"Ten Times Better" Set to Premiere at the Beverly Theater

On May 7, 2024, the Beverly Theater will present the premiere of Ten Times Better, a tribute to one of our most interesting Las Vegas residents, George Lee. This documentary delves into the life of the 89-year-old, who transitioned from a career in dancing and musicals to becoming a blackjack dealer in Downtown Vegas. Lee's journey to the spotlight began when he appeared in The Nutcracker as a teenage refugee from China. [caption id="attachment_49714" align="aligncenter" width="675"]

Ten Times Better[/caption]

George Lee

Lee was a prodigy dancer at Shanghai nightclubs in the 1940s. In 1949, together with his mother, they fled the civil war in China. They landed in a refugee camp in the Philippines and later came to America. Balanchine, the legendary New York City Ballet (NYCB) choreographer, fell in love with his style and recruited him to dance. Lee added a personal touch to The Nutcracker when Balanchine asked him to create the divertissement “Tea,” which thrilled audiences and reviewers. Despite his skills, however, he was ultimately denied a permanent role at the company, so he went to Broadway, where Gene Kelly cast him in Flower Drum Song and kickstarted a wonderful two-decade career in dance that included touring shows and revues. After 25 years of wowing audiences in theaters, Lee decided to change careers and learn how to be a Las Vegas blackjack dealer. He started in his 40s and has been a dealer for 40 years at the Four Queens Hotel & Casino. You can learn all the details of George Lee's life in Ten Times Better. The film is directed by Jennifer Lin, a former reporter who tracked down the 89-year-old. A grant from the Center for Asian American Media made it possible. Also, the New York Times recently published a full-page story titled " A Dance Pioneer’s Amazing Odyssey,” which covers the life of Lee.

The Screening

The premiere of Ten Times Better will kick off on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m., with a complimentary reception featuring delectable light bites from Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas. The screening will begin at 7:40 p.m., and the evening will conclude with a short informal panel discussion between the guests and the filmmakers. Remember, space is limited, so secure your tickets now at www.thebeverlytheater.com.