CULLMAN, Ala. – Folks filled the Donald E. Green Active Adult Center Thursday afternoon for a hand-clapping, knee-slapping, foot-stomping, side-splitting good time as the “Hee Haw” gang took to the stage. Directed by the Senior Outreach program, the show saw Cullman-area seniors reprising characters of the legendary variety show.
This year’s production was bigger, with new skits, more singers and a larger set. And, of course, Buck Owens (Wayne Roberts) and Roy Clarke (Tommy Kohlenberg) got the show started with a few korny jokes straight from the fields of Kornfield Kounty!
Several guest stars made appearances to sing some timeless classics. Gene Watson (Charlie Albright) belted a flawless “Farewell Party” and The First Lady of Country Music, Tammy Wynette (Barbara Whitehead) reminded the ladies to “Stand by Your Man.” She was then joined by the one and only George Jones (Gary Nunn) for their fabulous duet, “Golden Ring.”
Crowd favorites Dolly Parton (Ann Anderton) and Porter Wagoner (Jim Anderton) delivered the classic “Before I Met You.” Also making special appearances were Willie Nelson (Gary Nunn), Mel Tillis (Terry Austin), Johnny Cash (Buddy Campbell) and Roy Orbison (Buddy Campbell).
It wouldn’t be “Hee Haw” without Grandpa Jones (Roy Moon) and Minnie Pearl (Jolene Hammick), who had the crowd bursting with laughter! Minnie even performed a helpful tune explaining to the ladies her advice on finding a man- a bear trap!
The jokes and gossip were plentiful in this star-studded trip down memory lane with The Culhanes, The Naggers and Lulu Roman (Judy Albright), who is still serving up questionable meals at the truck stop. Lulu was still gossiping with the Gossip Girls, too.
“Hee Haw” must-haves, “Gloom, Despair and Agony on Me,” “Where O Where Are You Tonight?” and “Mountain Dew” were also part of this entertaining show, directed again by Jamie Brown. The cast has been rehearsing for four months, three times a day.
Brown fought back tears as she was given a bouquet of roses at the conclusion of the performance.
“These guys really outdid themselves,” she smiled. “At practice, sometimes they did real good and sometimes they didn’t. It seems when they get in front of an audience, they show out.”
If you missed it, don’t worry! Thursday’s “Hee Haw” show was just the first of two show’s this year. The whole gang will return Feb. 29 at the Hanceville Civic Center at 2 p.m. Tickets will be $5 at the door.
Until then, “May your pleasures be many, your troubles be few!”
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