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ent000817-002

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ent000817-002
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    University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Libraries

    Hollywood, Calif. Reporter (Cir. 7,581) MOULIN ROUGE Lavish staging again keynotes a new revue presented at Frank Sennes' Moulin F^ouge-^Donn Arden's "Wonderful WorPjpV* Arwd the star attraction, Anna Maria Alberghetti, is a solid click. For this latest Sennes extravaganza, the center stage has been expanded, to encompass two higher stages along the side walls, a la the Tropicana, Las Vegas. Added area does much to heighten the sweep and effect, although it's a certainty the center stage never lacks for want of action during "World." The Arden portion of the revue is divided into three parts, with The Happy Jesters (3) and Miss Alberghetti acts IV and V. Opening production number, "Americana," is a wild west and corral hoedown, using the entire ensemble. Staging of routine makes excellent use of center - stage stairs and runways, and the choreography of Bonnie Hunt and Larry Mal- donado is ace. Stunning costumes of Madame Berthe and the eye-appealing scenery of Harvey Warren help set off "Big Ben Beat," a musical suite on a London street. To a degree, it's reminiscent of the "My Fair Lady" ball sequences. The finale, "Africana," again employs all hands, as native girls, villagers, tribal queen, warriors, workers, hunters, fire dancers, etc. In this routine, too, pigeons and elephants add color as did the horses in the western round-up. The Happy Jesters, a male trio (one with guitar), serve up a snappy 10 minutes of song and comedy 'tween two of the production numbers. Miss Alberghetti, starred, continues to show constant improvement as a nitery topliner ?╟÷ something of a feat inasmuch as she started out on rathe*; an upper plateau. Simplicity of her set-* ting ?╟÷ black, slightly - parted curtains revealing a pink background ?╟÷ was a welcome contrast and highlighted the soprano's natural appeal. Opening with a pair of Italian numbers, which accented her sharp, clear tones, the songstress hit a change-of-pace with a beauty of a "Cot World On a String" before chirping another pair from Italy, "How's Your Romance" and "Return To Sorrento." Earning solid applause was some fancy terping by Miss Alberghetti and two male dancers, each attired in black suit and derby, as they whipped through "Bidin' My Time." Wind-up, "JJn Bel Di," was a solid clincher for a singer with as fine a voice as hers. Dick Stabile's orchestra did a herculean job in backing the show. Original music and lyrics by Lenny Adelson and Lyn Murray were well-suited to the "World" theme, although none looms a pop hit. Arrangements were by Jack Hayes and Ruby Raksin, choral direction by Johnny Mann. "Wonderful World," overall, stacks up another 90-minute testimonial to the talents of Donn Arden, who staged and directed. ?╟÷ Neal Graham. FRANCINE YORK, one of the showgirls of "Wonderful World," parades before on- looker at Moulin Rouge rehearsal.