Further delivering on its mission to spotlight indie films and elevate artistic expression, The Beverly Theater proudly presents the local premiere of short documentary “Ten Times Better” on Wednesday, May 7. Focusing on a longtime local Las Vegan, “Ten Times Better” delivers an impactful cinematic experience and tells the astonishing and heartwarming story of pioneering Asian dancer George Lee.
Lee originated a feature role in George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” 70 years ago as a teenage refugee from China. The film is directed by Jennifer Lin, a former reporter who tracked down the 89-year-old in Las Vegas, where he has worked for 40 years as a blackjack dealer at the Four Queens Hotel & Casino.
Unknown to casino guests and colleagues is Lee’s remarkable past: a prodigy who danced for rice at Shanghai nightclubs in the 1940s; a refugee who fled civil war; and a teenager in New York who caught the eye of Balanchine, the legendary cofounder and choreographer of the New York City Ballet (NYCB).
When developing his contemporary version of “The Nutcracker”, Balanchine utilized Lee’s leaping ability in creating a divertissement called “Tea”. “He asked me what I can do,” recalls Lee. “Took about 15 minutes.” The result was 60 seconds of leaps, spins, and splits, all of which dazzled audiences and reviewers. Denied a place in the company, Lee went on to Broadway and was eventually cast by Gene Kelly in Flower Drum Song – the groundbreaking Rodgers and Hammerstein musical with a nearly all-Asian cast. Thus began his 25-year career in dance, including Broadway, touring shows and musical revues. Lee retired from dance in his late 40s and learned to deal blackjack. He has worked in Las Vegas for more than 40 years, including several years as a pit boss.
Made possible by a grant from the Center for Asian American media, “Ten Times Better” has garnered great praise and interest since previously premiering at the Dance on Camera Festival 2024 at Film at Lincoln Center. The film has been described as “compelling and important” by playwright David Henry Hwang, and “phenomenal” by Edward Villella, former NYCB principal. A recent New York Times full-page Sunday feature on Lee and the film was headlined “A Dance Pioneer’s Amazing Odyssey.”
The Las Vegas premiere event will take place at The Beverly Theater on Wednesday, May 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m., with a complimentary reception featuring light bites provided by the culinary team of Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas – a modern-day supper club inspired by the earliest showrooms of Las Vegas in the 1950s with live music and special performances. The reception will be followed by the screening of "Ten Times Better" at 7:40 p.m. After the screening, guests can engage in an informal Q&A with filmmakers.
Limited space is available, and complimentary tickets can be secured at www.thebeverlytheater.com. RSVP is required. Complimentary valet will also be available.
The premiere event is supported by AARP, Four Queens Casino, Wynn Las Vegas, the Asian Community Development Council, AAPI Chamber of Commerce of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Ballet Theater.
