Las Vegas Weekly

September 29, 2010 · 1:22 PM

Photos: Fantasy fetes 11 years and 2011 swimsuit calendar

By Robin Leach

Felix Rappaport, Lorena Peril and Criss Angel at Fantasy's 11th anniversary celebration at the Luxor on Sept. 28, 2010.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

It’s difficult to believe that after 11 years, the adult revue Fantasy can look, sound and feel hotter than it ever has, but it’s true. Longtime producer Anita Mann uses magic to keep her topless production at the Luxor sexier and more glamorous than ever, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Our photographs tell the story better than any words I can conjure to describe the deliciously decadent dancers. With the addition of dynamic singer Lorena Peril and her bubbly champagne-sparkling pizzazz, Fantasy is The Strip’s highest-energy hard-bodies production. No wonder the 12 physically fit beauties all star in their own 2011 swimsuit calendar that gives Sports Illustrated’s version a run for its money.

The eye-popping calendar, a fundraiser for Nevada Cancer Institute, was unveiled for the first time last night at the VIP 11th anniversary celebration. Not only did our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman send an official proclamation marking it as “Fantasy Day,” but many former dancers and cast members from the decade-plus run, including singer Stephanie Dianna, also turned up to celebrate the milestone.

“We are a real family,” Anita said. “I think that shows. Everyone looks out for everybody. Everybody wants the best for everyone else. That’s rare, but it makes for a great show that just keeps on getting better and more vibrant with age. We’re always changing things up and around, so nothing gets stale and nobody gets too comfortable. Adding Lorena to the mix has proved to be a very combustible combination with one big knockout punch of power.”

Former Luxor President Felix Rappaport, who is just three days into his new position as president of The Mirage, stood in for new Luxor President Renee West, who was ill, introducing Anita onstage before the show, bounding onstage to present roses to Anita and Lorena after the show, and once again introducing Anita at the VIP after-party at Fusia just outside the theater.

Fellow Luxor headliners Criss Angel, Carrot Top and cast members of Menopause the Musical, Excalibur headliners Thunder From Down Under, Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton, Paris headliner Anthony Cools and MGM Grand headliners Recycled Percussion -- in drag in homage to Fantasy! -- turned up to salute the fabulous females.

Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for the red carpet and after-party and was permitted inside the theater to shoot the production for Vegas DeLuxe -- even Tom and his hair became a part of the night’s performance. I became the luckiest guy in being invited to pose with the provocative princesses.

Congratulations to the fantastic felines on the sensuous show’s long run, and to a new and sexciting future!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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