Bite

Vampires take a bite out of Vegas

Jamie Helmick

Quick, explain the plot of your favorite topless show!

Having a hard time remembering past all the half-naked women, smoke effects and rock soundtrack?

That's why Bite, at the Stratosphere, is different -- it has half-naked women, smoke effects, a rock soundtrack and a plot.

Now, this isn't meant to knock any of the other shows Sin City has to offer because, trust us, we've enjoyed our fair share, it's more to point out just what makes Bite so compelling.

Held in a multi-tiered showroom with booth and table seating options, Bite's atmospheric touches hit you the moment you step through the door. Stained glass-esque murals depicting voluptuous women with a few vampiric touches adorn the walls while a couple of ominous looking contraptions hang from the ceiling.

The show starts with an explanation from Lord Vampire as to why everyone's gathered here tonight. See, it seems Lord Vampire had his girl wrongfully taken from him some 400 years ago (around the same time he was cursed to live as a vampire) and he's none too happy about missing her so much, for so long.

That's not to say he's given up though -- every night he searches for his queen while the coven of "erotic rock angels" he has amassed in his cursed time entertain the crowds.

After this voiceover explanation (done in a foreboding, deep growl), Bite clamps on to your attention and doesn't let go.

Attractive women in dark-colored cloaks enter the showroom (not always from where you'd expect, so keep an eye out behind you) and come together to pound on a coffin before entering the stage to the always-rocking, "Welcome to the Jungle."

This is the first of many choreographed dance numbers done throughout the show to similar songs (think everything from AC/DC to Styx to Van Morrison). Lord Vampire himself arrives to, what else, "Sympathy for the Devil."

As Bite progresses, members of the audience are pulled on stage to be screened for the possibility that they're Lord Vampire's long lost love. And one or two of the volunteers are more than they let on.

It wouldn't be fair to spoil the ending for you, so let's just talk a little bit more about what (or who) you'll see along the way.

There's a man-and-woman aerialist team, a separate female aerialist working on a curtain and a fantastic singer, along with those erotic rock angels.

The appeal of the show lies in that the story doesn't take itself too seriously, but still manages to fully commit to it. The women are gorgeous and talented and the supporting cast is just as strong. You want to know what happens with Lord Vampire and his love and you might even get a little spooked by the whole thing (they are vampires after all).

When all is said and done, it's a show you won't forget even if you -- ahem -- see topless shows on a regular basis. Plus, think of how easy it'll be to sell just about anyone on the idea of accompanying you to Bite. It's a love story, it's half-naked women, it's scary! And if you're the right girl, it might even be your ticket to eternal life.