Oklahoma Today Winter 1983-1984 Volume 34 ... - Digital Collections

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er, he decrees gruffly, "No kids this year. They're too much trouble. Only ;he ~ratcjlit kids. Maybe only in; Tim. Only the essentials!" Then audi- tions and stagestruck youngsters arrive on the same day. Before the production closes each year, anywhere from 20 to 40 children are thanking "old Uncle Scrooge" for the candy-filled stockings he passes out at the cast party. His own children have been in the show several times, and one production in particular brings laughter to Shermeyer's eyes. "My son, Ray Jr., played Tiny Tim when he was 2 years old (he's a sophomore in college now). He had only one line to say, 'God bless us everyone,' but every night the actor playing Bob Cratchit had to whisper the line in his ear." Shermeyer chuckles as he re- members. "After saying the line he would get his reward, a lollipop from Cratchit. One night everything went as planned until Cratchit forgot the reward." The chuckles build to laughter. "Ray Jr. turns to Cratchit and in a voice louder than he had ever delivered his line, says, 'Where's my lollipop? " The vehicle for Shermeyer's production has changed many times through the years. But whether it be play, variety show, staged reading or musical production, it is always based on the original story. Since he's been at Fort Sill, Sher. meyer has performed a musical versior. titled 'The Stingiest Man in Town." As for "old Scrooge" himself, there are also changes from year to year. "I always try to make Ebenezer Scrooge a three-dimensional character," says Shermeyer, "not the stereo- typed man that the name Scrooge now connotes." Every year he goes back and studies Dickens' original character, looking for more than just a selfish old man. ''The events of his life make him what he was. At one time there was warmth, happiness, gentleness and even love in Ebenezer Scrooge. But all of this has gone sour, and it takes a night of , travel through the past, present and even j an encounter with death to bring his warmth to the surface. That's why when 6 Oklahoma TODAY
Shemqer'.r memories include a housmife a.r Belle, a buusin~rsmanlamenting the fate of Jucob Marley. playing Scrooge, I always try to include some kindness." Sometimes ShermeyerIScrooge leaves the stage and visits area classrooms. Grade-school children enjoy Scrooge and love to jeer and hiss as he grumbles and fusses about with "Humbug!" on his lips. But suddenly there is confusion and then cheers of delight as the mean old man brings out the candy he's brought for the unsuspecting students. Not only are children confused and delighted by Ray Shermeyer's Scrooge1 Santa syndrome, adults are fascinated as well. The Cabaret staff has received more than one note from a transferred soldier saying, "Europe is great, but it's just not Christmas without 'The Stingiest Man in Town.' " And Lawton natives respond with puzzled expressions. "I don't know why I keep going," they say. "I must have seen it 10 times. But somehow it just wouldn't be Christmas without it." In the best sense of the word, Ray Shermeyer, Ebenezer Scrooge and Charles Dickens are tradition in southwest Oklahoma. "It's the way I celebrate Christmas," Shermeyer says. "Sure I love Christmas with just my family, but Scrooge allows me to celebrate with everyone. It's my gift to them. Too often we have to be reminded of kindness and generosity and humanity. If our production causes one simple act of kindness by only one person, then it's worth it." Andrew Walton, technical director for the Cabaret, directs most of the theater's musicals-wih the exception of "The Stingiest Man in Town." He also designs and builds scenery, handles lights and sound and even finds time to do some acting. Christmas begins in Lmton November 30, when Raymond Shermeyer and the rz of the cast of the 'StingiestMan in Town" take the stage at Fort Silrs Cabaret Supper 'Ileatre, 2933 Many Road. L%eentertainmentpackage includes a piano bar, lounge area and buffet sewing line, as well as theater. (Neehs to say, for the Christmas show the buffet goes Dickensian, serving turkey, dressing and cranbeny sauce.) Datesfor thisyear's show are November30 and December 1-4, 7-11 and 14-17. Tleater and buffet open at 6 p.m. ;curtain time is 8. To visit Scrooge, enter Fort Sill at Key Gate, go left on Craig Road, then right on Marry. For reservutions andinfomation, call (405)351-4519 or 351-4875. Winter 7
Page 1 and 2: WINTER WINTERTIME IN BIRDLAND: GREA
Page 3 and 4: Winter 1983-'84 COVER IE2 - bnghtly
Page 5: The Stingiest Man in Lawton the for
Page 9: As the man responsible for virtuall
Page 12 and 13: places the image of the visitor ove
Page 14 and 15: 14 Oklahoma TODAY
Page 16 and 17: widgeons, goldeneyes, buffleheads.
Page 18 and 19: i "YOLI can identify them by the br
Page 20 and 21: By Kate Jones Photographs by Steve
Page 22 and 23: $ Bett)"~ reproductions are based o
Page 24 and 25: man dollmakingfinns like Kestner an
Page 26 and 27: 26 .c "+" 1; 7 ,*< s gg MANNER ' Su
Page 28 and 29: Oklahomans center stage: Leona Mitc
Page 30 and 31: "Madama Butte@y" amives forher wedd
Page 32 and 33: 32 hst fag, we asked photographen t
Page 34: - ? RIGHT Woody Gaddis. 'Bird Feede
Page 37 and 38: YES! Enter my subscription today! R
Page 39 and 40: '-- a crowned heads of Europe. His
Page 41 and 42: empire which then surrounded Mul- A
Page 43 and 44: years there. That should give some
Page 45 and 46: DUNCAN December People travelling t
Page 47: I BIRDS Nov 20-Feb 15 Quail, Pheasa

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