Landing the Big One

Landing the Big One

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving! and an old Navy "Mealodrama"

From the collection of Lieutenant Commander Edward R. Morris, USN (Ret.) and found here, a little twist on a Naval Air Station Thanksgiving:

His Day
A Three Act
"Meal-o-Drama"

Featuring
Mr. Tom Turkey and
a Supporting
All-Star Cast


Presented at the
United States
Naval Air Station
Lakehurst, N.J.
Thanksgiving
1942

Commanding Officer
Captain W. E. Zimmerman
U.S. Navy
Executive Officer
Commander J. D. Reppy
U.S. Navy



[Tri-fold program, text as follows:]

The U.S.N.A.S., Lakehurst, NJ Presents
His Day
A Three Act Meal-o-Rama
Thanksgiving Day
1942


IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION

Director............................ Ensign H. C. Krueger, (SC) USN
Assistant Director ........... Pay Clerk W. L. Bucher, USN
Cast Director ................. W. L. Healy, CCStd, USN (Ret.)

STAGE HANDS
Downing, Hary ........................ CCStd McConnell, G. W ......................... SK2c
Rowland, L. ............................. SC1c Gesswein, A. M. .......................... SC3c
Hartnett, H. H. ........................ SC1c Hetzel, G. H. ................................ SC3c
Wood, W. V. .......................... SC1c Laughlin, J. E. .............................. SC3c
Pataky, S. J.............................. SC1c Greene, R. E................................ SC3c
Mollina, A. B. ......................... SC1c Metcalf, E. F. .............................. SC3c
Lumbo, A. B............................ SC1c Maccri, A. A. .............................. SC3c
Chavis, C. ............................... Stf. Sgt Degenhart, W. ............................. SC3c
Bolton, W. .............................. Bkr1c Synder, H. J. ............................... SC3c
McKelvey, H. D. ................... SC2c Long, G. L. ................................. SC3c
Glod, S. ................................. SC2c Rundiio, C. S. ............................. SC3c
Donald, G. A. ........................ SC2c McLean, G. M. ........................... Bkr3c
Lamberson, H. M. ................. Bkr2c Drosdick, B. ............................... Bkr3c
Schoen, Chas. ....................... Bkr2c Nattress, G. A. ........................... Sea2c
Davis, F. G. ........................... Bkr2c Warner, A. ................................. Sea2c
O'Rourke, I. J. ........................ SK2c McDermott, S. ........................... Pfc. USMC


A WORD ABOUT THE PLOT

This play concerns Mr. Tom (Corn-Fed) Turkey, a big feather and duster man from
the "wide open spaces." In line with the increased naval expansion program -- this
delectable character and his gang decided to visit the United States Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, NJ, this Thanksgiving Day to be "stowed away" for a short hop.

The scene of action is the USNAS, Lakehurst, NJ, on Thanksgiving Day, at high noon.
An enthusiastic committee, (all hands), welcome "Tommy" and "His Gang" aboard, with
knives and forks at "Present Arms!" . . . . Now the fun begins!

CAST OF CHARACTERS

The various members of the cast are listed in the order that they come over the gangway. If our star appears a bit uneasy, the management knows that our audience will not judge him too harshly . . . . . . . Let's go on with the show!

OVERTURE

"Celery Soup and Crackers," a Symphony, sung by the entire audience, without silencers.
. . . . Let joy be unconfined!

PROLOGUE

Mr. See Pickles and his sweetheart, Miss Celery Hearts, who is is well stuffed -- Relished by all. Followed by a solo by that appetizing California celebrity .......... Miss Ripe Olives.

ACT ONE
A Young Vermont Gentleman ......................... Mr. Tom Turkey
His Weakness ............................. Miss Giblet Gravy
A Saucy Maid ......................................... Miss Cranberry Sauce
Her Boy Friend .......................................... Mr. Oyster Dressing
One of the Can-Can Girls ........................... Miss Buttered Peas
An Irish Dandy ...................................... Mr. Whipped Potatoes


ACT TWO
A Ham What Am ........................................... Mr. Squeal Grunt
A Red Headed Feller ................................... Mr. Tomato Salad
Rolls (a hot guy) ........................................... Mr. Parker House

INTERMISSION

Upon arriving at this point our audience will find it advisable to take time out for a short period before attempting Act III.

ACT THREE

The Villain .............................................. Mr. O. U. Bumpkin Pie
A Chilly Virgin.................................................. Miss "I" Scream
An Innocent Lass ..................................... Miss Vanilla Wafer
The Tan Dandy ......................................................... Mr. Coffee


SPECIALTIES

A One Act skin-game, featuring those well known artists,

The Vitamin Kids .............................Orange and Apple
A visit to the Nut House ................................................. A Sketch
Mr. and Mrs. Mixed Nuts .................. assisted by a Nut Cracker
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" ............................. A Popular Ballad
The Knights of Nicotine ............................. Assorted Cigarettes



EPILOGUE

A Siesta is now in order. "All Hands," not on watch, to their bunks until the effects of the play have partially subsided.

WE HOPE YOU LIKED IT

All the best to you and yours! And to all the men and women serving overseas and at sea - we're keeping the lights on for you...

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