John Katsilometes on the death of Bernie Barker, 66, a Las Vegas novelty and the world’s oldest stripper, and an icy show from Russia

Thursday, March 29, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.

The e-mail popped up with "Bernie Barker: world's oldest stripper" in the subject line. At first glance I thought it was a question about the whereabouts of Barker, recognized in 2004 by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest stripper , who was slated to be part of "Beacher's Madhouse" when the show reopens in May at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel .

Instead, the message was a note from Amanda Barker, Bernie's daughter, with the sad news that Barker died on March 21 at age 66 at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Amanda Barker said the family learned he was stricken with cancer of the liver and the esophagus on March 18.

In October I interviewed Barker, then in remission from prostate cancer, when he was rehearsing to be part of a "Chippendale's" show at the Rio that was being filmed as part of a documentary about his fascinating life.

At age 60, Barker pitched his career in real estate after winning a male strip contest in a club in Miami. Over time he won 42 such contests and found he could make a living dancing in (and out of) studded leather costumes.

Barker was part of the original "Beacher's Madhouse" at the Joint and has been featured in promotional material for the next incarnation of "Madhouse." Prior to his dancing career, Barker once attempted to swim from Key West, Fla., to Miami in a shark cage. My favorite Barker quote was, "People see me walking around in chaps with four or five women and they are amazed. I'm quite the conversation piece."

And in his own quirky way, something of an inspiration.

NoteMart

Formally (and finally) announced Wednesday was that the show "Ice: Direct From Russia" is taking the place of "Splash" at the Riviera. The show debuts April 25. Tickets are $59.95 and $69.95 and go on sale Friday. Word of this production began leaking (or, in this case, melting) out of the hotel about two weeks ago. A total of 42 male and female "ice performers" (to quote the news release), all from Russia, will be featured in the production. On Wednesday a show spokesman said all members of the cast have been issued P1 entertainment visas, which permit nonimmigrants who are athletes, artists and entertainers to live and work in the United States for specific performances. Choreographer Debra Brown, who has helped stage several Cirque du Soleil productions, including "Mystere" and "Zumanity," directs "Ice," which is inspired by the work of Moscow Ice Circus founder Sergey Ryshkoff. The old "Splash" theater stage is being renovated so the ice performers can whiz around a segment of the audience ...

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Pass the Frisbee: Reader e-mails with the vanity plate WHIPPIT on a silver Honda Accord. The plate frame reminds, "It's not a greyhound."