Jubilee!: A High Kicking Night in Vegas

Showgirls are one of the first things that come to mind when I think of Las Vegas. So, on a recent visit I thought it would be best to immerse myself in the true culture of Sin City: adult entertainment. Since the talented Jubilee! dancers have been high-kicking for almost 30 years, it seemed like the perfect choice.

The first topless show to hit Vegas was Minsky’s Follies in 1957. Since then, many adult shows have opened in Sin City, such as Folies Bergere at the Tropicana and Fantasy at the Luxor.

In 1981, Jubilee! arrived on the strip. Produced by Donn Arden, an English music manager and agent (and the father of Sharon Osbourne), Jubilee! has been voted "Best Showgirls" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s "Best of Las Vegas" reader polls. Since its opening, the show has been performed over 16,000 times.

I didn’t know how my gaze could be riveted anywhere but the exposed chests of the dancers, even though I knew the show would be about much more. I was told by friends and family prior to coming that after awhile, you don’t even notice the boobs. But how could one forget about the boobs? After all, it’s not something you see every day, unless you happen to be Hugh Heffner.

When the lights brightened and the curtain went up inside the Jubilee! theater in the Bally’s Hotel and Casino, I finally understood what everyone meant. There are so many things to look at besides the perky C cups such as costumes made with sparkly rhinestones, impressive dance moves and sexy male singers.

The show itself is an amazing tribute to old school variety entertainment with perfectly choreographed dance routines. The opening song, "Hundreds of Girls," showcases the men’s voices and the ladies’…. assets. The women are gorgeous and manage to be classy and elegant even with their breasts exposed to the world. In the ninety minutes that follow, the audience is taken back in time as several scenes from history are re-enacted, from Samson and Delilah to the Titanic’s fateful voyage. The final number is nothing short of spectacular with dancing ladies strewn across the theater.

Jubilee! is actually a very family-friendly show, aside from the obvious. The cast performs a clothed version of the show on Saturdays at 7:30 pm for those who prefer a more PG version of Las Vegas culture.

With hundreds of shows to choose from both on and off the strip, there’s never a shortage of entertainment in Las Vegas. If you’re in the mood for the bare breasts and the flashy costumes that put Vegas on the map, Jubilee! is not to be missed.

After the show, stop by the Indigo Lounge, also inside Bally’s and sip on a signature cocktail. With a live cover band performing seven nights a week from 9 pm to 2 am, you’ll be able to extend your Vegas entertainment experience and get a chance to do some dancing of your own. However, high-kicking at the Indigo Lounge is not recommended.

What & Where:
Bally’s (3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd; 888) 742-9248)
Jubilee! Theater (For tickets 800-237-SHOW; Show dates and times: Nightly except Friday, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.)
Indigo Lounge (702-967-4111)

Fun Info: For those who want to see what goes on behind the curtain, Bally’s offers backstage tours of the theater on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 am. The tours, which are given by a showgirl, cost only $10 with the purchase of a show ticket. Without the ticket, tours are $15.