Bobbi Goes Public

by Bobbie (32-T-3)

The old time minstrel shows always included at least one imper- sonation. Julian Ettinge achieved much early fame in this manner. For several years a group to which I belong did minstrel shows and so it was readily accepted that I introduce the feminine element. This I did with my rendition of "Louisville Lou" in a gay 90's outfit com- plete with a lovely plumed hat, feather bow, parasol and long sweep- ing skirt with a tricky little bustle. The next year I did Oh You Beau- tiful Doll" in a lovely chiffon, gorgeous pouf-type strawberry blond wig (dressed by my TV friend Walter), another parasol and a lovely orchid satin peplum overskirt. That same year, in a 1910 motoring outfit complete with duster, broad brimmed hat and chiffon scarf, I did "Henry Made a Lady out of Lizzie". My entrance was to that old favorite "In My Merry Oldsmobile We have a wonderful band and it's a real pleasure to work with them as they can do so much towards putting over a number.

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Carmen Miranda followed, I sang "Quanta La Gusta" which was one of the original of Carmen's favorites. At the end of the number, I led a conga line with the Mexican hat dancers followed by the rest of the chorus. The group shot was taken just as we were getting the beat for the conga. In other years, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and my Auntie Mame and Gunsmoke Kitty impressions. This year included a repeat on "Diamonds" and another as an "Annie Oakley" (Ethel Mer- man) in "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun". In addition in my Petty Maid outfit I acted as the magician's assistant in a comic skit.

My fourth outfit, the suit with lovely red hat, was as a member of the chorus in a take off on the UN. My wife helps me a great deal with my outfits although I get a great deal of pleasure making things myself. For instance, my grey suit I made from a discarded man's (ugh!) suit. The hat started life as a lampshade but a roll of crepe paper, some scissors and glue and a few strategically placed pieces of sponge rubber transformed it into a lovely creation worthy of Mr. John.

The "Diamonds" outfit was interesting in its development. When

I decided to do that number, the matter of costuming naturally came up. After a number of false starts I finally suggested "How about that black crepe formal with the fur trimmed peplum?" "Oh, you can't wear that, it's too small for me," my wife said.

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