Miss Behave's Mavericks has captivated audiences with a unique blend of comedy, circus acts, burlesque, and variety since its debut. Described as “Fast, Funny, F*%&able,” the show is the brainchild of creator Amy Saunders and co-producer Matt Franzetti, who sought to deliver a refreshing, ever-evolving experience to the entertainment capital of the world. Rooted in the tradition of classic variety shows, Miss Behave's Mavericks transports audiences to a bygone era while embracing the vibrancy and modernity of today's world. Here’s a look at what inspired the show and how its dynamic and irreverent style brings something wholly original to Vegas.
Honoring the “Hoofer” Room Tradition
For Amy Saunders, the driving force behind Miss Behave's Mavericks is the concept of a “hoofer room,” a term with deep roots in the entertainment industry. "I’m a hoofer," says Amy, referring to the old term that denotes seasoned, versatile performers who bring high-energy acts to life in a classic vaudeville setting. However, Vegas lacked a room dedicated to this format—an ever-changing venue where variety performers could easily find a stage, showcase their skills, and entertain audiences.
The idea was to create a platform where acts, from jugglers to contortionists, could flow in and out of the lineup, bringing a refreshing sense of unpredictability to every show. For Amy, it’s critical that performers feel they have a space where they’re celebrated, even if only temporarily, as opposed to being locked into long-term engagements. She highlights the monotony that often creeps in with extended shows, no matter how well-loved. By continuously rotating acts, Miss Behave's Mavericks prevents both audiences and performers from falling into the stale repetition that can haunt traditional residencies. As she puts it, “Forever gets really boring.”
The rotating lineup allows the show to stay fresh, even with the inherent unpredictability of backstage life. From its opening night, the team learned to adapt on the fly, rearranging acts and welcoming new performers whenever circumstances changed. This flexibility is a fundamental part of the show’s design, keeping everyone “on their toes,” and bringing excitement both behind and in front of the curtain.
The Room That Made the Dream Possible
A significant part of the magic of Miss Behave's Mavericks lies in its venue—a grand old dame of a showroom that has remained largely untouched over the years. Located in the heart of downtown, the room’s vintage charm and classic design embody Amy’s vision of what a Vegas showroom should be. When she first saw the space, she immediately knew it was the perfect place to bring her vision to life. Its age, untouched ambiance, shape, and size evoke a bygone era of Vegas entertainment that is becoming increasingly rare. "I love downtown," she says, emphasizing her attachment to the area and her delight at watching it evolve.
The juxtaposition between the old-school vibe of the room and the chaos on stage is intentional, enhancing the show’s ability to play with modernity while still respecting the roots of classic Vegas. This balance between the past and the present is part of what sets Miss Behave's Mavericks apart from other shows on the Strip. “This isn’t a museum piece,” Amy explains. “Our acts are working performers who understand the modern world, but they also appreciate classic variety.” This respect for the room’s history and charm extends to the audience experience as well. Affordable tickets, a cheap and simple bar, and free parking cater to locals and tourists alike, grounding the show in a distinctly accessible, community-oriented spirit.
A True Variety Show with No Story, Just Pure Entertainment
With Miss Behave's Mavericks, Amy is returning to the roots of traditional variety shows, doing away with complicated narratives and opting instead for a straightforward lineup of high-quality acts. “We’re here to entertain you, plain and simple,” she asserts. Each night, audiences are treated to an unpredictable mix of performances, each act designed to stand on its own merit. Acts rotate in rapid succession, from burlesque dancers to comedians, contortionists to jugglers. “If you didn’t like that act, wait five minutes—there’s something else coming,” she quips.
The fast pace and rhythm of the show are meticulously curated. For Amy, pacing is everything; if an act falls through, she doesn’t need a replacement that mimics the exact same act but rather one that brings the same energy or pace. “If I closed out the show with a maudlin song that left everyone crying, it wouldn’t be a great end,” she explains. Instead, she builds the show like a roller coaster, rising and falling, taking audiences through an emotional journey that always ends on a high note. “I think of the lineup in terms of energy pockets. It’s about finding the right act to fill each moment.”
The acts themselves are carefully selected to bring diverse talents and styles to the stage. From a hula-hooping chicken to a burlesque dancer who reimagines ghost towns for Halloween, each performer adds a new flavor to the show. Among the standout regulars are Scarlett Business, a hand-balancing drag queen; TJ Santiago, a contortionist who balances strength and elegance; and Julie Atlas Muz, who takes audiences on a twisted journey through burlesque and the macabre. For Amy, each of these performers has a range and adaptability that allows them to engage any audience, bridging the gap between classic Vegas glamour and the edgier tastes of today’s crowds.
Embracing Chaos: A Controlled but Wild Experience
Part of what defines Miss Behave's Mavericks is its embrace of controlled chaos. Amy’s years of experience managing variety shows have taught her that true chaos requires a high level of organization. “It’s controlled chaos,” she says with a grin, describing her role as a “chaos queen.” This structured spontaneity creates a dynamic environment, where both the performers and the audience are kept on their toes. The elegant yet chaotic mix of acts, juxtaposed with the room’s old-world charm, creates a visual and emotional experience that feels as unpredictable as it is thrilling.
The chaos, however, is not limited to the acts on stage. The behind-the-scenes action also adds a layer of excitement. Performers run back and forth, quick changes happen in a flurry of activity, and staff scramble to make last-minute adjustments. The show doesn’t shy away from exposing this organized madness, allowing the audience to catch glimpses of the gears turning backstage. “You get to see the whole family,” Amy says. This transparency breaks down the traditional barrier between performers and audience, adding to the show’s raw, authentic appeal.
Striking a Balance: Bridging Generational Gaps
One of the unique challenges Miss Behave's Mavericks faces is appealing to audiences from multiple generations, from fans of classic Vegas to younger viewers who might be more attuned to TikTok trends than variety shows. For Amy, the answer lies in finding performers who can adapt to different styles and crowds. “I look for acts that can be friends, not foes, to the audience,” she explains. Performers who have cut their teeth in a variety of settings—from corporate events to fetish balls—know how to read a room and adjust accordingly.
A prime example of this flexibility is Scotty the Blue Bunny, a long-time performer with a knack for connecting with audiences of all backgrounds. Scotty’s act is as quirky as it is skillful, allowing him to appeal to audiences of all ages. Amy also curates acts that can juxtapose each other beautifully, balancing the classic with the modern. This blend of acts allows the show to appeal to an older audience looking for the Vegas of old while also satisfying the younger crowd's hunger for novelty and irreverence.
A Celebration of Community and Inclusivity
One of Amy’s goals for Miss Behave's Mavericks is to create a space that embraces the local community while honoring the history of the Plaza showroom. In addition to bringing in high-caliber acts, she is also eager to involve local talent. By collaborating with schools and nonprofit organizations, she hopes to establish Miss Behave's Mavericks as a stage for emerging talent, where local artists and students can gain experience performing in a professional setting. "Imagine dance students finishing their module on stage in Vegas—it's thrilling for them and an asset to us,” she says.
Amy’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the stage to the way she manages the show. She fosters an environment where performers and staff are treated equally and communicated with openly. "Showbiz doesn’t have to be shady," she asserts, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. While Miss Behave's Mavericks may not have the budget of big Strip productions, it makes up for it by providing an environment where performers feel valued and appreciated.
The Simple Joys of Showbiz
One of the guiding principles behind Miss Behave's Mavericks is simplicity. Amy and Matt take a minimalist approach to the production, preferring authenticity and flexibility over unnecessary complexity. They handle much of the marketing themselves, ensuring the show maintains its genuine, grassroots appeal. This lean approach allows them to be agile and authentic, something they feel other, more corporate-driven productions lack.
The bar, ticketing, and overall experience are also designed with simplicity in mind. “We don’t want loads and loads of stuff; we want it to be simple and affordable,” Amy says. Feedback from audiences consistently reflects a sense of gratitude for this approach, with many guests noting how refreshing it is to find something so genuine and down-to-earth in Vegas. As Amy recalls, one audience member described the show as “deceptively simple,” a refreshing change in an entertainment landscape often bogged down by unnecessary bells and whistles.
Reviving the Spirit of Vegas History
For Amy, bringing Miss Behave's Mavericks to life in the Plaza showroom feels like a privilege, a chance to contribute to a space that has been graced by iconic performances over the decades. From Marilyn Chambers’ pioneering nude performance to Louie Anderson’s stand-up residency, the Plaza has a rich history that Amy is excited to honor and expand upon. She dreams of incorporating community performances, marching bands, and other local talent into the show, creating a Vegas experience that feels both rooted in tradition and alive with contemporary flair.
The show is also part of a larger effort to revive classic Vegas, an aesthetic and vibe that resonates with today’s audience in new ways. “We’ve reached a point where the old Vegas feel is once again desirable,” Amy says. Audiences are no longer interested in flashy, over-produced spectacles; they’re looking for authenticity, a taste of the Vegas that once was. By embracing this cyclical return to classic entertainment, Miss Behave's Mavericks is not only bringing back a cherished era of showbiz but doing so with a modern twist that makes it relevant and exciting for today’s crowd.
Moving Forward: The Future of Miss Behave's Mavericks
As the show continues to grow, Amy and Matt are looking for ways to expand the experience while maintaining its core values. There are dreams of collaborations, community-driven performances, and even bigger spectacles. But regardless of how it evolves, Miss Behave's Mavericks will remain true to its roots—a chaotic, beautiful celebration of variety, simplicity, and the unbreakable spirit of classic Vegas entertainment.
In the heart of downtown, against a backdrop of neon lights and nostalgia, Miss Behave's Mavericks is carving out its place in the city's entertainment legacy, one act at a time. For Amy, it’s a labor of love, a tribute to the timeless joy of variety and the thrill of chaos done right. And for audiences, it’s an unforgettable night, a wild ride through the heart of old and new Vegas that leaves them laughing, gasping, and always wanting more.
Affordable tickets, no ticketing fees ever, a cheap bar, free parking, and cheap tickets for locals, this is a must-see show.
For more information and tickets visit mavericksdtlv.com