Barbara Wood's column: Look, who's behind that tree -- it's me! Barbara Wood's column: Look, who's behind that tree -- it's me! (November 19, 2003)

If you were among the near-capacity crowds that filled Sellman Auditorium during the past two weeks to watch the Woodside Community Theatre's production of "Annie Get Your Gun," you probably saw me on the stage.

Or, you may not have. My on-stage debut, which coincided with the return of community theater to Woodside after more than a decade's absence, was not exactly in a starring role. Or even as a member of the chorus. Because, actually, I can't sing a note, and when I try to dance I often tromp my partner's toes.

And it was probably easy not to notice me among all those others on the stage. It seems that anyone from Woodside who wasn't in the play was in the audience.

Several cast members were veterans of Woodside's community theater, including David Wenrick, the son of the late Hanna Wenrick, star of many past community productions and to whom the play was dedicated.

Other vets included Doug Wilbanks, George Norbeck, Ron Romines, Barbara Tagg, Chuck Martin, Nola Masterson and Sharon Humphreys.

It was definitely a community affair. Many family members participated together -- Kathy Hovsmith and daughter Elayne were Indian maidens, while daughter Jaclyn played Annie's youngest sibling. The dress Kathy wore while playing the role of Winnie in her high school production of "Annie Get Your Gun" was worn by Woodside High junior Heather Losey as Winnie.

Heather's mom, Donna, was co-producer of the play and in charge of the backstage crew; sister Brigitte played one of Annie's sisters; and, until he got sick, dad Mike was a member of the chorus.

Mindy Bowles was co-producer, while husband Mark designed the sets and technical setup and played the part of Pawnee Bill, while son Ben helped with the lights.

Alexandra Gifford was in the chorus, while her son Marshall was on the stage crew and daughter Katherine helped with costumes.

Neil Meyn played Tommy, while sister Lily played an Indian maiden and chorus member, while their parents, Steve and Linda, were in charge of props and ushers.

Along with all the Woodside Elementary students in the play, counselor Janai Bryan was in the chorus and teacher Karen Peterson had a one-line role.

At least a half dozen Woodside High students had roles, including Alicia Molin who wowed the crowds as Annie, along with Zak Fisher and Neil Meyn, who shared the role of Tommy, and Lacey Brisbin who played Sarah.

All in all, more than 100 people helped with the production on and offstage.

I, however, had more of a supporting role -- as in supporting the giant plywood tree that we carried in for Scene One. I believe I did pull my own weight -- raising and lowering scenery backdrops and moving sandbags around.

It was an exhausting yet exhilarating experience showing exactly what "community" means: a group of people working together to accomplish something bigger than the individuals involved.

I think it worked beautifully in Woodside the past two weeks -- and I'm wondering if I could learn to sing before the next production?

Look for Barbara Wood's column in the Almanac the third week of the month.