MENDOTA – Alfred George Vickery (aka "Bic Carrol"), 85, of Mendota, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Heritage Health, Mendota.

No services will be held. Cremation rites were accorded. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota assisted the family.

Alfred was born June 5, 1937, in Chicago to George and Ursula (Nolan) Vickery. He was a 1956 graduate of Mendota High School.

He is survived by his aunt Elsie Nolan of Mendota.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog, Budd.

Under the stage name Bic Carrol, Al built a career as a renowned revue producer, performer, choreographer, and costume designer. At age 15, he worked with the Clyde Beatty Circus; by age 17 he was choreographing dancers at the Riptide Club in Calumet City and producing shows at the Follies Burlesque Theater in Chicago. As "Bic" he created and performed a signature dance act with two boa constrictors that were gifted to him from the famous burlesque dancer Zorita. By 1958 he was working at the Latin Quarter in New York City, performing onstage at night and working in the club's costume shop by day. He would go on to build his own troupe of burlesque dancers and tour the world. He is considered to be one of the first male burlesque performers and is recognized by the Burlesque Hall of Fame as "The Grandfather of Boylesque.”

In the 1970s, he was asked to design costumes for the Flamingo Hotel's newest show, "Razzle Dazzle on Ice," for which he won the Best Costume Design in Las Vegas--an award he would win twice. He would go on to create his signature sequined costumes for Siegfried and Roy, the Ice Capades, and the Ringling Brothers Circus, where he became a specialist in circus animal costumes and developed an abiding love for elephants. In his over 50-year show business career he worked with such entertainment legends as Sally Rand, Redd Foxx, Lenny Bruce, Judy Garland, Jackie Gleason, and countless others.

In his later years he took on the role of teacher and mentor, teaching seminars on burlesque history and costuming, and helping countless new performers choreograph their acts. He is recognized as a Burlesque Legend by the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. He’s recently hosted shows both for the Hall of Fame and at burlesque shows across the country. Al faced his final curtain the same way he approached his life: with love and humor, and without fear.

Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.