Columnist Joe Delaney: The admirable woman behind Las Vegas magic

Joe Delaney

Friday, May 8, 1998 | 10:22 a.m.

BONNIE SAXE, producer-director-choreographer of "Showgirls of Magic," now in its second year at the San Remo Hotel, is in her second decade as a successful producer, a field dominated by men in Las Vegas. ... Without her, there never would have been a Melinda, First Lady of Magic -- either on or off stage. ... Bonnie is Melinda's mother, mentor and her original show producer.

Bonnie was born in Tennessee, "somewhere between Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood." ... Back then, Dolly Parton sang and Bonnie danced on a local television show.

In 1968, she decided to try her luck in Las Vegas. ... Three days later, she was hired as a dancer in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere." ... She was in the "Folies" several years and married the musical director, Dick Saxe. In the 1970s, while raising three children, she was one of six dancers who performed here with the late Jimmy Durante.

Bonnie tells us

"Back in the 1960s, dancers came here from all over the world. It was nothing like that movie, 'Showgirls,' " Bonnie says. "Las Vegas showgirls were stately walk-ons, hired for their beauty, while dancers were hired mainly for their talent. It was a wonderful time. I enjoyed most working with the late Jimmy Durante, a great talent and a wonderful man.

"Durante could make you cry when he sang songs like 'Young At Heart.' Then he would look at me and my costume and say, 'I want you to open a charge account -- at J.C. Penney's.' He was one of a very special kind."

Bonnie also taught dance locally at Clark and Bonanza High Schools. ... Her three children, Suzanne, Melinda and David all graduated from the school. ... Bonnie started producing shows with then 14-year-old Melinda for local conventions. ... The First Lady of Magic concept was conceived by her mother at the start of the 1980s.

More from Bonnie

"Melinda did work as a dancer with Siegfried & Roy for a short time," Bonnie says. "When we went on our own, we called it 'Melinda & her Follies Revue.' It was a hard road, starting at Bourbon Street, then the Landmark, the Marina, now the site of the MGM Grand, the Sahara, Sands, and finally, did very well at the Lady Luck. It was there that Melinda and I parted company. I wish her well. We do not communicate."

Melinda is currently performing in Branson, Mo. in the theater originally built for Wayne Newton. ... It is now called Melinda's Magical Mansion. ... Daughter Suzanne is happily married, mother of two, while David works as technical director for Melinda. They stay in touch.

Bonnie and Dick Saxe were divorced in the 1980s. ... She is now happily married and looking forward to producing a bigger and better version of "Showgirls of Magic" and with a bigger budget than has been the case, most of the time, these past two decades.

Anent the show

"Showgirls of Magic" is a high-energy, well-performed revue, an equal mixture of magic, dance and comedy. ... The 8 p.m. performance is a family show and at 10:30 p.m., an adults-only (topless) version. ... At 19.95 plus tax, including drinks, it does qualify as one of our town's best entertainment bargains.

Comedian Joe Trammel, wasted in "Splash," is a big hit here. ... Antonio Hoyos, as "The Great Antoine," is a classic mini-mime, a worthy holdover. ... Helen Velvin, Julie Northrup, Jessica Moore and Teresa Serge are the comely and talented showgirl-magicians.

Jimmy Racey is the drummer while Dave Rio handles lights and sound. ... The show has been featured on numerous national television programs, and in June of last year gave a special performance for Chinese dignitaries in Hong Kong. ... As is, the show warrants a larger showroom.

In conclusion

Knowing Bonnie Saxe as long and as well as I do, I know she will continue to succeed, overcoming adversity, hoping she can someday make full use of her total knowledge and talent as a show producer. ... She deserves this. ... Above all, her Mother's Day would be complete this year with a call from Melinda. ... She deserves this as well.

Every day should be Mother's Day and Father's Day as well. ... If your parents are still alive, you are truly blessed. ... See you next Thursday.

archive