Mature audiences still enjoying ‘Folies’

Friday, May 9, 2003 | 8:37 a.m.

"Folies Bergere."

When: 7:30 p.m. (families) and 10 p.m. (topless) Mondays through Saturdays. Dark Sundays.

Where: Tropicana's Tiffany Theatre.

Tickets: $51.45, $62.45.

Information: (702) 739-2411.

Rating (out of 5 stars): *** 1/2

To think of Las Vegas without "Folies Bergere" would be, well, folly.

"Folies," billed as the longest-running show in the United States, is nearing the half-century mark.

Since debuting at the Tropicana on Dec. 24, 1959, this exotic production has become an icon of Las Vegas entertainment, if not the icon.

Being without the high-stepping production would be like Vegas without neon, without glitter or without Wayne Newton.

Since the glamorous revue (based on the famed, 140-year-old "Folies Bergere" in Paris) attracts some 40,000 fans a month to the 950-seat Tiffany Theatre, it stands to reason that the long-legged cast of performers will be strutting their stuff for years to come.

Jerry Jackson, who has been with "Folies" since 1966, continues to keep his production fresh and up to date, although he wisely clings to some of the oldest elements of the show, such as the cancan number.

Jackson has choreographed and directed the shows since 1975, making dramatic changes every few years and tweaking numbers as he goes along.

This is necessary, obviously, to prevent "Folies" from suffering the effects of ennui and to keep it alive and energetic.

There are two shows -- the family oriented, early evening one in which the performers are covered, and the adults-only, late-night production.

As Las Vegas appears to be going through an adult-themed renaissance (i.e., more naked ladies, fewer Disneylike characters), "Folies" remains tasteful and elegant without being edgy.

It wasted no time in revealing the attributes of its gorgeous lineup of dancers, opening with the girls in a dressing room preparing for the show.

Although bare breasts are a major attraction for "Folies," they are not the only reason to attend the production, which features exciting dancing, glorious costuming, the splendid talent of vocalists Traci Ault and Paul May and the laugh-riot antics of comic juggler Wally Eastwood.

Eastwood is a highlight of the show.

While many jugglers and balancers take their craft seriously, Eastwood has fun with it and the audience has fun watching him have fun as he plays a keyboard with tennis balls, juggles bowling pins at high speed and balances hats.

In the middle of his hat routine he turned to the audience and said, "It gets better, but not much. Trust me, I know. I see it every night, twice a night, six nights a week, year round. Every year. (pause) I got issues.

"I can't stand these hats, so if you want to, clap. If you don't want to clap, don't, 'cause I still got to do it."

While using tennis balls to play a number of tunes on an oversized keyboard on the floor, he said, "Anybody can play piano with their fingers."

The crowd roared.

There are many reasons to visit "Folies," but whether it can continue to compete for the adult business in Vegas remains to be seen.

MGM has "La Femme," the Aladdin has "X: An Erotic Adventure," Harrah's has "Skintight" and Luxor has "Midnight Fantasy."

New York-New York recently revealed its new adult show, "Zumanity," which is set to debut Aug. 14.

Treasure Island has announced it is scuttling its family oriented pirate battle on the Strip for something that will involve beautiful, probably scantily clad, women.

"Folies" is pretty tame compared to the new kids on the block, which are edgier and flirt with the limits of taste.

But the Tropicana's flagship of entertainment is far from being ready for the nursing home.