New ‘Folies’ at Tropicana boasts an impressive make-over

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 28, 2000 | 9:14 a.m.

The "new" 18th edition of the Tropicana's "The Best of the Folies Bergere ... Sexier Than Ever" is mostly "Best of" with only several segments that are new.

This is not a criticism. Overall the show has been sharpened, nicely paced, with an energy level that was missing in the previous edition.

It should be noted that the 7:30 p.m. show is now covered and partial nudity is in the 10 o'clock late show only. We caught the early show, which was nearly full; the late show that night was sold out. It was an older crowd early. Personally, we found the attractive and talented females just as sexy covered. Applause was heavy and sustained throughout.

This edition, as before, is created, directed and choreographed by Jerry Jackson, who also served as costume designer and composer of original music. Ginny Murphy is the producer for the Tropicana and entertainment director. Dan Gwin is the lighting designer. The background music is recorded and seemed several decibels too heavy at times.

The principals are Laurie Caceres, Lia Kleckner, Brian Mills and Zsolt Szorenyi. Caceres handles most of the vocal assignments, possessing a voice that is true but piercing at times; perhaps a different microphone could mitigate this. Mills is the new host and a definite improvement, a good singer as well. Kleckner and Szorenyi are a superb dance team; their adagio turns are show highlights.

Mario and Daniel, two very funny guys, were scheduled in the star slot, Scene XI. They were on the road for the week, returning Sunday. It was our bad luck to also miss them when we reviewed the 17th edition. We intend to go back just for their turn. Magician-comedian Fielding West did an admirable job filling in, ably abetted by Bob the Bird (a real bird) and West's Magic Sheet, a neat closer.

Jackson's use of lights and colors is outstanding. His excellent cast also includes 13 showgirls, 15 female dancers and eight males, and 13 acrobatic dancers. There are 12 scenes with only Scene X, "The '50s and '60s" completely new. Scenes XI (star segment) and XII (finale) ran approximately 15 minutes each, with the other 10 scenes averaging five minutes apiece.

Running time at the show caught was a civilized 80 minutes, just right. With the cancan re-energized and appearing earlier in "La Belle Epoque," Scene IV, there is more of a French flavor to this new edition, first-rate even with some finishing touches still to be added.