Walk Down Memory Lane – A Collection of Comments

In March 1992 the husband of a friend and coworker came to my office to ask me to audition for a play he was directing at FSLT. The character was an 80-year-old Jewish lady, who lived with her society daughter and son in law. I declined for 2 reasons. 1. Except for innumerable dance recitals I had never been on stage and 2. Although I was past ingénue age I didn’t see myself as early senile! He left me a script and just asked me to attend auditions. That evening I related the story to my husband. Due to the fact that I was in the throes of empty nest syndrome he not only encouraged me to audition but basically pushed me out the door. I auditioned, was cast, and started rehearsals. I knew nothing about blocking, stage directions, etc. These wonderful people took me under their wings and patiently taught me all I needed to know. I did well until opening night when I was standing in the wings, waiting for my cue, and suddenly realized someone had opened the doors and let people in. My heart began to pound, my hands were sweating and suddenly I couldn’t remember my name. But like a robot my cue came and off I went. The show was a hit and I cried when it was over. Because I didn’t know anyone at the theatre I didn’t feel anyone else would ever cast me. But these wonderful people not only accepted me but invited me into their circle. And here I am some 30 years later having performed in numerous shows, directed 8 productions, and served frequently on the Board of Directors.

Through the years I have met and become friends with so many of these people. They love me and I love them. They are there when I need someone. During the time of my mother’s final illness, I was in rehearsal for a play. They worked with me and even had an understudy so I could be with her. When my husband of 50 years passed away extremely unexpectedly my house was filled with these same people offering help or just “being there”.

I once had a patron ask me, “Do you realize how much joy you bring to people?” I had never thought about it in that manner. I only know how much joy and fulfillment you bring to me with your laughter and applause. I made a pretty good decision some 30 years ago becoming an 80-year-old Jewish lady named Sophie Greengrass.

I first entered the doors of FSLT at 3800 North “O” Street in the fall of 1975. At that time, I knew nothing about this organization. They were having try-outs for A Man For All Seasons directed by Bob Wanslow. This play revolved around King Henry the Eighth and as I was born in England, I believe my accent helped me be cast. Since that time, it has been like a second family. In those days finances at FSLT were sparse and we not only acted we also cleaned bathrooms, cleaned the theatre, and whatever else was needed.

In 1985 the theatre was able to move to our present location. It started off small but in the ensuing years has grown and I am so proud to have been involved in its contribution to Fort Smith.

The talent that walks through its doors still amazes me. I have no idea many plays I have acted in, directed, produced, done box office, wardrobe, props, and so many other things. This theatre is maned by all-volunteers. For me it was never a chore but always a joy.

Some of my favorite roles have been Lady Alice in A Man For All Seasons (your first play is always special), Royal Family in 1979 where I played the daughter and in 2003 where I played the mother, Most recently in 2018 I had the opportunity of being in my first musical, My Fair Lady. This show was really special to me as the cast and crew were outstanding.

The first show I directed was in 1997, Love, Sex, and the IRS. On the Wednesday night performance, the electricity went out and stayed off for the entire show. We first offered patrons their money back, but they would not accept it. As the show must go on, we found every candle in the theatre and put them everywhere we could. My daughter and a young man sat in the aisles and held the two largest flashlights we could find. In the light booth Mike Tickler would say “Ding Dong” or whatever was needed for sound. We served champagne at intermission and a pick-up truck drove as close to the lobby with its lights on enabling patrons to see.

It was an evening I will never forget, as well as never forgetting how much wax we had to clean up after the show.

The SWTR wrote an article about it and patrons said it was such a romantic evening.

Yes, I have many wonderful memories associated with FSLT and one thing I know is that none could have happened without the continuing support of our Patrons in and around this community.

This Old Lady says, “Thank you all.”

Mary Jane Whittaker was my mother, and she played the piano at FSLT for several years in the early 1960s, my grade school years. Since it was during the summer, my sister Carolyn and I were out of school and spent many nights there during rehearsals and performances. Our father was a doctor and could be on call, so we went with Mother a lot. I got to know every inch of that place. My favorite place was the loft area that controlled the lights. Mother played the piano for several melodramas as well as musicals such as Little Mary Sunshine. For some of the musicals there was a second piano player, a young man named Jay.

I got to know all the lines of dialog, all the words to the songs.  During the breaks of the melodramas a man would come out to the center stage and lead the audience in a sing along. I can’t remember his name, but I got to know all of those songs, too.

From the start of his involvement in 1959 until his death in 2004, Ed Drimmel loved the Fort Smith Little Theatre. He served innumerable times on the Board of Directors (often as President) and as an actor, producer, director, and set designer. He was a world traveler who enjoyed art and culture. He could be persnickety, a perfectionist, and a curmudgeon; he was also the only man I have ever known who looked equally comfortable wearing an ascot, black leather slacks and vest, or a tool belt. Ed and his close friends – including Connie Freeman, Ron Watson, Janie Glover, and Carl and Wilma McCauley – were quite literally the backbone of FSLT for decades.

I had admired his onstage performances and his creative set designs for years, but it was by seeking his advice on a FSLT building project that I became his friend. In 1996, I was involved with lighting and paving the parking lots owned by FSLT and the adjacent Fort Smith Art Center (now RAM). Ed advised me on everything from the layout to drainage.

Just before the paving was to begin, it was raining cats and dogs. Ed called and demanded that I come pick him up immediately so he could check the water flow. For years, it had been a common occurrence for water to run under the theatre’s front doors. Standing in the downpour, I held a huge umbrella over his head as he took photos and studied the situation. My feet were soaked and shoes were ruined, but the land grade was changed and water never entered the lobby again.

Professionally, Ed was a very successful architect. Airport terminals, churches, manufacturing plants and post offices stand today as a testament to his talent. With planning and forethought, he designed things to last. It is therefore quite fitting that Ed named the Fort Smith Little Theatre Endowment as a beneficiary in his will. It was also very generous; Ed’s gift remains the largest single gift to FSLT’s Endowment to date.

FSLT volunteers, Nancy Blochberger and Katy Boulden (deceased 2019), interviewed Larry Tennant shortly before his death in 1997 about this involvement with FSLT. This memory is excerpted from the notes of that meeting. Although many of his comments were not actually about the Little Theatre, they provided an interesting insight into one of the early pioneers of our community theatre. Larry was a leader in business as well as a leader at FSLT. Larry ended his business career as a top official at Okla Homer Smith Furniture.

Larry Tennant, was Vice President of the first FSLT Board of Directors.

Originally from Indiana, Larry first came to Fort Smith on March 22, 1942. On that day, buck Private Larry entered the gates of Camp Chaffee, one in a thousand-man cadre for the 6th Division of the U.S, Army, the first division to be trained at the new camp outside Fort Smith, Arkansas. Because he was a college graduate and had briefly worked as a personnel clerk, Tennant had been assigned a desk job.

The first day at Camp Chaffee, there was a water main break. He and a fellow recruit from his home state, took the bus into Fort Smith and checked into the Goldman Hotel just to take a bath. Afterward, they went to Dinty Moore’s Cafe and being young, males and single, they struck up a conversation with the waitress. They asked her where they could find some action. She directed them to a beer joint out on Midland Boulevard. They took a short cab ride out to the place but once inside, they quickly realized there was a different type of “action” being offered there than they were searching for. The next Sunday, the two raw recruits decided that church was a better place for them to scout for female companionship. Larry was an Episcopalian, and his friend was a Methodist. The Episcopal Church was on 6th Street and the Methodist Church was on 15^th Street. As church bells were ringing, the two were standing on the corner of 12th Street and B, between their two denominations, when fate stepped in. Mrs. Doug Rogers, Sr. saw them and invited them to join her in worship. After the service, the minister stated that no serviceman in attendance should return to Camp Chaffee without a home cooked meal. Larry and his friend went home with Mrs. Willard Smart. At the Sunday dinner table, she urged her guests to attend the USO dance, which was located on the second floor over a grocery store in the 1100 block of Garrison Avenue. She even planned for Mrs. Marshall Yantis to pick them up in her Cadillac and drive them to the dance. Once there, he was introduced to Mary Louise Miller who quickly acquainted him with many of Fort Smith’s lovelies. They had found the kind of action they were looking for. The next night, Larry kept the date he had made with the Dinty Moore waitress, then had a date with Mary Louise on Thursday. Mary Louise asked him to make it a foursome and bring along his friend as a date for a friend of hers. Her friend turned out to be Jane Daily, Larry’s future wife. The foursome walked eight blocks from the Miller’s apartment to a restaurant named Constantino’s. As they sat in a booth and got to know each other, Jane and Larry found they had a lot in common. Larry continued to date Mary Louise but when she decided to marry another, he was quick to begin dating Jane. They were married in April 1943.

When WWII was over and Larry was separated from the military, he and Jane returned to Fort Smith and settled down to raise their family. Larry went to work at Eads Brothers’ Furniture for Mr. Bill Eads who was also a Dartmouth alum. His days were full as a husband, a father and businessman.

As Larry became increasingly involved in Fort Smith, he decided it was best to think before speaking about one of its citizens. Everyone seemed to be related to everyone else. Larry jokingly said, “If it hadn’t been for Camp Chaffee bringing in new people, incest would have been so rampant in Fort Smith that by now everyone would have six toes.”

Before long he received a call from Mrs. Mose Smith (Lucille). She had heard he had college theatre experience and asked him if he would be interested in joining a group of her friends who were forming an amateur theatrical organization. It was going to be sponsored by Sparks Young Ladies Guild, and oh yes, would he be the vice president? Larry replied that he would be honored to have his name on the slate. She informed him that it wasn’t necessary for he had already been “appointed” to the position. He said that “coercion” went on for many years as he repeatedly agreed to serve on the Board of Directors, act on stage, and help backstage with Little Theatre productions.

Larry was called back into the military to serve during the Korean War. While he was on active duty, the Little Theatre became independent, no longer needing a sponsoring organization. Soon they purchased a former grocery store building on North O Street and converted it into a small theatre in the round. He recalled that stage lighting was made by painting coffee cans black and wiring them for bulbs and then hanging them from the ceiling.

After his return from military duty, Larry served many years on and off the board. He suggested policies that would promote FSLT to grow as an organization and keep board members from becoming entrenched. He urged them to develop staggered terms for board members, a policy that was later incorporated into the constitutional bylaws.

One of his fondest memories was of being on stage with his daughter in a melodrama. Larry played the villain. His wife Jane was active also, but only backstage.

Larry also remembered an incident when he was onstage in the old theatre on “O” street. It was a small, intimate venue where the audience was right in the actor’s face. He did what every actor fears; he went “up on his lines”. He could not remember what he was to say. The audience was silent in anticipation. His friend Bob Dills, whose voice carried almost as well as Larry’s did, was in the audience just a few feet away. Bob leaned over and said loud enough for all to hear, “Larry, say something!” The audience loved it, and fortunately, Larry remembered his line.

It is hard for me to believe that the Fort Smith Little Theatre is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. Searching through my old files certainly brought back some great memories. I will always cherish the friendships that were made, both on and off stage at FSLT.

I first walked into the theater on North O St. in 1965. I was the same age as the theater, we were both 18. I was there with my high school friends, Rod Hocott and Bob Hughart and we were trying out for the summer musical, “Brigadoon”. We were all three so excited to be cast in the chorus. That summer pretty much hooked me, and I worked both on stage and off stage for the next 20+ years.

I served on the Board of Directors from 1975 through 1987. Served on every committee and was President in 1987 which was the first full year in the current theater building.

It is hard to say which shows were the most successful during my involvement. Some shows that I felt were outstanding did not have great audience appeal but in my eyes were still successful shows. The summer musicals were always extremely popular and the two that stand out the most to me would be “Evening with Rogers & Hammerstein” 1979 and “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” 1986. Both shows played to full houses and had extended runs. Best Little Whorehouse was of course the first production in what I still call the new theater building on north 6^th. It exceeded all our hopes and expectations.

This brings me to my favorite roles on stage and the #1 must be “Doatsey Mae” in Best Little Whorehouse. Other favorites: “Mrs. Bumble” in Oliver 1967 & 1973, “Snookie” 110 in the Shade 1968, “Luisa” in The Fantasticks 1970, “Laura” in The Glass Menagerie 1971, “Ruby” in Dames at Sea 1972.

The musical reviews created by Jay Burk, Evenings with Rogers & Hammerstein 1979 and Cole Porter 1984 were special and I am proud to have been a part of them. I also loved being in the cast of “Jacque Brel is alive and well and living in Paris”, a special off-season production and “the Magic of Musical Broadway, at the municipal auditorium.  Both shows were in 1977 and were fund raisers for theater capital improvements.

Lloyd Johnston moved to Fort Smith in 1978 and joined First Methodist choir. Connie Freeman asked him if he would like to try out for a play. He did and got a part. He enjoyed the people at the theater and helped with building sets, and tear downs as well as other odds and ends. He was in a play about the Barrymore’s and sold tickets and ushered for others. In 1980 he had by-pass surgery and we attended infrequently for a while. I’m not sure of the year but he was chosen for the board. In a few years he was elected president. A split had begun among the participants who did the work of keeping the theater operating. He was good at keeping people focused on putting on plays, but board meetings were loud arguments.  He was tired after many of those, but for the good of the theater the board members compromised on some things and moved on. More than one person thanked him for his patience and help in getting back to reasonably calm exchanges. He valued the friendships with a group that had nothing to do with work and of course the after-rehearsal pizza and end-of-the-show parties were fun.  The friends from the theater opened up other activities that helped make Fort Smith home for us.

I stayed in Texas to complete my master’s degree, but Lloyd told people that I played the piano and could sew costumes.  I went out when sets were being built or to rehearsals and I think did a few sewing odds and ends. When Vanities was being staged I made the cheerleaders skirts to fit the actresses and loaned a dress and some odds and ends. There were other plays where I sewed a little but then Jay and Jim asked me to do costumes for a Rogers and Hammerstein retrospective. When I said that would require a huge number of costumes they airily said, “oh, don’t worry. We will rent them.”  Famous last words! It was way too expensive to rent so we had to beg, borrow and burrow through all previously used costumes.”

FSLT had a special place in my mother’s heart. She did anything and everything to participate and promote the Little Theater: cleaning, makeup, box office, and Noon on 5 promotions. I went with her as often as she would allow. Her favorite roll was playing Anastasia with Jeanne Swearingen Lewis who played the dowager empress.  She cried every night at the recognition scene. Early on after rehearsals everybody went to Gene’s Lounge on Rogers Avenue. I didn’t get to go until I was older, and I thought it was quite a big deal.

My involvement with FSLT spanned from approximately 1981 to 1991. I remember enjoying One Woman Show, Belle Starr, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,  The Fantasticks, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Talk about a walk down memory lane! I loved playing Belle Starr and telling her story. Most of the time I was a vocal coach or a musician in the Orchestra pit and Rod being on stage. I do remember having to run a lot of extension cords when we needed more power for special lighting—back before the theatre was renovated.

I was active at FSLT for 35 years beginning with Guys and Dolls in 1971 and ending in 2006 with…Guys and Dolls! During my time at FSLT I think I played or took part in every volunteer position available—from grunt to board member. I was fortunate enough to play some outstanding roles on stage and even direct a couple of shows. My fondest moments were board meetings listening to arguments about where to install the Coke machine in the old theater! Met and made some life-long friends! It was a joy to work with some really talented individuals.

In 1978, FSLT was at the “old theatre” on North O Street. My cousin was my very close friend as well and when he got a girlfriend, he was too busy to do things with me. Driving to Westark one morning I heard the radio announcement about auditions for the upcoming play. I was president of the drama club in school but had never even thought about auditioning at FSLT. I told absolutely NO ONE about my audition and pretty much forgot about it until a few days later my mother said that a man had had called and that he would call back that evening. It was Orin Frank, my first director. Needless to say, my parents were shocked that I had done something like that on my own (I know it’s really hard to believe,  but I was really shy back then!).   thus began my journey……

My favorite roles were Joanne in “Vanities”, Sissy in “Come Back to The Five And Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean”, Regina in “The Little Foxes” and, of course, “Belle Starr:  By Herself”.

The show that anyone involved with always comes back to was “Cyrano”, which was at the old theatre. It was truly a magnificent production. The show that I kick myself for not going to see sooner was the 2018 production of”My Fair Lady.”  I went next to closing night and of course it was sold out or I would have gone again the next night. I think it was one of the finest ever.

FSLT played an important role in my personal life too.  I met my future husband, Rhed Khilling, when he came backstage to our dressing room after seeing “Private Lives”, my first show. Not only was I shy then but also modest and he knocked on the door and came in and I was standing there in a slip and bra, and I was so embarrassed! Because Orin Frank took a chance on a young girl for her first show and we met through the theatre, we were married 3 years later by Orin, who was also a minister. Orin had also been in the first show Rhed was in at FSLT (The Imaginary Invalid) and he was in the last one with Rhed as well, “Bethlehem.”  We were both so involved at FSLT and had such a big theatre family that in 2000 I held Rhed’s wake there as well.

In 2018 I did a one woman show “Belle Starr:  By Herself” as part of Fort Smith’s bicentennial. Off season shows are not normally well attended and I was hoping for 40 people each night. On opening night, I was mostly dressed when Debbie Carney came into the dressing room and announced that the line to box office went down the whole side of the building and there were no parking spaces left—and this was 30 minutes before showtime! Jim Moody and I looked at each other with our mouths hanging open. That totally interrupted what I was doing, and my mind just shut down.  At 7:30 I was waiting for the lights to come up to make my entrance and when they did, I started to take my first step past the curtains and realized I didn’t have on my guns! And one of the early lines is “I never go anywhere without these babies”! The guns were in the trunk of my car–Debbie and Jane Ann ran for my keys, opened the trunk, and ran back, belted them on me and pushed (hard!) me through the curtains.  My heart was pounding so hard from that near miss that I had no thoughts for nerves! On the 3 following performances 4 people asked, “do you have your guns?” before each show!

I became interested in theatre at Northwestern University, and I had always enjoyed singing, so participating in our community theatre was enjoyable for me. In 1959, I played the part of a sheriff in “White Sheep of the Family.” The role required that I smoke on stage. I had never smoked before, and I never really got the hang of it. I always felt awkward trying to light it and smoke in front of the audience, but nevertheless it was fun. After that, I stuck to being in musicals. I especially remember being in several melodramas in the early 60s. They included an audience sing-along and were very popular. But besides being on stage, my wife, Catherine, and I enjoyed attending Fort Smith Little Theatre shows for many, many years. Lots of good shows and good memories.

Paul Sandahl, 92 years of age interviewed by Nancy Blochberger, June 2021

Katy Boulden, who passed away in November 2019, actively contributed her time and talent over several decades as a board member, producer, director, and actress at FSLT. In addition, she used her love of language to pen countless newsletters and season brochures, even into her later years. I was honored to share the stage with Katy in my first ever production at FSLT in 1991. It was in that show that she fell and broke her arm backstage but refused to go to the hospital until the final curtain closed. She didn’t just play a role in Steel Magnolias; to me she epitomized the title.

2009-Current

Performer, offstage volunteer, audience member

My first play, A Murder of Scarecrows was a great experience and loved every bit of it.

For years, I’ve donated by graphic design skills for FSLT’s Spotlight newsletters, and it was an honor to design their 75th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet.

Active at FSLT from 1960-2012 when moved to Fayetteville. Participated as an actor, off stage volunteer, audience member, Season Pass Holder, and financial donor.

The most vivid memory is the people I worked with, some of whom are gone now. I also remember after I had directed a play and a long-term theater person coming up to me and after taking my hand, saying “just thank you”. She could not have said more than that!

Active 2011-Present

I have enjoyed being an active volunteer at FSLT including performer, volunteer off stage, Season Pass holder, audience member, and Board member.

A special memory is the audition for Sound of Music. I just wanted to do something, and I got to be a dancer in the big party scene. Then I was cast as the sheriff in Trip to Bountiful. I had to learn stage craft in a hurry. Since then, I been a part of many productions. My musical favorites are helping bring Titanic to life and singing White Christmas onstage as it snowed on us in the show. I was fortunate enough to be in two of the most powerful dramas that we have produced. I was the foreman in 12 Angry Men. We hated to see that show end. It was such a powerful experience. Then I was cast as Scanlon in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. As the production came together and we came to know our characters, we became the Boys in Blue. My director told me that I made her cry every night. That made me feel very good that I was doing a good job. I retired in 2012 and the theater has kept me busy. I’ve been onstage, backstage, and responsible for box office. I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’m so glad that we have the Fort Smith Little Theater.

Active 12 years as performer, director, volunteer, board member, audience member

2009 is when I took my first steps into the Fort Smith Little Theatre. That is where I auditioned for my very first FSLT show, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. What started as a first-time theatrical experience in a theatre in our community of Fort Smith became my new home away from home. Over the last 12 years, I have found myself as a performer. I have fallen in love with many of the notable roles in plays and musicals that I had the honor of portraying. Some of these roles include Dickon in The Secret Garden, Mr. Green in Clue, and Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice. Amongst them all, there is one role in particular that I believe was one of the best on stage experiences ever. That role was playing Lumiere in the 2019 musical Beauty and the Beast. Every night, I was able to perform the role of my dreams to families and the children from the Boys and Girls Club. Seeing the faces of moms, dads, boys, and girls light up as the Disney classic was brought to life before their very eyes will be something I will never forget. The laughs, gasps, applause, and cheers through the show brought excitement that filled the auditorium, allowing me to channel one of the best performances I feel I have brought to the stage. Then meeting the families after the show, seeing the smiles on the children’s faces brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. I have also found myself in the director’s chair. If you asked me seven years ago if I would ever consider directing, I would have said “Heck No!” However, curiosity got the best of me and now I have had the opportunity to direct. Over the last half of the decade, I discovered my love for directing. I co-directed a Christmas Off-Season called Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus with one of my very best friends (Victoria Walden), comedies such as The Odd Couple Female Version, Happily Ever After, and Glitter Girls, a magical one act called Mythical Creatures and How to Approach Them, and a comedy drama based on a true story called Calendar Girls. All the shows had a cast and crew I define as my dream team. Looking back in shows I have acted in, directed, and volunteered for, I have worked with FSLT legends, veterans, and newbies that have become lifelong friends and now new FSLT volunteers. These amazing individuals are my family, and this theatre is my home. I am so blessed to have found and be a part of this hidden treasure in our community. Whether I am performing, directing, volunteering, or watching a show, I love my Little Theatre BIG. Here’s to 75 amazing years at Fort Smith Little Theatre and many more to come.

I have been active at FSLT both as actor and producer from 1982-2003 and 2011-2019.

Most successful: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas – three week run in 1986 at the opening of the new FSLT at North 6th Street. A cast full of newcomers and old hats which came together under the leadership of Jay Burke.

There were successful dramas as well, so many talented actors throughout the years. I remember so well Ray Coleman as Cyrano de Bergerac with Rod Henley (Christian) and Lisa Lunney (soon to be Henley) (Roxanne) at the North O theater. I was totally mesmerized by their talent.

Favorite roles on stage:  Imogene Charlene Green (Best Little Whorehouse); Sister Mary Amnesia (Nunsense 1 and 2); Brooke Ashton (Noises Off in 1991? 1992?); Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes).

Someone to remember:  Jay Burke – an incredible musical talent who could make anyone look good and who also performed a wonderful role in Children of a Lesser God.   Also, the incredibly talented Red Khilling – gone way too soon.

Most fun “huh oh” moment for me:  “Broadway.” Me singing “We’re Having a Heatwave” dressed as Carmen Miranda, while people danced around me carrying large ply board bananas and strawberries. And Debbie Meek’s banana breaking and hitting me on top of the head during a performance. While I kept on singing and the fruit kept on whirling. The show must go on.

Throughout the years, it’s been pure joy making friends within each and every play. Many have remained good friends since my first show in 1982.  Much laughter, frustration, and tears on stage and behind the scenes throughout the years, but it created a tie that still binds. A family like no other. A family I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I have been active at FSLT for nine years as an actor, volunteer offstage, audience member, Season Pass holder, and board member.

I just thought I’d try it and nine years later, I’m still here trying different stuff. I love this place.

Suzanne Thomas, aka “The Thomases Trio” 2008-2021 (Deepu, Suzanne and Adeena)

We have been performers, volunteers offstage, audience members, board members, and season pass patrons.

FSLT welcomed us with open arms when we were newbies to the country. As a young family just starting out, FSLT became our second home. Our daughter Adeena grew up as a theatre baby, as she learned to walk and run in the very the hallways and lobby of the theatre. We found lifelong friends and made cherished memories to carry with us no matter where we go on our journey of life. Our 14 years in Fort Smith are entwined with FSLT. We will forever miss being there and carry the memories in our hearts.

Together, the Iverson Family have been active at FSLT for 10+ years as performers, volunteers offstage, audience members, and Season Pass Patrons.

My first time as a participant was in Titanic. If not cast, I was always willing to jump in anywhere help was needed, from helping with set building to cleaning bathrooms. When not in a production my favorite activities are greeter and hospitality.

I was active at FSLT from approximately 1984-1992. There’s been so much water under and over the bridge that I’m embarrassed to say there is only one production that I will never forget, and it was my first involvement with FSLT. It was in the 1984 production of Morning’s at Seven written by Paul Osborn and directed by Jim Moody. Though I had been previously introduced to the stage playing multiple, non-speaking roles in Annie, at the Junior College (isn’t that what we called it way back then?), my first and most memorable role was Carl in the aforementioned Morning’s at Seven.  It was an intimate cast of 9 characters, Theodore, and Cora Swanson, Aaronetta Gibbs (Cora’s live-in sister), Ida and Carl Bolton and their son, Homer, Mrytle Brown (Homer’s girlfriend), and Esther and David Crompton. I know all of this because Homer (Jerry Green) gave me a hard cover copy of the play which I cherish to this day. We literally became family during that production. There is usually a bond that develops between characters in an ensemble cast, but this one was special to me. Maybe it was because it was my first real exposure to theatre. And I must give Jim Moody credit for “creating” that bond that became so strong as we approached the production. We each became our character and would often interact with one another outside of rehearsal as our character even to the point of calling each other by our character names. Carl (me) was prone to have “spells” becoming non-communicative and leaning against a tree. But Ida (Janie Weber) could usually make me “shake it off” and bring me around.  Aaronetta (Libby Dale) stole the show and we loved her for it!

I was active with FSLT from 1984 until 1997 as a performer, volunteer off stage and an audience member. My first role was Simon Bliss in Noel Coward’s play, Hay Fever in 1985 FSLT was still on North O Street. My favorite role was Christopher Wren in the 1987 production of Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. There are some many fond memories of shows I worked on and in and the people who became wonderful friends

My mom and I used to come to watch performances. I believe our most favorite show was FSLT’s 2001 production of Those Crazy Ladies In The House On The House On The Corner. We laughed and laughed, and it was a good day. We enjoyed all performances, but that one was our absolute favorite!

Karen Nolen, audience member

My grandparents lived across the street from FSLT in the early 80s when it was on North O Street. They always had season passes and every now and then I got to go. I was probably about 7 or 8 years old. I remember thinking it was the most amazing place and this was definitely like going to the theater in NYC! I felt so grown up going with them. Those are some wonderful memories of time with my grandparents.

Tara Clifford, audience member

Active 2019-2022

volunteer performer, volunteer off stage, audience member, season pass patron, financial donor

I have been a patron of the FSLT for many years, attending various plays! I always enjoyed the different plays and musicals. But our relationship with the FSLT really ramped up on September 30, 2019, when we went to our first audition at the theatre. Our 11-year-old granddaughter, Sadie Bagley, really wanted to audition for Miracle on 34th Street, but was very hesitant and scared! So, Gary (her GPa) told her he would audition if she would. We all three went to the auditions, and Gary and Sadie both auditioned and did an excellent job! They both got call backs and both got parts!!! I attended many of the rehearsals and eventually was asked to be an “extra” in Miracle! We fell in love with the show, the people, and the theatre! Sadie was asked to take the part of Imogine Herdman in the Christmas production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Gary had helped on set building for Miracle and loved it. So, we were hooked! Early in 2020, Gary was asked to take a part in the off-season production, Radium Girls. It was the last production before everything shut down due to Covid! We, like everybody else, went into theatre withdrawals during the long hiatus! But we were there again when the theatre opened up. We auditioned for Clue in July 2021, as did our daughter (Sadie’s Mom). We all got call backs, and we all had roles in the show. Again, Gary helped a lot with the set build…and we all reunited and grew closer to our ever-widening circle of talented friends! Sadie and I helped backstage during the run. Gary and I once again tried out for Parfumerie, and both got parts, my first on-stage lines and Gary’s biggest part to date! We were at the theater much of the time, and when we weren’t, we were looking for special props for the show!! Sadie was asked to be an “extra”, so we were all together again. I had also been asked to help work in the Box Office. We were fully engaged in the FSLT. The last show of 2021 was the hilarious The HolidayChannel Christmas Movie Wonderthon., and I had been asked by my friend and director of the show to be in charge of props for the show. Now, Gary has been voted to be on the Board of Directors and I help out with Facebook advertising! We are truly a part of this wonderful theatre family, and we can’t wait to continue to help out whenever and wherever we can. It all started with one audition.

Financial donor

I am a retired architect with MAHG Architecture that was the design firm for the building. My late wife’s name is in the sidewalk on 6th street. My partner John Mott worked with your group. I’m going to be 90 years old this year.

Active 2001-2013 as volunteer performer, volunteer off stage, audience member, season pass patron, and financial donor.

Favorite scene: falling down a flight of stairs, every. single. night!! It was during Black Comedy. But the end of the run, parts of my lower half of my body were black…and blue! Ha!

Active 2012 to present

Volunteer performer, volunteer off stage, volunteer director, audience member, season pass patron, and author of Coffee Shop premiering in November FSLT 2022 season

I’m excited to see my 10th year with FSLT coincide with the organization’s 75th anniversary. The years have been eventful. I joined the FSLT family in the 2012 production “Little Women: Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy” (directed by Micki Voelkel), and have enjoyed participating on and off the stage. I’ve met some lifelong friends here and have fallen out in laughter countless times in the Green Room kitchen with Eric Wells, spent long hours working on sets with my husband, Brandon, and my parents-in-law, and have enjoyed sharing our wedding day with our theatre family. I love watching people meet and find their best friends — and sometimes future spouses — here. The magic of FSLT is in the fact that it is entirely volunteer-operated. Volunteers of all ages put in countless every year, creating memories, and staging excellent shows. FSLT has a rich history which many of our volunteers have gotten to experience, and the organization is sure to have a rich future thanks to them as well.

I arrived in Fort Smith in June of 1973 and was cast that summer in Celebration, my first FSLT show. Later the same year I did a non-musical role in 1000 Clowns. In 1974 I directed for the first time, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail.

Also directed:

Bye Bye Birdie

1977 Directed Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (closing night was one of those famous 70s snowstorms, so the cast party was at our house on Saturday night and the last guest left on Wednesday!!!)

Side by Side by Sondheim

Performed in:

1975 Enter Laughing

1976 How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying

1978 Apple Tree

1980 Sea Horse

1980 Madwoman of Chaillot

1981 Anne Frank

1982 Front Page

In 1983 our first child arrived, and I made the decision to stay home and raise kids while Sondra was at the Little Theatre at night. After that I made sporadic appearances ending with The Wizard of Oz.

I remember my time at FSLT with fondness as I have become an audience member rather than as a participant. My favorite memories are as musical director of Magic of Musical Broadway at the Civic Center and all the musicals I was in. I also loved FSLT’s production of Beauty and the Beast!

I was active at FSLT in the late 1950s and early 1960s. I worked at the Chamber of Commerce. Bill Center was the Assistant Manager there and he asked me to help at FSLT. My first job was in wardrobe and makeup and to help with props. Later I worked on numerous shows with Ed Drimmel, Ron Watson, Connie Freeman, and John Ayers. Sammie Johnson was the artist who drew the artwork for all the programs. Sammie also painted, on the lobby wall, the Apple Tree that listed past shows. I was only on stage one time. My line was, “luncheon is served.” My FSLT friends made me do it because I had not been on stage before. I have many fond and funny memories of FSLT including the old light fixtures–coffee cans painted black and fitted with sockets for light bulbs.

I have been active in the 2021-2022 seasons as a volunteer performer, volunteer off stage and an audience member.

The first play I ever saw at the Fort Smith Little Theatre was Little Women in 2012. I remember being captivated by the performance and thinking these people were celebrities. For years I dreamt of doing that, taking the stage, or helping behind the scenes, but I never thought I could ever be one of them. And yet years later, that dream actually came true! And now some of the very same actors I was so starstruck by are people I see all the time, and some of my dearest friends. I had initially decided to give FSLT a try in 2019, but I kept making excuses and saying, “maybe next time,” until 2020 happened and there were no more next times for a while. Then 2021 came, the re-opening production Clue was announced, and experiencing two losses in my family really pushed me to stop wishing and start doing. I showed up to auditions with no expectations other than to try something new, have a good time, and at least sign up to volunteer backstage if I wasn’t cast. Taking that leap was easily the best decision I think I’ve ever made. The Little Theatre welcomed me with open arms, granting me both a small role onstage as well as a job offstage in the sound booth. Clue was the most fun experience I’d had in a very long time. I cried a lot near the end of the run because I just didn’t want it to end. But the fun has just continued in all the shows that followed! I’ll cherish every moment here forever; all the love, the laughter, the tears, the games, the songs, the sound booth podcasts, the delicious food (thank you Sharla!), and especially the memory of the beloved Red Couch, who gave us everything it had up until it’s dying breath. May it rest in peace. It would take an entire novel to thoroughly express what FSLT has given me in only a year – joy, confidence, comfort, a creative and emotional outlet, just to name a few. But the most important gift was the people. At a time when I really needed friends and had very few in the area, I was suddenly surrounded by the most wonderful humans and best friends I could’ve asked for. I’m extremely proud to be here for the 75th anniversary and honored to be part of this family.

The McCauleys were active from the 1970s – 2000ish as volunteer performers, volunteers off stage, audience members, season pass patrons, and financial donors.

In 2017, Carl McCauley died at the age of 82. He was a well-respected talent and a familiar face to FSLT patrons. Carl’s participation with FSLT began in the early 1970s at our first theatre home on North O Street; it continued for more than 30 years. Centerstage and backstage, Carl was generous with his time and his talent. Carl’s employment was as diversified as his stage roles. He had been an employee of the Kansas City Southern Railroad, the Saudi Arabian Government (overseeing airport transportation systems), and later as a local realtor. In our history archives, there is a terrific photo of Carl building a set with two his dear friends and FSLT volunteers – Ed Drimmel (deceased 2004) and Ron Watson. In the picture, they are constructing a column to disguise one of the former grocery store’s support poles that were a permanent fixture on the North O stage. I’ve always thought of that photo as a testament to Carl and his FSLT “band of brothers” who saw things like poles on the stage as inconvenient, but not insurmountable. FSLT owes much of our success to fine folks like Carl who literally built it from the ground up. Carl was married for 45 years to Wilma who was also a long-time member of FSLT’s family of volunteers. Wilma died in 2020 at 93. Although Wilma often served on the Board of Directors and helped backstage with props, I remember her most for working on wardrobe.

Bruce and Kaye were active at FSLT from the 1970s until 2020 as volunteer performers, volunteers off stage, audience members, season pass patrons, and financial donors.

A highly creative individual, Bruce was an active volunteer at FSLT for 30 years. He was a painter, wood carver, stained glass artist, gardener, floral designer and more. Some of his jobs at FSLT were an outlet for that creativity; others he did just because they needed doing. For years, he arranged flowers for every Opening Night and often served on the Board (often as President). He restocked toilet paper, pulled weeds and battled nutgrass, changed light bulbs, decorated sets, and peeled and applied mailing labels for Spotlight newsletters while listening to NPR radio. Bruce cared about FSLT – both the people and the building – and he found joy in tasks large and small. His wife Kaye was talented and giving as well. Although she helped in other ways, she is most commonly known for costuming. Kay was an excellent seamstress and her skills were seen on the FSLT stage in many shows, for many years. She and her friends, including Wilma McCauley and Janet LaForce, worked on costuming together and would stay in the Green Room during each performance to help with quick changes and costume repairs. Bruce and Kaye also involved their daughter, Zena, and her family in FSLT. Onstage, in the audience, backstage – the Birkhead clan contributed a lot of time and talent. Bruce and Kaye are both deceased now. But they left behind a remarkable example of service, a legacy of sharing, many memories, and many friends at FSLT.

Phanita Williams was active at FSLT as a volunteer performer, a volunteer off stage, an audience member, a season pass patron, and a financial donor.
Beginning in the 1960s, Phanita Williams contributed greatly to our theatre for nearly 40 years. She stepped in to help wherever she was needed – from props, to wardrobe, to hospitality, to being a show producer. She was a very special lady with an ever-present smile who never sought the spotlight, and we are all a little richer for having known her as a part of our FSLT family. (Deceased 2017)

Active since 2019 as volunteer performer, volunteer off stage, audience member, season pass patron, and financial donor.

I almost missed my opportunity to be a part of FSLT. You see, I was nervous about auditioning and, after chickening out of one audition, I almost did the same for the next. Luckily for me, I did not and became a part of the Disney’s Beauty and the Beast cast. During that show, I heard that one never forgets the first show they are a part of and, while that is true, I would argue that I haven’t forgotten a moment since! The theatre welcomed me with open arms. I didn’t grow up in Fort Smith but, from the moment I set foot through the doors, I was home. I had found my family. There are no words to describe that or what FSLT means to me to any justice, so I will simply say, “Thank you FSLT and Happy Anniversary!”

In 2016 and 2017, I enjoyed being a volunteer performer for two shows. It has been a long while since I’ve been involved with FSLT, but I remember that as a community everyone was so accepting and nice. I specifically remember a time when we were doing Sense and Sensibility. The characters were British, and someone taught me how to do a British accent because I didn’t know how to do it. FSLT has taught me many lessons with life and acting and I would not be the same if I did not do those two wonderful productions, Sense and Sensibility, and Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Bekah Willson

Active at FSLT from 1950s through 1970s as volunteers off stage.

Hi, I want to honor my family and our fond ties to “LT,” as they called it. My dad, Ben S. Pollock, returned to Fort Smith from Army service in the early 1950s to run the Model Laundry & Dry Cleaners with his brother Al Pollock. Ben Sr.’s passion was stagecraft, and he did set and lighting design for LT and directed a time or two. I recall going to the O Street theater with him as a kid on weekend afternoons, me hanging out in the narrow lobby (where the stained-glass man stood) or sitting in the worn, red plush seats with coloring books or homework or somesuch while he built backdrops or hung lights. Mom (Joanne) I believe helped run the box office. Joanne’s father, Ernest J. Mendel, and his wife Katy (formerly Gamble) also volunteered with Little Theatre quite a lot mid-century. I believe that Katy acted, but I don’t know what my grandfather did there. — I’m enjoying reading the recollections of others; I remember many names from those years.

Ben Pollock Jr.

I was active at FSLT from 1977-1988 depending on availability with work scheduling. From 1988-2004, after changing jobs, I was able to participate “full time” through acting, directing, building sets, running lights and sound, and serving as FSLT board member. Loved my first directing experience, A Few Good Men, in 1993, but my favorite show to direct was Dear Ruth, in 2003. My history with the play went back to the early 1960’s. The setting, the characters, plus an EXCEPTIONAL cast and crew. I loved playing character parts. Mac Sam in The Miss Firecracker Contest; Muley Graves in The Grapes of Wrath; Owen Musser in The Foreigner; Harmony Rhodes in Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will; the Firefighter in Working are just a few of the ones that come to mind. But I also loved the role of, Junior/Steven Frank, in Aspirin and Elephants. One of my favorite things that we did as a theater was, An Evening of Music and Remembrance, in the holiday season of 1992. It was a benefit for the AIDS Education Center, of the group Fort Smith Fights AIDS. It consisted of music, dance, and readings from The Quilt: Stories from the Names Project, a book of letters from people sharing their reactions upon seeing the AIDS Quilt. And of course, I’ll never forget getting shot on stage. A blank gun was being used for an off-stage sound effect later in the show Broadway. But it was an on-stage prop during an early scene. The scene was a pantomime, in front of singers and dancers. The gun was in a shoulder holster and, at this performance, had accidently been cocked when put in the holster. The scene was a fight, and I was supposed to react when I felt the gun touch my back. Well… when it touched my back, it went off!! Needless to say, it was a shock to everyone, especially me! It WAS a blank gun, but at point blank range it did some real damage. Ruining a tuxedo jacket and shirt, and leaving a nasty powder burn a little larger in size than a silver dollar on my back. Luckily there were a couple of nurses working backstage and they “patched me up”. Two funny things about the incident were the looks on the faces on stage as I collapsed, and they weren’t sure if I was alive or dead. LOL!!! But the funniest thing was Wendy Quick asking me five or six times, if I was alright and didn’t I think I should go to the Emergency Room. Finally, I said that if I did that, we would have to explain, in a police report, a gunshot wound at the Little Theater. She thought a second, chuckled and said, “You gonna be alright?!?!” LOL!!! Yeah, I was alright. But we only loaded the gun for the sound effect from then on. But the best thing about my time at FSLT was the people I met and got to know. Some only once or twice. Others regularly and ongoing. I won’t try to list all the names because I know I’d leave someone out. But they know who they are, and I love every one of them. And although I haven’t seen many of them since I moved away in 2004, I still consider them some of the best friends I’ve ever had. I love the FSLT, and everyone involved. EVERYONE!!