'Laugh-In' at the Sixth Street Melodrama
Actors at the Sixth Street Melodrama giving their best fighting stance while performing "Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting" by disco musician Carl Douglas. From left: Terri Robinson, Paul Roberts, Carol Roberts, Susan Hendrixson, Scott Peterson, Gwyneth Faye and Harley Duce.
Photo by JOSH McDONALD
"Smokin' in the boys' room."
Sixth Street Melodrama actor Paul Roberts plays the role of a '70s hippie a little too well…
WALLACE — Get ready to travel back to a more groovy time at the Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater’s March production, Laugh-In Out Loud.
The musical review-style show features an all-star cast of Sixth Street veterans and was curated and directed by Terri Robinson.
Robinson, who has directed several shows over the years, has recently focused her abilities on recreating some of the more fond memories from her childhood — including the shows that she enjoyed with her family.
“You know, just like Hee-Haw last year, I wanted to do something fun and 'Laugh-In' was this funny, and dumb show that everyone loved in the '70s,” Robinson said.
"Laugh-In" aired on NBC in 1968 and ran through 1973 with 140 episodes, hosted by comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.
Inspired by Rowan and Martin’s "Laugh-In," Robinson’s show follows the sketch comedy format with a heavy inclusion of '70s music — similar to how she parodied the cowboy comedy show Hee-Haw just last year.
During its run, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis Jr., John Wayne, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Phyllis Diller were among the many recurring guest stars of the show — President Richard Nixon even made an appearance at one time.
Tackling the time's complex political and social issues, the show quickly became the No. 1 show on television because of its broad appeal.
Robinson performs in the show herself, but she is joined by Carol Roberts, Paul Roberts, Harley Duce, Ed Warren, Eli Bourgard, Susan Hendrixson, Anita Price, Scott Peterson, Gwyneth Faye and Carl Rowe, as well as accompanist Tamara Lindroos — each performer bringing something unique to the show that will either have you rolling with laughter or singing along.
Bourgard singing about ghost chickens, a little kung-fu fighting, and Carol Roberts and the Pips were just a few of the highlights from the show.
Whether you need the comedic timing of a switchboard operator with a speech impediment, or maybe singing on roller skates is more your style, there’s something for everyone at this show.
Laugh-In Out Loud opens Friday, March 3, and will run for the following three weekends with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through March 19.
For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance, visit the Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater Facebook page or go directly to www.sixthstreetmelodrama.com.
