegas shows last for a number of years, so when you find one that is celebrating its 20th anniversary, you might want to see what makes it so appealing to attract audiences for two decades.
I'm talking about Crazy Girls at the Riviera, a fun show that debuted at the hotel in 1987, supposedly for just a short three months. It caught on, however, with visitors and locals alike and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the years it has survived it all -- controversy, criticism and competition -- and today, more people are familiar with the name Crazy Girls than they are with the majority of other Vegas shows -- so that should tell you something.
The credit for both its creation and success can be given to Norbert Aleman, producer of Crazy Girls, who said, "Crazy Girls and La Cage are considered the backbone of the Riviera's entertainment. I was told that we'd never survive by naysayers. We've faced controversies with the National Organization of Women, Las Vegas City Hall and a powerful state senator and we held our ground. The public was supportive and we are still here."
From its beginning to the mid-'90s, Crazy Girls was the only show of its kind. Since then, there have been many shows that have tried to copy its success, most of them ending in failure. "It's a competitive business and you need to be detail-oriented," says Aleman. "The gentlemen's clubs (a.k.a. strip joints) have a natural advantage for those who want to push the envelope. But in no way are we like the clubs. Ours is a safer alternative with really beautiful dancers who have spent their lifetimes in dance classes."
The show consists of 10 beautiful, talented, technically-trained dancers who present an exotic and erotic show that seems to appeal to both men and women. Most of the audience are couples. Over the past 20 years, 150 to 200 "Crazy Girls" and ex-Crazy Girls have been created. Maybe it's time for a Crazy Girls reunion?
But it's more than just the girls. One of the highlights of the show is world-class juggler Nino Frediani who really does electrify the audience while getting a lot of laughs at the same time. And the show always seems to come up with good emcees, from singer Stuart May to Bambi Jr. (Montel Williams ex-wife), comedian Carole Montgomery, prop comic Joe Trammel and Jahna Reis Steele.
Billed as "Las Vegas' Sexiest Topless Revue," it lives up to its name, but offers much more than the bare essentials of a topless show. Put this one on your list. The girls perform nightly at 9:30 p.m. (dark Tuesdays) and tickets start at a reasonable $34.95
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