Jim Meyer is a freelance writer from Minneapolis.
Few
things in America are more consistently traditional than a "Superstars
of Lawrence Welk" show, the tribute to the late bandleader
featuring pianist Jo Ann Castle, dancers Bobby and Elaine and accordionist
Myron Floren. But even this tried-and-true program, which played a Seniors
Recognition Day show Thursday at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, had
some fresh twists.
The
main difference is that this was a rare outdoor appearance for the cast,
which played at Met Center in December. Although Floren performs more than
150 shows a year with the Welk tour, only about a half-dozen are outdoors.
Yesterday's
high winds were a slight concern to dancer Bobby Burgess before the show.
"I don't know how I'll twirl my cape in this wind," he joked.
"Maybe I'll just face west and let it fly."
The wind also tended to blow away the sheet music for the orchestra,
which consisted of many local big-name jazz players, including Don Stille
on piano. But otherwise it was a perfect day for a show, and the
performers seemed in high spirits under the sun. After his opening medley,
Floren joked, "I hear we have a group of senior citizens here today.
Where are they?"
Next
up, rollicking pianist Jo Ann Castle was her usual irrepressible self. She
opened with "The Joint Is Jumpin'," even though the crowd seemed
content to sit back and enjoy the sunshine and blue sky. But Castle soon
shook up the crowd with her trademark boogie-woogie, quick wit, and even a
little bawdy humor. After playing "12th Street Rag" with all her
might, she struggled to reset her shoulder pads. "I remember when we
used to wear these things in a different area," she complained
jokingly. Just as at her December appearance, she displayed her softer
side by closing with the romantic classic, "Lara's Theme" from
"Dr. Zhivago."
Even
though Castle is a hard act to follow, the dance team of Bobby Burgess and
Elaine Balden were once again outstanding. They excelled even under the
windy conditions on a carpeted stage that hampered their ability to
gracefully slip and slide through their numbers.
Even
though they performed much the same sequence as in their previous show,
the set was still impressive for its high energy and daring moves.
They
opened with a dazzling tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on
"Let's Face the Music and Dance," in which Bobby sent Elaine
hurtling through the air in an exhausting series of throws and flips.
Then
they raced through a variety of popular dance styles, with appropriate
costume changes for each, all done with split-second timing. Their tango
to the tune of "Jealousie" was a showcase, with Bobby entering
dressed in a mask and cape. The couple proceeded through an arduous string
of high lifts and sharp turns, highlighting a performance that held back
little.
Then
came Floren who serenaded the seniors with a series of accordion medlies
from around the world. That was followed by the customary salute to
Lawrence Welk with a medley of patriotic tunes before the entire ensemble
rejoined Floren for a finale of "God Bless America."