Mae West: At 8,500 Feet

High altitude — — at almost 8,500 feet in the Rockies — — did not deter MAE WEST from an invitation to perform in Central City, Colorado.
• • The Colorado mountains are a magnet for ticket-holders and notable names, Robert Weller, Associated Press, reminded his readers.
• • According to Robert Weller, the European immigrants who came here during the rough and tumble mining days of the 19th century brought their musical traditions with them. A town's mark of civilization included having a sheriff, a courthouse, and an opera house. Theaters wouldn't do because they often also housed brothels or put on "leg shows."
• • Though opera dominated the scene, Colorado cleverly also offered a wide variety of selections to pleasure-seekers.
• • Sarah Bernhardt and Edwin Booth appeared here, wrote Robert Weller, as did John Philip Sousa and his band — — and the original Christy Minstrels. In 1937, Evalyn Walsh McLean wore the Hope Diamond on opening night of the play "A Doll's House," noted Robert Weller.
• • Opera headliners such as Beverly Sills, Paul Plishka, Jerome Hines, and dozens more have been featured on stages 40 miles away from Denver. Actors and actresses who appeared at Central City included MAE WEST, Walter Huston, Ruth Gordon, Sam Jaffe, Helen Hayes, Myrna Loy, and Michael Redgrave.
• • Source: Robert Weller, Associated Press
• • Published: 13 September 2007
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1940s • •
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Mae West.