Class is now in session at Lady Like charm school, where the 24 Oxford stage serves as an unconventional classroom and the witty Headmistress leads the audience through a playful yet sexy exploration of what it means to embody the grace of a woman.
The variety-burlesque show, previously performed at the Mosaic Theater on the Strip, found a new home at the intimate Virgin Hotels space last fall. Produced by Jaimee Gallego and Charles de Portes along with associate producers Maren Wade and Summer Soltis, Lady Like describes itself as “retro modern burlesque.” It seamlessly blends the vintage charm of the 1950s with a contemporary flair. Through a series of theatrical sketches and song and dance numbers, the show sheds light on societal norms from days past while maintaining a light, satirical and interactive atmosphere.
Featuring a cast of talented dancers and specialty acrobatic performers, every movement is a display of sultry athleticism.
“Each dancer participates in about ten dances each, and we all have our own characters,” says dancer Taylor Jayne. “We had an acting coach when we were first opening the show and we decided who’s going to be the class clown or who’s the flirt.”
Jayne herself embodies the role of the class clown, often infusing a goofy persona while balancing an alluring demeanor.
The show’s soundtrack is also one of the wheels transporting the audience through eras. Each scene’s tone is set by time-hopping tracks like Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” so no matter your generation, there are a handful of fun and recognizable songs to sing along.
Of course, this is still burlesque, and the striptease is to be expected. But one of the best parts of the show is the costuming. Lady Like weaves a visual symphony through clothes—even when there aren’t many—into the production. In a glammed-out, doo-wop singing number, the gals sport gown-length velvet dresses, and in the beginning of the lesson, the dancers come out in flirty pink suits. Jayne says the crew presets 50 costumes and props before the show to ensure smooth transitions.
Beyond the meticulously rehearsed production, Lady Like is truly just about having fun. The performers often leave the stage to interact with their audience and make you feel like a part of the show.
“It has a lot of personality,” says Jayne. “It’s a good way to see top entertainment in Vegas, have a good night out and see a bunch of beautiful women empowering each other.”
LADY LIKE Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m., $59-$99. 24 Oxford, etix.com.
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