entertainment:

‘Les Folies Bergere’ to end run at Tropicana

Classic topless revue has been at hotel since 1959

Published Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 | 8:50 a.m.

Updated Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 | 9:41 a.m.

Les Folies Bergere

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"Les Folies Bergere"

"Les Folies Bergere," the topless revue at the Tropicana hotel-casino and a Las Vegas institution, is ending its nearly half-century Las Vegas run.

The Tropicana, whose parent company is trying to emerge from bankruptcy, said today the Parisian show will end on March 28.

"Folies Bergere" opened on Dec. 24, 1959.

"'Folies Bergere' enjoyed an amazing and unprecedented run on the Las Vegas Strip," said Ron Thacker, Tropicana Las Vegas president. "We are extremely proud to have been part of such an iconic Las Vegas production and offer a sincere thank you to the cast, crew and support staff for their many years of excellence."

The Tropicana said it is in talks with prominent producers and will reveal plans for its Tiffany Theater, home of "Les Folies," in the coming weeks.

Tropicana spokeswoman Brittany Markarian said about 80 cast members and crew are affected by the closure, but will be given an opportunity to audition and apply for spots at a new show that the property is developing.

Produced in-house, "Folies Bergere" will not be moving to another Las Vegas property, she said.

The closure is part of a strategy by new management at the Las Vegas Strip property to bring in fresh entertainment, Markarian said.

"We have a good show and have had a good run. It wasn't because of the show," she said.

Faced with competition from the likes of "Crazy Horse Paris" at the MGM Grand, "Jubilee!" at Bally’s and "Crazy Girls" at the Riviera, the Tropicana has lowered ticket prices for Folies Bergere from $51.45 and $62.45 in 2003 to as low as $35 today.

Discussion: 6 comments so far…

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By gqbossing

Jan. 15, 2009

10:38 a.m.

Suggest removal

NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By azsk8fan

Jan. 15, 2009

10:56 a.m.

Suggest removal

Outdated -
By Desi

Jan. 15, 2009

11:28 a.m.

Suggest removal

It's the beginning of the end for the Trop. It will be imploded within the next 5 years.
By George_Caplan59

Jan. 15, 2009

11:37 a.m.

Suggest removal

I am sorry to see it go. The Folies is a class act. Lets hope at least Jubilee stays around. Both are classy acts.
By johnevegas

Jan. 15, 2009

2:03 p.m.

Suggest removal

"Classic topless revue has been at hotel since 1959"

These women must be getting pretty old then. Maybe some younger talent, and, um, oh let's leave it at talent.
By spartacus84

Jan. 16, 2009

5:03 p.m.

Suggest removal

First bottomless coffee and now topless revue.