January 7, 2002: If you watch the Family Feud on NBC, you will have caught our favorite Vegas performer on the show tonight with Jennifer and some of her family. It was taped last summer, then delayed being broadcast because of the September tragedy.
They led throughout the qualifying rounds and played for the 'fast money.'
Unfortunately they came up just 3 points short of winning the $20,000.
Bummer. Maybe next year?
The article states:
"The show's main attractions are its statuesque showgirls and exciting song and dance numbers.
'This show to me is about people--talented dancers and singers. It's about
human energy,' said Paul May, who joined 'The Best of the Folies Bergere' in
June as the new male lead singer. 'I've always wanted to be in a show like
this. It's a lot different than competing with the fire-breathing dragons in
other shows.' "
It goes on to mention that the show has continued to update since its American debut in 1959--the longest running production show in the United States and an international hit since the original version started in Paris is 1869--thanks to choreographer/producer Jerry Jackson, with the show since 1966, shortly after he was asked to choreograph the 100th anniversary of the Paris show.
" 'I had to keep the cancan in even though I can't stand it,' said Jackson, who tried to eliminate it at one point, but instead transformed it into an award winning number."
"The closing is more sedate, and provides some very warm moments. May performs a beautiful rendition of 'Circle of Life' from The Lion King, and the whole cast joins him onstage. It's a spectacular procession.
'The audiences are always great and receptive. This song gives them a chance to catch their breath because of all that's happening in the show. The excitement seems never ending,' said May, who trained as an understudy for David Cassidy, Tommy Tune, and Rick Springfield in 'EFX' at the MGM Grand. Not only does May sing throughout the show, but he also acts as a master of ceremonies, describing to audiences how fashion and music have changed through the ages."
It praises the adagio team--Stephanie Shaw and Chris Nicholson--and reminds us that:
"The show also carries on the tradition of the gorgeous showgirl--a quintessential Las Vegas symbol. In fact, in What's On's 2001 Visitor's Choice Awards, 'The Best of the Folies Bergere' was voted as the show with the city's 'Favorite Showgirls.' "
Janu Tornell, one of the showgirls, tells us that the work is challenging--"with the elaborate headdresses and heavy costumes;" and sometimes a showgirl trips on the signature gold staircase, but still has "to get up and hit my mark and it was painful getting offstage."
"Jackson has high praise for all of the performers in 'The Best of the Folies Bergere.'"
" 'I try to inspire them, teach them acting and how to work together as a group,' he said. And, ohh la la, it has worked!"
Please note that since the revised version debuted in Nov, "Circle of Life" is no longer performed; but the new ending is, if anything, even better. :-)
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