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| Josephine Baker. |
Josephine Baker, the beautiful black American
entertainer who became an ex-pat star in Paris when she headlined at the Folies
Bergere in the 1920s, continued to maintain her looks and charm into the 1970s.
That was clear from this limited-run revue, which showcased her talents.
Although close to 70, she was strikingly lithe and attractive in her sequins,
plumes, and colorful, skintight costumes. With the 14-member Michael Powell
Ensemble for vocal and choreographic support, and G. Keith Alexander as M.C.,
Baker sand to and chatted with the audience for two hours. The program also
afforded the star some rest when specialty numbers were performed by a tap
dancer (Baby Laurence) and a flamenco dancer (Roberto Lorco).
Baker’s numbers included one in which she dressed
youthfully in denim and performed near a motorcycle. In another, she was
covered with furs and was accompanied by a pair of Russian wolfhounds. She also
came down into the orchestra to hand out presents to nearby theatregoers.
Her singing voice remained undimmed, “with luscious,
honeyed tones in the middle register and hearty top ones belted out when she
chooses,” wrote Howard Thompson. “Hello Young Lovers,” “I’m Just Wild about
Harry,” and “My Sweet Lord” were standout songs.