Iconic showgirl production show Jubilee! at Bally’s Las Vegas will undergo a major transformation in early 2014.
Leading the charge in ushering the show into the contemporary age is Frank Gatson Jr., one of the most celebrated creative directors and choreographers in the world who has worked with a who’s who list of today’s hottest artists. Gatson will work hand-in-hand with the cast and crew of Jubilee! to bring a bold, fresh new twist to the production while staying true to the spirit of the original show.
While the best of the show’s main elements will be preserved as a nod to the past, including the signature costumes and a number of the most iconic sets, the choreography, staging and music will be refreshed for today’s audience. The re-launch of the show will occur in spring 2014.
“Caesars Entertainment prides itself on offering entertainment experiences that are second to none, that can be found nowhere else on the Las Vegas Strip, and Jubilee! is no exception,” said Kurt Melien, vice president of entertainment for Caesars Entertainment. “Jubilee! is the only remaining showgirl production of its kind in Las Vegas and has been a must-see show for more than 32 years. We are confident that with Frank’s unique creative vision, coupled with the timeless beauty of the Las Vegas showgirl and true spectacle of the show, guests will continue to flock to Jubilee! for many more years to come.”
“I have been a fan of Jubilee! for many years, so the fact that I can now be a part of the history of this iconic show is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Gatson. “It is my goal to keep the original spirit of the show’s creator, Donn Arden, alive while putting a modern spin on it. What made Donn’s shows so spectacular and successful in their day was that they were fresh for the time. They were dynamic and innovative, embracing spectacle and joy. I am certain that if we re-infuse the show with a modern take, Jubilee! will be amazingly re-invigorated and ready for a new era.”
With more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Gatson has provided direction for commercials for brands such as L’Oreal, American Express, Pepsi and Samsung, and has collaborated in several movies including “Living Out Loud,” the famous “Respect” number with Aretha Franklin in “Blues Brothers 2000” and characters in the Disney movie “Hercules.”
After more than 15 years as choreographer for superstar Beyoncé, Gatson was nominated for a Grammy for co-directing Beyoncé’s “I am… Tour,” which became the best-selling music DVD of 2010.