THE STAGE was set, performers prepared, and the audience was ready for one of their favorite performances of the year, the Fabulous Fifties Show. This was the 36th year for the annual show that allowed the talent of Lincoln County to shine bright.
This year’s show was entitled “You Oughta Be in Pictures,” featuring nine performances showcasing actors, a 13-member band, dancers, and singers, along with songs from the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Actors took the audience on a trip to Hollywood, where they tried to break into the entertainment business. Writing the script, Deborah O’Connor said the show allowed the actors the freedom to include unscripted banter or witticisms that gave each performance its own uniqueness. Additionally, each of the show’s performances allowed the plot to grow.
According to the production’s website, the Fabulous Fifties Show came about after Peggy Mann, a local art enthusiast, had attended and enjoyed a similar show featuring classic songs and performances in a neighboring town. She believed Fayetteville should do something similar to entertain the community and raise funds.
After working with locals, Cary Sullivan and Edith McKay, Mann’s thought started to become a reality. The rest, they would say, is history. In its over three decades in Fayetteville, the demand for the show has continued to grow, with nine performances included in the show as opposed to the two that it started with. It has given local performers and lovers of entertainment a chance to participate in something that showcases local talent and welcomes visitors from outside the city limits, further boosting the local economy.
All Hands on Deck
It’s important to point out that the annual larger-than-life show that has become a staple in the community doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes many hands and talents from locals with a true heart for the production.
The show’s producer, Jane Wilcox, said over 90 volunteers came together this year to help prepare for the show. The cast and crew comprised community members from ages 2 to those in their 70s. Everyone involved in the show is a volunteer and is from Lincoln County.
Locals such as Carl Gleghorn, artist, architect, and owner of the Dragonfly Art Gallery, helped design the show’s backdrop and T-shirts sold during the production. Once Gleghorn created the backdrop, art students with Lincoln County High School, led by Jennie Roles-Walter, brought it to life with their own artistic touches.
Performers who participated also began preparing months in advance for the event. Wilcox stated that the band started practicing in November, and the singers and dancers started to practice on the first of January.
Le nding a helping hand
The Fabulous Fifties Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Over the years, proceeds have been donated to the American Cancer Society and the Multi-County Cancer Support Network. Today, show proceeds go to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that allows funds to serve families in Lincoln County. For more information, pictures, and videos of past shows, along with behind-the-scenes looks, visit the show’s Facebook page. GN
