By Andrea Clifford Bekkenhuis
Throughout their 90-year history, the world-famous Rockettes have shared the stage—and unforgettable adventures—with many other world-famous personalities. They have appeared at such iconic events as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Super Bowl and on TV shows like America’s Got Talent and Night of 100 Stars. The Rockettes are taking a moment to reflect on their favorite stardust memories.
Jimmy Nelson, an American ventriloquist who appeared on television throughout the ’50s and ’60s, appeared in the stage production “Mary Mary” with the Rockettes in November 1963.
Nestlé Crunch bar wrapper Jimmy Nelson gave former Rockette Andrea.
Between shows, some of my Rockette sisters and I would have lunch in the cafeteria, which was used by all the theater employees.
At that time, Jimmy and two of his puppets, Danny O’Day and Farfel the Dog, were TV celebrities—they starred in a Nestlé Chocolate commercial where the trio promoted the chocolate candy and Nestlé’s Quik chocolate milk flavoring.
Every day Jimmy saw me go to the vending machine and purchase a Nestlé Crunch bar. One morning, when the production was coming to an end, Jimmy surprised me by presenting me with the most thoughtful (and sweetest!) gift: an oversized Nestlé Crunch bar.
I couldn’t help but smile! Of course I ate the entire thing … and believe it or not, I still have the wrapper!
Andrea Clifford Bekkenhuis was a Rockette from 1963 to 1964. She currently resides in Venice, Fla.