Veteran performers take to the stage in ‘Viva Oy Vegas’

Friday, Sept. 7, 2001 | 9:21 a.m.

Before a coffee house-style setting, performers whose stage careers date back to the 1930s will slip into their top hats, tap shoes and fanciful costumes to tackle a charming mix of song, dance, comedy and drama.

For the second year, the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada presents its two-hour variety show, "Viva Oy Vegas," Sunday in the ballroom at Congregation Ner Tamid.

Scheduled to perform are former professional tap dancers from the 1930s and '40s, Nancy Weinberger, program director for the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, said. "Several of these (performers) toured with USO company and entertained the troops during World War II."

Although the 30 acts featured in the show include singers, hoofers and actors of all ages, as well as the local rock band Jewish Jammin', Weinberger said the bulk of those who auditioned for the show were seniors.

"It's a lot of fun for them," Weinberger said. "They get to do something they haven't done in a long time."

The lineup includes senior dance troupes the Las Vegas Tappers and the Happy Hoofers.

Lori Hargrave Sanchez, who was Ms. Senior America 1991, will perform a monologue from "Hello Dolly," while Gail Imazaki, Ms. Senior Nevada 1998, will perform a Hawaiian hula dance. Suzanne Meyers, the reigning Ms. Senior Nevada, will sing "Love Is Where You Find It."

Additionally, Pat Shaw, a former Radio City Rockette, will sing and tap dance a number from the musical "42nd Street."

"It's just a really nice showcase," Weinberger said. 'There will be a lot of Yiddish songs being sung ... For $18, where else can you get that kind of entertainment?"