Oddly titled ‘Splash’ an uneasy mix at Riviera

Friday, Oct. 3, 2003 | 8:51 a.m.

What: "Splash."

When: 8 p.m. Sundays, Mondays; 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays.

Where: Riviera's Splash Theatre.

Tickets: $56.65, $71.70

Information: (702) 794-9301.

Rating (out of 5 stars): ***.

"Splash" is like a duck out of water, or in this case a duck without water.

At a time when Vegas productions are going through an adult-oriented frenzy, "Splash" is rather tame when compared to "X," "Skintight" and "Zumanity."

Sure, there are topless, long-legged showgirls who parade around the stage in a couple of numbers, but they don't play as prominent a role in the production as many of the specialty acts.

Cover the bosoms and this is a good family show.

In its present form it's just a little bit naughty, which might be what the producers are striving for -- a production that is not so over the top that it might potentially alienate a large share of the market.

When "Splash" debuted at the Riviera 18 years ago, the topless revue might have been exciting, cutting edge, a quasi-libertine romp.

But times have changed. So has "Splash."

I'm not sure why it is even still called "Splash," because the production no longer features the 20,000-gallon aquarium with synchronized swimmers and divers.

The tank was drained in 1999 and replaced by an ice surface.

Maybe they justify holding onto the title by opening the show with a "Titanic" set, the backdrop for an opening number by the troupe of topless dancers.

While the show prides itself in its ability to evolve, it retains many old speciality acts that harken back to old Las Vegas:

Los Latin Cowboys -- Jorge Dipaola and Hugo Latorre, a comedy team from Argentina who perform with drums and bolos.

The Richard Brothers -- Mexican jugglers Ricardo, Manuel and David. They work with clubs, rings, boxes and hats.

Bela Tabak's Riders of the Thunderdome -- four daredevil motorcyclists racing around inside the Globe of Death, a 14-foot sphere of metal mesh.

To me, if the show is going to evolve, it should do so with the goal of competing with "La Femme" or "Midnight Fantasy," not "Folies Bergere" or "Showgirls."

If you attend a "Splash" performance without great expectations of an erotic performance, you will have a good time.

The women are gorgeous; the ice skating team of Mikhail Panin and Margarita Barber is breathtaking; costuming and choreography are superb.

The specialty acts are among the best.

While Los Latin Cowboys are fun to watch as they sling their bolos at blinding speed and perform their synchronized drum routine, their real forte is comedy.

They have created an art form of exchanging banter with their fans.

The Richard brothers also are exciting to watch when they perform their three-man juggling routine.

The Scott Brothers, with their robot-like movements, are most unusual and a highlight of the evening.

There is a tribute to Broadway segment and a tribute to such artists as Madonna and Michael and Janet Jackson.

And, of course, a tribute to patriotism.

The production is an odd mix, as if trying too hard to provide something for everyone. But it is questionable whether beautiful, half-naked, sequined dancers and leather-clad motorcycle daredevils belong on the same stage.

"Splash" begins with glamour but gradually evolves into funk as it waltzes through the various trends of music, from disco to dirty dancing.

The show has always been neither fish nor fowl.

"Splash" opened in June 1985, under the guidance of producer Jeff Kutash. The production remained about the same for 10 years before Kutash, who has since sold his interest, overhauled it into "Splash II" in 1995.

Now back to its original title, "Splash" has continued to be tweaked and revised. Maybe, as "Zumanity" producers say, it's a work in progress.

The major revision in 1995 cost $5 million.

Today, in Celine-dollars, $5 million is a mere splash in the bucket.com