Fabulous at 50!

Mindy at Doll Reader was great with posting about the Big 50th Party for Marie in Vegas this past weekend.

It was a joy seeing all of you again and we missed those that couldn't make it!

Thanks Mindy for joining us and posting!!

Fabulous at 50

Marie Osmond hosts collector birthday bash in Vegas

By Mindy Kinsey

Marie Osmond -- the doll designer, recording artist, Broadway star, author, and mother of eight -- celebrated her 50th birthday on Oct. 9-10, 2009, at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas with 200 of her closest doll pals. A sold-out crowd attended a luncheon birthday bash, which continued into the evening as the crowd attended a packed "Donny & Marie" nightclub show and greeted the debut of Marie's new fashion doll.

The luncheon began with a beautiful video of Marie's life. The real Marie claimed the stage after the dishes had been cleared. She was introduced by Jonathan Roberts, her "Dancing with the Stars" partner, and was clearly delighted by his and other surprise guests' presences. She was presented with numerous official gifts, including a "Kissy" doll that had been her favorite when she was small; her first performance dress framed; a huge collection of hairclips (rumor has it her children steal hers); and a sizeable donation to the Children's Miracle Network, which Marie helped found. Marie read her thanks as an alphabet list of her feelings about turning 50 ("50 is the female 'F' word!") and her appreciation of her friends and family.

Then it was Marie's turn to give gifts, in the form of her 50 favorite items, wrapped and presented to collectors as doorprizes. The eclectic collection of items ranged from Marie's favorite makeup to a box of cereal, books, videos, chocolate, perfume, yarn and knitting needles, an iPod, fabric, items from her new home line, and even a sewing machine. She enthusiastically described the items, encouraging fans to "write this down" so they could pick up the exact right lip gloss, nutritional supplements, or fishnet stockings.

A trio of dancers from the "Donny & Marie" nightclub show wheeled in Marie's extravagant cake and led the singing of "Happy Birthday." While the crowd ate cake, a video of greetings from other celebririties and friends played, delighting Marie with whimsical audio notes from Mary Hart of Entertainment Tonight, the Vegas Chippendales, and even her own staff.

At the end of the luncheon, Marie generously signed dolls and books for two hours before whisking off to prepare for her nightclub act. The theater was crowded with doll fans who cheered Marie enthusiastically during the energetic show, which features music in a variety of genres.

After the show, the crowd gathered at the Flamingo's gift shop, where Marie had promised to pop out of a cake. She did -- or at least, the new fashion doll version of Marie did! Entertainment Tonight was on hand to film as Marie gave away the very first doll and collectors crowded in to buy a limited number of additional dolls from the first release.

The following day, collectors joined the Charisma staff at poolside for fun and games before lining up for a final doll signing with Marie in the gift shop.

Happy birthday, Marie! May we all be as fabulous at 50!