Barbutti shines in self-titled Plaza show with Naked Angels

Joe Delaney

Friday, Oct. 27, 2000 | 10:17 a.m.

The show that opened recently at the Plaza as "Hot Trix," starring Pete Barbutti, has been renamed "Pete Barbutti and his Naked Angels." To make matters even more complicated, there is an attractive, mono-named female duo, Maria and Jenny, who perform credible magic as "Hot Trix" at various times in the 75-minute show.

Barbutti, a comedian for all audiences, master of "Where Are You From?" working ad-lib, is the star of the show, with a brief opening introduction stint and his own very funny 30-minute star spot, next to closing. Barbutti is also a master storyteller and a brilliant musician, playing a cigar solo on the Neal Hefti tune "Neat," plus a classical rendition of "Autumn Leaves," with interpolations, closing by playing the keyboard with his nose.

Actually the four femme fatales, not part of "Hot Trix," are Karen Denise's Naked Angels. Denise is the leader; Cassandra, from Venezuela; Paula Nicole; and Sarafina complete the formidable foursome, performing individually and together.

Ron Lewis, with copious major credits, is responsible for the choreography, which leans too heavily on same-sex fondling throughout.

The duo, Hot Trix, opened with several tricks and then introduced Barbutti, who established an easy rapport and a climate for what was to follow. Nicole entered from the side of the room in a mannish outfit, quickly dispensed with, and working behind a screen, was spied upon and then seduced.

Denise worked in the audience, singing "Hey, Big Spender." Hot Trix turned another trick to the accompaniment of a recording.

They did do an excellent job with that old illusion standby, Metamorphosis. There was a black-leather-with-whip number that followed.

There was also a hot-tub number performed by Denise and Sarafina, which really pushed the envelope. Was there total nudity? There might have been. It was difficult to tell because of the lighting and rapidity of movements. Cassandra's solo number with a settee demonstrated her athleticism, among other things -- an incredible segment.

There was more of the same after Barbutti's star spot, and he brought the six females out for bows as a finale.

The juxtaposition of Barbutti's hip comedy and the various same-sex vignettes which also permeated the magic portions was an odd combination, yet it all seemed to work together.

No one left early and no one complained. Barbutti alone is worth the tab. The sex scenes? That's a matter of personal taste. Be forewarned.