By Gerry Descoteaux
Correspondent

Eighty-one years young as of Jan. 14, and a veteran of World War II, Bedford’s Paul Bordeleau is helping to celebrate the Palace Theatre’s 90th anniversary by producing a special vaudeville show.

PIANO MAN – Formost of his life, Paul Bordeleau of Bedford has shared his love of music and talent with students, local residents and people around the world. On Sunday, Feb. 13, he will present “Bordeleau’s Vaudeville Show” to help commemorate the Palace Theatre’s 90th anniversary. (Gerry Descoteaux Photo)

The show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester.

“The Palace was originally built as a venue for vaudeville shows,” Bordeleau said. “As some people may or may not know, that style of entertainment, vaudeville, had developed from what were once known as minstrel shows at around the turn of the century and, eventually evolved into burlesque, a more adult-style of entertainment, before migrating into what was called the follies until the time of silent movies and eventually ‘talkies,’ which all but replaced live entertainment.”

Born and raised in Lowell, Mass., or “down river” as he likes to joke, Bordeleau has lived the life of a dozen men.

Entering the service during WWII, he landed in France on D-Day and set-up the first switchboard on the European continent for General Bradley.

“Once Paris was liberated, I was assigned to General Patton as part of the Signal Corp where we set up another switchboard (communications hub) in a small French bakery in the little town of Isigny, France,” Bordeleau said. “I wasn’t officially an interpreter but, since I was fluent in French, I was regularly utilized in that capacity.”

Returning home at the end of war, Bordeleau attended the New England Conservatory of Music where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music composition. He also earned master’s degree in music education from Boston University.

However, his education was interrupted for a while by the Korean Conflict when he was again called to service. At that time, he ended up in Ft. Campbell, Ky., where he was recognized for his musical talents and was invited to join the Army jazz band.

He also played with the base’s classical orchestra and appeared regularly on a live TV show in Nashville, on WSM-TV.

“WSM Radio is the same station that carried the Grand Ole Opry,” he said.

He also composed a march for the 11th Airborne Division.

“Originally named the ‘Luzon March,’ after the French town that the 11th Airborne had parachuted down onto during the liberation of France, it was recognized as the Official 11th Airborne Division March,” Bordeleau said. “And, the reason I mention it is that last year on Memorial Day, I was honored to go to Washington, D.C., with the West High School Band and conducted them as they played the ‘Luzon March’ at a tribute commemorating the new WWII Memorial. That was really very special for me.”

Bordeleau has been writing and playing music since he was young.

“I remember my first radio show in Lowell when I was 14. I can still remember the song I played, Georgia On My Mind,” he said.

Since then his career has taken him to 11 countries and 37 states across the U.S. He has played for Presidents Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush, and even once as president of the Rotary Club, introduced then-Gov. Ronald Reagan, when the former-movie star was campaigning for president in New Hampshire.

Bordeleau has composed numerous musical suites, including one for Manchester’s sesquicentennial celebration, which was performed by the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra.

He also composed a special piece for Bedford’s 250th anniversary celebration – in corroboration with Bedford’s Martha Gaudes – which he performed at the Bedford Library.

“It's score was added to the documents and objects placed into the time capsule buried at the library as part of the celebration,” Bordeleau said.

After he graduated from the Conservatory, Bordeleau met his wife. He opened and operated a music studio in Lowell, where they both taught for years until the couple moved to Bedford in 1973.

“I continue to teach from the studio here at my home,” he said. “I also perform regularly. For instance, I played 24 Christmas shows (in 2004) alone.”

He also produces a musical show on BCTV, where he features performers who play unusual instruments.

“For example, recently we had a person on the show who plays the Celtic Harp. We’ve also had musical saws, banjoes, all sorts of different types of music. It’s quite rewarding personally,” he said.

“A year ago, some of my musical friends, instead of having the celebration of my 80th birthday here at home, surprised me with a party at the Palace Theater, where they performed to a packed house,” he said.

The event raised thousands of dollars for the theater.

“So when asked to do something for the Palace’s 90th, I thought given its history, it would only be appropriate to produce this vaudeville show as a tribute to this beloved and historic theater,” Bordeleau said.

For the show, he has gathered a superb line-up of professional acts who will him and his ensemble for a great afternoon of nostalgic entertainment.

“We will even air a short silent film, Buster Keaton’s ‘Cops,’ which is similar to a Keystone Cops film. And, I will accompany the movie on piano just as they did so many years ago,” Bordeleau said.

Other performers include magician Steve Thomas and tap dancer Wyatt Jackson of Roxbury, Mass., “who will simply dazzle everyone,” he said.

Also scheduled to appear will be ventriloquist Terri Shawver of Bedford, who also does a show on BCTV, and Heidi Sullivan whose dance troupe, “Dance Visions” will close the show with a Rockettes-style performance.

Also, in honor of its 90th anniversary, anyone 90 years or older will get into the show for free.

Today, Paul Bordeleau shows no sign of slowing down.

In addition to the numerous live dates he performs throughout the year as well as his weekly television program, he is deeply involved in the community.

He has been a long-time member of the Rotary Club and continues to be involved on the local and national levels. He plays and teaches keyboard, brass and woodwind instruments and is currently the president of the New Hampshire Music Teacher’s Association. He also is involved in the National Organization.

“The National MTAis having a conference in Seattle on the weekend of April 3,” said Bordeleau. “I’ve been invited to play at the Exhibitor’s Reception on the evening that all the major industry big shots will be present. The owners of the major music publishers, Warner Brothers, Alfred Music, Steinway Piano, all sorts of heavyweights. It’s quite a prestigious gig, even for me!”

Bordeleau’s Vaudeville Show will take place at the Palace Theater at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. Admission is $20 dollars in advance. For more information, call 668-5588, or visit www.palactheatre.org.