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After a group picture was taken and everyone stuffed themselves at the delicious buffet, Terry Lathan introduced Scott Teal, who was serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon program. Scott explained that the afternoon program was underwritten by the letter "E", then announced that "Elvis is in the building!" Sure enough ... Elvis walked out from the wings to the music of "2001, A Space Odyssey." (Actually, for those of you with your hopes up who still believe that Elvis is alive, it was only Bob Kelly with fake sideburns and a cheesy Elvis costume!) Elvis Kelly launched straight into a high-charged lip synch of many of Elvis’ biggest hits, including "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Dixie," and "That’s All Right, Momma."
Several of Friday nights’ performers returned to the stage on Saturday. Penny Banner wore a provocative cat costume and sang "Stray Cats." Ida Mae Martinez did more yodeling as she sang "I Played Him Like a Fiddle," "Cowboy and Country," and "I’ll Teach You." Karl Roach sang "Bad Bad Leroy Brown," as Bob Kelly and members of the Fields family handled the background music.
Bobby Simmons sang "Old Friends," a song that really lent itself to the theme of the reunion. Before Bobby sang, he gave a testimony about Charlie Harben, Charlie Smith, Fabulous Moolah and Jim Barnett helped him get into wrestling business. His message was that we should always tell people what they mean to us, because we might not get another chance. He then charged everyone with finding someone during the weekend and sharing their thankfulness to them.
One of the most popular segments on the annual Saturday afternoon show is the lip synch (and usually funny) performances by members of the Fields family. This years’ participants included Ida Fields (The Happiest Girl), Shane and Debbie Fields (You Can Leave Your Hat On), Evelyn Fields (Independence Day), Bobby D. Fields, Ida Fields and Chris Kelly (The Workout), The Fields Family (A Visit with an Old Friend), Ida and Florence Fields (Hard Headed Man), Randy Fields (Born to Boogie), Brandon Fields (There’s More Where That Came From), Madonna aka Debbie Fields (Express Yourself).
Dick Steinborn performed "A Wrestler’s Retirement" to the tune of "My Way." This was the vignette that made such a hit at last years’ reunion, but Dick added several new ideas to freshen it up. Danny Hodge made a guest appearance in the skit as the music faded out.
Scott Teal filled in between acts with several classic magic effects, including the first trick he ever learned, which he claims he was taught by Sputnik Monroe. To recap just a few of the effects:
Scott folded a $50 bill into fourths. When he unfolded it, it had turned into a $1 bill. Ronnie Garvin had been holding a navel orange the whole time and cut it in half ... to find the $50 bill (with the same serial number recorded earlier) rolled up inside. With the assistance of a puzzled Danny Hodge, Scott explained how a silk handkerchief magically changes colors. (photo, left) Two predictions were made during the show. Scott held a card up and asked Nelson Royal if he knew what was printed on the back. When Nellie said "No," Scott turned the card around to show the word "No" printed in big letters. Amazing, Nelson! Later on in the show, Tiger Conway correctly predicted the color found on the back of a card. Scott’s adage that a groan is as good as a laugh as he demonstrated an` exhibition with his necktie.
As the show continued, Karl Roach read "The Wrestler’s Prayer," a song that Len Rossi wrote and sang many years ago. It was a touching piece that left a lump in everyone’s throat.
Scott closed his part of the program with a short dialogue about what the reunion means to everyone. As he spoke, he tore a newpaper into small pieces. A puzzled look on his face and a few choice comments relayed the fact that he had botched the trick up. Several sympathetic people in the room seemed to empathize with Scott in his plight, although Bill Bowman later told him that someone sitting next to him said, "You see, magicians do mess up at times." Bill said that no sooner were the words out of his mouth than Scott turned back to the audience, grinned, and snapped the paper out with a flourish ... to show it fully restored.
As is our custom, we closed out the weekend with everyone joining hands and singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", led by Curtis Smith, Karl Roach and Bobby Simmons. Terry Lathan returned to the stage to ask the Board of Directors to come up and be recognized, at which time everyone walked up to thank them for the hard work they put into the reunion.
Also attending this year were: Jack Adkins, Bobby Dee, Claude Stringfellow, Tom Drake, Jack Donovan, Billy Garrett, Earl Smith, Skip Wetjen, Eddie Sullivan, Jack Laskin, Rey Urbano, Chuck Molnar, Smokey Boyette, Chris Cody, "Turbo" Ted McIrwin, Gladys Wall, Lester Welch, Ted Allen, Bill Dromo, Joyce Grable, Rocket Monroe, Bob Boyer, Buddy Hack, Jim White, Ken Ramey, Dick Beyer, Bruce Austin, Louie Tillet, Bob Blackburn, Diamond Lil, Jerry Barber, Joe Criswell, Willie Paul Davis, Ben Jordan, Pete "Scorpion" Cannon, Tommy Fooshee, Colin West, Buddy Wayne, Aubrey Wayne, Al Greene, Don Wright, Joe McCarthy, Don Fields, Dean Silverstone, and Ruth Silverstone.
A special thanks goes to Ray Hall and Coca-Cola for the soft drinks.
Cast and Crew
Sound Engineer -- Ronnie Brown
Electrical Engineer -- Claude Stringfellow
Curtain Handlers -- Marie, Marie and Susan
Utility Man -- Joey Turner
Video Production -- Ricky Fields
Props and Stagehands -- Justin and Brandon Fields
Thanks to everyone who had a part in making this year’s reunion a successful one. We ask your forgiveness if we failed to mention you. This years’ house was the biggest we’ve ever had at any of the past reunions and there were many regulars who were unable to be with us this time. Be looking for the return of the Blue Cyclone on our program next year, as well as the skit "It’s Me Again, Margaret." If you have a talent that you’d like to share on one of the programs, please contact Florence Fields at:
P.O. Box 176, Moselle MS 39459-0176, (601) 582-7211
Mark the first weekend in March on your calendars. We’d love to see you in Mobile next year!! Come join us! |
