“Cannibal! The Musical” begins promisingly enough. The title is funny, the backdrop is a mountain scene painted “South Park”-style, the comedy begins with a “Deliverance” banjo duel involving a toy beaver, a pushbroom, a hoe and an audience volunteer.
Everything seems so shouty! and strident! lately. With all the political and financial ruckus rattling everyone’s nerves, sometimes even Las Vegas’ most escapist shows can seem to agitate rather than entertain, coming at us full speed and full blast with their brights on.
How to convey the contradictory feelings provoked by “Jubilee!,” the wonderfully awful, terribly terrific, 28-year-old Las Vegas showgirl spectacular at Bally’s?
There is a framed black-and-white photograph of Charo on the wall at the Riviera. It is dated 1982. That was 27 years ago. Charo somehow looks even better now.
I cannot in good conscience recommend the Super Summer Theatre’s staging of “West Side Story” at Spring Mountain Ranch, even as an excuse to wiggle your bare toes in the damp grass and enjoy the cool breezes and starlight and snacks at 1950s prices.