Tales from the Eskridge

04/21/2018

The final performance of "Tales from the Eskridge" was presented in October of 2013 at the Eskridge Hotel Museum in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Held annually at Halloween time, this series of "tales with a twist" showcased the talents of many Wynnewood students, children, & adults. Everyone involved with these productions had a good time, and much of the success and overall enjoyment of this event was due to the work & presence of one very special lady -- Mary Louise Airington.
Mary Louise had show business in her blood, as the saying goes. As a young girl, she danced on Broadway. For many years she was actively involved in summer theatre in Austin, Texas. When she returned to Wynnewood, she was one of the three founders of the Wynnewood Community Theatre, which introduced "Tales from the Eskridge" to the community. After the theatre disbanded, and the roof of the Eskridge Hotel Museum was ruined, then repaired, we decided to resurrect "Tales from the Eskridge" for a trial run. Mary Louise agreed to partner with me on the condition that the character "Beulah Mae" (who first appeared in "Beatrice's Boarding House", a comedy adapted by Wynnewood's Josh Hinkle) was a part of the performance each year. And a tradition was born.
Mary Louise loved putting on these vignettes each year. Although she never had children "of her own", she loved her stepchildren with all her heart, and she loved the "Tales..." young actors and actresses as her own. She was so very proud of "her" kids, and often asked about them throughout the rest of the year. She was always there for every one of them, making sure that each person had everything he or she needed (or wanted), and she was always excited to plan the after-the-last-performance cast party.
We lost this wonderful, caring, loving, woman on April 11, 2018. For some of us, the world will never quite be the same.

I will be posting all the pictures and news that I can dig up about the past productions of "Tales from the Eskridge" in future posts. I hope you enjoy them. Sandy

10/12/2013

The cast from previous years' "Tales from the Eskridge" will return in full force for the 2013 production. Although several members of the original cast have graduated high school and moved on to college and careers, the handful of dedicated veteran actors will once again bring to life favorite characters such as the Witch Sisters, Mother Witch, Beulah Mae, and the Wacky Witch Women. This year's venue is a little different in that a talent show has been added, with Wynnewood high school and middle school students showcasing their talents, with a Halloween theme!

10/12/2013

"Tales from the Eskridge - 2013" will be presented at the Eskridge Hotel Museum after the Wynnewood Pumpkinfest on Sat., Oct. 26. Performances times are 5:00 & 7:00 p.m. In addition to the production, the Eskridge Hotel Museum will offer a "Nighttime Tour of the Eskridge" at 9:00 p.m. that night. Costumed tour guides will show visitors through the museum in groups of 5. Visitors may also meet some unexpected ... people ... on the tour. Admission to "Tales..." is $2.00 (donated for upkeep of the Eskridge); admission for the tour is $3.00 (donated for upkeep of the Eskridge).

10/24/2012

I would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2012 "Tales from the Eskridge" such a success and so much fun!! We had 2 members of the cast who had graduated in '12 but came back, we had 7 members who will graduate in '13, and a handful of new performers! Plus -- our veteran performers, who have as much (or more) fun as the teenagers! And a BIG Thank You to Becky LaMascus for taking all the photos during both performances and curtain calls! You are all very special to me!

10/22/2012

10/22/2012

10/22/2012

10/08/2012

Cast of 2012 "Tales from the Eskridge" -- TAKE NOTE!! We are having rehearsal this TUE., Oct. 9! (C.K. & Shelbi will be at the football game, I think?) Those in "Witch Sisters" be here at 7 p.m.; Those in "The Storm" be here at 7:20; Those in "Ms. Witch" be here at 7:40. Dress rehearsal is this coming Sunday -- try to be here about 4:30 or 5:00 to start working with your props, etc. (Unless you work until 6) It's almost time for performance -- Oct. 20!!

10/07/2012

I have pictures from previous years' productions of "Tales from the Eskridge" posted on the page: The Eskridge Hotel Museum. There are albums from 1998-2000, 2006, 2007, & 2008, I think, so far. I'll add the others as soon as I can! I am so proud of all of you who donate your time & talents to these performances! Thank you!

10/07/2012

To the 2012 cast of "Tales . . ." -- don't forget rehearsal tomorrow, Oct. 7. Those in the "Seance" skit be at the Eskridge Hotel at 4 p.m.; the rest of the cast be there at 6 p.m. You have this rehearsal, next Sunday's dress rehearsal, and -- taa daa -- performance the following Saturday. Can't afford to miss any more rehearsals! See everyone tomorrow, I hope!