It was thrilling to be hired for the 1964 NYC World’s Fair show. My excitement, however, quickly turned to disappointment. Three weeks of rehearsals had passed, and our group number had not been called.
A lunch break was announced. I made my way through the crowded room to the elevator. When the doors opened, much to my surprise, Harold Minsky stood there.
He asked, “Marlene, what are you doing in this building?” I explained that I was in rehearsals, but my group number T had not been called yet.
He replied, “I want you to be the lead dancer in my upcoming new show.” I shouted, “I would love to work for you again. Can you get me out of my current contract?”
He grinned and said, “Let’s return to the rehearsal room.”
Harold spoke briefly to the choreographer. He was all smiles, saying,” The mystery is solved. The T group stands for trees. You were going to be a tree!”
I was speechless but jubilant to know I was relieved from “The World’s Fair Show” and
was starring in “The New Minsky Follies.”
Six weeks after opening, it was announced that three more shows had been added to our
schedule. Our pay was based on the number of shows performed; however, my check remained
the same.
I asked Harold, “When can I expect an increase in pay?” He was adamant that was not going to happen.
I contacted the union, AFTA, and filed a complaint. They expedited the hearing. Harold was found to be in clear violation of ignoring standard procedure and was ordered to reimburse the cast.
When the hearing concluded, he spoke to me in the hall, saying, “Marlene, you will never work for me again.” Speaking softly, I replied, “No one knows about this hearing, and they are not going to hear about it from me.”
He looked shocked and pleased.
I appreciated the support of the union and Harold’s change of heart. It was something I just had to do. To me, it was worth the risk, and now, I share my secret with you.
