As I mentioned in my last column, the closest thing to perfection attained are the Woodrow musicals. This year’s musical, “Crazy For You,” which runs March 6-9, marks the 40th anniversary of such productions.
Helen Eckleman ushered in the era with “Oklahoma!” in 1957. Jerry McKinney took over in the early ‘70s before giving way to Marca Lee Bircher, who has been at it since 1976.
Reminiscing with Joe Sholden (I played Dodger to his Fagin in “Oliver” in 1976) generated a myriad of musical memories. The first Woodrow musical I witnessed was “Wizard of Oz” in 1968, and I have either seen or participated in every show since “South Pacific” in 1974.
As I reflected back on three decades of memories produced inside the old auditorium on Glasgow, I didn’t consult any old programs or lists, so be forewarned – some standouts will be missed.
Memories begin with Nancy Battle Ewert, the Wicked Witch of 1968, who wins by a nose. Mark Lovvorn was cool as Conrad Birdie in the first production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Laure Lovvorn later lit up our lives on our stage and others. And who was Annie in “Annie Get Your Gun?”
An Annie I do remember is Tate Henderson, who played the “Little Orphan” and is now attending Duke University. Of course, Beverly Brin was the only “Dolly” I’d say “hello” to, and Call Campbell camped it up in “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Kara Young was marvelous as “Mame.” Mark Carr was Tevye, and Cynthia Drane was the Yentl in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Lance Bircher was delightful in drag as “Charley’s” aunt.
Anne Groban was awesome in “Anything Goes.” Nothing seemed more sophisticated than Karla Cox and Carl Cain in “South Pacific.” Claysey Everett was cute and Inez Sookma inspired in every role they played.
Buddy Doxey always found the right role. Let’s see, was that he or Perry Tongate in “How to Succeed?” Or was it both?
There’s no doubt Megan Holley stole the show in “Little Shop of Horrors.” And we’ll miss Ward Richmond’s mugging since he matriculated in the Ivy League at Brown. A couple of years ago, we lost Ralph Pulley, star of “Carousel,” and Lorrie Brooks, class of 1982.
Behind the scenes, Patricia Hardman ventured from Ventura, Calif., to choreograph until we got her home on Avalon. She has now choreographed half of the shows.
Gayla Collinsworth and Bradley Sue Howell have taped most of the shows.
And let’s not forget Bradley Sue’s husband Richard, nor Jane Echols, who serve as accompanists. Barbara Young and Carolyn Cox concocted costumes for countless shows. Unequaled are Ken Hansen, Rachel Crowe and Bob and Bobbie Cargile. Son Stephen was a deft designer and starred in the shows.
My last memory is that of Margie Hardwick, who I believe graduated in 1983. She was later chosen as ballerina for the American Ballet Theater.
