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THE FIRST COMING OF THE HOW 'FOLIES BERGERE' DEFIED PROHIBITION, CROSSED THE ATLANTIC, LAUNCHED STARS AND BECAME THE LONGEST-RUNNING SHOW ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP BY HEATHER BIEBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. MICHAEL BEALS THINKBACKTO VICTORIAN PARIS. Referred to as the Golden Years by histori- ans, it was a time of parasols and top hats. Upper-class society reflected sophistication and elegance. Ladies were fair and men were charming. To see and be seen at the proper function was important to those in higher circles. And in 1869, to attend a performance of "Folies Bergere" playing at Paris7 first-ever music hall was considered quite fashionable. The production was like nothing that had ever been presented in theater at that timeSa dazzling display of dancers, singers and acrobats set among colorful costumes, lights and amaBig scenery. The show was received so well that it became the toastl of Paris and the haunt of many aristocrats and royal families from across Europe. In 19184ryFolies77 took a huge risk by revealing the first nude showgirl onstage. It was the cusp of the Roaring 720s. But to some, showing an ankle was considered risque, and prohibition was lurking around the corner. The demand became even greater for "Folies." A touring company was created, performing to packed houses around the world and receiving rave revues. Many stars such as Maurice Chavalier, Colette, Charlie Chaplin, 'the Marx Brothers, Josephine Baker and Will Rogers were once performers in the French revue. As times changed, so did the face of "Folies." America was calling, and Tropicana entertainment director Lou Walters (father of news correspondent Barbara Walters), answered. He believed the booming town of Las Vegas was a perfect new home for the famed production. And it was. When it made its home in the Tropicana's Fountain Theatre, the reception was phenomenal. The stage was Barge enough to accommodate the extravagance. Both French and American talent were highlighted, and like its Parisian sister produc- 82 | SHOWBIZ WEEKLY | MAY 2,2004 tion, performers found a springboard to success. Seventeen-year-old showgirl Bobby Gentry, Felicia Atkins (Las Vegas7 premiere showgirl and Playboy centerfold), Siegfried & Roy and Lance Burton, just to name a few, were all part of "Folies" history. After a 16-year run in the Fountain Theatre, the production moved to the new950-seat Tiffany Theatre and officially became an American production, still holding its name through a special arrangement with the French revue. To this day, Jerry Jackson has directed, choreo- graphed and produced the show soley for the Tropicana. Jackson worked as a dancer on "The Danny Kaye Show" and assisted Hermes Pan, Fred Astaire's choreographer, as well as shooting photographs for Saks Fifth Avenue and celebrity portraits. Wimhis experience, he brings a flair for designing costumes, composing music and writing lyrics. For the 100th anniversary of "Folies Bergere'fTn Paris, Jackson was asked to assist with the choreography, which led to his affiliation with the show at the Tropicana, where he conHues to make changes keeping the pro- duction fresh. The most recent additions bring the 1940s to the "Folies" stage. Club Tropicana is a tribute to the Afro-Cuban influences of mambo, which Jackson discovered originally debuted in a 1947 Havanna nightclub called La Tropicana. The "Pin-Ups77 number centers around the show's lead singer, Traci AuHFashioned after a Betty Grable- style character, Ault flirts with the male dancers while singing the fitting tune, "Keeping Out of Mischief Now." The number ends with a sexy striptease. The current version is a tribute to women through the ages. Of course, they are what gave the showS success since its Paris incep- tion. By adding the elegance of adagio dancers, and a comical interim with juggler Wally Eastwood, "Folies Bergere" has what it takes to carry on the legend. All we can do is sit back and wait to see how the show changes with the latest trends to come. ft