“Aussie Hunks” Opens Its Arms – And Shirts – To the Gay Community
Last month, when the new male revue “Aussie Hunks” was set to debut at downtown’s The D Hotel, I wrote a piece at VegasChatter to announce its residency. At that time, I pondered whether the Fremont Street area would support this type of entertainment. And now, after attending a Friday night performance, I’m ready to say “abs-solutely”.
Being a huge fan of Chippendales at Rio Hotel, I came to this new show (via a media invite) fully expecting the possibility of disappointment from “Aussie Hunks”. After all, Chipps sets the standard for glitzy Vegas beefcake entertainment.
It turns out that “Aussie Hunks” is way more entertaining than it has any right to be. It’s rollicking, rough, raw, cheesy, giddy, sexy, and really up-close-and-personal. What it lacks in glossy production values, elaborate costumes, and high-tech staging is offset by charisma, energy and intimacy (not that kind). Perhaps that’s why “Hunks” felt so fresh.
A few generations back, the word “fresh” was synonymous with “naughty”. That definition of the word applies to this new male strip show. The cast of “Aussie Hunks” toys with the audience throughout the performance, pushing the edge of what’s permissible.
They’re also fresh-faced, skewing younger than the majority of stud-centric shows in town. Expect boyish grins, smooth skin, hip hairstyles and street-cred dance moves. The word “croc” is tossed around as a synonym for the male anatomy, so expect lots of cringe-worthy “big croc” jokes.
The small stage at The D is well-suited for urban choreography laid out by “Dai”, who also performs with the cast. Production numbers are fast, witty, and jump from one song snippet to the next, never allowing the somewhat-muddy sound system to distract from the blatant titillation and fun factor.
While many male revues keep their performers stage-bound for much of the show, “Aussie Hunks” uses the entire showroom as its performance space. In a re-enactment of the final scene from “Dirty Dancing”, host Adam struts up the center aisle, looking for his “Baby”. But don’t be surprised if the audience stand-in for Jennifer Grey that night happens to be…a guy.
Guest performer Peter Webb and AussieHunks co-founder Daz
Here’s where “Aussie Hunks” really sets itself apart. Audience interaction, including members being brought onstage for set pieces, is open to both (or in 2015, should I say “all”) genders. Yes, “Aussie Hunks” does more than just welcome members of the LGBTQ community…they’re included.
While most Vegas male revues now welcome men (that wasn’t always the case), “Aussie Hunks” boldly invites men to join in on the action. This is, I believe, a first for a mainstream male stripper show in town. Here are excerpts from a press release I received last week:
“Aussie Hunks is a highly explosive experience to fulfill fantasies of men and women alike. Aussie Hunks will recognize and support the LGBTQ community…guests can revel in delight at the erotic show without gender or sexual orientation concerns.”
According to beefy and charismatic Peter Webb, who has starred in the Oz-based version of the show (and guest performed on the night I attended), “There are dancers, and there are strippers. We are both, and we know how to have fun. Nobody’s excluded, and we’re very approachable”.
CEO and co-founder Jonathon Weinstock echoed that sentiment. ““Our performers are supportive and inclusive when it comes to performing in front of all audience types…our show has been well received by the LBGTQ community so we’d like to show our appreciation”.
To that effect, Sunday nights have been specially dedicated to the LGBTQ crowd, and free VIP upgrades will be available to those who ask for it. In case you’re wondering, women in attendance have yet to show disapproval at any male revue I’ve attended. If anything, they seem to find it intriguing and fun. Heterosexual males on the prowl might consider this as a new approach to hooking up (welcome to 21st-century Vegas, bro).
Guests are invited to join the cast at the VUE Bar outside of the theater after every performance. I did, and enjoyed hanging out with the guys until way after 1am. Aussies definitely know how to have a good time. Check them out.
Aussie Hunks performs seven nights a week at 10:10 pm inside the second-floor showroom at The D Hotel Casino. Tickets start at $45 (plus taxes and fees), include at least one cocktail, and are available here. We found a limited-time Groupon offer for $39 (all fees and free drink included) for “best seats available” that can be purchased by clicking here.
Photos: Sammasseur for VegasBright
A fitness buff and Vegas fan. Sam enjoys shows, bargains, and cheap healthy eats.
