Operettas (Bear/Yankee Doodle)

All Grade School Revue - Presented by the Hamilton Grade School in the High School Auditorium Tuesday, December 19, 1944 at 8 P. M.  Featuring "Old Woman, How Do You Do" - Esther Wells, and for a Finale: "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" - Bobbie Wells and Entire Cast, followed by "God Bless America" - entire Cast and Audience.  Directed by Miss Nellie Hawkins and Mrs. Ruby Sparks assisted by Miss Nell Orwig.

It was one of those memorable moments.  The house lights are dimmed.  Cued by the director you boldly make your way to center stage.  A hush has come over Safford Memorial Hall, which is packed with parents and townsfolk.  Trying desperately to remember the words, it was my first great performance in the spotlights.  (Sorry, no known pictures exist.)

"I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy..."

I remember Miss Orwig was singing louder than I was to boaster my confidence.

"A Yankee Doodle, Do or Die..."

Oh why was I chosen for this fame?

"A Real Live Nephew Of My Uncle Sam..."

I was dressed up just like a young Uncle Sam.

"Born On The Fourth Of July..."

Ah, yes, there is one thing I forgot to mention:

"I've Got A Yankee Doodle Sweetheart..."

Prior to curtain time, someone applied a convincing amount of lampblack  to my face.  After all, this was during the era of the minstrel show.

"She's my Yankee Doodle Joy"

Lucky for me, at this time the entire cast joined in.

"Yankee Doodle Came To London..."

After the final curtain was drawn, I hurried to the library where we were about to learn an important lesson.  Prior to lampblack, you should first apply a liberal base of cold cream.

"Just To Ride The Ponies..."

 The only way my mother could remove the makeup was with a strong application of elbow grease.  I was red and raw for a few days...

"I AM THAT YANKEE DOODLE BOY!"
 

Go to next story
Go to list of stories
Return to Bob's page
Return to Class of '56