Newsday (Nassau Edition) from Hempstead, New York • 85

Diving For Dollars Club USA was a scene from a Roman coliseum or a Woody Allen press conference. Bodies and shoes were flying everywhere. What was the fuss about? The latest sensation dare we say, gimmick sweeping the club scene: The Money Drop. The name is a very literal description of what goes on during one of these frenetic happenings. Club owners place a sizable amount of money in the case of Club USA the other night, 1,000 one-dollar bills into a balloon.

All-night DJs promote the impending bonanza, and the dance floor becomes increasingly congested with folks who want to make sure they are directly in the line of fire. Then 10-9-8-7. Oh my gosh, it's so exciting. Just like New Year's Eve in Times Square and only slightly safer. The balloon is popped, and a shower of those beautiful greenbacks flutters toward the floor.

Few George Washingtons make it all the way, as greedy club-goers snap them up in mid-drop. The whole thing is over in 30 seconds. But, hey, that's how it is for lots of good things. Pat Wechsler DOW Photo by Steve Eichner reluctant to dance onstage don't mind when they're playing the gang members of "West Side and also introduces forgotten musicals with that special something. The author concedes, for example, that "The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall" closed the same night it opened but "is nevertheless a natural for a production in a girls' private school." Other special needs that can be met with Filichia's help: "Musicals With Little Choreography," "Musicals With Parts for Middle-Aged Performers" and our own special favorite, "Musicals for Sophisticated Communities." Sylviane Gold Cleaning Up The Act Sort Of When the nowinfamous nudie bar Runway 69 opened in March, its Queens neighborhood put up a stink that forced the club to shut down.

Last week the place reopened with a new name and a new idea. Jokers Comedy and Nightclub, as it's now known, is presenting completely clothed comics. Jokers' owner Paul Diamond wants to keep 7220 CULTURE 3 -VULTURE -VULTURE The Money Drop at Club USA: 1,000 onedollar bills Show and Tell Judy and Mickey never had it this good. All those Garland and Rooney "Let's put on a show!" musicals would be plotless if Peter Filichia's new book had been around in the '30s and '40s. "Let's Put on a Musical: How to Choose the Right Show for Your School, Community or Professional Theater" (Avon Books) lists more than 200 shows and what they offer a theatrically inclined group.

The book provides a new take on old favorites did you know that teenaged boys Completely clothed comedian Chris Rush opens the Jokers nightclub. the new club sinless: 'Hey, kids, let's "We're going to have good pick up a local talent, live music, dancing, nothing that Mickey Rooney would aggravate the community." and Judy But one of the first Garland in acts to go on the bill was comedian Chris Rush, 'Babes in Arms' who can whip up a blue streak like nobody's business. Apparently, though, going from topless dancing to tasteless joking isn't a problem residents. for "It's local all right 'AVONNS to talk dirty, they just says publicist Bruce don't want to see it in 3- Lynn. "People who go IsnanY see live comics expect to A3 see people who are on the edge.

I guess if a 1993 comedian dropped his pants while onstage, I'd be a little nervous." We, too. Anderson Jones.