Friday, February 17, 2006

Leather Lens: Black Frost 29

(Leather Life column published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #280, February 17, 2006)

The first part of the theme of this year’s Black Frost 29 run, presented by The Black Guard of Minneapolis, was “Prime for 29 . . .”. (Is someone in the Black Guard a mathematician?)

The Black Guard is justly famous for fabulous run shows. This year’s show, produced by Carl Gscheidmeier, was presented Saturday afternoon, Feb. 4 at the Brass Rail. Gscheidmeier’s alter ego, the legendary Miss Allison Brooks, was unable to perform this year and was greatly missed. We’re looking forward to her return next year.

Saturday evening’s run banquet was held at The Saloon. The banquet featured a parade of club colors that included representatives of eight clubs.

The second part of the theme for this year’s run was “Gettin’ Dirty for 30,” a reference to next year’s upcoming thirtieth-anniversary Black Frost. Mark your calendars now—The Black Guard will be pulling out all stops for that one.

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Karl Keturi opened the show with a twisted version of “Wilkommen” from Cabaret.

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Bruce Gohr broke tradition by actually singing a song (“Marie Leveaux” by Shel Silverstein) with his own voice.

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Taking a cue from the walkers used in Mel Brooks’ hit musical “The Producers,” Steve Burroughs as Miss Caroline Knipple portrays an elderly Nancy Sinatra still performing “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.”

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Tips were encouraged and plentiful. All tips went to charity.

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Here’s what was under Caroline’s/Nancy’s raincoat.

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Mike Delorme, raking in the tips.

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Show producer Carl Gscheidmeier, left, and Mike Delorme roast Thoroughly Modern Millie—“the worst Best Musical ever!”

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Ralph Schmidt on the prowl for Big Spenders.

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Pat Duffy in his number saluting colorectal surgeons.

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PHOTO: Ron Daher as Miss Tina Turner—legs and all.

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PHOTO: Steve Burroughs as Miss Caroline Knipple, waiting to perform her “Broadway Baby” number.

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Steve Burroughs, as Miss Caroline Knipple, performs “Broadway Baby.”

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Tom Weiland performed several country/western numbers.

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PHOTO: The show’s finale and a Black Guard tradition: Abba’s “The Way Old Friends Do.”

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Hosts for the weekend, members of the Black Guard.

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