Susan Hayward & Bart Carrol
It was thrilling to see my former dance partner, Bart Carrol, at the early morning audition for dancers at Caesars Palace. .
The choreographer entered the room, and we started doing bends to warm up. We just had to show off and do a few lifts together. We got her attention.
After each of us danced, we were then called upon individually to sing. My heart sank since I had never been able to sing on key my whole life.
However, I came forward with a smile. I was relieved when I saw the signal to stop since I get worse the longer I sing.
It was announced that dancers from NYC and Las Vegas would be selected for the Broadway Show, “Mame” and would be contacted next week. When the call informed me that I would be leaving for NYC to rehearse, I was speechless.
The choreographer surely didn’t remember my singing but was apparently impressed with my dance moves and lifts. Bart and I, plus three others, met at the airport.
Upon returning to Las Vegas, we were prepared for the Grand Opening starring Susan Hayward. The showroom was filled with Hollywood Stars to support their friend Susan.
Four of us sang backup during the show-stopping song “The Man in the Moon is a Lady.” The show was a hit!
Susan Hayward was sensational. The audience kept applauding, wanting one more bow from her.
We all went to our dressing rooms. Suddenly, without knocking, the stage manager burst into our dressing room.
He showed us the key to the door and shouted, “I am locking this door, and no one is leaving until I know who sang off-key during the entire show!”
One girl pointed to me, and everyone else did the same. The stage manager said, “Marlene, you are to pantomime the remainder of this show! If I hear one note from you, you will be fired!”
Everyone stood up and applauded! It was the most embarrassing moment of my entire career.
