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Theater throwback! Wing It Theater holds 50s, 60s tribute

By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office / Published June 17, 2008

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Wing It theater, Malmstrom's theater group, held an American Bandstand-like tribute at the Grizzly Bend Club June 13 and 14. 

The event included music from the 1950s and 60s, and the cast was composed of more than 30 active duty Airmen, family members and civilians. The show sold out both nights, and had more than 150 people in attendance for each performance. 

The night kicked off with refreshments provided by the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws committee and other sponsors, and prior to the actual show, a trio performed "In the Jungle" for all the children in attendance. 

At 7 p.m. the show began. Musical selections such as "Yakety-yak," "Mr. Sandman," "Money," "Help," "Paint it Black" and "Ring of Fire" were performed, among several others. 

"We all had a great night for both performances," said Chief Master Sgt. Steve Sargent. "We had full houses and everyone had a great time and walked away smiling. What impressed me most about the show, though, was how music can pull people together. People who generally wouldn't interact based on their jobs, background, hobbies - in here, music brought them all together." 

As far as technical aspects of the performance, the cast and crew overcame many obstacles to pull off the performance each night. 

"We overcame a lot of difficulties in performing the show," said Senior Airman John Smith, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron and sound technician for the performance. 

Some technical difficulties were apparent, primarily during Airman 1st Class Jolene Bullock's performance of "Son of a Preacher Man." 

Although the music to her selection began to skip halfway through her performance, Airman Bullock pressed on and continued the song, with the help of the audience who lent a hand by clapping to keep the beat. 

Despite the technical difficulties, the performance went well, said Sheri Wilson, director.
"The show was awesome," she said. "This is the biggest turnout Wing It has ever had, and it's awesome that so many young people came out to see a show based on music from the 50s and 60s. It was a fun show, despite the glitches." 

Two months of hard work was well worth it for the end result, said Senior Airman Efrem Foster, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron. 

Along with months of hard work and practice, the Grizzly Bend Club also helped make the evening a possibility. 

"We appreciate the club for being so generous with their time and facilities," Airman Smith said, on behalf of the group. "We'd like to see them receive due recognition." 

Wing It theater is always looking for new talent, in the way of performers, technicians, make-up artists and administrative positions. Anyone interested in becoming involved with the theater group can call Senior Airman Sarah Burrill, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron, 731-6895; Airman Foster, 731-6770; or Airman 1st Class Kenneth Jacobs, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron, 731-6780.
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