Folies Bergere at The Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas
| Les Folies Bergere | |
|---|---|
Folies Bergere matchbook cover | |
| Genre | Musical revue |
| Show type | Permanent In-house production |
| Date of premiere | December 24, 1959 |
| Final show | March 28, 2009 |
| Location | Tropicana Las Vegas |
| Creative team | |
| Created, Directed, Choreographed By | Jerry Jackson |
| Produced for the Tropicana & Entertainment Director | Ari Levin |
| Entertainment Manager & Production Coordinator | Elaine Celario |
| Company Manager | Stephanie Shaw |
| Costume Designer | Jerry Jackson |
| Scenery Designed By | Jerry Jackson, Charles Lisanby & Bill Morris |
| Lighting Designer | Robert Pick |
| Original Music & Lyrics By | Jerry Jackson |
| Musical Orchestrations By | Albie Berk, Doug Walters, Greg Bosler, Billie Reddie, Jeffrey Silverman, Don Hanna, Billy Tragresser & George Wilkins |
| Musical Arrangers | Jerry Jackson, Ron Simone, Greg Bosler |
| Assistant Choreographers | Soozi Childers, Tim Shaw; Tango: Miriam LaRici, Hugo Patyn |
| Head Carpenter | Phil Jaynes |
| Head Sound Technician | Louie Maldonado |
| Head Electric Technician | Robert Pick |
| Head Prop Technician | Nicolienne Francois |
| Other information | |
| Head Flyman | David Friedland |
| Scenic Fabrication | A & D Scenery and Copper Creek Studios |
| Costume Assistant to Mr. Jackson | Maura Peterson |
| Wardrobe Supervisor | Diane Bertolaccini |
| Line Captains | Janu Tornell, Stephanie Shaw, Lori Marshburn |
Lasting almost 50 years, Les Folies Bergere was the longest-running show in Las Vegas history.
The Folies Bergere revue was imported directly from Paris including French creative leadership and cast members.
The Tropicana Las Vegas hosted the progeny production by emulating the original Folies Bergere of Paris’ successful formula of featuring topless, statuesque showgirls, chorus line dancers, elaborate stage sets, with interludes of comedy, magic, acrobats, and animal acts. The main components of the show incorporated ornate costumes with immense headpieces adorned with exotic bird feathers and expertly crafted rhinestones, expansive and elaborate scenery, original music performed by live orchestras, and imaginative interpretations of historic periods with the respective dance styles of the era.
The spectacular combined the sexy mystique of Paris, the glamor and glitz of Hollywood, and the cosmopolitan sophistication of New York City.
The prominence of showgirls established their role as one of the most recognizable icons of Las Vegas. In their best years, showgirls acted as Las Vegas ambassadors appearing at openings, store and event promotions, in printed advertisements, and alongside Mayor (and former mob attorney) Oscar Goodman at public appearances. To this day, showgirls define present-day Las Vegas and their influence can be seen in public artwork, marketing campaigns, and sidewalk impressionists.
The Tropicana produced the extravaganza, Folies Bergere, in an age when casinos invested in unprofitable shows to attract tourists and encourage gambling on their gaming floor. Over the years, as corporations took over ownership of casinos and resorts, everything from entertainment, lodging, restaurants, and even parking had become independent cost centers which were expected to be self-funded. The over-the-top, expensive showgirl revues had become a historical phenomenon, viewable in museum exhibits, and kept alive in the hearts and memories of longtime Las Vegas visitors.