Bite
In Vegas and at a loss as to what to see that would be different and not cost a fortune, go see Bite at the Stratosphere that is coming up on its 6th birthday. Bite is one of the most iconic and successful shows in Vegas. Why? Well when you mix a strange story line, vampires, beautiful topless dancers, a spectacular aerial adage act, audience participation (yes guys you can be mauled by the ladies), magic, and high-energy rock and roll you can begin to get an idea what Bite is all about.
Capitalizing on the age -old fascination with vampires (and this is before True Blood and the Twilight Saga) writer Tim Molyneux has come up with a winning combination of elements. One could criticize the show for trying to be too many things to too many people but diversity and fast action is what Vegas is all about. The story is the quest of Lord Vampire (Russell Hines) to find his perfect mate whom he plans to seduce and make Queen of the Night. Surrounding the Lord is a coven of gorgeous dancers and gymnasts who entertain him as he goes about his search. The ladies are wonderful dancers and dance up a storm, all the time gnashing their teeth as they look to take a bite out of an audience member. Spoiler alert: three of the chosen audience members are in on the action and after they are bitten, transform into vampires, turn into a very good singer of rock and roll (think Elvis), and a magnificent aerial act that is bound to give you chills. Some of the dancers also are accomplished aerialists and at times we find them dangling overhead. Meanwhile Lord Vampire performs some magic and proves he can dance with the best of them.
Despite this sometimes-campy presentation (meaning there are plenty of laughs), you, as an audience member, can’t help but be entertained. The production is full of surprises and you too may come away “bitten” as it were by the magic of the show. One side note of appreciation, the topless ladies are not cosmetically altered as far as I could see and it was nice to see the female figure appreciated in its natural state.
Bite is only $49.45 and the show starts at 10:30 Friday through Wednesday. Dark on Thursday (even vampires need their rest). Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is located at 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Call 702-308-7777 or toll free 1-800-99-tower (998-6937) or visit www.stratospherehotel.com.