A Peek Backstage

            What went on at Pendleton backstage, stayed at Pendleton backstage . . . but now!  For anyone wondering what really went on - - besides the lineup at the buffet - - it has been long enough so the truth may finally be revealed.  Remember, there were no dressing rooms at the San Onofre outdoor theater stage where 90% of our Shows took place.  Of course, professional models, Beauty Queens, and actresses were used to working quick changes on the run, so there was no problema.  It was always the shy male cast members that would find that little backstage bathroom to make any costume changes they might have on the Show.  Most of the time, however, they just came dressed for their stage appearance and kicked back backstage watching the hectic action . . . and smiling. 

                The girls protected one another though in making their costume changes.  They would do a ‘circle the wagon’ type thing around the ‘changer’ and hold up blankets, big coats or whatever.  Mirrors backstage were a precious commodity as make-up was a priority and their hair must look great for the men.  Joseph Brienza, or “Mr. Joseph” of Hollywood would be on hand for Anniversary Shows to give Jean a variety of hair styles and help other cast members with their ‘do’s’.  And, there was always that ‘hurry up and wait time’ when performers would try and relax before they hit the stage.  There were those warming up their vocal chords or doing body dance exercises.  And then there was the ‘putting up with the Director time’ as I made sure everyone had their cues and time slots.  Remember, the Shows were not rehearsed and I even had to make sure the Brass who might be making a presentation also knew their cue and time. 

                Backstage was also caring for the needs physically of the cast members, such as Dick Yancy and Rick West had to do when Sara James passed out following one of her knock-‘em-dead finale numbers.  I always had Sara and the James Sisters close out the Shows as her act would have been too hard to follow. 

Kathryn Minner, Jody McCrea and Sara James just lounging around backstage before their stage appearances

Joseph Brienza getting Jean ready for the stage.   Ponchita helping herself to a snack before she goes on stage!

Hey!  My hair had to match my costume. Col. McCain never let me forget this backstage moment	Sara James would work her act to the point where she would collapse backstage many times over the years.  She really loved performing for the Marines!  Here, her backup singers, the James Sisters, help Dick Yancy and Rick West revive her, with a bowl of cold water from the buffet Marine attendant.	Show director, Ace, posting instructions on a backstage wall for the cast	Show Talent Coordinator, Mike Lansing, and Jean getting the 6th Anniversary cake ready for the Show cast consumption
Rhonda Fleming and Jean eating a bite backstage before they get ready for the Show	Joy Eilers and Rhonda Fleming backstage	Ella Edwards in her pregnant costume for one of the skits	Ella and Jean getting Ponchita ready for her appearance too
Lou Dunning from the Base Special Services Office, General Robertson with his back to the camera, Ace and Show co producer, Bob Jamieson, share a laugh together backstage	French actress, Danielle Cotet, checks out Col. McCains medals as Lou Dunning and a young man from the media listen in	Jean and Ace’s mother, Amy Lundberg, get a bit of help from a Marine attendant at a backstage buffet for the cast	Another quick change backstage as Jean stands on a chair being helped by cast members
Band members were always tuning up backstage	With Judson Powell’s album as a clipboard, Ace shows Bill Lundigan, Judson, Jean and another cast member the lineup of the Show	Jean gets some help lining up the costume changes as Sheri Alberoni applies a bit of makeup behind them	Danielle Cotet, Victoria Meyerink and Jean cooing over Ponchita
Production Assistant, Ray Engle, enjoying his work	Jean had been told not to harass the Buffet attendants, but she never listened	Kathryn Minner lets a fellow cast member know: Now, that’s a good looking slip, honey!	Jean and William Lundigan spruce up with a mirror final touch
Danielle and Jean check out costumes as Jeanne Baird applies a touch more makeup	Carol Laird and Jean fall prey to the diva requests of Ponchita	Ace and #1 son, Justin, make sure the timing of the Show is correct.	One of the Can Can dancers mixing a bit of business with pleasure
Poncho, Ponchita’s son, had not idea he could produce holes in hosiery	Ace shows Gen. Robertson what the Show lineup looks like.	No, Jean hadn't been drinking!  She & David Soul were just talking.	Bob Jamieson and ?
Mike Lansing (center) chats backstage over snacks with Bill Williams and Barbara Hale.