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50 Years of fabulous Feathered Fem-Fatales!
NEON QUEENS An eye opening account of the Las Vegas Strip seen through the eyes of those “fabulous feathered femmes,” its SHOWGIRLS! - Humorous & touching – from 1948, when it was an adult play-land and the "boys" ran the town, to the 21st century & its corporate driven theme parks. The true stories and pictures come from the girls who climbed the stairs in feathers and rhinestones.
Excerpt from “Neon Queens”. One late night at the top of the Landmark, about five of the girls were giggling the night away, as they often did. “We were wearing those back-less jumpsuits that were so popular at the time,” says survivor queen Pat Gill. A woman sitting nearby showed her disapproval by insulting the girls' dress and makeup. Finally, the woman threw out the insult that broke the showgirl's back, when she pointed at Pat and said, “Oh, that one must be from Kansas.” (Pat is from South Africa.) Without missing a giggle, Pat turned to the woman, pulled her back-less top to the front and exposed one breast to the heckler, saying, “Does this look like Kansas to you?” The lounge exploded in laughter and applause. For weeks afterward, friends would greet Pat with, “Hey Pat. Where's Kansas?” or “Show me Kansas.”
Where are they now?
We salute our dear friend Penny France – who lost her battle to cancer in 2005 – see you on the stairs dear girl. Joan Palethorpe – Choreographer for the Palm Springs Follies & others. Trenna Gulbransen – Hilton Corp. Jillian Hrushowy – Manager Legends in Concert/Las Vegas. Lillian D’Honau – Choreographer Gillian Kabat – retired school teacher Ann Sidney – Film & theater actress in Australia Pat Gill – Cancer survivor & photographer Trish Shapiro – Cancer survivor & artist Diana Jensen – Wedding coordinator & Mary Kay cosmetic distributor – Look for updates on your favorite showgirls. |
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Pictured top to bottom Debbie Lee-Les Folies Bergere Naughty Ladies 2000 Tammy Taylor-Saddle Tramps Joan Palethorpe – Takes 5 during rehearsals for “Palm Springs Follies” |
