I’m not sure if it was the turnbuckle-launching, wing-flapping Crazy Chickens, the gender-bending, Prince-like dance moves of Lux LaCroix, or Dirty Sanchez’s poopy pants routine , but that first taste of Lucha VaVoom earlier this year at the Majestic Ventura Theater has been burning my tongue ever since. And the good news? The Mexican wrestling-mixed-with-burlesque affair is making an encore appearance this Saturday night, and it’s recommended for anyone who likes scripted pseudo-violence, hilarious commentary, and colorful striptease in a beer-swilling, circus-like atmosphere-which is to say, it’s perfect for everyone.
Started back in 2002 by Miss Rita D’Albert and Liz Fairbairn as a means of entertaining Los Angeles’ hipsters and fashionistas, Lucha VaVoom quickly blew up critically and geographically, getting mentions in every magazine that matters and bringing their good-hearted fun to such nightlife hotspots as Las Vegas and Amsterdam. “We tend to attract people who love fun, wherever they live, whether you’re Canadian or Chicagoan,” explained D’Albert last week. “In San Francisco, the people just went mental! We’d like to see Ventura turn out like that.” Though Lucha began as a sporadic thing-on Valentine’s Day and Halloween, to start-D’Albert, who dances as Ursulina, is hoping to grow it into a touring company, and may do a California leg later this year.
And it’s even gaining steam in this poor economy. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence,” said D’Albert, describing the show as a serious “sense of escapism.” Although you couldn’t tell by the druggy, lewd commentary and racy dancing, the last Ventura show was an all-ages affair. This time, it’s 18 and over. “That frees us up to be a little more adult,” said D’Albert.
So just what is Ursulina’s motivation? “For me, growing up I couldn’t wait to become an adult. Then when I got to be an adult, I realized everything is for kids,” she said. “This is my revenge.”
Lucha VaVoom throws down at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, April 25. Call 653-0721 or visit luchavavoom.com.