Q+A: Anita Mann

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005 | 8:57 a.m.

At 5 feet, 5 inches, former dancer Anita Mann may be too short to have been a showgirl, but she stands shoulder to shoulder with her fellow producers and choreographers.

The Detroit native, who grew up in St. Louis, has been in the business more than 30 years, first as a dancer and quickly progressing to choreography, directing and producing.

As a dancer she appeared on TV shows such as "Hullabaloo" (1965-66) and "Shindig"; she choreographed "Solid Gold" (which received an Emmy nomination); and, in 1995, she co-directed and choreographed the 90-minute live show version of the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," which toured the country.

Her long list of credits includes creating the show "Tap Girls" at Harveys at Lake Tahoe and in Atlantic City; work on "Sesame Street Live" and "The Muppets;" and creating Broadway-type shows for cruise ships.

Mann seems to spend almost as much time in Las Vegas as she does at her home in Los Angeles.

She is the producer of "Fantasy" (formerly "Midnight Fantasy"), which recently underwent major changes, including its name.

How long have you been associated with Las Vegas?

My parents would bring me here when I was growing up. I would go to all of the shows that I could get in.

Did that influence your choice of careers?

Absolutely. I used to go to the Sultan's table at the Dunes and watch the violin players -- I was a violinist so I enjoyed them. And, oh my gosh, I thought Las Vegas was the most glamorous place I had ever seen. No doubt, it was what I loved.

When did your career begin here?

I started as a dancer in Vegas in 1964 for Sheila MacRae -- I was a dancer in her nightclub act, but I just couldn't make it as a showgirl. You had to be at least 5-foot, 8-inches.

I choreographed "Minsky's Follies" in 1974 -- I opened many shows in Vegas.

How did "Midnight Fantasy" come to pass?

In 1999 Joel Fischman, the entertainment director at Mandalay Bay at the time, asked if I would look at the venue in the Luxor. They decided they wanted an adult-themed show. They wanted it to be feminine, but not too sexy. I don't try to do sexy shows -- but it was chosen the sexiest show in Vegas at one time.

Why did you make so many changes in the production this year?

A little combination of everything. When we first opened we had a midnight show so we called it "Midnight Fantasy." Later we were moved to an earlier time slot, but the title stayed with us. People kept getting confused, so we wanted to change the name to "Fantasy."

The new regime (MGM Mirage) that came in was very supportive of that, so we basically decided it was the right time to change some of the material as well.

Besides a new name, what prompted the other changes?

The style of the hotel is going in a younger direction, so we changed it with that in mind, using two incredible choreographers -- Cris Judd and Eddie Garcia.

You once said that you might come in later and do some choreography. Are you still planning to do that?

No. I'm very happy with the way the show is working right now. Sometimes you have to open a show and let it settle in.

Everything is going phenomenal -- the audiences are thrilled; the counts are fantastic; there is a lot of return business. We just are really happy with the show -- I don't think we will make any more changes.

Are you working on any other projects?

I'm always doing something. I'm co-producing a TV series in L.A. I do specials -- big arenas for touring; a lot of family entertainment -- children's touring shows. It's a wonderful array.

I'm going to revive a couple of shows -- "Tap Girls" for one.

I have some projects ready to be sold -- two are in Vegas. There's a lot of excitement with new theaters and new showrooms in town.

What is your entertainment philosophy?

I just want to entertain everyone. I don't want audiences to have to think too hard, but I do want to touch an emotion. I can't compete with Cirque du Soleil in size; that's not what I do best.

I think the shows they do are spectacular, but I feel I can do something that touches an emotion in people in a different way.

Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or jerry@lasvegassun.com.