GARBER—See how the west was really won this April in downtown Garber when Garber Community Theater presents its interactive spring melodrama “Robber’s Roost.”
The comedic western opens with Minnie Belle “Ma” Quigley (played by Leslie Mooers), who operates a haven for criminals in the remote hills north of the Dismal River. All outlaws are welcome as long as they share their loot with Ma.
Joining the foray are three outlaws: the quiet Slowpoke Jones (portrayed by relative newcomer David Yirka) who always seems to have loot to share; Slippery Sam Sidewinder (played by Brian Buie), the meanest outlaw west of the Dismal River, who never has any money to pay for his room and board; and Ramona Scalawag (played by veteran thespian Tammy Berry), the meanest outlaw east of the Dismal, who always seems to visit when Slowpoke is there.
Suddenly the lovely Annabel Smith (played by Elizabeth “Lizzie” Moore) arrives on the scene with a bad case of amnesia and a valise full of bank notes in her possession. She has no idea where the money came from, but thinks she must be an outlaw. By Act Two, she gets her memory back and discovers who she really is.
“Lots more comedy ensues with a romantic twist at the end,” said show director Vanessa Neuerburg. She and assistant director Linda Severin promise this side-splitting production written by playwright John Burkhart is a delightful blend of chaos and comedy that will leave the audience in stitches, which has been the signature of Garber Community Theater’s dinner theater shows for over 25 years.
Garber Community Theater began in the late 1990s with then-mayor Linda Beebe who was seeking ways to attract tourists to the rural community 15 miles east of Enid.
This spring’s production will be bittersweet as there is a person missing from theater crew. Longtime Garber theater actress and director Kathy Disney died earlier this year. She was amidst helping plan “Robber’s Roost,” along with Garber’s 50th high school reunion slated for September, when she unexpectedly passed in February.
“Kathy had picked this one. It was her favorite,” said Berry. Mooers nodded, adding, “She was all in for a ruckus.”
“We don’t take ourselves serious. We’re more Carol Burnett-style,” Disney had told the Enid News & Eagle last fall.
The Garber native was known for regularly assisting behind the scenes for over two decades. Severin lamented she has often pulled out her smartphone to call Disney with a question or to inquire about a set prop, only to remember Disney is no longer here.
Disney’s father, Hal Long, provided the Garber Community Theater its original performance space across the street in the old grocery store as well as the current performance space too. The dinner theater now can accommodate nearly 100 patrons per show.
Each dinner theater production—which happens twice a year and requires audience participation—always has a villain ready to thwart the hero or heroine through hilarious hijinks.
“It’s an ensemble cast,” Berry said.
“More like a bunch of nutcases on the loose,” Mooers countered with a laugh.
Nevertheless, Berry added, “Where else can you get dinner and a show for $35?”
“Robber’s Roost” is slated for April 24-25, April 30, and May 1-2 at Garber Community Theater, 402 Main, Garber. Reservations to the dinner theater are $35 each with cash or check and must be purchased in advance by calling (580) 366-9276. Seating at each show is almost half full already, so the director recommends reserving a seat and/or table as soon as possible.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and everyone who has reservations will be seated and served by the cast a three-course dinner catered by the locally owned café Wick’s, known for its home-cooked meals and delectable desserts. This show’s menu includes roasted pork loin and strawberry shortcake. The acting on stage will begin immediately after dinner is finished.
Proceeds from all Garber Community Theater shows support the Garber Community Improvement Association, which in turn helps fund the community’s annual activities such as Easter egg hunt, Fourth of July celebration, and Christmas parade.