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HAVANA AT THE TROPICANA ?╟úFolies Bergere?╟Ñ Keeps It Hot BY MEGAN RIGGS ancing, music, comedy and beautiful women. The ?╟úFolies Bergere?╟Ñ at the Tropicana Resort & Casino has perfected the art of the Vegas pro- duction show. The showgirl revue, which traces the evolu- tion of women from the 1850s to the present day, has added spicy new numbers while staying true to its legendary tradition as a tasteful topless show. The original show began in Paris, France, in 1869 at the Folies Bergere Theatre, the city?╟╓s first music hall. ?╟úFolies?╟Ñ introduced large- scale production numbers and was a dazzling display of colors, lights and costumes. The theatre, popular ambng aristocrats and royalty, also became the center of world attention as an entertainment spot for fos- tering upcoming stars. Variety acts and other artists such as Maurice Chevalier, Will Rogers, Josephine Baker, the Marx Brothers and Charlie Chaplin received acclaim at the ?╟úFolies.?╟Ñ In 1918, the first nude showgirl appeared on the ?╟úFolies?╟Ñ stage, beginning a new era in entertainment, one that celebrates the mystique of the female form. The revue arrived at the Tropicana in 1959 direct from Paris. It was a spectacular success. The show has changed regularly since then, adding new, provocative dance numbers, fabulous sets and gorgeous costumes. For the 2004 edition, director, choreographer and designer Jerry Jackson added a sexy, new Forties number that takes audi- ences to ?╟úClub Tropicana.?╟Ñ The scene celebrates a night in Cuba, with palm trees trimmed in siivery-turquoise and twinkling stars. Flanked by female dancers clad in brightly colored, striped skirts and scarves, lead male singer Dan O?╟╓Brien introduces the sizzling scene, singing ?╟úJumpin?╟╓ East of Java.?╟Ñ Cigar-smoking men sport- ing black zoot suits with dashing hats join the women in a hot Latin dance style, the mambo. 54 April 13-26, 2004 What'SOll www.ilovevegas.com