Crossover Heat – Aussies Fire Up A Revolt at P. Ho

A resident male revue and an LGBTQ nightclub team up for something very innovative….

It’s been quite awhile since we covered any developments in LGBTQ nightlife. Quite frankly, there hasn’t been much to say…until now. In some ways, that could be a great thing. After all, the gay community has become accepted by the mainstream more than ever, which is what we’ve been striving for.

A side effect has been the reduction of gay-centric nightclubs throughout the country…and Las Vegas has been no exception. So long, Liaison, Share, and Rendezvous, along with themed nights at Revolution Lounge (Mirage) and Fizz (Caesars Palace). But more on that in a bit…

Early last year, one of the first articles I wrote for VegasBright detailed an upstart male revue’s open invitation to the gay community. Their unique approach was one of several that put Aussie Hunks on the entertainment map, so to speak.

Since opening at The D in early 2015, the Aussie Hunks troupe has outgrown their small Downtown stage and taken over late nights at Miracle Mile‘s V Theater. The second-floor venue is nearly always sold to capacity and their after-parties at Blondies go on to the wee hours of the morning (not that I’d know…cough cough).

Lenard, Simon and Chad channel Michael Jackson in “Aussie Heat”…

This summer, the razzle-dazzle “strip-hop” show has upped their production values, expanded the cast and undergone a name change to Aussie Heat. They still wow with superlative dance moves and intense (i.e. very daring) audience interaction. The fact that you’re asked to swap your germy tipping bills for sanitary “Hot Dollars” before the show should give you a few clues as to what goes on…ahem.

Despite a proliferation of male revues in and around Vegas, Aussie Heat (unlike the ill-fated Men of Steele) has found a niche and continues to prosper. And they still welcome men with open arms…and shirts.

Revolt Nightclub’s center bar preps for opening…

Meanwhile, mere steps away down the same corridor, the new Revolt Nightclub has opened on the ground floor of multi-level Saxe Theater. Open Friday through Sunday from 11pm to 4am, Revolt boasts being the only LGBTQ nightlife venue currently located on the Strip (Bally’s previously housed Liaison and Miracle Mile once hosted Krave for many years). They’ve also done the unthinkable….it’s been created as a non-smoking venue (an outdoor smoking deck is available).

The cast of “Aussie Heat” flashes some abs with a go-go gal from Revolt Nightclub…

Starting last weekend, the boys of Aussie Heat moved their Sunday post-show party to Revolt, re-affirming their support of the gay community. Ticket-holders from the Sunday performance will be invited to Revolt, where they’re given free admission and opportunities to hang out with the dancers.

The cast will perform numbers from Aussie Heat at the nightclub, so you don’t have to attend the V Theater to see what they do. But as a fan of the show, I highly recommend it…and sticking around, as these guys are super friendly and sociable.

Sammasseur (middle) visits the cast backstage at “Aussie Heat”…

Partiers who want to make a night out of it can purchase packages that include show tickets for Aussie Heat and either cocktails or a VIP bottle-service experience afterward. Packages are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday via this link.

Along with the dwindling number of gay clubs in Vegas, a big downside to current ones is location location location. Existing venues are scattered throughout the surrounding areas of the city, from west Sahara and south Paradise Road to west Tropicana and more. None are truly walkable from the Strip, which might not matter to locals…but for visitors, security, familiarity, and ease of access are a must. Revolt is simple to get to inside Miracle Mile Shops and has a large, well-monitored parking garage (including free valet) for designated drivers.

Another plus to Revolt is their affordable drink prices and bottle-service specials and packages starting at $225. The music line-up is an open format of Top 40 hits via rotating DJs. The 360-degree bar is staffed with friendly and attractive bartenders who are flanked by go-go dancers of both genders.

So far, experimental attempts to host theatrical performances inside of nightclubs has yielded mixed results (see last year’s version of BAZ at Light Nightclub and 53X at Chateau). But rarely (if ever) has a Strip show and independent nightclub teamed up for a complete night of entertainment. This writer applauds the idea…and will be back for a few more rounds. How about you?

Aussie Heat performs Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30pm at V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort. Audience members must be 18+ to attend. Tickets start at $54.99 (plus tax/fees) and can be ordered here. Groupon is currently offering a discount deal for $47 with no additional fees. 

Revolt Nightclub is located at Saxe Theater within Miracle Mile Shops. It’s open from 11pm until 4am, Friday through Sunday.

Photos: [Revolt Nightclub and Aussie Heat via Facebook, Sammasseur]

sammasseur

A fitness buff and Vegas fan. Sam enjoys shows, bargains, and cheap healthy eats.