Biplanes and Zeppelins WWI Air Show, Virginia Beach

Sept 24-26, 2010

  

www.themanhattandolls.com/cd.html

Here I am again on a Delta flight with the Manhattan Dolls. Two nights ago we recorded our first album, last night we had a quick show in Connecticut and this morning we are flying away for the weekend! It has been one busy week! We were picked up at the airport in a 1978 Rolls Royce. You’re jealous. We arrive at the Cavalier Hotel and our jaws drop. We are at the main building which is normally closed after Labor Day but opened for the airshow. It was built in 1927. The lobby is blue and white like Tiffany gift box.

  Sarah and I gasp as we see our beautiful rooms. I have a view of the ocean. Heather is in the Cavalier suite. Suite. There is an entrance hall. There are jets in the tub. There is a bidet. A bidet?! After exploring the wonders of each room, we headed down for lunch at the newer hotel across the street and spend a few precious moments at the beach.

  Over at the small airport, we look for our hangar to see where we are singing and next thing we know, we are being offered a ride in a plane. Did I mention this is a World War One show? Meaning the oldest planes on earth. Literally. The Wright brothers showed off their new invention to the army for the first time in 1908. Less than ten years later, these planes were being used overseas for a war. Luckily, we were in a “newer” passenger plane built in 1944. The De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide was introduced by the British in 1933. After we landed, there was a showing of the movie Fly Boys in the hangar. The actual featured plane from the film was there, and so was the pilot. He gave a little talk and then we watched the movie on a big blow up movie screen.

  The following day, we debuted our World War One show! Bob wigs, long pearls and feathers instead of roses really made a big difference. Such brilliant numbers included, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Bushel and a Peck, Broadway Baby, and Forget About the Boy with a tap break choreographed by yours truly. This show is very theatrical and a TON of fun! I almost like doing this better than the forties! Almost. It was a very long day with short sets from ten in the morning until about ten at night. We shared the stage with a Mae West/WC Fields duo that was to die for and the most spot on Charlie Chaplin impersonator you could ever see.

 Unfortunately, this was a short trip. We performed Sunday morning and flew back before the sun went down. What a great way to ring in the Roaring Twenties!

 Until we sing again,

Annemarie Rosano

Manhattan Doll