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A-12 los Armeies HeraM-P?Σ≤ Arden Creates A True 'Holiday* How does staging a Las Vegas "nudie" show compare with putting together an ice revue? A strange comparison? Maybe. But that's the chore of Donn Arden, whose ice work will be revealed in Los Angeles tonight when the 25th-anniversa- ry edition of Holiday On Ice debuts at the Forum. "I have an ice pack on my head," joked Arden when asked to compare the difference between his staging and- choreographing duties on the stage and the ice. "The ice show might be less of a headache. A skater can do so much, and it's a family show. In Vegas, you never know which way to go. It's like today's cinema." Holiday On Ice is Arden's third stage spectacular within the last year. For the past 22 years he has staged the nude shows at the Lido in Paris. This past July, at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, he created the highly successful "Pzazz 70 and AU That Jazz, Baby," and now, rejoins his old boss, owner Morris Chalfen. Arden staged the show 25 years ago, and now has created, staged and directed what the New York Times has called, "a dazzling cornucopia . . . brightening the ice like a swirling rainbow-hued whirlpool." "I named this show 25 years ago," revealed Arden, "and it's great being back with it. I'm very pleased with the anniversary edition, though honestly I haven't seen it since it opened in New York." (That was last Aug. 27 and Arden has been in Europe since, working at the Lido.) Donn Arden shows Holiday On Ice showgirl, Lucille Carpenter, the proper steps for one of the numerous production numbers in the ice show which opens tonight at the Forum. Then what about changes? Will you consider making changes? "Changes happen naturally. Cast changes, injuries, so many thing. I personally won't make any switches, but I'll suggest some, if needed and my associates will do the changing." Arden has the mind of a computer that clocks the kicks of the 36-member corps. He's a perfectionist. "The costumes breathe elegance this year," he remarked. "There was no holding back on ostrich plumes and egret. That's something you can't fake . . . no matter how you handle chicken feathers, they don't have the same bounce, that floatig look, of the genuine egret and plume." Spectaculars are Arden's forte, and his range is wide. His girls are topless in Paris, but discreetly displayed on ice. However, he firmly believes nudity is sometthing ice shows must face up to sooner or later. "In my dreams, I see 'Nudies on Ice,' but then, I'm always head of my time." (Las Vegas already has a Nudes On Ice at the Stardust.) When he choreographed Holiday On Ice, Arden stuck to* his crepe soles on the ice. "I start out with a lot of talk- both to myself and to various assistants. The ideas don't actually get transferred to paper, or translated to ice, until a j much later stage, when we put together air the elements ?╟÷music, costumes, lighting, and performers, to create a single thing of beauty and ex- citement." Arden began his career as a dancer after refusing to follow in his father's footsteps as a telegrapher for a St. Louis railroad. "One of my early triumphs was winning a Charleston contest in St. Louis," recalled Arden. "The girl who won was named Ginger, she was part of Ginger & Pepper, a vaudeville act with her husband Jack Pepper. I last saw her starring in 'Hello, Dollyf in London. Her name: Ginger Rogers. "When I started out, you had to have a partner. I started with one girl, graduated to twins and then had a whole line on the Fanchon revue circuit," he stated. "I had to teach the girls how to work on stage, how to project and gradually I got around to just directing and producing. I still do the same coaching for the ice show girls and boys. Most of them come right off a farm." Arden admits he "could retire tomorrow and never Work again," but won't. "I'll probably write another chapter of my memoirs, 10,000 Girls Later,' and hit the road again ?╟÷or the rink." -FRANK LIEBERMAN. ??akiankStortbutte Tues., Dec. 16, ] 969 I ?╟≤ ?╟≤ ?╟≤ Night Sounds . ?╟≤ ?╟≤ I Some of the best music in town is being heard these nights at the Edgewater West Inn where the Chris Ibanez Trio is headlining. Ibanez, to say the least, is packing 'em to. And on weekends, the place is just jammed to the rafters. Although the dance floor can barely handle the many couples who enjoy dancing to the Ibanez offerings, there are m many, if mot more, who come just to listen. Ibanez has long had a good sized following in the Eastbay. However, the Edgewater West is hds first engagement on this side of the bay in over four years. It's quite obvious his following is as strong if not stronger than ever and Ibanez has certainly added to its since returning here. Anyway, Edgewater West's manager Kenny Kaphan tells me the place has never been busier since he took over. I gathered that the Chris Ibanez could stay as lomg ais he wanted to. Of course, I've heard that before and then a week later a group is gone. But in this instance I doubt very much if there will be any change in groups for some time to come. ?╟≤ * ?╟≤ Had a nice chat with Bill Cunningham, general manager of the Coliseum Complex, over the weekend in Hugo's, the plush new restaurant in the Edgewater Hyatt House. Bill beamed a big smile when he mentioned the sellouts the Raiders have upcoming. He also told me "that advance sales for Holiday on Ice, which opens there next week, are about double last year's advance. Bill also noted that Donn Arden created, stages and directs this 25th anniversary show. Of course, Donn Arden Is a familiar name to me and to anyone who has attended the big spectaculars in Las Vegas. In addition to the famous "lido Show" at the Stardust, Arden also directed the "Hello America" show at the Desert Inn, a show that received special commendation from the Congress of the United States. If you've by chance seen any of these shows then you must be aware that any spectacular with the Donn Arden name tied to it is first rate. I have seen just about every one of his Las Vegas productions 'and he has yet to dissapoint. * ?╟≤ *