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When the final feather flits across the stage of Tropicana's Tiffany Theater, March 27, Karen Marentic will feel as though the curtain is closing on a part of her family, and ending an era. Marentic has had a role in Bergere for 15 years, and knows each position in it, from acrobatics to danc- ing and everything in between. "I?╟╓m sad to see the show go/' she said. "I really do feel like we re losing so much history in Las Vegas." If The show has a rich history outside of Vegas, too, stemming from the legendary cabaret in Paris, which opened in 1869. The Vegas run began in 1959 at the Tropicana, inspiring its reputation as "Home of the Most Beautiful Women in the World." If Directed and choreographed by ferry Jackson, Folies has attracted international attention for its luxurious costumes, talented entertainers and, of course, its toplessness (today a covered show is also offered). The show is a tribute to gor- geous women through the ages. An energetic cast of men and women dance, sing and flip through time, wearing elaborate costumes dating back to the fashion of the 1860s. The Folies showgirls have become a true Las Vegas icon. If Now, as it approaches its 50th year, the show is bidding Las Vegas adieu. As Marentic looks back through the years, she remembers the humor. Like the times when a couple of different dancers forgot they were performing in a "covered" show and left their tops behind (they, heh, covered the gaff and made it through the act thanks to strategic placement of props). If But most of all sheTl remember the friendships. At 32, Marentic has been performing in the show since she was 16. That's how she put herself through college, and then graduate school. Now, Marentic has held a full-time job as a music teacher for the last 10 years but just hasn't been able to walk away from the show. Performing with Folies has become her way of life, f For the last few weeks, she and the other 80 cast and crew members have been counting down the shows until their finale. Some talk about trying out for shows on cruise ships, or heading to L.A. or New York, while others consider moving back to their hometowns. Regardless, they re all aware that paths will drift apart, f Marentic isn't sure what the next chapter holds for her. She may just sit back and relish teach- ing for a while. Whatever she does, the nights of 10 p.m. performances four times a week will most likely be behind her now. And that could be a good thing. 1f "It's going to be hard to figure out what to do," she says. "I actually may go to bed at a normal time." LVM TROPICANA, 7:30 P.M. (COVERED) & 10 P.M. (TOPLESS). MON., WED.-THURS.; 7:30 & 10 P.M. (TOPLESS) SAT.; 8:30 P.M. (TOPLESS) TUES. & FRI. THROUGH MARCH 27, $35-$45 PLUS TAX AND FEE. 702.739.24-11 61 3.22.09 LAS VEGAS MAGAZINE