Arouse Your Senses
Before Cirque du Soleil developed productions inspired by real life pop music legends, they took a step into adult fantasy. Zumanity was nothing like Vegas had seen when it debuted at the New York-New York Resort & Casino in 2003. The burlesque-cabaret hybrid brought a plethora of acrobatic and athletic acts in various states of undress under the auspices of Edie, a supremely confident drag queen emcee assisted by hostesses The Botero Sisters.
Edie’s confidence comes in handy when choosing people for audience participation segments, which can get steamy when guests are willing and able to follow instructions. The comic relief balances out the pheromonal release of a secret agent man whose cover is stripped away; the sensual chemistry of a pair of nearly nude contortionists who frolic in a giant, clear water bowl; and the feral magnetism of a Mohawked man with exposed glutes who is whipped around the theater while holding onto the end of a pair of chains.
That’s not the only whipping that happens during the show, as one cast member proves to be an expert at cracking air with leather and two others whip out objects best referred to in all-ages publications as “marital aids.” Two men attempt to whip each other up during a sparring session in which they show off spectacular moves and gravity-defying grace before discovering a different kind of contact. Beds, a bath and a Cirque-style orgy are among the elements as a live band pushes the proceedings toward its climactic finale.
Zumanity became a precursor to a handful of 18-and-up variety offerings that have since populated the Strip. It’s less raunchy than risqué though. The beauty of human bodies is appreciated more than exploited, and more than 15 years since it debuted on the Strip there’s still no other show quite like it. –Matt Kelemen
New York-New York, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Fri.-Tues. (dark July 3-18), $69-$105 plus tax and fee, $125 plus tax and fee for duo sofas (sold in pairs only), 18+. 866.606.7111
America!
One of the best July 4 parties is back again at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, complete with a stunning fireworks display at 9 p.m. But the party begins way before then, and guests can take advantage of the pool deck’s amenities. Indulge in Impossible burgers from the food truck and enjoy drink specials including Jell-O shots and frozen cocktails. Get your groove on to live DJ sets playing party favorites. –Kiko Miyasato
Plaza, doors open at 5 p.m. July 4, free. 702.386.2110
Swinging Style
Inspired by the show at 1 OAK nightclub, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Hideaway, a throwback musical that conjures up the Rat Pack era, the property’s spa and salon offer guests makeup and hairstyling from that bygone era. Book treatments like the Postmodern Pin-Up, Lavish Lounge Look and the Postmodern Pamper Package and be on your way to looking like a classic pin-up siren. –KM
The Mirage, call to book your appointment, 702.791.7416
Play for Your Life
Have a hair-raising experience while testing your group’s collective skills when you try to escape from the evil clutches of a serial killer at The Basement, an immersive escape room experience where you’ll have to sort through clues, trap doors, puzzles, locks and hidden items to set your group free in a specific time limit. It’s pure adrenaline-charged fun! There’s two rooms to choose from and tickets are $45 per person. –KM
3440 Polaris Ave., visit escaperoomvegas.com, 866.993.7227
