Dwyer, better known as “Mr. Debonair,” be- came the indisputable star of these ice shows starting in 1950. Playing arenas from New York’s Madison Square Garden to the Los Angeles Coliseum and many in between, Dwyer’s rock star reputation in the 1950s and ’60s made him a Hollywood A-lister. Joining Dwyer at this desert reunion were four
of the early “Ice-Capets” — Margaret Field Beard, Betty Heiss Barnes, Lois Ann McCormick Taylor Par- nell and Lucile Miller Creighton, who left their mark during the 1940s and beyond with the Ice Capades and other ice shows. Dwyer, who spent 30 years (1950–1980) with
the Ice Follies and 13 more years with Ice Capades, still glows when he talks about the glamorous skaters, the elaborate production sets and costumes, the intri- cately orchestrated routines — all melded to entertain families across the nation for much of the 20th centu- ry.
“We had 32 girls and 14 guys. Tat era of the ice
shows was so fantastic and glamorous,” said Dwyer, who started in the ice show business at age 14. “We spent the first 18 years traveling by train. Tere were 97 of us traveling in six Pullman cars. We then started flying and we’d truck the props.
Mr. Debonair Richard Dwyer and 1940s Ice-Capets (l-r) Betty Heiss Barnes, Lois Ann McCormick Taylor Parnell, Lucile Miller Creighton and Margaret Field Beard take part in a photo shoot while at the Ice Capades 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Las Vegas. “This is very special and I think it’s unique to get this group together and celebrate,” Dwyer said. “I feel like the lucky guy, still. I’m very fortunate.”
Top, Mr. Debonair and the Dwyer Girls perform at Madison Square Garden; Betty Heiss Barnes stays in formation during the group’s “Manual of Arms” routine.
Top, Ice Capades cast members Lois Ann McCormick Taylor Parnell and Phil Taylor wed in a 1952 ceremony; Middle, Lucile Miller Creighton displays the glamour of the traveling ice show; Bottom, Margaret Field Beard delights audiences from coast to coast and internationally.
PHOTO BY ZACKERY WILLIAMS SKATING 21
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