Tonight, I HAD to attend the opening night performance of the WCCT’s latest melodrama to show my support of one of my dearest friends who had a couple of roles in the show. When I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. There was a duo of western lawmen who began to harrass me (?) with the rifles. They even went so far as to frisk me. They made sure that I made my donation of a canned item for the area food banks. The officers repeatedly told audience members to look out for me and threatened harm upon my person if I got out of line.
In the preshow address, the three stooges pointed out that the audience show boo, hiss, and cheer but in no way were we to throw anything. I thought that was totally unfair. Two summers ago, I was in Love Rides the Rails and was unmercifully pelted by popcorn, Skittles (you know who you are), and other things I am sure. I thought I was the hero of the piece but judging from the audiences’ reaction, I was anything but.
Wild Oats has all the traditional elements of the best of cornball melodramas: heroes, villains, damsels in distress, mistaken identity, and plot twists galore. The strong-willed heroine (the aptly named Kate) and the hero Jack were both wonderful. The villainous Ike Gammon had a slimy appearance and a voice that just made you want to hiss and catcall. The duo of Croftus Thunder and his trusty Indian sidekick (astride his mount) Corporal Crow were a hoot. I must say that my favorite roles were a duo of hilarious stock characters named Mr. Kliegle and Mr. Leko who drew applause each time they made an appearance. And don’t forget the all-important cameo of the Marshall who saves the day. There is also Ephraim Smooth a smooth preacher who steals several moments.
All in all a wonderful performance. I think the theatre should consider doing a summer melodrama every year. They are very light-hearted and fun not only to watch but to be in. Totally un-P.C. as a lot of issues get a fair amount of ribbing. But why do they always pick on me? Seriously, am I really that bad 
Tags: Corporal Crow, Croftus Thunder, Ephraim Smooth, Jack Rover, Kate Thunder, Melodrama, Mr. Kliegle, Mr. Leko, Wiiliams County Community Theatre, Wild Oats
Are you sure you want an answer to that last question?
HaHaHEHEHE!
You are such a good sport. I really appreciated you stepping up and playing the part of the marshall.
Make it a great day,
Susan
No problem Susan… I’m going to hide your comment for now… don’t want to spoil for those who have yet to see it
Who was the best marshall of all the shows…who was the tallest?
When do we get to throw popcorn at Jamster again?
Not sure who was the tallest nor the best… I was the second (they had a pre show the Thursday before). I was the hero of Love Rides the Rails a few summers ago (Dirk Sneath) although most other people you talk to may think otherwise. I was booed and pelted repeatedly and had a terrible time.