The talented writers behind the Hill Country Home Companion mined precious nuggets and struck gold for the Wimberley Players’ second annual live radio program. Audiences at both performances, December 29 and 30, laughed, sang, whistled and bestowed vigorous applause on the Wimberley-centric skits that poked fun at the quirkier aspects of local life.
Drawn from Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” the performance showcased David Bisett in his role as host, the considerable chops of the Jazz Messenger Boys with guest artist Andrew Hardin, a fine soundscape by foley artist Reji Smith, and the talented voices of actors Roxanne Stroebel, Danny Mosier, Carla Daws, Rebecca Woods, Mike Truesdale and Bruce Levinson.
Back again was “Life in the Checkout Line” with the formidable Duchess Davenport organizing the “10th Anniversary Memorial Day Flood Commemorative and Community Talent Show.” Entries included a juggling act from the city treasury, a comedy routine from the school board, ka- raoke from the Jaws Pitbull Rescue and a demonstration of balloon animals from the bible. A trio from the memory care unit signed up to sing “Try to Remember.”
In Act Two, the audience laughed at gems from the Senior Moments Society and in “Lives of the Retirees” the lament from members, “I thought getting older would take more time.” Due to a perceived mixup, The Ladies Book Club had their stomachs pumped, which unfortunately turned out to be an unnecessary chapter in all of their lives.
Members of the audience were brought on stage to play the “What was That?” game show that quizzed locals on the previous names of businesses.
In the popular return of the muddling Guy Noir Jr., Private Eye, the three major food groups were named: BBQ, Tex Mex and Chicken Fried Steak.
Announced in the “News from Here” segment, the Arts Alliance revealed the shocking news that some of the town’s “bootiful” boots had gone missing.
Too soon, the show signed off with its customary closing, “Wimberley, where all the women are opinionated, all the men look alike and all the kids grow up and move away.”
Following energetic applause, the audience retired to the lobby to celebrate the dawning year with food, libations and high spirits.
