Paula Ming, Dancer

Paula Ming Norris was born Pauline Ming on May 11, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents were Dea Him Ming and Jessie Wong. Dea was born in Kaiping (aka Hoiping), China on November 22, 1899 and passed away in April 1960 in San Francisco. For several years he was a Cleveland-based editor for the San Min Morning Paper in Chicago. According to the California Death Index at Ancestry.com, Jessie was born in Illinois on October 23, 1904 and passed away in San Francisco on July 4, 1962. They were laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Left: Photograph of Jessie in a letter, dated April 30, 1923, to Dea

1940 U.S. Federal Census

Address: 3900 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

Name / Age / Occupation

Der H Ming, 38 [head waiter/restaurant]

Jessie Ming, 35

Pauline Ming, 14

Bobbie Ming, 9

Paula’s life was chronicled in the local newspaper. 

Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1929

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1933

Child Actors Are Exposition Stars

Chinese and Ukrainian Juveniles Applauded at Ford Show.

The younger generation captured all honors at the opening presentation of the International Review last night at the Ford Cleveland Industrial Exposition at Public Hall.

In both Chinese and Ukrainian offerings, the children who performed captivated and drew enthusiastic applause.

Seven-year-old Pauline Ming sang an American popular song and danced a typically American tap danced to the unusual accompaniment of the ye-yan, which the Chinese think comparable to the violin, played by her uncle, Fred Wong.

Harry Wong played the woo-kum or bass viola and sang a selection from a Chinese operetta, accompanied by his brother, Fred, and by Ho Fook, who played the som-yin or banjo. Certainly none of the instruments looked or sounded like their American counterparts….

Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 14, 1934

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 22, 1934

Pageant Includes Dance Spectacle

220 Dancers to Do Stuff on Three Special Stages at Court of Flags.

A regular three-ring circus of dancers, dancers in veils, dancers in fans, tap dancers, toe dancers, dancers in the garb of foreign lands and dancers in groups will feature the Plain Dealer Court of Flags Pageant to be staged at the night show which follows the opening day racing program of the National Air Planes at Cleveland Airport on Frida, Aug. 31.

…and Miss Pauline Ming, 8, of 2140 Rockwell Avenue N.E., who will present an oriental dance in costume….

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 17, 1937

Three-Hour Show Is Planned for Chinese Relief Festival

An elaborate three-hour show, including a Chinese operetta and an American musical revue, three dance orchestras and a style show, is being staged at Public Hall Wednesday at 8 p.m. for the Chinese War Relief Fund.

… One of the Oriental novelties scheduled is a Chinese operetta, presented by the Hung Sing Co., a professional group of singers and actors from Chicago. There will be a style show by 10 Chinese girls, trained by Tony Marchetti, dance teacher.

Among the entertainers appearing in a variety revue are … Pauline Ming, one of their most promising tap students …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 11, 1941

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1941

Swinging Up and Down the Avenue

Sixteen-year-old Pauline Ming, Tony Marchetti’s protege, who tapped her heels in the Chinese War Relief show last week, dances to Manhattan Labor Day to take a night club audition.

John Hay Ledger, March 13, 1942

(high school newspaper)

Femme Sports

The high scorers at the Trianon last bowling season were … Pauline Ming, 130 …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 22, 1942

Marchetti to Demonstrate New ‘MacArthur Dip’ Step

… There are three phases to the breezy number. They are highlighted by side two-steps, dips, some limber hip-pivoting, an amusing bit of business that used to be called the “jazz step,” followed by a gay game of “patty-cake” on your partner’s hands, a spinning airplane hop on the right foot, and winding up with a brisk military salute. If you have ever done the “Lambeth Walk,” the “MacArthur Dip” will seem even livelier in fun.

Marchetti taught it to his wife, his sister Julie, as well as Virginia Mangan, Mary Amata, Pauline Ming and Jerry Starr, all professional dancers….

Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 20, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 17, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 25, 1942

United Nations’ Flags Fly Today

Colors to Rise Daily on New Court on Square

Today in Public Square the flags of the 28 United Nations will be unfurled at 12:30 p.m. It is believed this will be the first such court of flags to be established in the United States….

…Music will be furnished by Lakewood Squadron No. 66. … The girls in native costumes and the nations they represent will be, as follows: …Pauline Ming, China …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 29, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 3, 1942

Chinese Program Tonight

The Cleveland division of recreation will sponsor a Chinese program tonight at 7 at the Donald Gray Lakefront Gardens. There will be Chinese music by the Cosmopolitan Ensemble, American singing, dances by Pauline Ming ad a talk by Ben Seetoo.

Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 7, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 20, 1942

Chinese Actress in Play

Pauline Ming, Chinese actress and dancer, has been cast in a Christmas play to be unveiled at the Cleveland Museum of Art auditorium today at 3 and 4 p.m. Written and directed by Dr. George R. Kernodle of Cleveland [illegible], the drama’s other leading players are Mary Ellen Miner, [illegible] Louie, Martin Buchanan, [illegible] Shannon, Helen Sharnoff Jaffe and Theresa Pebbles. 

Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 27, 1943

Marchetti’s Proteges Dance in Revue Today

“Variety Revue,” the seventh annual edition sponsored by Tony Marchetti’s Dance Studio, 1706 Euclid Avenue, will crowd the Little Theater’s stage at Public Hall with 200 dancers tonight.

This is the largest troupe of toe-and-heel artists Marchetti has ever trained for such a recital, the former vaudeville headliner and dance expert said. 

To lend more variety to his musical revue, he is sandwiching a dozen professional acts into it. … Pauline Ming in a Chinese tap novelty …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 25, 1943

Tap-stepping Pauline Ming, one of Tony Marchetti’s ace students who doubles as a junior hostess at the Stage Door Canteen, prances into Chin’s Golden Dragon Tuesday. She is hanging up her dance slippers in the fall to enroll at Miami University.

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 6, 1943

Aid for China Relief Drive at Cain Park

When Cain Park Theater produces “Lost Horizon” next week, the local committee of United China Relief will be on hand to sell Chinese dolls, China Relief pins, China tea and toy pandas.

… Articles will be on sale at a booth near the theater entrance and during intermissions Chinese girls in native costumes will walk through the theater carrying their wares on trays hung from ribbons around their shoulders. This group will include Ruby and Lillian Hing, Mary Yee and Pauline Ming.…

Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 31, 1943

‘Blossom Time’ Stars Singing for Canteen

Shubert singers of “Blossom Time,” including Barbara Scully, Douglas LEavitt, Marion Bradley and Victor Morely, are preparing a miniature revue of show-tunes which they will present at the Stage Door Canteen today at 7 p.m….

…Tomorrow’s events for the canteen consist of radio’ Hank Keene, Pauline Ming in taps, Dr. Berger in magic, Peggy Scott, songbird; Jean Fallen, formerly “Miss Ohio,” and Verna Fix, with music by Gene Beecher.

At some point Paula moved to New York City. The New York, New York Marriage Index at Ancestry.com said Paula and Edward S. Yee obtained a license in Manhattan on February 13, 1945. The San Francisco Chronicle, November 13, 2016, said

they had three children: Terry, Donna and Barbara. 

In 1950, at age 25, her early ballet training, and love of dance, resulted in her first professional job at The China Doll, a night club revue in New York City. [The China Doll closed April 1951.] Ultimately, however, the family moved to San Francisco, where Paula had relatives, hoping for better schools and opportunity. 

Once settled in California she never left. She lived briefly in Southern California, but ultimately returned to the Bay Area. Her professional dancing career resumed at the famous Forbidden City on Sutter Street in San Francisco.

 

Above: Photograph and caption from Arthur 
Dong’s Forbidden City, USA (2014)

The Chronicle said Paula worked at United Airlines from 1956 to 1988. 

Her second marriage was to James Malcolm Norris who passed away April 20, 1995. 

Paula passed away October 16, 2016, in Sacramento, California. An obituary was published in the Chronicle, November 13, 2016. 

Further Reading and Viewing

Vimeo: Paula Ming Norris “A Celebration of Life 1925 – 2016”

The Pioneer Performers of the Forbidden City

Sun Dance History: Dorothy Sun Murray Reminisces on the Forbidden City
AsiaTown Cleveland: From Tong Wars to Dim Sum (2014): page 76, Jessie Ming’s restaurant; page 82, photograph, Dea Ming is at the head of the table. Jessie Ming is on the near side of the table, third from the end.; page 102, photograph of Pauline Ming (age five) and Phyllis Wong (age two).

(Next post on Friday: C.Y. Lee, 1916–2018)

Caprice Chinois aka Chinese Revue and Chinese Follies

Brooklyn Eagle

(New York)

March 31, 1944

KATHRYN LEE CHANG sings in the new all-Chinese revue, “Caprice Chinois,” opening at the Belmont Plaza Glass Hat next Tuesday.

The Billboard
April 1, 1944
Kilby Brings ’Em Back Alive
New York, March 25.—That much-discussed Chinese night club which opens early next month in the Glass Hat has gotten itself a bill of entertainment thru GAC [General Amusement Corporation]. The cast comprises Peter Chan, singer; Kim, magician; the Mei-Lings, dancers; the Wong Sisters, more hoofers; Katherine [sic] Lee Chang, warbler, and a Chinese chorus of seven.

Harry Kilby, who booked the show, claimed he had to go all the way to Montreal for two of the chorines.

New York Post

April 1, 1944

Swann, Borge at Waldorf

On Friday, Eddie Davis returns to Leon & Eddie’s after a vacation. Beatrice Fung Oye, Chinese singer, opens also.

An all-Chinese revue, “Caprice Chinois,” opens at the Belmont-Plaza’s Glass Hat Tuesday—probably the first such show in a local hotel spot. It will offer Chinese acts and Chinese chorus girls.

New York Sun

April 3, 1944

Cafe Life in New York

All-Chinese Revue Opens Tomorrow in the Glass Hat—Other Events

An all-Chinese revue, “Caprice Chinois,” opens in the Glass Hat of the Hotel Belmont Plaza tomorrow night, starting a week of furious activity in the cafes, tax or no tax. The cast is entirely Oriental, but the theme will be expressed in Occidental tempo and costuming.

The show, produced by Don Arden, will be headed by Peter Chan, comedian and singer, who was formerly in “Hellzapoppin”; Kim, the magician; Mei Lings, dance team; Kathryn Lee Chang, singer; The Wong Sisters, dancers, and a line of Chinese girls.

New York Sun

April 6, 1944

Cafe Linfe in New York

Tonight’s Openings

…The beautiful revue at the Glass Hat of the Hotel Belmont Plaza, “Caprice Chinois,” played by an entire Chinese cast, which includes Peter Chan, Mei Lings, Kathryn Lee Chang, Kim the Magician and the Wong Sisters, is held over until the end of the month. Host and Maestro Mickey Albert and his orchestra are featured.

Brooklyn Eagle

(New York)

April 7, 1944

Going Places

Once again the Glass Hat of the Belmont Plaza has come forth with an attractive revue—this time called Caprice Chinois; so you can guess it is an all-Chinese entertainment. However, it is very much American-Chinese. The dancing is of Occidental tempo and the costumes very Hollywood with only the Chinese influence in design, and perhaps coloring. It is hard to say just who is the star of the show, for they are all engaging as well as talented. Kathryn Lee Chang, the singer, is definitely a charmer, not only lovely to look at but having a most pleasing voice. Peter Chan, formerly featured in “Hellzapoppin,” is the star comedian and singer. He startled his audience by announcing that h  would sing a little song he learned in childhood. Of course, every one was expecting a Chinese lullaby when he burst out in a fine voice with “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” Kim,the magician, gives with some deftly done old tricks and several amazing new ones. Mei Lings, dance team; the Wong Sisters, dancers, plus a line of beautiful Chinese girls, round out a show notable for grace and charm, Mickey Albert and his orchestra play for the dancing and also Mickey m. c.’s the show. Nin [sic] and his rhumba band alternate.

The Billboard

April 15, 1944

Glass Hat, New York

With spot after spot vying to take the sting out of the 30 per cent bite, the Glass Hat’s bid for the available trade was made Tuesday night (4) with Caprice Chinois, an all-Chinese show. Measured by ordinary standards show is strictly run-of-the-mill stuff. The all-Chinese cast helps lift it out of the mediocre class. 

The line (6) boasts some cute gals. Two, each a skyscraper, glide around in the conventional manner. Line costumes draw hand, particularly in last number where phosphorescent touches are used. Line’s in-step stuff, however, is poor. 

Canary of the production is Kathryn Lee Chang, who does a schmaltzy You Can’t Say No to a Soldier and I Said No. Latter item winds up in a production number where even the thrush joins in the terp sutff [sic].

The Mei Lings do a good ballroom stanza with a Far East twist which loses itself in a jitterbug bit.

Kim Loo San, magician, contributes a showman-like exhibition of the old rope- cutting, trick. His best was the appearing and disappearing water-filled brass bowl, which won good applause.

Peter Chan, ex-Hellzapoppin, carries the comic and male singing chores. Not so good on the first; excellent on the last. His Irish Eyes, out of a Chinese, may sound like a corny idea, but his voice is good. 

One of the best things of the current show is Mickey Alpert’s show-cutting and dance arrangements. On the vocals Mickey’s voice isn’t any show-stopper, tho competent. Grace Reilly, back with Alpert, does better than okay in the song-delivery department.

Evening Recorder

(New York)

April 22, 1944

Lights of New York

Gadabout Notes: To the Belmont Plaza’s Glass Hat for the opening of the new Spring revue, “Caprice Chinois," which is something decidedly out of the ordinary in night club entertainment All performers are Orientals, yet the costumes, songs and dances are strictly Occidental. Peter Chan gives original humorous interpretations of ditties of the day. Kim, a magician, has mystifying tricks and comic chatter. The Wong Sisters are graceful and accomplished dancers. Kathryn Lee Chang sings charmingly. The Mei Lings are a pleasing dance team, and the chorus is a bevy of Chinese beauties, some of whom come from as far away as San Francisco. The show, which is Frank Law’s idea, was voted an unqualified success by first-night spectators. Music for the show and dancing is supplied by Mickey Alpert, who acts as master of ceremonies, and his orchestra, Nino and his rhumba band also play for dancing.

The Billboard

May 13, 1944

CAPRICE CHINOIS, held over at Glass Hat, open at Loew's State June 1.

New York Post

June 3, 1944

The Chinese Revue at Loew’s State

Coming direct from the Glass Hat of the Belmont Plaza, “The Chinese Revue” dominates the stage show at Loew’s State Theatre this week.

High spot is the performance of Peter Chan, recent singing star of “Hellzapoppin’”. A baritone, Chan wins applause with “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” with a real Irish brogue.

Kim, magician, confounds the audience. The Mei Lings offer a dance cycle of Chinese and American numbers, while Kathryn Lee Chang offers several songs. The Wong sisters contribute an exciting exhibition of jitterbugging….

Variety

June 7, 1944

State, N.Y.

Francisco & Delores, Syd Chatton, Jane Kean, Harry Savoy, “Caprice Chinois,” with Peter Chan, Mei Lings (2), Wong Sis )2), Kathryn Lee Chang and Kim; “Tampico” (20th), reviewed in “Variety” March 29, ’44.

Another modest budgeter sans dynamic b.o. lure for the marquee, though entertaining all the way. Show is set in regulation vaude groove with Ruby Zwerling’s tooters in the pit rather than on stage as has been customary.

…Peter Chan, Chinese baritone with “Caprice Chinois,” was showstopper this show with songs and comedy. “Caprice” revue has been abbreviated since closing at the Glass Hat, N.Y. Pruning has not lessened it entertainment value; if anything, it enhances it. Aside from Chan, revue has the Mei Lings, nifty ballroomologists; Kim, clever magician; Wong Sisters, neat steppers, and Kathryn Lee Chang, an Oriental Ethel Merman who strikes pay dirt with “You Can’t Say No to a Soldier” and “Something for the Boys.”…

The Billboard

June 10, 1944

Weather Hot, Stem Grosses Cool; # Houses Up 3 Down

New York, June 8.—Continued warm weather took its toll of Stem grosses last week. End result, however, was a standoff. Three of the six houses registered gains and three slipped….

…Loew’s State (3,500 seats; house average, $25,000) came in with $29,000 for Diamond Horseshoe Revue and Three Men in White as against $25,000 for previous bill. Current here are Harry Savoy, Jane Kean, Syd Chatton, Francisco and Dolores, Chinese Revue and Tampico.

The Billboard

June 17, 1944

Only Two New York Houses Show Ups in D-Day Week

New, York, June 10.—A combination of poor pics plus invasion news kept box office from overworking last week….

…Loew’s State (3,500 seats; house average, $25,000) counted $25,000 for Harry Savoy, Jane Kean, Chinese Revue and Tampico as against $29,000 for previous week….

The Billboard

July 1, 1944

KIM is a feature of Caprice Chinois, all-Chinese revue which opens Wednesday (28) at the Lookout House, Covington, Ky.

Courier-Journal
(Louisville, Kentucky)
July 9, 1944
p33: National
An a-star Chinese revue will be presented as the main stage attraction beginning Friday. It is “The Chinese Follies,” features of which will be the line of girls and Peter Chan, formerly with “Hellzapoppin”.

Courier-Journal
(Louisville, Kentucky)
July 13, 1944
The Chinese Follies On National Stage Friday
The National will wait until Friday to change its program offering on the stage, “The Chinese Follies,” which is heralded as an “all-star” attraction. Among the entertainers, including a chorus of Chinese girls, are Peter Chan, formerly with “Hellzapoppin’;” Kim, a magician; Mei Lings, a dance team; Kathryn Lee Chang, singer, and The Wong Sisters, dancers. The screen attraction accompanying this stage revue will be “The Mystery of the 13th Guest” with Helen Parrish, Dick Purcell and Tim Ryan.

Courier-Journal
(Louisville, Kentucky)
July 15, 1944
Clever, These Chinese, And Quite Entertaining
The adage, “clever these Chinese,” never was better demonstrated than yesterday afternoon when the National introduced its “Chinese Follies” to a Louisville audience. A tiny and intimate revue, “Chinese Follies” is but a bit of vaudeville with Oriental trimmings, many of which seem to have been Americanized through several generations. Chief entertainer is Peter Chan, whose high voice is very strong and accurate in good imitation of an Irish tenor. He is also master of ceremonies, and while his comedy is not always in the best of taste it is not too low for vaudeville consumption. He plays the accordion nicely and while he admits any resemblance in his playing to Phil Baker’s performance is purely “Occidental,” we are disposed to give him the palm, for we can at least recognize the tunes he plays. We haven’t always been able to do this with Baker until he gets thoroughly warmed up.

Hand Brats the Eye.

An artful magician, named Kim, also is on the bill and he proves again that the hand is quicker than the eye. Chan, in comment, says that is why so many black eyes are seen. Kim is right quick with his hands, using, of course, a lot of those manufactured tricks which magicians contrive to make illusions harder to solve. Kathryn Lee Chang is the songstress, with her contralto almost of a soprano pitch. She sings three songs of different styles, sentiments and general variety showing her several moods. She seems best, though, in the lively air. The dance team billed as Mei Lings is very smart and capable and the Wong Sisters are pretty little tricks who also dance well. Two statuesque show girls and two about the sire of figurines serve chiefly as decorations, assuming polite and restful poses. The two little girls join the Wong Sisters in the chorus work. While not essentially Chinese theater, “Chinese Follies” is quite a pleasant divertisement if vaudeville pleases you. With this revue the National is offering “The Mystery of the Thirteenth Guest,”...

The Billboard

July 29, 1944

Heidt Good 34G; ‘Tars’ 64G in Chi

Chicago, July 22.—Two vaude-pic houses here went over the top last week, with stand-out crowds paying plenty dough thru the box-office….

…Horace Hiedt also drew plenty at the Oriental (3,200), the house hitting a good $34,000 for the week. New show, headlining Ted Flo Rito and Caprice Chinois, all-Chinese revue, opened slow, but picked up during the second show. Should hit around $29,000 for the week.

The Billboard

August 5, 1944

Ink Spots 66G High at Chicago

The double-header show at the Oriental (3,200), starring Ted Flo Rito and Caprice Chinois, all-Chinese revue, brought in a good $29,000, keeping the house grosses above weekly average….

* * * * *

I believe Forbidden City dancer, Jack Mei Ling, was half of the Mei Lings. Kim the magician was Korean. After the Caprice Chinois/Chinese Revue/Chinese Follies tour ended, Kathryn Lee Chang and Peter Chan performed separately in New York City. The New York Sun, January 16, 1945, said Kathryn was at the Commodore Theater and Peter at the Franklin Theater.

(Next post on Friday: Anna May Wong in Life)