Las Vegas City Wire

For 20 years, showgirls have accompanied former Mayor Oscar Goodman and his wife, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, at various events and ceremonies. Porsche Revesz and Jennifer Autry are two of these ambassadors who have served in this role for two decades.

Revesz reflected on her experience, stating, “It's been an amazing, amazing experience and the best memories of my life.”

Underneath their elaborate costumes are two down-to-earth individuals who are part of a small group of showgirls working with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as well as the city of Las Vegas.

"[The Goodmans] are the perfect role models of marriage and family...and just caring about people. I just want to thank him (Oscar) and Carolyn for being so amazing,” said Revesz.

The tradition began with a pink Cadillac, Elvis Presley impersonation, and a magazine shoot. Revesz recounted how they got to know each other during the shoot when Mayor Oscar mentioned he was attending baseball winter meetings in San Diego to attract a professional baseball team to Las Vegas. She suggested bringing showgirls along to garner attention, which led to their ongoing presence at his events.

Revesz said that after their successful trip to San Diego with Elvis, "He said, ‘I always have to have a showgirl with me.’ And every event, we accompanied him."

Autry expressed her amazement at the opportunities they received as city ambassadors. “I look back and say ‘Someone pinch me! This doesn’t feel real,’” she said. “My work is so fun! I’m getting paid to have fun with my friends and go do amazing things.”

Their travels included colorful experiences such as a dinner in London where Mayor Oscar's meal did not sit well with him, leading Carolyn Goodman to quip that he was "Oscar the Grouse."

Autry emphasized the authenticity of the Goodmans: “They’re just who they are all the time. You’re just seeing the authentic real them all the time.”

She also highlighted their integrity: “Not to get political, but any side, they’re saying a lot of words. But often times, there’s nothing behind it...But you knew they (the Goodmans) meant what they said.”

Revesz added that Oscar treated them like daughters: "If somebody spoke badly of us or made a comment, he was always ready to come to our defense."

During their visit, Revesz and Autry stopped by “Spectacle of the Showgirl,” an exhibit featuring iconic costumes from the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum on display at Las Vegas City Hall through October 10, 2024.

Regarding their elaborate headpieces, Autry noted that preparation time varies: “If you have an hour to get ready, it takes you an hour. If you have five minutes, you do it in five minutes.” She added that lipstick and lashes are essential items for looking put together quickly.

While traditional showgirl performances no longer dominate Las Vegas stages, Autry affirmed their ongoing presence: "For a lot of people...showgirls are extinct. But we’re not. We’re still here!"

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