Will Rogers Follies, A Life in Revue

This evening Joan and I attended our fourth play of the 2014 season, Will Rogers Follies, A Life in Revue. Once in our seats we observed that the crowd that filled the playhouse was going to be appreciative one.

 Will Rogers (Tom Wopat)

Will Rogers (Tom Wopat) shows off his ropin' skills.

Betty Blake (Elisa Van Duyne)

Mary Rogers (Emma DeGroff), Will Rogers Jr. (Michael Ducayne), James Rogers (Sera Bullis), and Freddy Rogers (Isabella Ducayne)

 Clem Rogers (Steve Luker) and his six single daughters.

The Ensemble

(Photos - Courtesy of Issac James)

The highlights of this production for us were the "Never Met a Man I Didn't Like" done by Tom Wopat and the company as The Finale. Also Steve Luker as Will's father, Clem Rogers, added punch to the humorous segments. Plus the rope tricks by Chris McDaniel (also played the part of Wally Post) were outstanding.

Melinda Johnson's preview in The Post-Standard.

Len Fonte's review in The Post-Standard. 

David Wilcox's preview in The Citizen.

David Wilcox interviews Tom Wopat.

Tom Wopat talks about the 'Dukes of Hazzard'.

David Wilcox's review in The Citizen.

Facts:

Will Rogers dropped out of school in tenth grade to become a cowboy.

The Will Rogers Institute, originally founded as a hospital in 1936, now funds acclaimed research hospitals and nine fellowships across the United States. The Institute is making strides in treating pulmonary diseases, all in honor of Will Rogers' humanitarian spirit.

Will Rogers and Wally Post died in a plane crash on Point Barrow, Alaska, on August 15, 1935, at the age of 55.

A Local Connection:

The Dunn and McCarthy Shoe Company, owned and operate for generations by the Emerson Family, was the proud producer of Enna Jettick Shoes. Enna Jetticks were conceived of in 1926 by Fred L. Emerson. They were the fist shoes ever to be mass produced in standard widths and sizes.

In addition to revolutionizing the shoe industry, Emerson was a pioneer in marketing and advertising. In 1930, he contracted for the first nationwide radio hookup with 65 stations. It was here that Will Rogers got his first radio gig starring in Enna Jettick's Melodies.

Dunn & McCarthy operated in Auburn for more than a century, employing thousands of Auburnians, before closing in 1990. The success of Dunn & McCarthy and philanthropic spirit of long time president F.L. Emerson continue to shape the Auburn community today through former employees who are our friends and neighbors and the work of the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.

Other shows of this season:
Mary Poppins
Menopause - The Musical
On the Town
Damn Yankees
The Church Basement Ladies in the Last (Potluck) Supper