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702-739-2788 TRQPICANA HOTEL TllE 'TOURS" iVRF. FORTY '4Jrm cwgl_ duced to America audiences the nude showgirl and the infamous French Can Can, which in its early days in Paris bad been banned for a short time (until the girls who danced it wore bloomers). An immediate success with early Vegas audiences, the several editions of the "Folses** have entertained more than 15 million people in the succeeding 40 ycant. Throughout that time, the Tropleant! production became homo to a multitude of en- tertainers who went on to become household names in both Las Vegas and the world. Among the alumni you*11 find; headliner illusionists Siegfried & Roy and Lance Burton; ex-showgirls Valerie Perrine, Claudine Longer, and Bobby Gentry;. Barclay Shaw; Fielding West; producer/agent Sal Murillo; The Marquee Chimps; Steve Rossi; Rick Thomas; end Mario dmi Daniel, who are currently headlining the speciftlty/comedy spot in the current edition. The Alumni Reunion was the brainchild of producer Ginny Murphy, who, earlier this year, sensed a need for something very special to mark the impending milestone. Capably assisted by dies1 Entertainment Manager Elaine Celario, Entertainment Supervisor Julie Elliot, Company Manager Lisa Perkowski, Tropicana marketing and PR'S Hillary Smoot, Bill Garbett and Susan Toby from the box office, and Mario and Daniel, Ginny researched years of alumni names and addresses and sent out hundreds of invi- tations, Buoyed by an overwhelming response, she and her staff put together a weekend of activities that began oh Thursday, December 9, with the induction of two alumni, 1960's showgirl Felecia Atkins and visionary Vassili Sulich (Founder and Artistic Director of the Nevada Dance The- atie), into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame, and ended Ciisitw Halt nf Fume skowglH Feitdn Atkins (h with the post-show party on Saturday night. The Saturday evening performance, with Us once-in-a- lifetime audience, was dedicated to those alumni who had passed from this life but whose memory Uvea on in the hearts of friends an d colleagues and in the unrtUl* of ?╟ ?√ßFoliesf* history. 690 P02 DEC 17 }99 17:27 So if the kicks seemed higher, the Can Can more excit- ing, the girls more beautify, the songs more tuneful, and the lighting more vibrant, it was the collective energies and spirits of forty years and hundreds of people gathering once again on the Tropicana stage to create a special ?╟úFolios?╟Ñ magic that can only be experienced and not imagined, ^ This was no ordinary evening. lines *Twas the week before Xmas in Spokane?╟╓s favourite irmT At the Ridpath Hotel Icc Capadcs had moved in, Filled with good spirits and anticipation, Four months on the road - now a weak to vacation! Out searching for trees of just the right rise To decorate lavishly and so win the'prize That was given each year, for the biggest and best Brought back to the rooms without too much mess, Trees though the lobby in a constant procession, Christmas was here, Ice Captides was in session! 4Twas an annual event for skaters and staff And they joined in together to share a good laugh. As they unpacked decorations stored by the hotel For year after year each box known quite well. The names on the boxes read like a ?╟úwho?╟╓s who?╟Ñ And wctp handed ort down to those who were new So that they could continue the Spokane tradition Without having to shop for their own ammunition. At last rooms were finished, not a moment too soon, As the partying started and moved room to room, Christmas Eve had arrived! Eitt, drink, hail and hearty, And the Skaters prepared themselves for the party That signalled the end of the week?╟╓s preparation And also, unfortunately, their vacation. But one room in particular was a sight for to see * Lighted candles were burning on this skater?╟╓s tree. The young man was from Germany, living alone And wanted to make die hotel room like home, His tree won first prize, without doubt number one. As they all went upstairs to continue the fun. Halfway through the evening came the sound ??f a bell . Had Santa arrived to add to the spell? Not quite, for now the air of enchantment, Was brought to a halt by Spokane?╟╓s Fire Department, Whose speedy arrival inside the hotel Put out the fire, decorations as well And although our lad was full of?╟╓contrition, That was the end of another tradition. ?╓¬Two* the night before Christmas and till through the hotel. Bells were a-ringmg, guests running like hell, And we knew as we stared at the fire?╟╓s dy ing ember, ^ That:{bw Christmas Eve would be one to remember, W chartg of resign C?╜ ture a1 iistic retinn cqmp; resign Sc cation Nanc; there j out B wou!< Bruce if ginnir Youth spans* young fes&io parti?? Di whore prove "New One. St ater; i proYti relatw O MeaU irop?╜ eight ?╟úEdgi and>3 evil ally, I Tr Unde posri nude A ir.tim very' U cUgO city?╟╓s chore danc?╜ turns A profc caree artist this t ers, h inno mm