WHO DIDN'T LOVE Annette Funicello? Of all the girls, she was the most popular, well-endowed Mouseketeer, and all the pre-pubescent boys loved her, I know I did. After the Mickey Mouse Club she co-stared with Frankie Avalon in a series of '60s beach party movies. These movies were made for the drive-in crowd, at $2.50 a carload. You could Double Date on the cheap, of course you were really there to have a dark place to make-out.

Times have changed; we are no longer entertained by kissing in the back seat of a car in a drive-in movie. Now, Mandalay Bay has come up with beach parties that would make Annette & Frankie envious. They have a huge swimming pool with a sandy beach on one side, and a bandstand on the other side.

Tonight The Commodores performed, at the beach. You can wade in the water in front of the bandstand, sit on the beach or watch from the new 'Beach Casino' on the second floor overlooking the entire area.

If you really want to up-grade, the third floor has 250–500 square foot villas over looking the beach, with rental prices starting at $750.00. With the villas you get a private pool, wet bar, flat-screen TV, and much more. For me to spend that much money, I need Annette & Frankie singing 'Beach Blanket Bingo' live in my villa.


Actually, they gave us one of the villas, along with an open bar. In my next life, I want to be rich, I could easily get accustomed to the Good Life.

I had a great time, and I'm going back to see 'Lost 80's Live' in August. If you don't pop the 750 for a villa, be sure to bring a blanket or a towel to sit on the beach. Dress casual, and have fun.

MANDALAY BAY CONCERTS ON THE BEACH

Tickets $45.00 to $61.50 depending on the act.

SHOW TIMES 9:00 p.m. BOX OFFICE 632-7580