BIOGRAPHIES
SANFORD D. LEE
While studying drama at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Sanford Lee began his entertainment career in 1966. When he wasn’t involved with stage productions at college or the newly formed Missouri Repertory Theatre, he was performing as a folk singer at nearby coffee houses and pubs. In 1971, Sandy ventured into television broadcasting; serving as news anchor and program director for KCBJ-TV in Columbia, Missouri. He also hosted a daily talk show.
In 1974, he returned to Kansas City to perform at Tiffany’s Attic Dinner Theatre. Two years later, he was touring the country
with his own nightclub act of music and comedy, as well as appearing in local and national television commercials (he even played Ronald McDonald briefly). In 1982, Sandy created the character Simpkin the Foole for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and continued in that role for 16 years. He spent two seasons as the Renaissance Festival’s publicity director, and then went on to produce promotional projects for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney On Ice. However, performing was his passion! In 1987, he created a new persona for himself, Professor B. T. Farquar, and launched a whole new career; performing at fairs, festivals, and special events throughout the United States.
One of the best known variety acts touring today, Professor Farquar delivers more than 200 performances each year. He has recorded three albums of traditional music: “The Last American Minstrel” (1993), “A Ballad Monger’s Legacy” (2005), and “Hear the Drums Thunder” (2009).
While studying drama at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Sanford Lee began his entertainment career in 1966. When he wasn’t involved with stage productions at college or the newly formed Missouri Repertory Theatre, he was performing as a folk singer at nearby coffee houses and pubs. In 1971, Sandy ventured into television broadcasting; serving as news anchor and program director for KCBJ-TV in Columbia, Missouri. He also hosted a daily talk show.
In 1974, he returned to Kansas City to perform at Tiffany’s Attic Dinner Theatre. Two years later, he was touring the country
with his own nightclub act of music and comedy, as well as appearing in local and national television commercials (he even played Ronald McDonald briefly). In 1982, Sandy created the character Simpkin the Foole for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and continued in that role for 16 years. He spent two seasons as the Renaissance Festival’s publicity director, and then went on to produce promotional projects for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney On Ice. However, performing was his passion! In 1987, he created a new persona for himself, Professor B. T. Farquar, and launched a whole new career; performing at fairs, festivals, and special events throughout the United States.
One of the best known variety acts touring today, Professor Farquar delivers more than 200 performances each year. He has recorded three albums of traditional music: “The Last American Minstrel” (1993), “A Ballad Monger’s Legacy” (2005), and “Hear the Drums Thunder” (2009).
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MARY KATHRYN LEE
Polecat Annie is a western wild woman; a child of the wilderness, raised by a family of weasels (or so the legend goes). She is the alter ego of multi-talented variety artist, Mary Kathryn Lee (acrobat, mime, juggler, puppeteer, balloon artist, percussionist and psychic). She began training as a dancer at the age of two, and spent most of her adolescence touring the Midwest as a featured performer with Jack Orrick’s Youth Show. By age 16, she had opened her own dance studio. At the same time, she continued training as a gymnast with the U. S. Olympic Team and studying ballet at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music. After a knee injury prevented her from performing in the 1968 Olympic Games, Mary used her experience and knowledge to assist other hopefuls; pursuing a career as a certified coach with the United States Gymnastics Federation.
Mary earned a reputation not only as a successful coach, but also as an exceptional instructor in tap, ballet and modern dance. For thirteen years, she served as the choreographer for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and won national recognition as an authority on traditional folk dance. Her character, Mad Maudlin (the rat lady) was one of the Renaissance Festival’s most popular attractions for eight seasons. In 1993, she joined her husband on the road as Curlie Dimple (a classic clown and purveyor of circus arts). Two years later, Polecat Annie was introduced to the world, and won instant acclaim.
Polecat Annie is a western wild woman; a child of the wilderness, raised by a family of weasels (or so the legend goes). She is the alter ego of multi-talented variety artist, Mary Kathryn Lee (acrobat, mime, juggler, puppeteer, balloon artist, percussionist and psychic). She began training as a dancer at the age of two, and spent most of her adolescence touring the Midwest as a featured performer with Jack Orrick’s Youth Show. By age 16, she had opened her own dance studio. At the same time, she continued training as a gymnast with the U. S. Olympic Team and studying ballet at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music. After a knee injury prevented her from performing in the 1968 Olympic Games, Mary used her experience and knowledge to assist other hopefuls; pursuing a career as a certified coach with the United States Gymnastics Federation.
Mary earned a reputation not only as a successful coach, but also as an exceptional instructor in tap, ballet and modern dance. For thirteen years, she served as the choreographer for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and won national recognition as an authority on traditional folk dance. Her character, Mad Maudlin (the rat lady) was one of the Renaissance Festival’s most popular attractions for eight seasons. In 1993, she joined her husband on the road as Curlie Dimple (a classic clown and purveyor of circus arts). Two years later, Polecat Annie was introduced to the world, and won instant acclaim.
Credits
The State Fairs of Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, and Ohio; Sioux Empire Fair (Sioux City, SD), Ozark Empire Fair (Springfield, MO), Clay County Fair (Spencer, Iowa), Old Tucson Studios (Tucson, AZ), S.A.S.S. End of Trail (Edgewood, NM), Midwest Old Threshers Reunion (Mount Pleasant, IA), Old Cowtown Museum (Wichita, KS), Usher’s Ferry Historic Village (Cedar, Rapids, IA), Old Shawnee Days (Shawnee, KS), Dalton Defender Days (Coffeyville, KS), Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park (Washington, TX), Fort Concho National Historic Landmark (San Angelo, TX), Historic Naper Settlement (Naperville, IL), Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum (Springfield, IL), Pony Express National Historic Site (St. Joseph, MO), Jesse James Home & Museum (Kearney, MO), Woolaroc Ranch & Art Museum (Bartlesville, OK), Pawnee Bill Ranch Museum (Pawnee, OK), Tom Mix Western Heritage Days (Dewey, OK), National Western Heritage Museum (Oklahoma City, OK), Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Showcase (Denver, CO), Royal Gorge Bridge Park (Canyon City, CO), Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO), Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, MO), Six Flags Over Mid America (St. Louis, MO), Dickens Holiday Faire (Kansas City, MO), plus over 900 more!
