Josephine Baker Bobino 1975

[@cittaromap4163]

I had the immense privilege and the honor to have worked with Miss Baker in 1975 @ Bobino. I was the youngest dancer in the cast . The show was called “ Josephine “ It was based on her life story celebrating her 50 years in show business from her humble beginning in St Louis to her triumphant comeback in Monte Carlo ....She used to call me “ her little page “ (Son petit page )cause of my age ! I just turned 18 th on April 1st 1975. but luckily for me I have tons of memorable pics from the show as well as unforgettable stories of this short but amazing Run . ! She was extremely engaged with all of the dancers like a second mother . Wanting to know everyone ‘s names Josephine really truly care about people She was a true legend immensely talented beautiful ,elegant ,generous , humble & kind . She would bring oranges for the entire company saying “ My children you need lots Vit C for strength and energy “ She was so right cause the rehearsals were long and grueling ,,,. Bobino ‘s stage was too small to accommodate a cast of 8 boys 12 girls 3 comedians 1 little girl (who played young josephine ) and 1 gorgeous dancer who performed the famous banana dance ....so they had to transformed the stage by expanding it ; including putting additional seats in the theater and building brand new dressing rooms to accommodate such a big cast all while we were practicing in the lobby of The theater. ! It was bit chaotic to say the list & quite cold being mid -February But no one seemed to care cause it was so exciting to be part of this legendary show ! None of the big Paris music ‘halls like Le Casino de Paris ,Le Moulin Rouge or les Folies Bergére wanted to take the risk producing Miss baker mostly for insurance purposes There were already rumors circulating of her failing health but finally a small theater on Paris left bank called Bobino took a chance ...Josephine liked to rehearsed late at night after we were done .She even enjoyed having her favorite dish Spaghetti bolognese around 1 am at a restaurant right across the theater. I will never forget the 1 st time I saw her performing once the stage was finally ready. That night She was in the audience watching us dancing with huge smile on her face applauding many times throughout being so proud of the cast. After all she was watching part of her whole life story in front of her eyes. ... In fact during the promotion of the show a French journalist asked her. “ How does it feel to be the starring in a musical retrospective of your own life story ? She replied “ it’s wonderful ..At least i will get to see what they think of me when I am still around !!!! I When we were done the director Andre levasseur said “ josephine c ‘ est a vous “ she jumped on stage and belt a song from the Brazilian number called” Que c‘est bon de vivre” She seemed to be completely possessed by the rhythm of the Afro Cuban sound very reminiscing of “Princess Tam-Tam “ all those years earlier Her moves were so unbelievable. Her body was in perfect shape specially in her Chanel suit !!!! There is No way you would have guessed that this beautiful lady was in her late 60 ‘s. A goddess still !!!! What thrill for me. A true MASTER CLASS ,,,,,,, I ‘ve enjoyed this documentary immensely specially listening the immensely talented Andre Levasseur speaking so kindly about her I just wanted to make few points . We rehearsed the show for about 1 month and half . We actually did more than 4 performances. We started with one week of previews on March 25 th with a special Press night on march 31 st to glorious reviews ! We had another full week of performances with a big opening gala on April 8 th with stars like Grace Kelly Sophia Loren & Alain Delon among many however neither Jackie ‘O ,Diana Ross .Mick jagger or Liza Minelli ever attended any of performances . We had another show on the 9 th . She felt into a coma the 10 th and past in the early hours on the 12 th. We were invited VIP at her funeral ..Miss Baker had full military honor at la Madeleine church She reposes at the cemetery of Monaco. I went recently to pay my respects 45 years later. Josephine paved the way for Diana Ross Madonna Beyoncé and many other artists. A true legend. Unparalleled. ❤️❤️❤️.check Photo of Bobino with La Baker et moi. Specially the Brazilian number. Among many other tabeaux Just Type. “Josephine and me Cittaroma P “.

[@g.noreau291]

Wow!! You met quite a true legend in her lifetime!! Very interesting your comment.Merci beaucoup!!!

[@cittaromap4163]

@@g.noreau291 Thank you so much Guy. Very lucky to have danced and got to known Iconic Baker She was a trailblazer. Way ahead of her time but most of all the kindest lady I have met to this day towards everyone involved with the show. An hypnotic entertainer Legendary Josephine ❤️

[@chiarae1573]

@@cittaromap4163 Thanks for your amazing memories shared with us. Where can I see your pictures ?

[@cittaromap4163]

Hi just typed “josephine and me Bobino 1975 cittaroma P. “ you will see a clip with May pics of Josephine and I. Enjoy thank you.

[@chiarae1573]

@@cittaromap4163 Thanks ! Wonderful pictures of Miss Baker and you look gorgeous as well !

[@MicheleKnight]

One of the most amazing people that ever lived.

[@giorgiolamorgia5389]

Eccezionale grandezza di bravura, unica....

[@EarRam-u6c]

10 years old in 73, 1st x seeing the legendary Ms. Josephine Baker 💎👠🎩 was the ad/poster in the Daily 📰 🗞️ paper 📜 in PS 20. concert June 73. I learned more of her rise to star ✨ status when PBS aired "Brown Sugar" in 85. There's only La Baker, La Dietrich, Crawford and Garbo and Lena Horne, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Diahan Carrol and Joan Collins that carry such glamours of oomph ❤.

[@eloyguevara9447]

fuera de lo comun.................................un ser humano mas halla de la musica..................especial....................fantastica........en todos los sentidos.........................

[@LdeSoleil]

La Bakerrrrrr ....toujours mon Legend....icon.....wonderful ...cest si bon!!!!!!!

[@rodolfoaguirre8397]

Josephine baker magnifi un homenaje bella dama

[@TheReturnOfStephan1]

Thanks for posting this wonderful footage!

[@cathe7596]

Josephine. Ils veulent t emmener au Panthéon .alors que tu es habituée à Monaco.apres 46 ans..je t adore❤❤🗼🗼et j habite Paris que tu aimais tant . Catherine

[@carlosjorgemartinez2742]

Dio todo de si. Insuperable.

[@bellini7verdi]

increíble a sus 69 años a punto de cumplior 70.....una pasada.........

[@educationalquoteslifewisdo3528]

An outstanding personality who died far too early. Josephine Baker captivated with her charisma, determination, willingness to perform and humanity. She was a visionary, a trailblazer who ventured into untrodden territory. Until her death, she prepared a path for other women, and of course especially for those who were discriminated against, for all to follow.

[@georanger7641]

Sa toute dernière prestation scénique à Paris. Succès mitigé.

[@cittaromap4163]

Succès mitigé ???????? Are you kidding. It was a triumph

[@cittaromap4163]

I was there. I danced with this legend it was standing ovation every single nights.

[@bertrandgerard1723]

Qui possède ce spectacle en vidéo ?

[@krystinharris72]

How did someone born before 1920 live that long? Is she dead?

[@imanolag2]

He died in 1975, just after premiering that her last show.