By Linda Elissalde
It may have been way off Broadway, but the sparkle certainly reached New York City. JANE LONG AND THE 2ND GOING STYLE SHOW delivered on all of its promises. Mother of Texas Jane Long (Dr. Melanie Wallace), the handsomest man in the whole wide world James Long (Doug Romero), Mirabeau B. Lamar (George Strong) and Sam Houston (Bob Morgan) successfully reprised their roles from past productions. The Bolivar Ukulele Society (BUS) composed of Paula Islenblatter, Fran Griffin, Rita Moseley and Linda Hollier opened the evening with an overture that had the sold out crowd of 90 singing and clapping along. Bolivar’s favorite tapper Rita Moseley once again brought joy with her effervescent dance to the tune of “Five Foot Two,” accompanied by talented BUS leader Paula. Pastor Valerie Hudson held everyone spellbound with her beautiful rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song”.
WOW! You should have seen those models who wore the Second Going Resale Store fashions!! They strutted; they pranced; they danced as Gail Abbey and L.B. Hunt provided just the right musical improvisations for each number.
Models Betty Foreman, Nathan Foreman, Moody Fredenburg, Annalia Garcia-Burk, Mike LeBlanc, Caleb Martin, Bunnie Meyer, Sherry Morgan, Mary Raney, Melody Romero, Becky Stafford, Dennis Stafford, and Charlotte Stirling added their own personalities to augment each outfit. Actually, just about everyone connected with the show sported some clothing from this great store.
A style show was the brainstorm of manager Fran Griffin. She collaborated with Linda C. Elissalde to bring two elements of the Bolivar Peninsula together: Jane Long who became a symbol of survival for post IKE victims and the resale store.
Second Going’s profits are used in myriad charitable ways for the peninsula. These include the weekly food truck, low cost clothing, free medical rehabilitation equipment and many more community programs to help the poor. Profits from this venue went to Bay Vue United Methodist Church.
There is no business like show business. This show ended with everyone enjoying homemade desserts provided by members of Bay Vue UMC. Two lucky people went home with cakes by Co-Chairpersons Rita Moseley and Elaine Rollfing. Actors, musicians and models received two standing ovations. Well, one time this fantastic audience stood to sing the state song, but the second was a genuine standing ovation for JANE LONG AND THE 2ND GOING STYLE SHOW. Well done!
Production Managers: Fran Griffin, Jane Loose, Linda C. Elissalde, Ellen Kennedy
Advertisements: Mike LeBlanc, George Strong
Port Bolivar Fire Department chairs: L.B. Hunt, Doug Romero, Gary Huebel, Marcel Elissalde
Just Desserts Co-Chairpersons: Rita Moseley, Elaine Rollfing
Dessert Providers: Members of Bay Vue United Methodist Church
Tickets Producer: Pastor Valerie Hudson
Tickets Chairperson: Sandi Covington, Assistant Gail Abbey
Stage Manager: Marsha Fredenburg, Assistants Cindy Hunt, Esther Sarabia
Make Up Specialist: Laura Bryan
Announcer: Linda C. Elissalde
Sign Man: Mack Wallace
HERstorian: Trish Smith
Jane Long: Dr. Melanie Wallace
Dr. James Long: Doug Romero
Stage Hands: Timmy Armond, Marcel Elissalde
Mirabeau B. Lamar: George Strong
Sam Houston: Robert Morgan
Little Dummer: Margo Johnson
Pianist: Gail Abbey, Drums: L.B. Hunt
Bolivar Ukulele Society (BUS): Leader Paula Isenblatter, David Isenblatter, Fran Griffin, Rita Moseley, Linda Hollier
Tap Dancer: Rita Moseley
Singer: Pastor Valerie Hudson
Models: Betty Foreman, Nathan Foreman, Moody Fredenburg, Annalia Garcia-Burk, Mike LeBlanc, Bunnie Meyer, Sherry Morgan, Mary Raney, Melody Romero, Becky Stafford, Dennis Stafford, Charlotte Stirling
Everyone involved with the production excelled to give their guests a night they will remember! Everyone should pat themselves on the back for a job well done!
It was just the most fun, most creative, most interesting, most educational (who knew about all those great fashions!) performance I’ve seen in a long, long time. Congratulations to all of you. Fantastic job. And my sympathies to those of you would couldn’t/didn’t go. You missed a great evening.
Beautiful and talented as always. You guys have a standing ovation from me
Bill and Raquel Silverberg were honored at the show. They joined the Way Off Broadway Ensemble Players in 2003 and have been in most productions.