‘Fantasy’ producer Anita Mann: ‘I want to please the audience every night’

Were you nervous on opening night? Did you have fears? How did that first audience react?

Opening night was a crazy, scary night! We had only a few weeks to rehearse, do the costumes, finish the music and go on. It was Nov. 1, 1999, and I will never forget that night. I knew that there were a few numbers that would be coming out within the week.

But we just didn’t have time to tweak it. The cast was fabulous, and they pulled it off, but we were all so nervous. I can’t remember it now, but I know that some of the cast will never forget that night.

You started with a short contract. Did you ever dream that it would run for 7,000 shows and more?

Our first contract was for six months, and it kept getting renewed every six months for many years … maybe at least 10, then extended to a yearly contract, then a three-year contract. We are now entering a new renewal period and in our 17th year. When we opened in 1999, we were a midnight show following Bill Acosta.

That was for several years until he left, then we were the only show in the room. We did two shows a night every other night and one show the other nights until Carrot Top came in. Once he started, we went to one show a night. In the beginning, we did six nights a week but went to seven nights about 10 years ago with just a 10:30 show every night of the year — all 365!

I never thought we’d make 7,000. I was taking it six months at a time and working on keeping it fresh but never dreamt it would be running this long. It is a blessing to have that kind of a run in Las Vegas or anywhere. I may take everyone out to dinner to celebrate, then take a nap!

I am hoping that every day is a celebration for the girls as they get to perform in a show that celebrates them and their talents, but probably they will open a big bottle of champagne and eat chocolates!

There must be some highlights — and hiccups — from 7,000 shows?

Meeting so many incredible performers is a major highlight, and working with so many incredible choreographers, including our latest, Mandy Moore, is really a special experience. Opening night was a hiccup unto itself, and I’ll admit that I’ve made a few casting mistakes, but we all survived them.

What does it take to run a successful show for 7,000 performances and still keep going strong?

My first reply is having an incredible team. Beverly Jeanne is truly remarkable, and she cares so much about everyone and everything that happens at “Fantasy.” The amazing people from Anita Mann Productions: Shannon Hammitt, Sally Dewhurst and Lena Poet.

And I couldn’t do it without our company manager, Mariah, and dance captain, Sonya. This team also includes Lorena Peril, Sean E. Cooper, the dancers and everyone at The Luxor who supports us daily. With Penny Levin and our Wicked Creative PR, this team is my dream team!

My job is to make sure that we all communicate and continue to move forward with the same mission statement. Our style of working is to keep a healthy environment for people to do their best work and know that they are valued and appreciated.

I definitely like to do the casting of the show and keep the show fresh by continuing to update and change the music and choreography on a regular basis. I also take on the role of director and do notes each time I see the show. Even after all these years, I want to please the audience every night and give them the best show possible. That is our job.

How many girls apply each year to become a “Fantasy” girl? What’s your advice to a would-be Las Vegas showgirl?

We don’t have regular auditions, but when we do need someone, we advertise and usually get between 25 to 55 dancers who show up for usually only one part. The competition is very stiff. We also get inquiries throughout the year by email. Dancers have heard that it is a great job. We love our dancers and want them to be happy.

I think I would say to anyone who wants to be in a show that they should never stop training and staying in tip-top shape. You never know when that audition is going to pop up, and you have to be prepared. Stay strong, healthy and ready to go onstage in an instant.

Could “Fantasy” run for another 7,000 performances? Would you pass on your legacy to the girls themselves?

Oh, my, I can’t think that far ahead! Right now we are looking forward to this milestone and hope that we will have many more, but I’m not sure about another 7,000. I would be honored to know that there are future producers in the cast. I think that I have spotted at least one.

“Fantasy” is at The Luxor at 10:30 p.m. seven days a week.