by Joey Cee
(Continued from Part 2)
JUBILEE IS BACK AND REBORN @ BALLY’S
Donn Arden’s JUBILEE is classic, alluring and reimagined. The showgirl is reborn in this spectacular new showgirl production. Revealed through a contemporary story of stunning beauty, exciting choreography and dazzling costumes, Jubilee is back in a big way at Bally’s. Thanks to an extensive makeover, this new version of Jubilee is destined to keep the Showgirl in Vegas as re-imagined by Frank Gatson Jr. who was the creative director and choreographer behind “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”. Classic and modern Vegas blend together in one glitzy vegas-styled production. Gatson took the beloved elements of Jubilee and refreshed the production, adding in new choreography, a story narrative and an empowering message. The revamped spectacle maintains the integrity of the original version, but adds a culturally contemporary twist.
The audience is taken on a journey dating back to the beginnings of Jubilee’s birth, as Jubilee in 1981 takes on a persona represented in dance, imagery and absolute breathtaking production with eleven full scale costume changes.
This is by far the biggest stage production in Vegas with more than 100 showgirls and showboys taking you through 95 minutes of continuous over-the-top numbers like the sinking of the Titanic (using an exact replica) and Samson and Delilah – two features of recent shows that drew praise from everyone who saw the original version. This is Vegas at its heart when showgirls ruled and became the poster girls for sin city. Bally’s Las Vegas is one of the only places left in the world to see real performing showgirls. An entertainment legend in itself, Jubilee has outlasted every showgirl production—and every Las Vegas show in history.
This version of Jubilee maintains the glitz and glamour of a classic Vegas revue complete with topless performers flocked in feathers and rhinestones.
Nearly 100 showgirls and showboys kick, dance, sing and shimmy their way through 95 minutes of continuous over-the-top numbers like the sinking of the Titanic, and Samson and Delilah. Colorful costumes, plenty of feather headdresses and show-stopping entrances on the grand staircase put audiences in a heady Las Vegas trance flavored with tradition.
From its 30-person wardrobe team sewing, repairing and cleaning costumes by hand, to the stage hands and crew helping to assemble the show on a nightly basis, Jubilee remains true to its original nature, functioning the same way for more than 30 years. The massive stage is half the size of a football field and is considered the third most technologically advanced stage in the world.
Other than the topless feature which is the trademark of this production, this would have served as a great family experience educating younger visitors to appreciate the history of the city. I recommend that you catch this nice, rather than naughty show when in Vegas to that you can tell your kids (under 18) to keep this show in mind when they get older. I’m sure this or another re-incarnation will be around for decades to come. This is the spirit of Vegas at its best!
*****
FANTASY IS THE STRIP’S BIGGEST TEASE @ THE LUXOR
On the other end of the show spectrum, this show is extremely naughty and nice. Driven by eight featured showgirls who dance their way through very suggestive sexual vignettes, this show brings out the sinful side of its visitors. This is not a strip show and there is no full nudity – but you can easily use your imagination to complete the scenarios presented on stage by accomplished dancers Amber, Ashton, Danielle, Isabella, Jaime, Jennifer and my favourites Chloe and Kristen – all of whom are great eye candy.
This is the second time I have seen the show and it hasn’t changed much in the last few years but still as funny and entertaining. The show is held together from scene to scene through 15 high-energy numbers by its very attractive and extremely talented emcee Jaime Lynch who never takes it off. I guess her singing talents make up for her need to dress down but sure to disappoint those waiting for a happy ending after waiting through the whole show. This is not for the voyeur who is expecting to see sex on stage. I would recommend this show for couples or a date night with the understanding that this is only a fun show designed to entertain and engage in a light hearted way with lots of adult oriented laughs.
At times sexual, at times intriguing and much of the time it is hilariously funny when the only guy in the show, Sean E. Cooper, who keeps reminding us that he is black, does his spot-on impressions of pop culture’s most recognizable personalities. The comic relief later turns to interaction with the show’s cast delivering some very funny moments.
Although much smaller than the Bally stage for Jubilee. Fantasy fills the bill in this up-close and sometime personal intimate club setting. Careful not to be targeted by the show’s emcees or you will end up on stage in situations you will not expect. The whole audience will know you pretty well by the end of the show. The song and dance productions are lavish and sometimes minimal in nature – but that’s the nature of this beast. A meet and greet with the cast takes place in the show’s lobby after each show. Now that’s getting up close and personal.
Photographs by Joey Cee and Peter McCallion
