Kyle Massey, fellow ‘Dancing with the Stars’ alums unite for Tropicana show

When Kyle Massey competed on season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars" he had the time of his life but felt immense pressure. Judges, scorecards and regular eliminations can do that to a guy. That's why the former Disney star is so looking forward to the "Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas" production at the Tropicana. It will be all the fun, no pressure.

"We're not competing for a trophy," he says. "The trophy is just having our audience walk away with a smile."

The live show will run for 12 weeks, eight shows a week, starting Friday. Celebrity stylist Carson Kressley will host the 80-minute production that will feature such other alums of the TV version as former 'N Sync star Joey Fatone, Sabrina Bryan of "The Cheetah Girls" and actress Tia Carrere.

Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer, choreographers from the show, will star as the professional dancers.

The production comes at just the right time for the Tropicana, which recently underwent remodeling. In a statement on the new show, Fred Harmon, vice president of corporate culture and image at the Tropicana, says: " 'Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas' will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to our newly transformed property, with the perfect combination of celebrities and stunning performances that our guests will love. We couldn't be more thrilled."

Seeing the show live will enhance the experience, but dancers are just as aware of the disadvantages, too. Not having cameras to zoom in on footwork means amping up the dance moves. No introduction packages will have the performers trying to inject every number with as much personality as possible. That will translate to dance numbers that are high on entertainment.

While judges of the show often frown on elements that detract from the technicalities of the choreography, here they're encouraged. Props and dance sets -- anything that pumps up the production -- will make up for not having TV cameras around.

"The great thing about 'Dancing with the Stars: Live in Vegas' is we create the TV experience and so much more," says Jason Gilkison, a choreographer for the Las Vegas production.

One thing the local show will have that the TV show doesn't is the Las Vegas Troupe. The best ballroom dancers were auditioned to assemble the troupe of 10 dancers, five men and women. They will perform group numbers and solos to transition between celebrity performances.

And, although the judges are gone, they might not be missed, according to Massey. "A lot of times the crowd boos the judges," he says. "Sometimes the judges stand in the way of celebrities doing well."

Massey has been hitting the gym to prepare for the show, where he will be reunited with dance partner Schwimmer. Although the two came in second place, he doesn't look back with any regrets.

"Sometimes you don't have to win," he says. "It's like Oscars, just an honor to be nominated. Well for me, I was honored to make it past the first round."

Tickets are on sale now for $40 to $89 and VIP packages are $165.

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.