Fred
Dickson:
From under those famous wigs Fred 'Elvis' Dickson sang
"Don't Be Cruel" and Willie Nelson's
"Remember Me", but his songs like "Cattle
Call" still 'ring out' when the theatre goes
quiet. Since those 80's days, our yodelin' hero
'touches down' in Reedsport for only moments at a
time, between trips to California and Alaska. He and
wife, Betty, who often handed out Opry programs, fill
the pantry with meats, seafood, berries, and the like
as they enjoy the great outdoors. Inside activities
still include Betty's many craft beauties that she
can't make fast enough for her loyal fans.
Harrel and Carolyn
Creech:
This
dynamic duo gifted us with love from the lightbooth in
the 80's. You'll recall Carolyn calling down in
response to something happening onstage, just 'cause
family does that, and we'd all chuckle. They retired
their Charleston restaurant into a gift shop called
Carolyn's, where she sells her sewing and
seashell creations, and Harrell hangs his beautiful,
original paintings. Personal time is special since
granddaughter, Ashley, blessed them with Jean, 14
months, their first great-grandchild.
Bryan
Gorman:
After
graduating from NBHS last year, and treating our Opry
audiences to great saxophone vibes for the 50's
numbers, he headed to Nashville, Tennessee and
Vanderbilt University. He finished his freshman year,
and we're so proud that Bryan was hired as a
bio-medical researcher this summer. What an
accomplishment! Not to worry....he's still in the
music department playing that sax!
Jamie
Morris:
Our
dear friend, who gave us incredible music, as Opry
band coordinator and keyboard/bass player for the past
3 years, is taking a well-deserved break, and making
the most of it. He recently won the First Place trophy
at the State School Bus Safety Exercise Competition
for conventional buses! He surpassed about 50 others
in a written test and precision/obstacle course. July
18-21 he'll compete at the Internationals in New York!
We'll miss him, but send warm
congratulations!
Suzie (Walberg)
Newton:
Little
Ole Opry's founder lives in Palm Desert, Ca., just
minutes from Opry assist & daughter, Julie
Schwab's, family. Jury duty in June and a slip on
Courthouse steps had her in a cast. She endured the
trial, to enjoy the swimming, 80 clubs/classes,
golfing, grandchildren/family time, and theatre life
she loves in Sun City! Retired from directing, Suzie
shares, "I miss LTOB, Opry, and the wonderful people
in the Bay area. I am very proud of Little Ole Opry,
and thankful to everyone who has kept its light
shining all these years!"
Wendy (Bingham)
Helling:
Once
an Opry dancer, choreographer, and vocalist, Wendy's
inspiring performances and awards fill her 25 years
with LTOB. More selective in her participation today,
Wendy cherishes her 10-year marriage to Keith. Her
Village Daycare position and his career at Shutter
Creek Correctional Institution balance. Daughter
Elizabeth is "Light of her life," turns eight in
October, and enters second grade at Hillcrest.
Theatre, piano, golf, and remodeling their home fill
her time. "That, in a nutshell, and enjoying being a
mother, is my happy little life," smiles
Wendy.
Melissa
Smith:
Melissa
first sang for Opry in '86 and joined the Opry band,
City Limits, in '91. Happy, single and dating, Melissa
works at Oregon Medical Laboratories in the Toxicology
Department. She loves the Eugene area, and is active
with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and
hiking. "I turned 40 and jumped from a plane," laughs
Melissa, "It was a blast!" She owns her home, is busy
with yard work, and is devoted to worship music at
South Valley Fellowship. A multi-talent of instruments
and vocals, she moves from a solo to full band with
ease, and loves it!!
Doyle Hall
Family:
Starting in '86, Doyle,
Sr. performed his original songs at Opry. In '89,
daughters Stacey and Mindy joined the first group of
Littlest Ole Opry Dancers. Doyle, Jr. joined them in
'91, when they became Little Ole Opry Dancers. Wife
and mom, Cathy, sewed and supported. Married 39 years
this July, the Halls love family time. Stacey and
hubby Chris expect Brady November 1st for brother,
Kaleb. Newlyweds 1 year, Mindy and Clay are at home in
Hillsboro. Doyle, Jr. with 2 years at Westwood, plans
to move to Portland and construction work.
Copyright
2004© The Little Theatre on the Bay - North Bend, OR
