Get ready for an electrifying night of controlled chaos as the internationally acclaimed spectacle, Miss Rita's Lucha VaVoom, makes its highly anticipated return to Calgary. This unique fusion of high-flying Mexican masked wrestling, dazzling burlesque, and sharp comedy has been captivating global audiences for nearly two decades and is set to take over the WinSport Event Centre for one night only on January 24.
The Stampede Connection and a Sold-Out Vision
For creator and namesake Rita D'Albert, Calgary holds a special place in the show's history. She recalls with great fondness the company's explosive engagement at the 2012 Rodeo in the Stampede's Big Four Building. "We played to more than 1,000 people that night, and the crowd went wild," D'Albert reminisces. "The performers fed off the energy of the audience, and it really was electric." That memorable experience made the decision to return an easy one, with D'Albert promising to raise the bar for this year's event.
The Rodeo is preparing for another frenzy, offering 1,500 seats for the VaVoom performance, with expectations of a complete sell-out. This event is part of a lineup of more than 20 shows featured in this year's Rodeo festivities.
Serendipity and Sexy, Violent Fun
The creation of Lucha VaVoom was a happy accident. In the early 2000s, D'Albert was headlining a Los Angeles burlesque show when a costume assistant introduced her to the world of Mexican wrestling. "I immediately saw the potential in combining that wrestling with burlesque and using comedians as commentators," she explains. "It seemed like such a natural fit."
D'Albert attributes the show's universal appeal to its core recipe: "It's all about sex and violence, but it is done in such an acceptable, fun manner." The formula allows for endless creativity. "It's such a crazy concept that you can just keep upping the ante. The crazier the characters, the more fun the audience seems to have." For Calgary, this has previously included the integration of local drag queens, adding another layer of vibrant performance.
A Rock and Roll Vibe and Local Flair
Describing the atmosphere, D'Albert compares VaVoom to "a rock and roll show." She emphasizes the high-energy, athletic nature of both the wrestlers and burlesque dancers, which culminates in impressive acrobatics. While the show travels with a core group of 12-15 performers, it actively seeks to incorporate local talent, including wrestlers, whenever possible.
"Anyone who saw the show last time around will recognize some of the gimmicks, but we always have new things for each show," D'Albert notes, ensuring a blend of proven crowd-pleasers and fresh experiments. The ultimate goal is to create a feeling of spontaneity and shared madness between the performers and the audience from the moment the show begins.
Tickets for Miss Rita's Lucha VaVoom and all other Rodeo events are now available for purchase online at oyr.org.
