Adults-Only ROUGE Is A New Way to Blush
Sexy revue throws a revealing premiere party at The STRAT Hotel Casino
By Sam Novak / Photos Courtesy of ROUGE
Topless burlesque productions have long been a staple of Sin City entertainment. From Don Arden’s “Jubilee!” to “Folies Bergere” and MGM Grand’s “Le Femme” (later “Crazy Horse Paris”), the legendary and glamorous Las Vegas showgirl has earned her place in history.
As times change, so have our definitions of “sexy” and “daring.” So it is that ROUGE, a spectacular new production at The STRAT Hotel Casino, is raising the bar. With its large international cast, elaborate costumes, and high-tech staging, ROUGE pushes boundaries and aims higher than any burlesque-style performance we’ve seen before.
ROUGE takes the unique approach of offering equal time to male and female performers. Perfectly-sculpted bodies of both genders move across the stage, into the audience, and through the air. The showgirl continues to reign supreme, but it’s also a man’s world in ROUGE. Moments of extreme athleticism and feats of strength are interwoven with those of delicate beauty and grace.
The characters of ROUGE inhabit a universe in which hedonism, fantasy, and a heavy dose of humor are the ultimate solution for everyday dilemmas. A bored suburban couple, an under-appreciated ballerina, and even the members of Marie Antoinette’s court find comfort in once-forbidden Earthly pleasures.
Israel native Hanoch Rosenn is the guiding force behind ROUGE. Relatively new to Las Vegas, the director/producer brought his family-friendly “WOW” to Rio Hotel Casino in 2017. The success of that water-based show allowed Rosenn to expand his theatrical portfolio with EXTRAVAGANZA, another all-ages spectacular. Larger in scope and more reliant on technological wizardry, EXTRAVAGANZA took over Bally’s Jubilee Showroom in 2020, where it continues to thrill and inspire gasps.
Eager to tap into a more adult-skewing demographic, Rosenn and his team have created ROUGE to appeal to open-minded adults of every gender identification. Preview performances began April 16th, and advance buzz has been unusually strong for the fledgling burlesque showcase.
ROUGE is hosted by the randy pair of “Doctor Libido” and his assistant, “Nurse Naughty.” Acts include a water-drenched topless contortionist, the locker-room antics of a football team and its cheerleading squad, an extremely talented blow-up doll, and what is undoubtedly the most impressive hand-balancing act Las Vegas has ever seen.
A splashy formal premiere was held on May 17th. Members of the press mingled with cast members, celebrities, and fellow entertainers from a variety of acclaimed productions. Guests like award-winning magician Doug “Lefty” Leferovich (Late Night Magic), drag superstar Frank Marino (Legends in Concert, DIVAS), and Ricky Rogers of “Chippendales” enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before a special early-evening presentation.
ROUGE performs Tuesday through Sunday at 10 pm with an additional 8 pm show on Tuesdays. Tickets start at $49 (plus taxes/fees) and can be ordered at thestrat.com or by calling 702.380.7777.
