October 5, 2009
Sam knew his Park would succeed only if he drew huge crowds, and the way to draw crowds—families—was to draw the children. Before the Park opened—in fact, before the groundbreaking—Sam launched “Building Bop City,” a weekly TV program charting the progress of the Park’s construction. In 1956 he added a daily after-school program, “Bop City Live,” which incorporated construction updates into a variety show with classic Wacky Boys cartoons, mini-travelogues, production numbers, original series, guest stars, and more, more, more, hosted by and starring the Bop Boomers, a squad of young performers hand-chosen by Sam and Angel Black from thousands of hopefuls. When Sam saw how popular the kids were, he enlisted Philadelphia DJ Clark Rich to host "American Bopstand", an hour-long daily concert and music show following "BCL".
They auditioned the kids in Rockville, right on the stage, and disqualified anyone they heard complaining about having to come to Arkansas; this was before anyone had heard the term ‘flyover states,’ but Sam was adamant that the cast be happy to live and work in the City. That’s why they stayed in Rockville rather than shooting at Wacky Boys Studios in Hollywood. Of course when Caliland opened 20 years later production moved there from Berry Fields and tours were offered of Wacky Boys East just as they had been in California for years. A larger facility was needed by then, too; by 1978 Wacky Boys were producing 10 hours of content a day, and that was still the days before Sara Sierra, the Noel family, "Bop Teen Theatre", or "Wacky Boys Weekday Wonderful".
Anyway, Sam and Angel selected 13 kids for the original Bop Boomers, whom Sam called Bop’s Baker’s Dozen. They were an amazing group—Broadway and film veterans, singers, dancers, musicians and actors, two from musical family troupes, and most have stayed in the business in some way, racking up every kind of award and honor American performers can.
The show also needed an adult presence, so Burk Wise himself frequently dropped by and gave an impromptu animation or drawing lesson, while Bob and Rick Mason, long-time songcrafters for Wacky Boys, would contribute musical features. The regular hosts were no slouches either; Sam called on his pals to help out hosting on different days. Monday was Song and Dance Day, and no one sang and danced better than Sam Soul in 1956. Tuesdays Lurene Cornelison hosted Secret Visitor Day so she had the chance to perform with everyone from Rena Romane to Paul Crockett. Wednesday was Surprise Day, and Flambeau was always full of surprises. Many of the Boomers called him their favorite host. Thursday brought Rodeo Day, and Jim Rock, the original Saddleman, was ideal for the Western theme. Thursdays also saw Boomers Con Daniels and D.J. Lester’s series, cleverly titled Con and D.J., about the boys’ adventures on a dude ranch. It made stars of all the main players, including Corky Anthony, Doris Harban, and of course Maria Escadero.
Lastly, Friday was Showcase Day, hosted by Ronnie “the Rocket” Richards, whose incredible range of talent let him play confidently with Ray Robinson, Greg Goodman, Brent Wardloe, Judi Swanel, and scores more.
Next: Bop Boomer roll call!