Arthur Duncan, legendary song & dance man
Best known for his 18 years on The Lawrence Welk Show, Arthur Duncan has a tremendous show business legacy. And now the inspiring fellow– a living legend who is remarkable for any age–is doing a showcase of his classic international nightclub act. It’s called “One More Time” and is a show that puts the spotlight on the sophisticated song and dance man. It is an enjoyable intimate evening of song, dance, and memories at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, September 12, 13 and 14, 2014.
The tap master said the title of the show “One More Time!” means “keep on going, keep moving ahead, keep giving it all you’ve got. And I do.”
In addition to the Welk show, Duncan did guest roles on TV, and was featured in movies. He did the movie Tap– the “challenge” dance number with Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. Among his other credits, Duncan has played Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, joined several Bob Hope USO tours, and traveled the world with his nightclub act over the decades.
With that background, audiences can expect a great musical show. “I’ll be doing a variety of songs and dances, and telling stories giving a snap shot of the things I’ve done over the years in show business. You’ll hear about the illustrious list of people who got me started and helped me along the way,” he explained.
Arthur gives credit to so many, from Betty White (who gave Duncan his first chance on national TV) to Lawrence Welk, Sammy Davis Jr. to Tommy Tune, and more. He said, “Dance director Nick Castle coached me and helped me put together a nightclub act. Henry Mancini did all the arrangements and wrote a song for me called ‘The Gaser,’ a big band number that I’ll be doing in this show.” Other musical highlights of the show include “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing,” and a number called “If You Feel Like Singing.” “It’s one of my favorites, with an arrangement that starts as a samba and goes into a real swinging number,” he enthused.
The show keeps moving with musical numbers along with pleasant stories that Duncan describes as “informational and I’m sure they will make people smile. I don’t try to be a comic, but there is humor in the show.” Of course there will be some tales about the days on the Welk show.
Arthur Duncan in “One More Time!” at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets and information go to www.elportaltheatre.com, or call 818-508-4200. #
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