A brilliant spectacle filled with beautiful showgirls, lavish costumes and elaborate sets, "Jubilee!" sets itself apart as the true Vegas production show.
"Jubilee!" is the type of show people come to Vegas to see. The visual feast features showgirls, showgirls and more showgirls (about 74, to be exact) dressed in the most gorgeous costumes you'll ever see.
Designer Pete Menefee, with Bob Mackie contributing his efforts to the finale, created the decadent outfits. The designs consist of elaborate feathered headdress (some weighing 35 pounds), which are featured in the 16-minute opening number, sequined dresses and plenty of rhinestones.
The richly colored costumes make this show a delight. From the pale blue veils that liken dancers to swans to the vibrant black and yellow peacock designs to an opulent finale, they'll take your breath away.
Each set is wonderfully staged, making full use of the show's theater, including the walls, ceiling and every inch between. The Titanic's demise, for example, is shown in three acts, which reveal the posh captain's ball, the utilitarian boiler room, and the sinking of the ship. It's a beautiful example of how stage and costume design come together.
The Samson and Delilah segment is also enchanting. Set in a temple, the act is the show's most sensual - the dances are suggestive, and the costumes are tailored to showcase the dancers physiques, with harem pants that wear as chaps for the women and leather Speedo-style bottoms for the men.
The show's stunner, however, is the finale, which begins with a tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Dressed in top hats and tails, the dancers move in perfect unison. Next up is a ballroom dance scene, featuring the music of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. It all culminates in an exquisite display of indulgence highlighting every color of the rainbow.
Although "Jubilee!" is a topless show, you'll hardly notice it because of the stunning costumes. A true marvel, it's Vegas personified.
While the Scintas' show has always focused on family, a greater emphasis is now placed on patriotism and the power of prayer, in the wake of worldwide events. It's most important, says Frank, to have faith - faith in yourself, faith in each other and faith in your country, to persevere.
It's nice to see a family with such grace and warmth succeed. Their devotion to each other is touching and their humility is refreshing among performers in Vegas. At times the Scintas will pull at your heartstrings and make your gut ache, but in the end they'll always smother you with love. |