Paul
De Krackere brings the House down:
Brevet
M.G. Paul De Krackere has at his own personal expense arranged for the Des
Moines’ Theatre ‘Union Troupers’ to travel to the Camp of the Army of the
Potomac and perform their Grand Christmas Concert to the officers and men of
The Iowa Brigade.
Major
General Ambrose Burnside, all Division commanders plus all Brigade officers of
3rd Division had been invited to join with all ranks of the Iowa
Brigade to enjoy this spectacular show.
Those
wounded at Fredericksburg who had not been evacuated to Washington were given
front row seats.
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| Iowans relaxing after concert |
The
stellar line-up included such singing stars as Tara De Bundiah, Sarah Nade,
Obidiah Lyn Klementyne and Orlando Mitharvers. The biggest thrill was the unexpected
appearance on stage of Barbara Cerville, feted for her performances at La Scala
in Milan.
The
audience was brought to a spellbound hush by the moving orations of Mel O’Drama
and Kurt Encall, whilst we were amazed by the abilities of the Illinois Memory
Man, Ivor Gotten.
Lighter
entertainment was provided by Paul De Ufferwon, Jock Ullure and Joe Kingley.
There
were gasps throughout at the incredible acrobatics of Hans Tand, Ken Kartwheal
and Felix Abel Itty. After the show, Drill Sergeant Wallis Twohigh admitted to
me ruefully that he had just tried unsuccessfully to enrol the three of them into
his team.
After
a standing ovation and two encores by Barabara Cerville, the guests and
performers retired to a splendid buffet prepared by top New York chefs Phil
Itafiche and Rick Otterchease while the men enjoyed a hog roast dinner with
wine and beer. Happily Drill and fatigues had been cancelled for the next day!
Paul
De Krackere proposed a toast to all our lost comrades of 1862 and looked
forward with confidence to us all being home by next Christmas.
