Sunday, August 21, 2011

Jubilee!: The Last Revue in North America/A catalog of links

Hey kids!


I'm sorry that I've taken so long to write about the reunion, but most of you who are on this blog were there and have been inundated with photos since then.  I hope you all had as much fun as I did!  It was worth it on all counts to see all of your beautiful smiles once again!


This month, I'm posting links/news clips that I've been collecting from fellow Jubilee! Alumni so that we can have the majority of them in one place. I'm mostly focusing on the 30th year celebration, because there are so many other clips out there on YouTube.  I'm sure I may have missed some, so please feel free to email me the link either on here in the comments section or on FB or cynthia@dancersdumonde.com. 


Again, THANK YOU all so much for the constant communication, patience during the constant change of logistics and just making the effort to get together!!


www.youtube.com
Jubilee! has proved itself a Las Vegas Strip staple, solidifying its reputation as a classic Vegas icon over the past 30 years. Before the crowd was bedazzle...

lasvegasblog.harrahs.com
We're not kidding when we say we've always wondered about this particular showgirl trivia. Whenever you see showgirls, they seem to be doing this thing with their legs...


www.lasvegassun.com
John Katsilometes reports on 30 years of 'Jubilee!' for KSNV-TV. - 2011-07-29 15:29:00
www.lvrj.com
When "Jubilee!" opened in 1981 at the original MGM (now Bally's), it was but one more Strip production with showgirls.

www.latimes.com




www.lasvegassun.com
Guests at the 30th anniversary celebrations of Jubilee! at Bally’s and the Paris tomorrow night will be bowled over by a stunning photography ...


JUBILEE! Past & Present Pool Party!
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary and the Good T...See More 

By: Shannon M. Hardin


My photos from the pre-anniversary show:  July 28 & 29th, 2011   Bally's Casino,  Shannon & Alex's House (you may have to copy and paste link into your browser) :
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150247735118590.322649.586678589

www.lasvegassun.com
When it opened in August 1981 at the old MGM Grand, there was nothing else like it. Thirty years on, still, there is nothing else like it. “Jubilee!” is Las Vegas’ own treasure chest filled with sequins, crystals and finely feathered costumes.
 

lasvegasblog.harrahs.com
That saucy headline might make you think this is a case of over promising and under delivering, but you'd be wrong! At Jubilee!, the glitzy show at Bally's

lasvegasblog.harrahs.com
Jubilee! at Bally's recently celebrated its 17,000 performance! Of course, we have exclusive photos from the big event. 


 
BRA
vimeo.com
‎30th Anniversary video created by the current cast of Jubilee! Featuring photos and clips from the past and present. This was to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Jubilee! for the 30th Anniversary show on July 30, 2011. Created & Filmed by: Julie Taber Annie..
.***This was my personal favorite because it was done by the CAST for the CAST/CREW/ALUMNI     BRAVO KIDS!!!!


www.youtube.com
Donn Arden's Jubilee - Bally Las Vegas

www.youtube.com
We went behind the scenes at Jubilee!, the classic Vegas showgirl spectacular at Bally's Las Vegas, to interview Wendy, one of the gorgeous ladies who grace ...

WHO?!?!  Adding this performer, Matt Gross, to the finale was sacrilege (that was the consensus from the alumni when we heard and apparently from the current cast as well.  Where was Liza Minnelli when we needed her?)

www.youtube.com
Matt Goss performed the finale song at the 30yr anniversary show of "Jubilee" in Las Vegas on the 30th July 2011. Watch this fantastic performance and enjoy!

The 30th anniversary performance of Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas on July 30, 2011.


lasvegasperformingarts.wordpress.com
“Showgirl” is defined on several websites as “A woman, typically attired in an elaborately decorated costume, who performs in a musical or theatrical production.”

Happy Birthday, Jubilee: The Las Vegas showgirl spectacular turns 30

Hear an interview with Diane Palm on KNPR:
http://knpr.org/son/archive/detail2.cfm?...

 


www.lasvegassun.com
‎"Jubilee!" celebrated its 30th anniversary Saturday at Bally's, and the production reminded of its unique place in Las Vegas history.

**NOT ALL REVIEWS WERE POSITIVE:
Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review Journal, made a few enemies with this commentary: 
http://www.lvrj.com/living/-jubilee-one-of-a-kind-126476248.html


Showgirl/Vegas Revue History:  Another Showgirl Documentary/Movie has been floating around Facebook.  When they aren't talking about history, they have a lot of Folies Bergere footage.   I didn't know that Barbara Walters had such a strong link to Vegas!  Alumni Andrea Avruskin will keep us posted when/where we can catch the full version.  If you've seen it (FoBerg cast please speak up!) and have any info, please feel free to let us know!   I find the title a bit depressing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUHbPJSy63E&feature=share



All in all, I think it's great how much press covered the main event and mostly, the show itself.  As it's the last show of it's kind in North America, it's vital that we keep it alive and remind people that it's still there.  We can all do our part to ensure that it'll be here for future generations of Blue Bells and Kelly Boys!

My love to you all,  C







Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Finally! It's Jubilee, Jubilee, Jubilee time!!!!

Kids, 
Breathe.  I started this thought in January (probably started bugging you all in Feb), and just in the last few hours has it started coming full circle thanks to our special angels and all of your patience!
I'm truly sorry for the back and forth but again, all that matters is that it's finally happening!

Shannon & Arty (&Stephen?) have 24 tickets and all of you have been notified that you are on the list. Problem is, not all of you have responded!  If you do not respond by Thursday, Shannon & I have a waiting list and the next person on there will get your ticket.  Sorry to do that, but they are in high demand and we'd hate to have an empty seat.  Again, I know with all the flip flopping you may have said YES & NO several times, ugh!

TICKET LIST:  THURSDAY, JULY 28th, 7.30  !!PLEASE BRING $15 CASH/TICKET!!

Cindy (2)
Jerri (2)
Kimberly (1)
Angelia (1)
Teena Marshall (2)
Jen Bush De Witt (2)
Jill Kello (1)
Eileen (2)  
Dawn Draper (1)  Has to work; will arrive @7.30. Let's keep an eye out for her!
Holly (1)
Robin (1)
Rebecca (1)
Melissa Strong (1)
Lisa Gallion (2) She's hopefully bringing Anthony's daughter, yeah! 
Belinda S (1) 
Stacey B (1)
Michelle (1?)  No confirmation yet

**Belinda Schober has heard that Fluff & Diane would like to meet us afterwards, so please don't  run off!  It seems best if our spouses/guests wait in the casino if we go backstage, unless Randy can work it out for all of us. 

FRIDAY, JULY 29  4PM  FAMILY DAY/POT LUCK/CAST DAY OFF
Shannon & Alex have opened their new house to all of us, so please reciprocate and BYOB AND/OR A DISH.  A quote from Shannon & Alex: " Pot Luck, Grill available, BYOB. I have some booze. Need Soda & Mixers . Bring your kids & family & a swim suit! House Phone 702-633-6678. See you Friday!"

Address:
9348 Desert Heat Ave    (I LOVE that street name!)
Las Vegas 89178
702-633-6678 house
Mountains Edge
Cross Streets: Blue Diamond & El Capitan

Shannon's cell phone:  702-340-3851
Mine:  617-957-5788


SATURDAY, JULY 30th: 
I have nothing to do with the show tix or official after party,  but current cast memeber Stephen M., has told us that: "Some of us are going to Bootleggers after the show Saturday, around 11:30, we will swing by the corporate event 1st for a bit."  So, like most people, you can't get into the show on Saturday, you can meet up with the current cast at Bootleggers.  I'll be leaving on Saturday am, so I'll miss it.

SUNDAY, JULY 31st:
Start of the Siegfried & Roy reunion

In the days leading up to this, until today, I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to make it (my mom's been in the hospital and then what to do with Johan), so I'm just glad I'll get to see you all!

Even though it's been crazy back and forth, each and everyone of you that I've talked to have been positively supportive and grateful that SOMETHING is happening.  None of you have ever left my heart and so it's been worth every minute of it!

We owe Shannon, Alex, Arty & whoever those other singers were a drink--and it'll be Anthony's first day back at work, let's let him hear us rock the house!

Until we see each other, everyone travel to Vegas safely!  Take care everyone!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

July: Jubilee! Reunion Tix Change PLZ TAKE POLL

Hi folks!
There's been a CHANGE in the ticket situation!  PLEASE read if you've ordered them via me:

I've tried, but we CANNOT get the $15 tickets (that's a long story and I don't want to go there, so I'll keep it short & simple).  Since we are a larger group (20+) we can't get the $15 discount. 

***We can MAYBE get tickets for $35, but we can't sit together, and we will be on the sides***

Honestly, I went with 10 of you last year and we had a great time and seeing the show was great. I can easily sit this one out.  I realize some of you haven't seen it for a while, and I think you should still go. 
The house manager will call me on Friday to see what he came up with. 

******PLEASE TAKE THE POLL ON THE SIDE OF THE BLOG, TO THE RIGHT, OR I WILL CANCEL YOUR TICKET SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY THE HIGHER PRICE******

Already, Angelia said she's not going to pay it and will gladly hold down the fort for those of you that go.  As I said, I saw it last year, I'm fine with just socializing as well.  I'm beyond sorry that this is becoming difficult (I'm hoping for a miracle or someone taking pity on us, helping us out & being so appreciative that we are making an effort to support the cause)
PLEASE COMPLETE POLL ON RIGHT, THANK YOU! 

Sunday, July 3, 2011

July 2011: Reunion Count Down

Hey kids!

It would seem that I'm on a month to month blog schedule whether I/we like it or not.  I just can't seem to bring myself to write any BS or else there's too much to write.


Jubilee! Turns 30 Update: Alex Oteyza and Shannon M. Hardin have agreed to have the play date/day off get together at their new place (FRIDAY July 29th) Let's send out a big HURRAY to them!  I've not nailed down any details but I think it's only fair that we all bring one dish & drink if we attend.  We are still on the fence whether we bring Johan (our 3.75 year old) or not.  It would be nice to hear from all of you if you plan to bring your kids or not.  Not only for me, but mostly for our hosts, Alex & Shannon!  I will also send an event invite on FB, just so they know what to expect. 

I'm getting quite a list of folks who are wanting to go to the show and that's exciting!  Unfortunately, I can' t seem to get a hold of anyone at Bally's who will help me!  Paula (current principal) gave me the number of a person who can help us, so I hope that will work.  It used to be that Randy (backstage) could help us, but that's all changed (quelle surprise).  Importantly, I know we can still get our $15/alumni price, so that's the good news!

The first show is at 7.30pm, which means we need to meet at least by 7 to all get our tickets.  I'm suggesting  6 pm if we'd like to do a pre-show drink/happy hour.  I know that some people can't/won't make the show so this gives them a chance to have some time to see folks.  

MEETING PLACE in BALLY'S:  Kimberly, Angelia & I (& my hubby, Reinhard) will meet you all at the TEQUILA BAR & GRILL
TIME:   6pm

PLEASE have your $15 in CASH ready for either myself or whoever it is that's helping us!  

I'm guessing, we may have to go to the showroom earlier if we all want to sit together (so far, about 20 of us!).  I also want to do some photos outside the showroom, so try to be there on time!   

Here's the list of the July 28th 1st show goers:

Kimberly Shelton
Angelia (Maxwell) Zausch
Myself
Reinhard Beschel
Belinda Schober
Melissa Hansen
Dawn Draper
Carol Suarez
Jill Kello
Amber GeBauer
Teena Marshall
Eileen Ryans x 2
Shannon Fields
Lisa Gallion x 2
Rebecca LaBonne
Holly Dexter
Robin T.

PLEASE LET OTHERS KNOW!  ALL WELCOME!  

We will be in Canada from July 10-20th, but can be reached on my cell:  617 957 5788 and I will check my email daily.  

Reinhard & I will be staying at the DESERT ROSE RESORT,
5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (directly south of MGM Grand--I'd like to do a post show party in our room for all those who'd like to. If you can contribute a bottle of bubbly or vino or poison of choice, that would help tremendously!) 
See you all in Vegas!!! 













Friday, June 3, 2011

Jumpin' into June!

Hey Kids,

This month is so crazy and exciting that I can hardly stand it! 

Jubilee! Alum & my dear friend, Hillary Elliott is daringly baring it once again for charity in a show of over 200 of NY's most talented and sexy dancers on stage for a spectacular show that raises money for BroadwayCares/EquityFightsAIDS, one of the nation's leading AIDS foundations. It's a chance in the NYC performing arts community to give back and make a difference. If you can, please sponsor Hillary and visit her donation page and help others: http://www.broadwaycares.org/hillaryelliott. Donations are tax-deductible. YOU GO GIRL!


A HUGE Congratulations to the LIDO & it's 5,000 shows of BONHEUR!  
I remember watching the rehearsals for the show, and it doesn't seem like it was that long ago! You all looked like you had a well deserved celebration!  Cheers tout le monde! 

Eric, of the Lido Press, also posted a great video about the LIDO and you can see some clips of the show I did, C'est Magique, plus many others.  It's in English and well done! 

www.youtube.com
Short clips and historical overview of the famous Paris Lido Cabaret Shows. Diner-Revue Shows. Diner-shows. Gay Paris. Paris Lido Burlesque
 
VEGAS AIDS CHARITY: Golden Rainbow Barry Manilow Theatre at Paris Las Vegas on Sunday, June 26 at 1pm.  Jubilee! Alum, Shannon Hardin created a number just for alumni, I can't wait to see photos!  MERDE everyone!
 
HEAVEN & EARTH:  UK Tour Ireland & Wales:  I leave the 15th of June and meet up with the rest of the musicians/dancers somehow (I'm still working on the details between Belfast & the small city we will first perform).  This is my first time to Ireland & Wales and it's my second "tour" in Europe.  Completely different that touring with the LIDO, but no less interesting or exciting.  I think it's more challenging in that we will be moving around the entire time and the simple lack of venue continuity is a bit daunting.  It's easy that I only have one costume, but part of me misses the sequins!  Each locations also has different people performing with us, so no two shows will be the same. I do love the stage, but dancing in European cathedrals is something I never even dreamed about.  That in itself is a heavenly gift.  MERDE to all of my cast members here, and the future ones on the other side of the pond!  We couldn't have done any of this without the support of the original cast members we leave behind.  We'll have a Guiness in your honor!
 
JUBILEE! 30th reunion:  So far, I have a list of 17 people for 1st show.  I've tried to call Randy a few times, but his phone is always busy!  He doesn't have call waiting, so I'll just keep trying.  I'm sure the list will keep growing.  We now have 28 Blog Members!  Lisa Gallion had a good idea that we should have drinks before, during AND after, ha!  Pour quoi pas?  

Monday, May 16, 2011

The merry month of May!

Hey Kids,

This time last year I was a stress case as I prepared for the studio's annual recital, but of course it's always very exciting to see how the students progressed over the year.  On the home front we were in the middle of trying to figure out what we were going to do since my husband decided to leave his job.  Needless to say, this time last year was quite stressful.

This year, I have no classes, no recital, no older children graduating, we have big travel plans behind us and nothing until mid-June, so things are very quite this month and while I'm a bit melancholy for the hub-bub, I realize it's a gift to be relaxed and I'm gladly endulging. 

I've committed myself last night to officially joining the Irish Tour of Heaven & Earth (meaning, I spent the last of my UA Miles to get the ticket!).  Rehearsals are underway, and we'll leave June 15th.  Sara Honey will meet me over there somewhere and we are trying to work out the details.  If anyone else is over there at that time, please let me know!

I'm feeling pretty calm about the JUBILEE! reunion as one of our alumni has agreed to host the family day, but I've not heard back which day.  I've asked for Thursday or Friday (July 28 or 29).   I've also put out a note about 1st show on Thursday, July 28th.  I thought about 2nd show as we could go out later, but Jerri reminded me that most locals have kids/jobs and won't want to stay out late, so I took her advice.

I'm calling Randy & Diane this week to let them know what is happening.  Brooke Brown said it's probably better to see if Randy can get us the tickets at this point.  They are $15 which I think is totally reasonable.  Crazy Horse was 25 Euro for dancers and Kimberly is friends with the stage manager!  So, I don't think we can complain. 

Shannon Hardin sent an email and posted an invite on FB for Golden Rainbow.  If I was in Vegas, I'd love to do it, it sounds like a great time, especially if you never had the opportunity to perform in a Golden Rainbow event: 
Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 1:00pm
Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, June 26, 2011 1pm
 
Don't forget, we'll be sharing our July 28th-30th weekend with S&R performers, so if you know folks from both, please send them this link!   For S&R info please contact Kimberly Shelton either on FB or leave her a message on here!  
 
After I speak with Diane & Randy I'll let you all know if there is anything new to report.  Apparently it's the same ol' same ol'---SECRET.  
I hope that you are all enjoying yourselves and see you in July!  Love to hear from you at any time!

Cindy/Cynthia

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

PARIS IN THE THE SPRING

Hey Kids (as Fluff would say)

Do any of you remember that optical illusion?  There was a sign that said that and then it noted that 99% of the population won't notice the extra "the"!   Well, after last week, I would say that I probably wouldn't have noticed either.  The weather was something straight out of an bohemian oil painting with everything blooming, people strolling, relaxing, enjoying life and springtime that only the city of Paris can  take to ethereal levels.

I'd like to tell you that we talked about the Jubilee! reunion, but that would be lying.  Well, OK, it was mentioned.  Sara Honey said she absolutely can't make July, but I told her that that's pretty much when most people are expecting it.  I think that the time we had time in Paris was just as wonderful!  As it turns out, she will most likely meet me in Wales and then I'll return with her to London to fly back home.  It'll be a very short meeting, but being able to see friends whenever we can is a gift and we just need to take the opportunity when it comes.  This much is for sure, the time is never long enough.

I'm planning on the LAST WEEK OF JULY.  Angelia seems to have found a park that would be good for all of us as it seems to have some sort of fountain or something that the kids or adults can cool off in!  Also, if we are just a few people, we could probably all come to our time share and the pool. That way, if people want to go in and cool off they can.  Anyway, as I'm driving to Canada tomorrow I will call Angelia and see what sort of info for the park she's come up with.  Her idea of everyone bringing their own food is my vote (ie, Subway, drinks, etc).   At this point then, we'll have a FAMILY DAY and then go to one of the shows one of the evenings.  The family day can be on Friday when the current cast is off or we can do it in addition.  If we have kids with us, they'll want extra time at the park anyway.

It's amazing we still have no official news from Bally's but at this point, I could care less!  After this last week in Paris and meeting the people who really made an effort to get together with us, that is really what it's all about.  

I'm going to already go ahead and ask some current cast members to see how many tickets they can get for Thursday, July 28th, second show.  Can we all stay up that late??  If we can do Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse at mid-night, we can do 10PM ish! 

I'm off to my first traditional Indian wedding!  I'm so excited! I wish I'd had some time to look at some Bollywood moves, but alas, I'll just have to try and fake it, ha!

Much love to all of you and yours!  Cindy/Cynthia