Jubilee!

Spangle and spectacle are synonymous with 'Strip' entertainment, yet nothing can prepare audiences for the lavish, diamante dominated production currently enjoying it's 25th year in Vegas. Described by critics as a tasteful expose of beauty and sensuality, “Jubilee!” runs an impressive seven nights per week at the “soul of Las Vegas” - Bally's Hotel and Casino Resort.

The vintage blend of cabaret entertainment, chorus girls and sultry burlesque was the brain-child of one Don Arden; a man whose determination and creative vision, led to his becoming known as “the premier show producer of Las Vegas”. Arden shot to notoriety during the 1940's in Cleveland, devising exuberant shows for club-owner and bootlegger Moe Dalitz (rumored to have had ties with the mob.) His artistic vision led to the production and choreography of “Lido de Paris”; one of the first all-female revues in Vegas, that featured dancers baring their breasts.

“Lido” was not, however, a sleazy strip-tease revue, and nor was it devised purely for the pleasure of the casino gentry. The concept was actually based upon a French production that dated back to 1869, known as “Folies Bergere” where the marvel of the female figure formed the basis for what we now tag as a 'showgirl' production. Such shows where then regarded an art-form, regardless of the 'nudity', yet America was fairly naïve to it's existence – until Arden brought it to 'Sin City'.

“Jubilee!” represents the evolution of Arden's first glamorous revue in Vegas, with an emphasis upon decadent costumes, glittering sets and enhancing the beautiful. His 100-strong cast are among the hardest-working dancers of their kind, each having had to audition extensively for a position amongst the “Jubilee!” troupe. Arden is renowned for having a critical eye, when it came to the posture, mannerisms and charisma of his dancers – so much so, he actually devised a specific 'walk', that all his dancers had to adopt. He had observed for some years, the manner in which the French showgirls carried themselves (hips forward, feet slightly inverted as they walked) and the impact this had upon the 'sexiness' of their gait. And so the “Arden Walk” was born – a style which inevitably swung out the hips, and drew attention to the upper torso – an area often fully exposed during several scenes of “Jubilee!”.

Although (and like most showgirl productions) “Jubilee!” does not conform to a specific plot, the vignettes tend to have some aspect of linked affiliation. “Jubilee!” tends to focus upon impacting and dramatic events, such as the destruction of the temple of Sampson and Delilah and the sinking of the Titanic. Intertwined with these huge spectacles are a number of unique vignettes, including contortionist gymnastics from the “Long Twins” and aerial performances by “Stoyan and Dmitri.” The show opening is widely considered one of it's most fantastical scenes, as a hundred showgirls resplendent in 8000 sequins and 40 lb head pieces (designed by Cher's costumer Bob Mackie) dance and sing in unison to “Hundreds of Girls”. It is alleged the intro alone cost over $3 million, inclusive of the several hundred rhinestones embellished into the costumes. “Jubilee!'s” finale is equally as dazzling, featuring the entire cast aboard an up-turned Titanic – the final dramatic moments of a truly ground-breaking concept. Perhaps Arden was trying to relate that unlike the rest of the showgirl revues, his own is still yet to sink without trace?

“Jubilee!” was, and has always intended to be an adult show, due it's risqué nature, however the “Jubilee!” company have since extended the show's appeal to a family audience, with the offering of a Saturday matinée 'covered' show, suitable for kids aged 5 and upward. While such young ones may not be familiar with the legends upon which some scenes are based, the fast paced, up-tempo nature of the production exudes an almost carnival-like atmosphere – excitement even 5 year olds can't fail to resist. For the young at heart, “Jubilee!” presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to experience “the last real showgirl revue” anywhere in the world!