To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:27:36 GMT
Subject: [Puptcrit] Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" sung by Cat Marionette on


It was not entirely clear to me when reading a December 27, 2008 tribute to Eartha Kitt in the Los Angeles Times by Reed Johnson, whether he saw Bob Baker perform his slinky cat marionette on Christmas Eve of 2008 or a previous year. 

Reed Johnson kindly clarified that he saw the act December 24, 2008, (just the nght before Eartha Kitt died in New York at age 81.)

That makes the story more poignant, and illustrates the power of Eartha Kitt's unique voice.


-----Original Message-----
From: Johnson, Reed
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 5:36 PM
To: Alan Cook
Subject: RE: Eartha Kitt/Santa Baby sung by Cat Marionette on Olvera Street

Hi Alan, thank you very much for taking the time to write and for
sharing your memories of Christmas Eves past at La Golondrina. I really
appreciate it. 
 
I was at La Golondrina this past Christmas Eve 2008, just five nights
ago, with my wife and my parents, where we saw Bob performing. It was a
night to remember -- as were the ones that you describe here.
 
All best wishes to for 2009.
 
Reed 

________________________________

From: Alan Cook [mailto:alangregorycook-AT-msn.com] 
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 1:47 AM
To: Johnson, Reed
Subject: Eartha Kitt/Santa Baby sung by Cat Marionette on Olvera Street


Was that Christmas Eve 2008 or an earlier year? Bob Baker has performed
many times over the years at La Golandrina Restaurant.

Back in the later 1940s, my high school Spanish Class had dinner at La
Golandrina and we were supposed to order en Espanol.
Afterward, we saw a show featuring Rene Zendejas, and his miniature
Mexican revue which included a come-apart skeleton marionette. That was
the first time I met Rene. Years later I even worked with him.

Along the way I learned that while in Junior High, Rene took puppet
lessons from a high school student by the name of Bob Baker once upon a
time. 

I don't know how many years Bob has also performed at La Golandrina, but
quite a long time by now, which is why I wondered when you saw his big
Cat Marionette on Olvera Street on a Christmas Eve? 2008? 2007? When?

ALAN COOK

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