Going to the mat for variety

In many respects, Lucha VaVoom is an only-in-L.A. experience. Borrowing heavily from Mexico’s colorful wrestling world, the bizarre variety show spices up the genre by adding to the theatrical formula a visceral dose of sex appeal to concoct a product that is raunchy, sweaty and never dull.

“I wish we could bring this show to the entire world,” says Lucha co-founder Rita D’Albert. And while the platinum blond ringleader is in talks to bring the playful sexo y violencia spectacle to Chicago and New York in early 2008, she is excited about tonight’s five-year-anniversary gig: “It’s going to be a combination of some old things and new,” she says. “For people who haven’t seen it, we’re going to pull out all the stops.”

Longtime Lucha favorites such as masked, tights-wearing legend Dirty Sanchez and the beloved midget “mini-chicken” will engage in some no-holds-barred action. And D’Albert’s carefully curated bevy of burlesque beauties, including Lucy Fur, the “best tassel-twirler ever,” according to D’Albert, will keep the crowds happy between matches.

The entire evening, naturally, is set to a soundtrack of Mexican garage rock tunes by resident Lucha DJ Senor Amor. Tonight’s show will have no intermission to accommodate the large lineup of performers, which includes comedians.

After the main event, the Mayan will turn into a dance party (chairs have been removed from the venue to accommodate the expected 1,400-plus), where fans and Lucha performers can really get to know each other.

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Lucha VaVoom’s Fifth Anniversary

Where: Mayan Theater, 1038 S. Hill St., L.A.

When: 8 tonight

Cost: $30

Info: www.luchavavoom.com