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I
wanted to let you know of significant transition in my life. My father,
Frank, passed away last week. He had a distinguished career as a
professor, author and speaker. His studies took our family from
Colorado, Washington DC, and Alabama to the Philippines, Thailand and
Germany. By the time I was seven-years-old I had had the good fortune
to have been around the world.
He taught me how to drive a stick shift,
and understand football ... I also learned the importance of a
good, firm handshake. We practiced the handshake over and over until I
got it right. (I can still drive the stick shift too!) |
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Dad
came from a colorful family. His grandfather (also named Frank) was the
musical director for Ziegfeld Follies and once directed Fanny Brice.
(See the program above.)
1910
Opened: The Jardin de Paris, June 20 (88 perfs)
Book and lyrics: mostly by Harry B. Smith
Score: Gus Edwards "and many others"
Conducted by: Frank Darling
Featuring: Fanny Brice, Bert Williams and Lillian Lorraine, (with Anna Held on film)
Notes: The little-known Fanny Brice made
such a hit on opening night singing "Lovey Joe" and "I Thought He Was a
Business Man" that Ziegfeld tore up her contract the next morning, gave
her a major raise, and raised her to star status. Bert Williams became
the first Negro to co-star with whites in a major Broadway show - but
only after Ziegfeld defied bigoted protests. Williams justified the
effort when his comic rendition of "Nobody" stopped the show. Anna Held
appeared in an innovative filmed sequence playing the role of Hailey's
Comet. The chorus girls appeared in a daring swimming tank
extravaganza, and later rode swings over the audience's heads while
singing "Swing Me High, Swing Me Low."
http://www.musicals101.com/ziegfollies.htm |
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My
mother passed away nine years ago; Dad's passing this spring marks both
the end of a chapter and a beginning of a new time in my
life. It feels lonely and somewhat adrift to be parent-less. There
are sunny days ahead as well.
For the past 20 years I have juggled
significant trauma, drama, and upheaval, yet managed to stay
somewhat productive. There are so many of you to thank. It certainly
hasn't happened without your incredible support.
Thank you again!
Warmly ~ Diane |
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