The show must go on, except when it doesn’t

Steve Bornfeld

Friday, Jan. 2, 1998 | 9:54 a.m.

See the above-the-headline title of this weekly feature?

Forget it.

It Didn't Happen Last Night.

Because of a scheduling snafu and missed communication between a Bally's representative and this reviewer, a critique of the hotel's opulent, long-running mega-production "Jubilee!" that was to have graced this space is not possible (however, you're welcome to enjoy the photo).

Seems that Bally's played holiday hopscotch with the schedule, so last night's late show, the audience of which was to have included yours truly, was slam-dunked.

Happy New Year to you, too.

Why review "Jubilee!" after all this time? Well, it did just get national attention when that noted flasher of flesh, Joan Lunden -- whose exploits in the name of participatory journalism make her sort of like George Plimpton on estrogen -- decided to give the showgirl gig a go on her national prime-time special.

From watching The Adventures of Our Gal Joan, I figured, gee, with all those ornate costumes and oversized sets and boffo effects that even includes the sinking of the Titanic (a national pop culture epidemic -- enough already!) this show must be one eye-popping extravaganza.

Not to mention its main appeal, at least to approximately half the population -- Goils, Goils, Goils! (as we used to say in 'ol Nooooo Yaaaawk). Frills and feather boas and angel wings in bursts of garish colors that would put the NBC peacock to shame. And huge headdresses that no doubt pay the mortgages on Summerlin mansions for local chiropractors.

And, from what I've heard, guys in tuxedos and gals in gorgeous gowns crooning the magical melodies of Gershwin and other tunesmiths from the Tin Pan Alley days, when music was more than just three chords overlaid with "oooh, baby, baby."

Sounds scrumptious. Even Jubilicious.

But, just like that infamous episodes of "Dallas," I stepped out of the shower this morning and realized it was all just a dream.

Clearly, It Didn't Happen Last Night.

STEVE BORNFELD is the SUN features editor.