Cold Opening: Lawrence Welk and the Dawn of Autumn

Lawrence Welk introduces a musical celebration of autumn with Eugene Dooalotts and the Maharelle sisters from the Finger Lakes. Eugene courts Shirley, Nancy and Toni through a harvest-themed song, while Dooneese interrupts the polished routine with peculiar suggestions and unwanted attention. Their cousin Gert joins in, pairing her oversized muscular arms with Dooneese’s tiny hands as the performance becomes increasingly unruly. A bewildered Welk returns to announce the next act.