"What you have with lawyers [is] some frustrated actors who went into law because show business is terrible," Judge Mary Spencer McGowan told me recently. Politicians, meanwhile, are liberated, or at least self-satisfied, lawyers. It makes no sense then that biennially some Capital City lawyers get together and pillory some of our highest-profile elected officials on The Rep mainstage, but there you have it. That's Gridiron, where McGowan is headmistress.
"Welcome to Gridiron 2014," McGowan opened Wednesday's premiere. "We're back!"
The show skipped the 2012 election cycle. "This is our most successful Gridiron ever with multiple sell-out nights!" McGowan wrote last Sunday, the day after the show wrapped.
In 2016, the short-run sketch comedy musical will turn 100, and it "will be huge!!!" she promises.
This year's return was a peach and showcased some bona fide talent. Craig Wilson's "Playto" began as a kind of crude and tattooed Puck who transformed suddenly when he flexed his awesome singing voice on "Gridlock" (sung to the beat of "Blurred Lines"). Ginny Becton, Judy Trice and Janis Kovalscik also showed some wonderful range.
Once again, no one can top the pipes on Kathryn Pryor, although the most compelling number this round went to Dent Gitchel, the retired law professor, and his soulful rendition of Elvis' "(Wise Men Say) I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" that paid tribute to JoAnn Hendrix, Gary Barket, Bob Roddey and Bill Trice -- all Gridiron performers who've died since the last show.
Everyone with tickets seemed to arrive early for the premiere night reception Aug. 13 catered by Catering To You and featured jerky-size sticks of caramelized bacon that were the talk of the gallery. From the stage, McGowan gave a shout-out to presenting sponsor Pinnacle Structures, Inc., and owner Will Feland. Two law firms, Dover Dixon Horne and Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard, were supporting sponsors.
One last shout-out: To Rico Sergent, whose Barack Obama ground it out to "Gangnam Style." Dude, your moves? Rico suave.
-- Story and photos by Bobby Ampezzan
High Profile on 08/24/2014