Couple No. 17

Dancers' Names: Buddy & Bette Baker

Buddy and Bette Becker are a brother/sister team from Omaha, Nebraska, where Fred & Adele Astaire were from. They chalk the Astaires’ success up to a lucky break, and feel that if they can only win one of these marathons, they, too will strike it big. They are seasoned Marathoners and have competed in dozens of marathons across the country. They took a train to the Atlantic City Steel Pier for this -- their 37th -- marathon.

Having grown up with parents who were vaudeville performers, Buddy & Bette have never known anything other than this “out-of-a-suitcase” life. Performing is in their blood. Neither one ever married or had any children, though they are both very aware of opportunities for very different, “normal” lives that they have sacrificed in hopes for a shot in the spotlight. Bette was in love – once.

With every passing year they are faced more and more with the reality that time is no longer on their side, and their stamina just isn’t what it used to be. Bette is more aware of this than Buddy, who would rather ignore the fact that he has recently celebrated his 40th birthday and is competing against men half his age. Buddy and Bette came to the Steel Pier on their own, but do have a few acquaintances at the Steel Pier with whom they have previously danced.

The roles of Buddy and Bette Baker will be played by Mark Roos and Adele Cuminale.