Fleshing the talent out of ‘Skintight’ performers at Harrah’s

Friday, May 3, 2002 | 10:17 a.m.

The cosmetically enhanced women of "Skintight" are nothing if not titillating.

For the past 18 months the troupe of talented performers has been singing, dancing and seducing audiences at Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. Unfortunately, the performers' talent gets second billing to their breasts -- even if the women covered up, "Skintight" would be a fun night.

The 70-minute show moves quickly and energetically through a series of song-and-dance numbers that includes the music of such stars as Madonna, Cab Calloway, Prince and Bette Midler. But nudity is what gives this revue its edge.

"Skintight" is produced by Greg Thompson, who recently debuted the topless "Showgirls" at The Rio.

"Showgirls" is a classy, sophisticated production. "Skintight" is more raunchy, but not grossly so. However, if you are uptight about in-your-face sexual innuendo and humor, "Skintight" may not be to your liking.

Former Penthouse cover model Vanna Lace is billed as the "starring attraction." Lace, who seems not to have an ounce of body fat, is a gorgeous addition to the show. She moves gracefully and is a pleasure to watch. However, lead dancer Shannon O'Keefe (also beautiful) has more time in the spotlight.

But for my money, the star of the show is Darryl Ross -- the male lead singer and dancer.

Ross also is topless for much of the night, and even strips down to au naturel status (placing a hat in a strategic location) while dancing around a female member of the audience who joins him onstage.

He keeps the production moving at a fast pace, without any dead spots between production numbers.

Ross, O'Keefe and Lace have a strong supporting cast, which does its best to make sure the audience has a great time.

However, those in attendance at a show earlier this week didn't seem to get into the production. They were not as enthusiastic as they might have been. While the entertainment was hot, the audience was lukewarm.

Perhaps the crowd had performance anxiety.