Friday, July 11, 1997 | 10:07 a.m.
Bally's "Jubilee," with a new, even more spectacular 16-minute opening and a recently re-created 30-minute closer, in a newly rebuilt and refurbished theatre is a total delight. It is a continuance of the genius of the late Donn Arden who conceived, produced and directed the original, in addition to its predecessor and a number of earlier spectaculars going back to the original Stardust "Lido de Paris" in 1957.
"Samson and Delilah" (Act III) and "Titanic" (Act V) are as fresh and as exciting as ever, a tribute to the attractive and talented cast. The sinking of the Titanic onstage may increase in importance with the release of the film later this year.
The variety acts are Jean Nedel (Act II) with his incredible balancing feats; Anatoli and Irina and their cube (Act IV), on the ground and in the air; and the excellent illusions of Dirk Arthur & Co. (Act VI).
Top hats off to Joel Fischman, VP of Entertainment, doubling as producer; his associate producers, Peter Aaronson and Fluff LeCoque, who also serve as director of entertainment and company manager, respectively. Low bows to Tom Hanson for his direction, staging and choreography; also to Winston Hemsley and Rich Rizzo for their contributions.
Special kudos to Pete Menafee and Bob Mackie for their costume design, especially to Menafee for the new opening act. Paul Mann deserves special mention for his musical contributions. Would that this limited space could be expanded to include all 175-plus talented people onstage and backstage.
This "Jubilee" is the original entertainment ambiance of Las Vegas at its finest.
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