Flash Back: Sixties memories rock the house at Porterville College

Porterville College rocked Friday night, despite the rain, as actors played the part of some of the top entertainers of the ‘60s and gave the audience what they came to see.

The mood was set as the night began with a collage of photos and graphic arts representing the music, people, places and events of the time skillfully put together by Jay Hargis. They included everything from The Flintsones to Malcom X, and album covers from The Beach Boys to James Brown, from love-ins to the Vietnam War.
And then, Ted Wise, dressed convincingly as a 60s rebel in a long black wig, with head band and guitar, came on to introduce Ed Sullivan – back from the dead and played by Bill Jameson.

“I came back for this show,” he told the audience as Ed Sullivan, laughing. “I know I came back a little taller and a little wider, but this is worth it.”

Throughout the night he kept the audience entertained between acts with humor and introductions of folks in the audience between acts.

Ed Sullivan would have been proud. So would Dan Rowan and Dick Martin of the old ‘60s “Laugh-In” TV show.
PC President Rosa Carlson and Richard Goode donned the garb of the old lady and old man from the memorable Park Bench skit played on “Laugh-In” by Ruth Buzzi and Don Rickles. The two had the audiences howling with laughter as he asked simple questions that were always answered with a slap of her purse until she knocked him completely off the bench onto the ground. They stayed in character the entire time.

The two were part of a night of entertainment that had a little something for everyone to remember and enjoy.
“It was really fun,” Carlson said. “We enjoyed it as much as the audience did.”

Members of the faculty and staff played “The Beatles,” “The Mommas and The Papas,” Ritchie Valens, “Tiny Tim,” Jeanie C. Riley, Sonny and Cher, Nancy Sinatra and Janis Joplin, to drop just a few of the big names.

The “Crack-O-Dawn Dancers” mostly senior citizens, danced “The Swim” and a well choreographed line dance to the crowd’s delight.

Richard and Virginia Osborne brought down the house with their portrayal of  “Sonny and Cher,” singing “I Got You Babe.”

One of the many highlights of the night was Michelle Hart’s portrayal of Jeanie C. Riley performing “Harper Valley PTA,” while the entire lyrics were being acted out on stage. Rob Hodges played “Tiny Tim” to perfection, but others played themselves.

David Bezayiff treated the audience to a soulful rendition of “Me and Bobby Mcgee.” Joey Loehner, Jim Entz, Brian and Amanda Rodriquez and Christina Magana, among others, entertained as themselves.

The night rounded out with a Janis Joplin, played with a Joplin-like abandon in full costume by Muriel Josten singing “Mercedes Benz.”

The finale was the PC Choir singing “Age of Aquarius.”

Emma and Clint Chavez were children of the ‘60s and were in the audience to relive the era. Clint Chavez loved “The Beatles” and wore a T-shirt with their name emblazoned across the front.

The famous group was led by Miles Vega as Paul McCartney. (Vega later sang a medley of songs that included pieces by Elvis Presley and Ritchie Valens.) The audience shouted, stamped its feet and applauded throughout the entire “Beatles” performance.

That was the best part for me,” Clint Chavez said. “I really like ‘The Beatles.’ Back then it was an easier time.”
“The Mommas and The Papas were the best part for me,” Emma Chavez said. “That really brought back a lot of memories.

For all the fun, frivolity, and memories, the night meant something more to Osborne and Wise, the two who came up with the idea for the theme for PC’s Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) presentations this year — which continue with a number of programs at the college this week and next.

“Last year we did the ‘50s, but next year we’re going to do the ‘60s again,” Osborne said. “This was fun and exciting, but we haven’t even scratched the surface of the decade. As bad as things are with the budget and the tough times, this kind of thing brings us all together on a different level. I think the faculty and staff needed this as much as the students.”

Contact Anita Stackhouse-Hite at 784-5000, Ext. 1043, or astackhouse-hite@portevillerecorder.com.