At 9:44 PM +0100 1/2/05, Michael Cook wrote:According to "The Language of Show Biz" (The Dramatic Publishing Company: Chicago, 1973, pg. 49) --Does anyone know when microphones were first used for singers in musicals? I'd be interested in finding a history of amplification in musical theatre.
'CLEAVAGE MIKE
This is one of two basic devices sewn into an actress's brassiere in order to amplify her natural gifts; in this case, her singing. It is an unwieldy and troublesome contraption. The microphone is connected to a short-wave radio transmitter which is taped to her hip or thigh. To this is attached a long antenna which is wrapped around her leg or waist. The weight and clumsiness of all this is a drawback to the lady. There is a drawback for her leading man as well, who must be careful not to bury his head passionately in her breast for fear of chipping his front teeth.
Another problem with the radio mike is that it sometimes picks up signals from other radios. Several actors and actresses have had their scenes interrupted by police calls. On one occasion, a slightly confused audience saw Barbara Harris in "The Apple Tree" while they heard Carol Channing in "Hello, Dolly!' from across the street.'
Notice that the copyright is 1973. As an addition, I recall a story about the entire audience hearing Barbra Streisand in the john during intermission of "Funny Girl". Perhaps that is just Broadway folklore but if true it would date the use of the Vega Mike to at least ten years earlier.
Guy Hayden, Minister of Music St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 372 Hiden Boulevard Newport News, Virginia 23606
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