Treasure Island closes Strip-side ‘Sirens of TI’ show

Treasure Island’s sexy outdoor show “Sirens of TI” has closed after a 10-year run. Cast and crew were notified Friday during a mandatory meeting.

The free attraction was originally known as Buccaneer Bay when Treasure Island opened Oct. 27, 1993.

When the show closed Oct. 21, the reason given was construction on a three-story, 48,000-square-foot retail space. It was to reopen just before New Year’s.

“They lied to us and told us we would have a job,” said a cast member. “And then they called us today to come in and sign separation papers and turn in ID’s.”

The pirate ships were a traffic stopper from the start. The Strip was temporarily closed so one of the boats could be transported to the T.I. Hotel developer Steve Wynn and Michael Jackson appeared at the ship’s helm when it arrived.

Treasure Island featured a Michael Jackson suite.

Choreographer Kenny Ortega put together the “Sirens of TI” show in 2003, switching from a male-dominated Disney-esque production to a more dancer-driven show. Hundreds of ship weddings were held over the 20 years.