EMA Review: Jail Birds: A Sinful Cabaret Irresistible ★★★★★1/2

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

There are many things that are synonymous with Las Vegas: casinos, construction, Elvis, construction, the mob, and construction. Another is the circus act. There are many circus performers in town, and now one of them has taken it upon herself to create a new show. Jail Birds: A Sinful Cabaret was created, produced, directed and choreographed by Melissa James (Universal Horror Unleashed, Electric Fantasy, 1230 Clowns). And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also in it. What she gives us is one of the best shows of this kind I’ve ever seen.

The setting is Saint-Lazare, Paris’s most notorious prison, where “the most infamous femme fatales finally reveal their stories”. James’ vision brilliantly comes to life in a high-energy spectacle that showcases the best circus skills Vegas has to offer and features empowered women. Role models? Well… maybe to some. But they are all engaging, sexy and deadly. 

Each act was beyond amazing. First off was Angelique, “The Dentist” (Andrea Dillon), who performed a wonderful, dark, horror-themed Aerial Straps act that set the tone for the evening. Next was Selena, “The Thief” (Nicky Faubert), who was confident and cool as she hand-balanced past light beams and stole precious items. Emily and Jack, “The Lovers” (Sienna Martinez and Holland Lohse), gave us a beautiful and tragic Hand-to-Hand balancing performance. Melissa James, herself, wowed the audience with her LyraPole Aerial act as Alexa, “The Black Widow”. Sapphira, “The Charlatan Witch” (Lisbeth Mikoleit), blew my mind doing her contortion act in a water globe. Sarah Moser was hilarious as Nina “The Drunk” as she spun in and out of her cyr wheel. Aneliese Ryan stunned everyone with her crazed and psychotic Hair Hanging act as Zenya, “The Psychopath”. Finally, we ended with Delphine, “The Imposter” (Cassie Cutler), who brought the show to a close with a spectacular Bungee Trapeze act.

Tying the show together was Pierre, “The Emcee” (Eric Prather), who effortlessly entertained between acts with comedy bits and plate spinning. Special mention goes to the male dancers, Wyatt Hopkins and James Simpson, who were hilarious and amazing as they supported the ladies.

The production values of the show were fantastic. The dynamic lighting by Oliver Belzile enhanced the show, immersing us in the different worlds of the acts. And the costumes were on point, blending showgirl and performer outfits with the overall prison-inmate theme (Costumes designed and provided by the cast and crew). That soundtrack was so good. All of this added to the overall wonder of the acts. 

Now, be aware that this isn’t a show for younger children. There are adult themes and some violent imagery (after all, they are criminals), but it's not prevalent throughout. Also, be warned that there are strobe lights in the last couple of acts. But overall, this is a masterpiece. I was blown away by the sheer audacity of it all. Every performer was top-notch. Every act was a marvelous spectacle. Congratulations to Melissa James for not only achieving your dream but surpassing it. So, as they say, “reserve your spot at the cell block” as quickly as you can. It’s only playing the next couple of nights, but I’m sure this is a show we’ll see again and again.

What: Jail Birds: A Sinful Cabaret

When: April 7, 8, 9 at 8 p.m.

Where: The VIVA Fest Tent, 1600 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson, NV 89074

Tickets (including fees): General Admission: $42.24, Premium Seating: $52.74, VIP Seating: $73.74, events.humanitix.com/jail-birds

Website:  https://jailbirdstheshow.com/

RATING:  Irresistible ★★★★★1/2

Producer/Director/Choreographer/Creator: Melissa James; Executive Producer: Tom Kristy; Associate Director/Choreographer: Jonnis Tannis; Production Stage Manager/Technical Director/Prop Engineer/Lighting Design:  Olivier Belzile; Sound Operator: Kirk Wallace; Light Operator: Keila Galvez.