Tuesday, December 30, 2014
A Showgirl's Top 10 New Year's Resolutions
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Mistletoes and Cameltoes
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Mistletoes and Cameltoes" |
Click here to see article in Las Vegas Weekly
I love this time of year. The crispness in the air, the smell of fire burning, Christmas songs playing everywhere, the suspense of who you’ll bump into under the mistletoe. But for a showgirl, one of the most exciting parts of holiday season is holiday pay. Yes, that’s right. While most people are planning their trips home to be with their families for Christmas, we selfless showgirls normally work through the holidays. True, at times, we get sentimental and want to celebrate like everyone else. But then, we remember we’re onstage, in the spotlight and all our troubles melt away.
Some of the most lavish productions ever made were designed specifically for Christmas. I spoke to a showgirl who wishes to remain anonymous about her experience in one of the largest and most spectacular productions of all time. This show is known for its long-legged dancers who perform famous kick-lines in New York during the holiday season. I think they’re called something like the TV City Sockettes? Oh well, I can’t remember. Anyway, the New York production had been so successful they decided to launch their first national tour. They spared no expense, even designing an exquisite nativity scene that featured real live camels. The camels travelled with the production throughout the country. They were incredible to watch onstage but they turned out to be anything but professional.
The camels seemed to resent the Sockettes. Perhaps, they were envious of their long legs. But it was as if these animals went out of their way to make it difficult for the dancers. I’m not sure where they learned their manners (probably in some zoo) but they were never taught any theater etiquette. You would think it would go without saying, but it is not ok to relieve yourself onstage and certainly not during an iconic kick-line. These dancers practice soldier-like precision moves. I’m talking discipline on a Palace-Guard scale. They’re trained not to let anything get in the way of those kicks neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor camel dung. Yet through it all, they never stopped smiling!
The camels also had no desire to cooperate. They just wandered wherever they wanted with no regard for call times. If we showgirls did that, we would be fired. I remember one night in particular. Excuse me, I mean, Anonymous went on to tell me about one night in particular. (Sometimes, I just get so involved in writing these things.) Anyway, show days always take it out of you. There’s nothing better than throwing back a few cocktails and relaxing after an intense day at the circus. Anonymous was in Cincinnati at a post-show dinner with the cast. She was just starting to unwind from her long day. She looked out the window and admired the snow falling in the distance. All was calm. All was bright. All was … all of a sudden, she saw a camel casually sauntering down the street. Was she hallucinating? This show was so intense it was already taking over her thoughts. Now it was messing with her eyes?! Maybe she was having an anxiety attack? Or maybe someone spiked her drink? Then, she saw a second camel sashaying behind the other. Maybe someone spiked both her drinks?
The good news was she wasn’t crazy! (At least not at that moment.) The camels somehow escaped from the arena and tiptoed a good four blocks before anyone spotted them. She, along with a few other cast members, took it upon themselves to walk the camels back to the arena. No one at the venue even realized they were gone!
The next year the production cut back on some expenses. The camels were on the chopping block. Oh, NOT LITERALLY! Sorry, I just meant they were not invited back.
Okay, I have a confession to make. There were no mistletoes in this story, “Mistletoes and Cameltoes.” But I just couldn’t resist using alliteration. Or do they call that an onomatopoeia? Or maybe I just like toes. No, that’s not it.
Well, anyway, Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
A Showgirl's Guide to Perfect Bliss
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Showgirl's Guide to Perfect Bliss |
Lately, I’ve been searching for a deeper meaning. Don’t get me wrong, I love money and jewelry, but those are all material things. Plus, I don’t have any. I got to thinking that there has to be something larger out there, a greater destiny to fulfill. Then just like that, I had a vision. I realized what I was missing. I was meant to be on a billboard!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Lost in Translation
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Lost in Translation (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera) |
They say dance is the universal language. I’m pretty sure “they” are referring to a different universe. Don’t get me wrong. It’s definitely a language, but there are several dialects. As a showgirl, I have had the privilege of working with many choreographers. The finished product somehow always manages to come together. But at times, the rehearsal process can be a puzzle where some pieces get lost in translation ...
Monday, December 1, 2014
Breaking News: A Showgirl's Political Agenda
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Showgirl's Political Agenda |
Monday, November 17, 2014
When Your Dreams Come True ... But Not For You
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "When Your Dreams Come True ... But Not For You." |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
Monday, November 10, 2014
Red Carpet Diaries: 6 Compromising Showgirl Photos
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: 6 Compromising Showgirl Photos (Photo Credit: Ira Kuzma) |
Friday, November 7, 2014
The Tale of the Zig-Zag Girl
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Tale of the Zig-Zag Girl |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
We all know the tale of the Zig-Zag Girl. Wait, you don’t? I thought I was the only one.
Well, I did some research. It’s similar to the magic trick where the woman is sawed in half, except in this trick, she is known as the Zig-Zag Girl. This special showgirl is placed in an upright cabinet. Only her face, hands and left foot are seen through designated slots. The magician inserts two large metal blades into the midsection, dividing the girl into three parts. He then slides out the midsection of the cabinet, disconnecting the middle of the girl from the rest of her!
I wonder why they call her the Zig-Zag Girl.
At the end of the magic trick, the girl’s midsection is slid back in place, the blades are removed and the Zig-Zag Girl steps out magically in one piece.
Okay, I have a confession to make: I’m not supposed to reveal this but I’m going to let you in on a little secret: It’s not magic. I present to you the tale of the Zig-Zag Girl...
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Not Quite 15 Seconds of Showgirl Fame
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Not Quite 15 Seconds of Showgirl Fame" |
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
How A Showgirl Really Defies Gravity
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: How A Showgirl Really Defies Gravity |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
This post is a story about a showgirl who had the exact same journey as Elphaba. Except she wasn’t green. (It would be hard to get a job as a green showgirl, at least until they make the musical version of Star Trek.) This showgirl was hearing impaired.
Monday, October 20, 2014
The Evolution of Cleavage-According to a Showgirl
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Evolution of Cleavage |
I know this might come as a shock to you. Okay, here it is. I have a confession to make...
Saturday, October 11, 2014
The Glamorous Life of a Vegas Showgirl
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Glamorous Life of a Vegas Showgirl." (Photo Credit: Jack Fleming) |
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Five Words a Showgirl Never Wants To Hear
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Five Words a Showgirl Never Wants to Hear" Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera |
Click here for full article in Las Vegas Weekly
“Thank you for your time.” Have you ever noticed that nothing good happens after someone says that to you? Showgirls are no exception. Those are five words you never want to hear from a casting director after you finish auditioning.
Performing in a show is wonderful, but when you are a showgirl between jobs, the most grueling part of auditioning is the inner monologue that goes on before, during and after.
It goes something like this:
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Five Questions to Never Ask a Vegas Showgirl
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "5 Questions to Never Ask a Vegas Showgirl" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera) |
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
The Naked Truth: A Showgirl's Topless Trauma
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Naked Truth-A Showgirl's Topless Trauma" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera) |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
Have you ever had that dream where you’re at school or work and suddenly you realize you’re naked? One showgirl had an experience like this, only in real life. I’ll call her Sarah (which means the only thing you can be sure about is that her name isn’t Sarah).
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Downfall of an Understudy
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Downfall of an Understudy" Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
The Double-Jointed Chicken Dance: A Cautionary Tale
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Double-Jointed Chicken Dance: A Cautionary Tale" Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera |
Monday, August 25, 2014
Confessions of a Juggler: On a Cruise Ship without a Bean Bag
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Confessions of a Juggler" Photo of Maren by Patrick Rivera
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Friday, August 22, 2014
Star-Mangled Banner: A Showgirl Nightmare
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Star-Mangled Banner: A Showgirl Nightmare" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera) |
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Rumor Has It: Bad News Travels Fast for a Vegas Showgirl
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Rumor Has It |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Photo Credit: Robert John Kley |
Friday, August 8, 2014
A Night in the Life of a Showgirl at Sea
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Night in the Life of a Showgirl at Sea |
Click here for article in Las Vegas Weekly
They say the Vegas theater world is like one giant cruise ship for performers. To a certain extent, I can see how that’s possible. Many of us enjoy the sexy and salty sea life for a handful of years, and then realize it may be more practical to create a life on land.
After countless nautical miles sailing the ocean blue, I had set my sights on land and set my feet upon new sand. Actually, it’s questionable how new the sand was at the Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay, but it looked amazing!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Fifty Shades of Tan
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Fifty Shades of Tan |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
I gasped. The serpent stared straight at me, and I was Eve in the Gardenof Eden. (Ok, I have a confession to make. I didn’t read the book.I read the CliffNotes version. Fine, I know there isn’t a CliffNotes version.) My point is, I would imagine my story is pretty similar.It all started the day I found THE ONE.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The Truth About The Girl Inside The Cake
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Truth About the Girl Inside the Cake |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
In the life of a showgirl, being asked to participate in promotional events is common. We call them “promos,” and they’re an important part of our job because they help bring awareness to the show we are representing. Sometimes, they feel like chores. Other times, they can be thrilling experiences. I have had my fair share of promos in my career, but there’s one in particular that takes the cake.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Audition Gone Awry: A Nose for Nerding Out
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Audition Gone Awry (Photo Credit www.jackfleming.com) |
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Every Showgirl Knows: Fishnets and Sequins Don't Mix
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Every Showgirl Knows Fishnets and Sequins Don't Mix |
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
There are elements in life that, no matter how hard you try, never mix: oil and water, cats and dogs, you get the idea. For a showgirl, the most dangerous combo of all time is—brace yourself!—fishnets and sequins.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
I'm Not Really Sure How I Became a Las Vegas Showgirl
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: I'm Not Really Sure How I Became a Las Vegas Showgirl (Photo Credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool) |