Finocchio's (San Francisco, California): Difference between revisions
Archiveadmin (talk | contribs) m (Archiveadmin moved page Finocchio (San Francisco, California) to Finocchio's (San Francisco, California): possession is important in this title) |
Archiveadmin (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
=== Bobby de Castro === | === Bobby de Castro === | ||
Bobby de Castro brought a comedic and lively energy to the Finocchio’s stage, using humor and surprise to captivate audiences. According to David de Alba, Bobby’s act began with an unexpected transformation—he emerged from a gorilla or polar bear costume as a spirited blonde, then transitioned into a playful striptease. As the stage lights dimmed, he used handheld flashlights as “pasties,” twirling them in rhythm until the movement nearly reached the floor. At the end of his routine, with the lights back on, he would pull off his wig, flex a bicep, and leave the audience cheering. | |||
Beyond his performances, Bobby was also a mentor to de Alba, sharing insights on how to succeed at Finocchio’s. He had a sharp sense of humor, once joking backstage after a roaring applause, ''“Just give me the money!”'' But despite the quip, he clearly enjoyed the reaction he got from the crowd. Offstage, Bobby was known for his warmth and generosity. De Alba fondly recalled how Bobby kept a small electric pot for making hot chocolate between shows, often offering him a cup along with cookies—a simple yet memorable gesture of kindness. | |||
Bobby’s mix of comedy, showmanship, and mentorship made him a standout performer at Finocchio’s, leaving a lasting impression on both audiences and fellow entertainers alike. | |||
=== Carroll Wallace === | === Carroll Wallace === | ||
Revision as of 19:33, 1 March 2025
Finocchio’s Club was a legendary San Francisco nightclub known for its glamorous female impersonation performances. It began as a speakeasy in 1929 when Joe Finocchio, inspired by a performer imitating Sophie Tucker, envisioned a venue where men could perform with the elegance and showmanship of sophisticated women. The name "Finocchio" comes from the Italian word for fennel. Historically, it has also been used as a derogatory term for gay men. While the exact origins of this slang are unclear, it reflects how language has been used to label LGBTQIA+ people. Despite this, Finocchio’s nightclub reclaimed the name, becoming a famous venue for female impersonation performances in San Francisco.
After Prohibition ended in 1933, the club moved to 506 Broadway in the North Beach district, becoming a well-known entertainment hotspot. Marjorie Finocchio, Joe’s first wife, played a crucial role in shaping the club’s success. She managed the entertainment, booked top-tier performers, and promoted the venue locally and internationally. Under her leadership, Finocchio’s gained a reputation as a unique tourist attraction, drawing celebrities such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Tallulah Bankhead. Performers showcased diverse acts, including ethnic dance styles and elaborate impersonations of Hollywood stars.
Despite occasional police raids and military restrictions during World War II, the club remained a fixture in San Francisco’s nightlife. In the 1950s, psychologist Evelyn Hooker visited Finocchio’s before conducting groundbreaking research that challenged stereotypes about gay men. After Marjorie’s passing in 1956, Joe married Eve Finocchio, who continued to run the club until its closure on November 27, 1999, due to rising rents and declining attendance.
Finocchio’s Club was a symbol of LGBTQIA+ visibility in entertainment for over six decades. From its underground beginnings to its status as a celebrated institution, it provided a stage for performers to express themselves in an era when LGBTQIA+ representation was limited. The club’s legacy remains a significant part of San Francisco’s queer history.
Performers
This is an incomplete list of the many talented performers who entertained audiences at Finocchio’s over the years.
Bobby de Castro
Bobby de Castro brought a comedic and lively energy to the Finocchio’s stage, using humor and surprise to captivate audiences. According to David de Alba, Bobby’s act began with an unexpected transformation—he emerged from a gorilla or polar bear costume as a spirited blonde, then transitioned into a playful striptease. As the stage lights dimmed, he used handheld flashlights as “pasties,” twirling them in rhythm until the movement nearly reached the floor. At the end of his routine, with the lights back on, he would pull off his wig, flex a bicep, and leave the audience cheering.
Beyond his performances, Bobby was also a mentor to de Alba, sharing insights on how to succeed at Finocchio’s. He had a sharp sense of humor, once joking backstage after a roaring applause, “Just give me the money!” But despite the quip, he clearly enjoyed the reaction he got from the crowd. Offstage, Bobby was known for his warmth and generosity. De Alba fondly recalled how Bobby kept a small electric pot for making hot chocolate between shows, often offering him a cup along with cookies—a simple yet memorable gesture of kindness.
Bobby’s mix of comedy, showmanship, and mentorship made him a standout performer at Finocchio’s, leaving a lasting impression on both audiences and fellow entertainers alike.
Carroll Wallace
Carroll Wallace was a well-known performer at Finocchio’s, a celebrated nightclub famous for its female impersonators. Described by David de Alba as exceptionally beautiful in his youth, Wallace later became known for his refined and elegant stage presence. His signature song, "I'm A Singer Though I Haven't Got a Voice," was written especially for him, and he regularly welcomed audiences with a memorable introduction: "Welcome to Finocchio’s, the house of the fabulous female impersonators. In New York, Mr. Ziegfeld glorified the American girl… Here at Finocchio’s, we glorify the American boy." Wallace was also one of the few performers still using glue-on lace human hair wigs, often styled in a French Twist, and occasionally performed a parody of singer Sophie Tucker.
Wallace was also known for his generosity toward fellow entertainers. De Alba recalled being introduced with warmth and enthusiasm as "the warm and charming personality of Mr. David de Alba!" His presence at Finocchio’s was marked by camaraderie, humor, and a dedication to performance, making him a memorable figure in the club’s history.
Coquis
David de Alba, "The Male Judy Garland"
Elton Paris
Elton Paris was known for his playful and unexpected approach to performance at Finocchio’s. According to David de Alba, Paris often entered the stage in casual women’s streetwear and tennis shoes, using his appearance to set up a comedic moment before even speaking or singing. His act featured a striking contrast in vocal range, beginning songs in a falsetto before suddenly dropping to an extreme baritone for dramatic effect.
One of his signature performances was "Spinning Wheel", where he combined vocal range with physical humor. As he sang, he would allow his falsies to gradually slip down beneath his sweater, amusing the audience as they noticed. Just as the laughter built, he would push them back up, heightening the comedic effect. De Alba recalled that this combination of voice and visual humor made Paris’s performances particularly entertaining for audiences.
Holly White
Lavern Cummings
Lucian, "The Male Sophie Tucker"
Lucian, sometimes called The Male Sophie Tucker, was a well-known performer at Finocchio’s, admired for his stage presence and distinctive voice. According to David de Alba, Lucian even owned some of Sophie Tucker’s original gowns and wore them in his performances. He was known for his fine boy soprano voice, which he showcased in songs like "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." Unlike many other impersonators, he was able to perform without heavy foundation due to his clear complexion, needing only a light dusting of powder before applying the rest of his stage makeup. Offstage, Lucian was known for his kindness and generosity, often acknowledging de Alba’s work in styling his wigs.
Lucian eventually retired from Finocchio’s after being diagnosed with liver cancer. In his younger days backstage, Lucian had often expressed a wish to be buried as Sophie Tucker. Beyond his time at Finocchio’s, he also managed a retirement home on Guerrero Street with his wife, where he once hosted de Alba for lunch. His legacy as a performer and his generosity toward fellow entertainers remain a cherished part of Finocchio’s history.
