Vegas goes for the vulgar

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postmedia news Zumanity, the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil, is a provocative cabaret-style, adult-oriented production.

LAS VEGAS -- After flirting with a more family-friendly image in the not too distant past, Las Vegas is embracing a sexier attitude, as implied by the destinations popular ad campaign: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

Glitz, glamour and gambling may be popular drawing cards for those looking at a Vegas vacation, but its sex that sells -- and were not talking about the triple X-rated variety.

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postmedia news Dancers perform during the adult production Peepshow at the Planet Hollywood Resort. (CNS HANDOUT)

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postmedia news Female impersonator Frank Marino, from Divas at the Imperial Palace. Marino is legendary for his gossipy send-up of Joan Rivers. (CNS HANDOUT)

Risqué, adult-oriented productions like the showgirl spectacular Jubilee or Cirque du Soleils sexually charged Zumanity are just two examples of having a holiday where the emphasis is more than just fun in the Vegas sun.

But thats just the starting point for a scintillating holiday in the place that has become known as an adult Disneyland. Catch former Playboy cover girl Holly Madison in Peepshow or head to the Playboy Club at the Palms to get a feel of the Hugh Hefner lifestyle. Dine in restaurants where the decor is lush and seductive, or exercise in ways that are truly erotic. Its all at your beck and call in Sin City.

Heres a lineup of the best ways to abandon your vacation inhibitions and be entertained by an X-rated getaway.

Showgirls

Cast aside some of your inhibitions by catching Jubilee, one of the tamer shows on the adult circuit. Set in an older, classic Las Vegas showroom at Ballys -- reminiscent of what it was like to be in Vegas during its early heydays -- Jubilee is known for its iconic showgirls and the world-renowned headdresses full of feathers, rhinestones and crystals which can weigh up to 22 pounds apiece.

Now 30 years old, Jubilee is the longest-running production show in Vegas. At first blush, it may seem dated, but the dozens of showgirls (both topless and non-topless) will change your preconceptions. With a total of nearly 100 performers and production numbers like Samson and Delilah as well as The Titanic, Jubilee pleasantly surprises.

Moving up a level when it comes to risqué, try something just a bit different by taking in Divas, starring Frank Marino at the Imperial Palace. Although the nudity level drops -- there is none -- the fun and sexual suggestiveness rise with one-liners that are guaranteed to zing.

Marino, who received a key to the City and has two stars that bear his name on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame, is a top female impersonator and a veteran of La Cage. In this show, where the girls are guys, youll see Cher, Janet Jackson and Rihanna, and the cast of guys -- excuse me, gals -- are spot-on with their uncanny resemblances and performances.

Starring as Joan Rivers, Marino will unleash a fair share of dirty words, but he manages to do that in a naughty, gossipy style. With gowns designed by Bob Mackie and energetic production numbers, this show delivers. But is this show for everyone? The answer is a resounding yes, according to Marino.

"Men are the ones the wives have to drag in here, but theyre the first ones to come back," says Marino, who also notes that Canadians are his biggest audience.

But not all the sin in Sin City is limited to the stage.

Gambling with a twist

Gamblers, if youre looking for something a bit more titillating than a card dealer in the standard casino outfit, you should check out the party pits at Caesars Palace (with its Pussycat Dolls theme) or Planet Hollywood (with a Pleasure Pit theme). Essentially a mini casino within a casino, these themed zones come with high-energy music, a variety of casino table games and slot machines, for starters.

Add in female dealers in chic lingerie, toss in sexily clad go-go dancers as entertainment and its almost as if the strip club has been imported onto the gaming floor.

Get in on the act

Heres a vacation option for women who want to grab life by the pole -- the stripper pole, that is.

Stripper 101, at the V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, is where you can unleash your inner stripper. Taught by authentic Las Vegas strippers, youll learn how to pole dance, lap dance and some nifty striptease moves. Theres no nudity and no men, and the session is designed for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. The class props -- chairs and stripper poles -- will bring out a side of yourself that you may not have even known existed. Is it fun? You bet it is. Although initially skeptical, I found out that it turned out to be a great experience and an excellent exercise workout as well. Helpful tip: Bring a pair of heels with you. Any size heel will do, but working a stripper pole in flats or runners is just counterproductive.

Sexy food

So at this point, youve probably worked up an appetite. Head over to Lick at the Monte Carlo, where youll be greeted by candy galore with accompanying signs that play off Sin Citys adult side, stating, "Lick me" or "Eat me."

Theres the more traditional candy, such as lollipops, or you can go for something more exotic, such as the edible candy bras, G-strings and garters.

"We definitely wanted to fit the adult-theme vibe," says store manager Christen Winkler, noting Vegas is trending towards a more adult focus with earlier family-themed attractions either closed down or getting a revamp.

Food doesnt completely disappear off your radar, however, even when heading back to the show scene.

If you catch Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, youll find that Madison, also a former photo editor for Playboy, stars as Bo Peep, a modern woman who discovers her new-found sexuality in a production laced with fairy-tale themes and sexual innuendo.

Intricately choreographed, Peepshow combines sexy striptease and its fair share of topless performers to create a naughty, high-energy show. As for that food angle, there is one sequence where milk plays a pivotal role.

Id be surprised if you view milk in the same way once you see some of the Peepshow girls performing in a Plexiglas-like container full of milk. That dairy industry slogan, Body by Milk, now takes on a whole new meaning.

Then theres Zumanity, the sensual and more provocative side of Cirque du Soleil, where bananas come into play, but well steer clear of that. Youll find some of the traditional acrobatics and aerial stunts associated with a Cirque show, but this is not the show to see if youre looking for that traditional Cirque spectacular.

Zumanity, at New York, New York, takes sexual liberties that may not be for all.

But if youre looking for a touch of burlesque, a dash of cabaret, smouldering sexual intensity, some audience participation and have an open mind, this could be a wicked conclusion to your Sin City adventure.

-- Postmedia News

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 31, 2011 D2