‘Folies’ still has plenty of legs

Joe Delaney

Friday, Aug. 2, 2002 | 9 a.m.

The Tropicana's "Folies Bergere" is the longest-running production show in this country's history. Judging by the constant and enthusiastic response of a 95-percent of capacity, 7:30 p.m. audience this week, this 18th edition -- and the ones to come -- will be performing in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future.

We were there, as a visitor, when the Tropicana opened its doors on April 4, 1957. We were there when the "Folies Bergere" opened at the Tropicana on Christmas Eve, 1959. This was one of the first shows we reviewed when we joined the Las Vegas Sun in 1967. Both the Tropicana and the "Folies Bergere" have a special place in our personal memory book.

Jerry Jackson has been the creator, director, choreographer, composer, and costume designer for the past four editions. Jackson is a near-genius when it comes to the use of lights and colors. He can achieve minor miracles with comparatively miniscule budgets. Equally important, he engenders both respect and top quality performance from his entire cast.

The production sparkled and bubbled for the entire 85 minutes. The just short of 15-minute finale is new this year, following incredible juggler-comedian Wally Eastwood's 15-minute spot. A new edition is scheduled for this fall. In the current rundown, which starts in the 1860s, Paris is the locale through 1925, a scene on the French Riviera.

Highlights here are the Bal du Versailles with its lovely Royal Forest in the Winter adagio by Chris Nicholson and Stephanie Shaw, followed by La Belle Epoque with its restored and extended version of the cancan. With Scene VI, the action continues its depiction of women through the years, but the action shifts to the United States for the balance of the show.

We also single out Paul May as a singing host and Traci Ault, the most we've ever enjoyed her, and offer kudos to the entire attractive, inspired, and capable ensemble as well. Put this "Folies" on your must-see show list.

Personal wish list: The "Folies Bergere" always had excellent variety acts. It would be nice to see one just before the show's locale shifts to this country. There was also a film montage, honoring such great French acts as Josephine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf and others. Could this be revived and used to create more of a French prelude?