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ent000826-052
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University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Libraries

Las Vegan* Sfovada JUL 111968 r?╜?? ^ p. c b. Erf. I8SS LORNA JACOBS, ONE OF THE EYE CATCHERS IN "PZAZZ 70" AT DESERT INN. The Desert Inn and Country Club unveiled one of the most dazzling shows of all time last night. "Pzazz '70 and All That Jazz Baby, "which opened on the Desert Inn stage, marked the beginning of a new genre in resort entertainment The Super Spectacular. Frank Sennes, the famed showman, produced the unique extravaganza. It was created, staged and directed by Donn Arden. Sennes and Arden are the dynamic team who combined talents to present other Las Vegas shows which broke all records: "Pzazz '68;" editions of "Hello America;" and the Lido revues. New innovations in ,>sr me design were revealed , in "Pzazz '70." See-through fabrics were daringly era- ^ .^ployed. Designer Bill Campbell said that he is using thousands of yards of fabric, ranging from traditional weaves of silks, satins and velvets to the new vinyls, metal cloths and Cellophane synthetics....to develop a post- contemporary look in both the courturiere and theatrical sense. Campbell also disclosed that he used pheasant feathers in "Pzazz 70". "I went directly to South Africa to obtain the particular kind of ostrich trim required for the Spectacular's finale," he said. As to the scenic designs, expert Harvey Warren said that the Desert Inn had to add a new half-million watt transformer to its electrical substation to carry the tremendous power drain required to mount the 15,000 lights and 25 miles of wiring that was required in the opening scene alone. Additional special effects in "Pzazz 70" were achieved through the use of fog machines, bubble machines, waterfalls, black lights, endless drops, stage lift eleva- DIRECTOR DONN ARDEN, LEFT, AND PRODUCER FRANK SENNES DISCUSS THE DESERT INN'S NEW SUPER SPECTACULAR, "PZAZZ 70 AND ALL THAT JAZZ BABY!" WITH LARRY MALDONADO, ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER. tors, skrims, projections and pyrotechnics. Warren said the public sees so much nostalgia in movies and television today that he aimed for a present-day atmosphere in this show. The opening and finale are his favorite scenes, he added, "because they're the most exciting. The balance of the show is really a satire on the past." The original music and lyrics for "Pzazz 70" were composed by Jim Harbert and Leonard Adelson. Every instrument in the orchestra has its own microphone to achieve special sound mixes for their music. All in all, "Pzazz 70" at the Desert Inn promises to smash all Las Vegas records.....and millions of people will get the chance to see the rare musical show since it'll be on stage for well over one year. Frank Sennes' illustrious career as a dynamic producer spans two decades. Among his most notable productions were the two editors of "Hello America," which ran for three years at the Desert Inn. The show not only won the hearts of the public but also several patriotic awards, including an unprecedented Congressional tribute in 1965 when a unique accolade was inserted in the Congressional Record. After a stirring salute delivered on the floor of the Congress by Congressman Thomas P. CNeil at the suggestion of House Speaker John W. McCormack, one of the many FIRST in Frank Sennes' brilliant career became history. Donn Arden has been in show business for over 30 _years, and his special brand of entertainment has thrilled audiences all over the world. Arden's association with the Desert Inn is in itself something of a show biz saga.... he has been directing all of the hotel's stage productions for 19 years....the very day the Desert Inn opened its hotel and country club. In an interview during the 6-week rehearsal period at the Desert Inn, Arden said that this spectacular will truly entertain the audience. "Producing pure entertainment has been my business," he said, "and I'm sure this extraordinary extravaganza will change the whole concept of show biz in Las Vegas. "The singers really sing," he added, "the dancers really dance. The show is rich in color, rich in inventiveness and rich, decor wise." All in all, Arden finally conceded that "Pzazz '70" is by far his best production, and "will be the best sho^ I've ever presented."