Running for over 40 years, the Crazy Paris Show made its final appearance Monday April 4 at the Grand Lisboa. Two days later, the production announced via a post on social media that the end had come.
"We are devastated to announce that the Crazy Paris Show has ended today," the announcement began, adding that the closure was "due to pandemic restrictions".
However, the following day, the Facebook post was removed and the Instagram account was made private with no possibility of content being viewed. SJM's press office was contacted by our sister publication Ponto Final, but did not respond to enquiries. Similarly, none of the current dancers were available for comment. Nonetheless, the end of the famous cabaret show seems to be a reality.
The Crazy Paris Show was brought to Macau in the late 1970s by the late Stanley Ho. The gambling magnate wanted to make an impact with a new show where scantily clad women danced cabaret style on stage. Responsible for the breath of fresh air in local entertainment was Guy Lesquoy, a Frenchman from Marseille who arrived in Macau with Maite Alonso to dance a choreographed duet by Jacques Fabre.
The arrival of a risqué show, in the image of the famous Crazy Horse Show in Paris, sent some shock waves through Macau’s more conservative society at the time. The Chinese and Portuguese communities were at first reluctant to accept the new performance, but this was short-lived. The show soon became a success and was even given pride of place at the Dom Pedro V Theatre. It later moved to the Monalisa Hall at the old Hotel Lisboa, and more recently to the centre stage on the casino floor at The Grand Lisboa.
Anastassia Uhlova was involved in the Crazy Paris Show for 11 years, and was very sad to hear the news of its cancellation.
“It's really sad and heart-breaking because such a beautiful and meaningful show that we all thought would be forever is no longer. Nothing is permanent," the Belarusian dancer, who has lived in Macau for many years said, adding that "it is difficult to accept that everything is over".
The Minsk-born dancer recalls that her years spent "as a family" at the Crazy Paris Show "are happy memories" and she made "wonderful friends" from many different parts of the world. "I thank the Crazy Paris Show and everyone who was part of my life those 11 years."
Zuleika Greganyck was an integral part of the Crazy Paris Show in the 1990s. It is with "a certain sadness" that she is witnessing the end of something "unique in Macau". "Its closure certainly leaves the territory poorer in terms of entertainment," says the Brazilian.
Looking back at the time she was part of the cast, Zuleika has some good memories.
"I was part of the cast of the Crazy Paris Show during the 1990s. I think it was the best phase of the show. I remember vividly the first time I stepped on stage in the Monalisa Hall of the Hotel Lisboa, and also, I remember the first place I occupied in the theatre's dressing rooms. Those were five unforgettable years. A singular experience. And the friendships I made during the time I worked there last until today", recalls the former dancer, now a pilates instructor.
Dancer and choreographer Lisa Souissa had a long association with Macau. She currently resides in Hong Kong, but many years of her life were dedicated to Macau and some to the Crazy Paris Show. She arrived in Macau at the age of 22 and remained in the cast of the Crazy Paris Show for seven years "They were unique and crazy times," recalls the French woman.
The end of the Crazy Paris Show is not entirely surprising to her, not least because the Covid-19 pandemic "has been hurting the entertainment business in Macau and Hong Kong".
"I can understand why it has ended, but I don't really feel any particular sense of sadness because the Crazy Paris Show is nothing like it was in my time," she notes.
Just like Zuleika, Lisa also graced the stage at Monalisa Hall in the old Hotel Lisboa.
"And that makes all the difference because nowadays the show is very different from what it used to be. In fact, the show I had the opportunity to do is one of the happiest periods I had in Macau, and also in my career, it was a privilege to be part of this show," she says. "Macau was unique. All the people were united. It was very special. We were all friends.”
"However, over time, I think the show has lost its charm," she says, reiterating that she is "not particularly sad" because "things change". "The good memories remain, and the good friendships, but Macau certainly loses something with the end of the Crazy Paris Show".