Lorene Yarnell of "Shields & Yarnell" dies

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 1:43pm

Lorene Yarnell, amazing dance half of mime duo "Shields & Yarnell" passed away last week in Norway. I had the pleasure of being her dance partner in "Can-Can" at The Muny (with Judy Kaye, John Reardon, Beth Leavel and John Schuck) in St. Louis and coaching their stage show for Atlantic City. She was my dear friend and an AMAZING talent! I will miss her forever!

Lawrence Leritz





Updated On: 8/8/10 at 01:43 PM

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 1:50pm

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/06/local/la-me-lorene-yarnell-jansson-20100806 Updated On: 8/8/10 at 01:50 PM

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 1:54pm

I'd heard this a few days ago via the [tos] gang. So sorry for your loss.
Updated On: 8/8/10 at 01:54 PM

[Almira]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 2:01pm

As a kid I LOVED their variety show.

Updated On: 8/9/10 at 02:01 PM

[Hank]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 3:23pm

I enjoyed that little variety show too, and was sorry to see it end so soon. I regret that I never got to see them perform in person, but fond memories of the tv show will remain.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 10:53pm

I used to love watching the TV show they did.

Updated On: 8/8/10 at 10:53 PM

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/8/10 at 11:18pm

I really enjoyed thier show, as well.

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 7:15am

One of my favorite memories was one Easter Sunday when Lorene and I went to brunch at The Rainbow Room. They had an small orchestra and about 50 couples were on the floor. Lorene said "Let's dance!" As we began dancing, the entire floor cleared to circle around and watch us with thunderous applause at the end. We were really surprised. It was amazing and powerful moment!

Lawrence Leritz

www.lawrenceleritz.com

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 5:34pm

i heard she went quietly

[Almira]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 5:35pm

VernonGersch, that was brilliant.

[PitPro2004]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 12:41am

I remember their variety show too and also all those great appearances she and Robert did on sooo many 70's tv shows. Obviously the robots routine was my favorite.

She will be missed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chx_qCAouf4

Updated On: 8/10/10 at 12:41 AM

[PitPro2004]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 9:03am

"I had the pleasure of being her dance partner in "Can-Can" at The Muny (with Judy Kaye, John Reardon, Beth Leavel and John Schuck) in St. Louis."

What year was this production? Any footage of it anywhere? Would love to see some.

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/11/10 at 7:08pm

I never saw any video. There must have been some on St. Louis TV. Lorene and I recieved wonderful reviews..."Lawrence Leritz is a high spot in two numbers with Lorene Yarnell...a feeling of joy and verve rattles through Forest Park. The dancing is magnificently exuberant." Joe Pollack, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

[supportivemom]

Posted: 8/11/10 at 10:21pm

Aww- what a shock! I too loved the Shields and Yarnell Show when I was in high school. They were supposed to do a show in my hometown a couple of years ago. I had even contacted Robert Shields to see if my daughter's middle school mime troupe could meet him backstage. It was all set up and very exciting but then they had to cancel the show due to an injury from Robert. Such sad news. I didn't even know she was living in Norway. I would have loved to have seen more of her throughout the years.

[Robert2]

Posted: 8/12/10 at 5:12pm

Lorene and Robert on The Muppet Show. Wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_OdXpWueU

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 8/13/10 at 10:25am

RIP
Loved S&Y as a kid...they were all over television. I had a big crush on him.

Creepy to put your own review in this tribute thread, tho.

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/13/10 at 7:53pm

Lorene being all fabulous on "Wonder Woman"....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qalU5ipn5kg


BTW, Lorene was also an excellent singer. I directed and coached her in her sections for their AC act. She was funny and totally wonderful with her singing, dancing and acting. A great triple treat! It's a loss for everyone that she never starred in a Broadway show. Lorene's brother, Bruce Yarnell was also a great talent and appeared opposite Ethel Merman in the revival of "Annie Get Your Gun" at City Center. xoxoxo

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/13/10 at 8:54pm

Bruce Yarnell http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=65832

Lorene was one of a kind. And strong too! Famed director/choreographer Tony Charmoli (DGA/Emmy winner) told me Robert & Lorene met on a TV special he was choreographing. When Robert had to leave early, Tony used Lorene, who was dancing on the show as his double for one last shot because they looked alike. Amazing :)

[Robert2]

Posted: 8/14/10 at 1:04am

Thank you for your supportive thoughts. Lorene, Robert and my partner Terry & I were my family for about 10 years...it is a very big loss in our lives. We are devastated right now.

I apparently offended someone on this thread....
What I printed was Lorene's favorite review of "Can-Can"....I choose to honor her wishes. She loved dance more than anything. I went through many highs and lows with her personally and professionally. This will always be private.
I don't understand the mean spirited comments on this thread. They are very hurtful.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 8/14/10 at 1:08am

Ignore the idiots, Lawrence.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 8/14/10 at 2:23pm

Lawrence- thank you so much for sharing your insights. I knew she was strong and a good dancer. I didn't realize she was also a great singer. I just didn't understand how they were so popular on television for a while and then seemed to disappear. (their talent certainly holds up today) Also where are the tributes to her? If I hadn't been on BWW I would not have known she had passed away! Both of them are and were amazing talents. A lot of girls in my high school had a crush on Robert- he was so cute! I remember him saying he didn't talk until much later when he was a child- like early slight autisim. Anyway, she will be missed and sorry if you were hurt on this thread.

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/14/10 at 5:46pm

Thank you for the lovely comments...I've spoken with several Broadway and Hollwood director/choreographer friends this week. They all loved Lorene and admired her talent. She will not be forgotten! :)

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/18/10 at 4:37pm

Nice article about beginnings of "Shields & Yarnell"

http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20068129,00.html

[Lawrence4]

Posted: 8/27/10 at 12:38pm

http://www.infolizer.com/?title=shields+and+yarnell

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/27/10 at 12:46pm

She was also in the dance ensemble of Bob Fosse's 1969 film-version of his SWEET CHARITY. You can spot her in the "Rich Man's Frug" and "Rhythym of Life" numbers.