Splash, Las Vegas, Triblend Tee

Description

In June 1985, the Riviera Hotel and Casino introduced Splash, a high-energy production show that quickly became one of Las Vegas’ most iconic entertainment attractions of the late 20th century. Created, produced, and choreographed by Jeff Kutash, Splash was billed as an “aquacade” of music and dance, and it masterfully captured the vibrant pop culture spirit of the 1980s. Set in the Riviera’s Versailles Theatre, the show was named for its central spectacle – an 18-foot-tall water tank that was a key visual and performance element in the production. This unusual feature helped distinguish Splash from other revue shows of the era, adding a dimension of aquatic choreography and theatricality that complemented its dance sequences, lasers, and programmed lighting. From its opening through the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Splash evolved with the times. It blended classic showgirl revue traditions with contemporary influences, including tribute segments to pop icons and modern stage effects, making it a favorite among both tourists and locals. Performances often included dynamic dancing, dazzling costumes, and lively musical numbers – all framed by the Riviera’s classic Las Vegas showroom ambiance. The show’s popularity endured for more than two decades. After debuting in 1985, Splash ran a remarkably long 22-year engagement, ultimately concluding in September 2006 shortly before the Riviera itself closed. During that run, it underwent updates – including a significant revamp in 1995 and later adaptations that replaced the original water tank with other performance surfaces, such as ice skating segments, to keep the production fresh and engaging. Splash was more than a revue; it was a reflection of Las Vegas entertainment at a crossroads – rooted in the classic Strip tradition of live performance yet pushing toward the flashy, multimedia spectacles that would come to define modern shows. Its blend of music, dance, aquatic elements, and pop culture references made it uniquely Vegas, and its two-decade longevity stands as a testament to both its appeal and the Riviera’s role as an entertainment hub. While, like the Riviera itself, the show no longer exists, Splash remains fondly remembered as one of Riviera’s signature productions – a quintessential part of vintage Las Vegas entertainment history whose legacy still shines in the memories of longtime fans.