Category is: 1970s

Dancers on Dancers: Teak Lewis Remembers Lawrence Merritt

I met Larry in 1999, the year that I retired. I knew who he was all along since he was the guy who always got the jobs that I wanted. He was tall, he had a good singing voice, and he was a hell of a dancer. More you couldn’t ask for. After twenty-five years… continue reading ›

A Dancer’s Life: Meet Lawrence Merritt, Part III

It is with deep sadness that while finalizing this article and working with Lawrence to document his story and memorabilia, we lost a great dancer. A wonderful friend and storyteller with a quick sense of timing and incredible experiences, Lawrence entertained as many while off stage as he did on. The John Hemmer Archive, and… continue reading ›

A Dancer’s Life: Meet Sal Angelica, Part III

The John Hemmer Archive’s The History of An Era, documents lived experiences of the nightclub era. This is the third installment of a three-part series on performer Sal Angelica. To read part I, please visit https://www.johnhemmerarchive.org/a-dancers-life-meet-sal-angelica-part-i/ To reference part II, visit https://www.johnhemmerarchive.org/a-dancers-life-meet-sal-angelica-part-ii/ SA: I am happy to say the 1980s had quieted down for me… continue reading ›

A Dancer’s Life: Meet Sal Angelica, Part II

The John Hemmer Archive’s The History of An Era, documents single and multipart articles to bring lived experiences of the nightclub era to light. This is the second installment of a three-part series on performer Sal Angelica, who began his life and career in New York City before traveling abroad and eventually landing in Vegas. To… continue reading ›

A Dancer’s Life: Meet Sal Angelica, Part I

Having enjoyed an illustrious and long career in musical theatre, dancer Sal Angelica’s list of credits are lessons in performing arts history.  His story began at a time and place of artistic fervor in America, and in particular in New York City. Sal, you’re currently living in Las Vegas where you have worked many shows,… continue reading ›

A Dancer’s Life: Meet Mollie Fennell Numark, Part II

I took the train with Betty [fellow dancer from Aladdin. See Part I of this article series] to London.  We arrived at the Prince of Whales Theatre where the auditions were to be held. Walking into a mob of female dancers, we thought we had a fat chance of getting the job. All morning groups… continue reading ›

Diary of a Showgirl: Meet Betty Jo Spyropulos, Part II

Beginnings I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, the oldest of ten children. I attended public schools. I remember receiving a vaccination shot at an early age. Our school was just about seven blocks away, so it was a nice walk. On the street where we lived there were houses on one side and a park… continue reading ›

A Dancer’s Life: Meet Lawrence Merritt, Part I

From gin joints to Broadway, dancer, actor, and singer Lawrence Merritt has performed throughout the world over the decades, partnering with some of the greatest stars in the history of entertainment arts. His reflections support his vast experience, all taken with a healthy dose of sharp wit and incredible recall. Here Lawrence breaks down a dancer’s… continue reading ›