Bill Burke lll & Bill Burke lV “Little Billy”
It’s the day before the big show. At the PA Convention Center, you’ll find nervous jitters, dancing critters and rainbow glitters. From young to old, everyone has gathered yet another year to get their fancy on. As the performers, handlers, and artists put the finishing touches on their numbers, we pulled aside a few good men who aren’t afraid to take to the streets clad in tights, feathers and make-up.
Name:
Bill Burke lll & Bill Burke lV “Little Billy”
Age:
29 & 10 months
Occupation:
CPA
Brigade Affiliation:
Golden Crown NYB
Theme this Year:
“SeaCret of the Deep”
How many years have you been a Mummer?
26. This is the little Billy’s first one.
Practice hours logged:
“Two days a week for three months”
Most memorable routine theme:
“Cats” back in 1985. It was unbelievable, my dad was sensational!”
Funniest or most embarrassing moment?
“One time the music stopped, but I kept dancing. I missed my cue to exit and my dad was like stop! I was six. This is the little one’s first time, and he’s going to be a lobster.”
Why do you do it?
My dad is a Mummer. I grew up with this stuff. It’s in my blood. It’s all about Family, Friends, Faith and Features”
What’s your favorite part?
The dancing, the showmanship “” You’ll be able to pick me out, I really get into it.
—
Name:
Nicholas Laska
Age:
26
Occupation:
Stagehand
Brigade Affiliation:
Saturnalians NYB
Theme this Year:
“UBAR: The Forgotten City of the Sands”
How many years have you been a Mummer?
24 years!
Practice hours logged:
Four hours a week for 24 weeks.
Most memorable routine theme:
“Marionettes in Motion” “” 1986 Dude, we got a perfect score!
Funniest or most embarrassing moment?
I accidentally cursed out loud and it was covered on TV! I was just so pumped up!
Why do you do it?
My father’s been doing it for 30 years. It’s just part of us.
What’s your favorite part?
I really like the prep work that goes into it and the happiness it brings to Philadelphians and also those visiting our great city.
—
Name:
Robert Finnigan – Visual Designer/Costumes & Props – Past performer too
Age:
66
Occupation:
Designing sets and costumes for this annual event is my full-time hobby. Years ago I was the visual marketing retail director for quintessential Philadelphia stores like Wannamaker’s and Gimbels.
Brigade Affiliation:
I have worked with all the string bands and brigades!
How many years have you played such an important role with this organization?
I have been involved since I was 16 “” since 1959! My dad was in the Navy yard at that time and his friends were in a string band. I got recruited to help them with their costumes because I loved to draw as a student at Cherry Hill West. (I ended up taking design at Columbia U.)
Most embarrassing moment?:
Back in “"72 I committed to being in two performances as a mummer! That meant I had to march up Broad Street twice. Well, my timing was off because I was late for the second performance. I ended up running 8 blocks to catch up to the band”clad in nothing but my long johns and gold boots “” yes, it was captured on camera.
What are you most proud of?:
Well, I’m proud that my hard work and artistry has led to 22 first prizes through the years.
50 years is a long time! What do you think about the way the performances have changed throughout the years?
You know, back then we were 64 men with Bagpipes. Now, there are a lot of high-tech features and special effects woven through the performances. Things rise, twist, light up and smoke. Technically, I think it’s wonderful “” really entertaining. Tradition has its place (especially with regard to the string bands) but the crowd really gets excited with the artistry, showmanship and drama of it all. It’s just a spectacular thing to witness, especially as a family!
To get completely Mummerfied, log on to www.fancybrigade.com. There you’ll find details on all New Year’s Day celebrations and events! The Comics start at Broad and Washington at 10:00 a.m. The Fancies start at Broad and Morris at 10:30 a.m. The String Bands and the Fancy Brigades start at Broad and Oregon at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively.