Moore, Bill, 1926-2012

Show producer and designer Bill Moore was born in Gateshead, England in 1926. He moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s in order to make theatrical productions. Moore, who was trained as a dancer, worked with his partner George Arnold to produce shows in Las Vegas, Reno, and Laughlin, Nevada, and in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He became known for flashy costumes and extravagant ice shows.

With George Arnold, a former ice skater, Moore's first show was "Rhythm on Ice" and premiered at the El Cortez in 1960. The success of "Rhythm on Ice" earned Moore and Arnold respect and opened the door for them to produce more shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Moore and Arnold produced shows together for 35 years, including a series of "...on Ice" productions like "Nudes on Ice," "Spice on Ice," "Fantasy on Ice," and "Playgirls on Ice." Moore also produced revues and variety acts like "Razzle Dazzle" and "City Lites" at the Flamingo Hilton and the first show at Caesar's Palace called "Rome Swings" in 1966.

During his career, Moore became close friends with the owners of the Hacienda Hotel, Doc and Judy Bayley. After Doc's death, Moore helped Judy Bayley pull the Hacienda out of debt. His acclaimed "Spice on Ice" debuted at the Hacienda and ran for several years.

Arnold died in 1997, but Moore continued to produce shows until his death in January of 2012.

Sources:

"Veteran Las Vegas showman Moore dies." Las Vegas Review Journal. January 21, 2012. http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/veteran-las-vegas-showman-moore-dies

Hill, Roland L., Hillsway's Who's Who with Biographies and Favorite Recipes. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Hillsway Company, 1978.