After a five-year pandemic-induced hiatus, Scot Nery's Boobietrap is bringing its fast-paced blend of circus acts, comedy and magic back to the stage with weekly performances at a new Santa Monica venue.
The variety show, which Los Angeles Magazine named "Best Variety Show," opened Oct. 15 at Illusion Magic Lounge and will perform every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The production ran for 254 consecutive weeks in Hollywood before closing in March 2020.
"Coming back with this show feels like coming back to the gym after some time off," said Scot Nery, the show's producer and host. "I feel sore, I feel energized, I just got to see a bunch of people who are more attractive than me, and I know that it was the right thing to do."
Each 90-minute show features 15 acts guided by Nery and house band Diaperwōlf. The Los Angeles Times described the production as "a comedic whirlwind" that combines circus performers, magicians, comedians and musicians.
The show's new home at 1418 4th Street seats 150 people. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are available at boobiela.com. The show is open to audiences 17 and older.
Nery said the venue's owner, Randy Sinnott, has been a longtime fan who wanted to host Boobietrap for years.
"Illusion is a perfect storm of everything Boobietrap," Nery said. "The venue's classier than any other venue we've had. The classiness scared me a little. I wondered if the old attendees would like the comfortable seats. They do. And I like not having to mop after the show."
During its original Hollywood run, Boobietrap attracted celebrity audience members including Emma Thompson, John Stamos, Ed Begley Jr., Alan Cumming and Mark L. Walberg. Featured performers have included comedian Tom Arnold, Reggie Watts, Kate Flannery, Steve-O and Bonnie Morgan.
The show earned multiple accolades beyond the Los Angeles Magazine honor, including an Outstanding Variety Show award from San Diego Fringe and the No. 1 ranking for Hollywood shows on TripAdvisor.
Nery spent the pandemic years working on entertainment technology and coaching performers on business practices while staying home as a father. He said those experiences have enhanced the production.
"The show is now better in every way amazingly," Nery said. "Somehow it's still holding on to its ranking as No. 1 and I'm able to cast it better, perform it better, and the audiences and entertainers are even happier."
A professional entertainer for more than 30 years, Nery has appeared on "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden," and in films including "Scary Movie 5." He has worked with Fortune 500 companies including Disney, McDonald's and Mattel.
Nery expressed confidence about the show's future in Santa Monica, predicting it will sell out weekly as word spreads locally. He noted that people are already traveling from hours away to attend.
"Scot Nery's Boobietrap is the best lineup show in the world," Nery said. "It deserves its clout and if it got a little worse, it would still be the best show. I can't even imagine it not living up to its awards in 2025."
The producer said his focus is on raising the quality of the show and setting new standards for live entertainment experiences.
"Soon, the show will be selling out every week far in advance," Nery said. "We only have 150 seats to fill and people are coming from hours away. Once the locals know about it, we'll be over booked."
More information about Scot Nery's Boobietrap is available at boobiela.com.