It was interesting to read your memories of this time that meant so much to so many of us, and to learn a bit about your life since. Sorry you never saw me as a "real matron", but (like your experience in 1974) the fact that I was supposed to be in the 1975 cast was undeniable and it has long been a sweet memory to know that my talents and how they are/were used mattered to the Lord. I won't go into the details of that experience, but back stage one night in Spanish Fork the director sought me out and told me that Doug Stewart considered me his favorite matron to date so I take some comfort in that.
I did Shakespeare with Sylvia but don't remember her in the role of matron and perhaps for Doug it was simply "out of sight, out of mind" and not meant in any way to discredit her or the King sister doing the role in the LA cast. As an actress always looking for a way to improve my performance, that comment served as a great encouragement for me.
I first fell in love with the show when I ran the slides for the BYU production. (I'm glad they had an impact.) The way I felt every night there made me know I wanted to be a part of it when it was cast the following year. The full year that we were involved with it (from auditions through the firesides that continued on long after the show closed) was a highlight of my life.
I never rode the bus (driven by our accompanist Dave Potter who I've since run into in Salt Lake) so perhaps that's why I never knew you well. I rode every night with Jan Clements (Pam) and Lyn Noe (the father). But for years I have wondered what ever became of Eileen who we spent time with in Spanish Fork. We constantly teased her with "Eileen, Eileen, we scream for Eileen) and she in turn kept us in stitches telling us about her adventures. It was wonderful to hear about her.
During a long tech rehearsal Brad Wilcox (who I believe was understudying Benjy and was about 15 at the time) sat on the floor beside me (in my early 20s) and asked me to wait for him to grow up so he could marry me. Now when I see what he has done with his life, I feel honored to have been considered his friend.
I've encountered other cast members over the years including Mike Clapier (Jimmy), Sheralyn Gulbrandson (Julie), Elder Kessler (sorry, his name escapes me), Pat Matavia (Todd)--before he died, Susan Memmot (costumer) and a few others, and have long wondered what became of other cast members--especially "mom" Barbara.
Anyway, good memories. And I loved the new movie--even if I was shocked at what they did with my role!
Marilee AlexanderApril 19, 2016
I worked on the lights on the original SW with Brent LeFever. Our first rehearsal was the Didn't we love him song. We started out joking about working on a roadshow and then the song started with those photos of a small boy. We all slowly stood by the light window and watched. After the song, there was total silence in the booth. Then Brent said, " I don't think this is a typical Roadshow ".... And I have a stack of the original songs in my basement. During rehearsals I asked Dr oaks if he had any sheet music and he handed me a folder to keep! Dr Oaks had the best production of SW I've ever seen. Ground breaking Mormon theater.
Eileen Habenicht SnowApril 19, 2016
Such a joy to take the tour down memory lane and I am blessed to have been part of that show and to have my dear Carolyn. I tell people I was the first Julie and they always say "shut up! No way!" But lately I get blank stares. I am so glad this message can reach a whole new generation. Children and families are the most important things in society.
Bonnie HoltApril 18, 2016
I buy your tea! And my husband and I were at the Los Angeles production on opening night! I was a few days away from delivering my 2nd child, a little girl, who now lives in Leesburg, Virginia. And, it was the first time I'd left my 16 month old son with a babysitter who decided to make a cake and feed him the chocolate dough! I was horrified. Such fun memories. It is remarkable how that cheesy little production had and still has such power! Thank you so much for sharing! I loved it!
BarbaraApril 18, 2016
Carolyn, I never saw the original production since I am a convert but I remember the wonderful times we had in the singles ward here in the DC area. I loved the picture of you and Eileen together. Thanks for sharing the pictures of the production -- it was so fun to see you and Eileen as young women, since I met you when you were more mature! :)
Love you both!
Susan AlexanderApril 18, 2016
Carolyn, beautifully written. Love this story and the long term happiness that continues forever. Did you know that I saw SW at the Annandale Stake Center just after I was baptized in '79, and little Jennifer came along a year later? Then Heavenly Father helped me meet you and Eileen, then my adorable Dan. I love you so much!
Joyce YoungApril 18, 2016
I was in the hospital in 1975 having my second baby, a boy, and a small group came down the hall at LDS Hospital singing the theme song from "Saturday's Warrior." I've always loved that play.
Douglas MillsApril 18, 2016
I enjoyed your story Carolyn, it brought back many good memories and a few tears remembering my participation in the choir for all 20 sold out performances at the Phoenix, AZ Symphony Hall. I consider that a very special time in my life. Some of the pictures shared in earlier articles showed what they called the L. A. choir but in reality it was the Phoenix choir for there in the back row is my 6' 4" almost bald head sticking up.
Jeanne Grow WhitingApril 18, 2016
I too was in the BYU production, March-April 1974. I played the vibraphone in the small orchestra. I still have my reel-to-reel recording of the show. Thanks for reviving the memories! Has it really been 40 years?
Wayne LarsenApril 18, 2016
Thanks Carolyn for your wonderful memories. I imagine I saw you in that Salt Lake City production at some High School. I have seen the play many times, but that first production was the best.
Mary Ann NolteApril 18, 2016
That first production was my most favorite! I only went because I knew someone in the chorus and was intrigued by the name, "Saturday's Warrior". My roommates and I laughed and cried and loved it! We wanted to see it again, but couldn't get tickets. A year later, my new husband and I went to the Spanish Fork production on our honeymoon. We're looking forward to seeing the new movie today celebrating our 41st anniversary.
PennyApril 18, 2016
Thank you for your memories. As a person who had grown up in Spanish Fork Utah, but not a member of the church, I remember going to see the play and feeling like I was remembering doctrine I had never heard before. Like the first time I was physically by prophet David O McKay, I was touched in ways I couldn't explain. I will always have warm memories.
DJApril 18, 2016
What are remarkable experience- thanks for sharing! Looking forward to seeing the movie tonight for FHE.
CIndy MoorheadApril 18, 2016
Thanks, Carolyn, for your beautiful story! I was at BYU for part of that time too, and I regret to say that I never went to see Saturday's Warrior. But I'm for sure going to see it now, as a movie.
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Shirlene Skinner JolleyMay 9, 2016
It was interesting to read your memories of this time that meant so much to so many of us, and to learn a bit about your life since. Sorry you never saw me as a "real matron", but (like your experience in 1974) the fact that I was supposed to be in the 1975 cast was undeniable and it has long been a sweet memory to know that my talents and how they are/were used mattered to the Lord. I won't go into the details of that experience, but back stage one night in Spanish Fork the director sought me out and told me that Doug Stewart considered me his favorite matron to date so I take some comfort in that. I did Shakespeare with Sylvia but don't remember her in the role of matron and perhaps for Doug it was simply "out of sight, out of mind" and not meant in any way to discredit her or the King sister doing the role in the LA cast. As an actress always looking for a way to improve my performance, that comment served as a great encouragement for me. I first fell in love with the show when I ran the slides for the BYU production. (I'm glad they had an impact.) The way I felt every night there made me know I wanted to be a part of it when it was cast the following year. The full year that we were involved with it (from auditions through the firesides that continued on long after the show closed) was a highlight of my life. I never rode the bus (driven by our accompanist Dave Potter who I've since run into in Salt Lake) so perhaps that's why I never knew you well. I rode every night with Jan Clements (Pam) and Lyn Noe (the father). But for years I have wondered what ever became of Eileen who we spent time with in Spanish Fork. We constantly teased her with "Eileen, Eileen, we scream for Eileen) and she in turn kept us in stitches telling us about her adventures. It was wonderful to hear about her. During a long tech rehearsal Brad Wilcox (who I believe was understudying Benjy and was about 15 at the time) sat on the floor beside me (in my early 20s) and asked me to wait for him to grow up so he could marry me. Now when I see what he has done with his life, I feel honored to have been considered his friend. I've encountered other cast members over the years including Mike Clapier (Jimmy), Sheralyn Gulbrandson (Julie), Elder Kessler (sorry, his name escapes me), Pat Matavia (Todd)--before he died, Susan Memmot (costumer) and a few others, and have long wondered what became of other cast members--especially "mom" Barbara. Anyway, good memories. And I loved the new movie--even if I was shocked at what they did with my role!
Marilee AlexanderApril 19, 2016
I worked on the lights on the original SW with Brent LeFever. Our first rehearsal was the Didn't we love him song. We started out joking about working on a roadshow and then the song started with those photos of a small boy. We all slowly stood by the light window and watched. After the song, there was total silence in the booth. Then Brent said, " I don't think this is a typical Roadshow ".... And I have a stack of the original songs in my basement. During rehearsals I asked Dr oaks if he had any sheet music and he handed me a folder to keep! Dr Oaks had the best production of SW I've ever seen. Ground breaking Mormon theater.
Eileen Habenicht SnowApril 19, 2016
Such a joy to take the tour down memory lane and I am blessed to have been part of that show and to have my dear Carolyn. I tell people I was the first Julie and they always say "shut up! No way!" But lately I get blank stares. I am so glad this message can reach a whole new generation. Children and families are the most important things in society.
Bonnie HoltApril 18, 2016
I buy your tea! And my husband and I were at the Los Angeles production on opening night! I was a few days away from delivering my 2nd child, a little girl, who now lives in Leesburg, Virginia. And, it was the first time I'd left my 16 month old son with a babysitter who decided to make a cake and feed him the chocolate dough! I was horrified. Such fun memories. It is remarkable how that cheesy little production had and still has such power! Thank you so much for sharing! I loved it!
BarbaraApril 18, 2016
Carolyn, I never saw the original production since I am a convert but I remember the wonderful times we had in the singles ward here in the DC area. I loved the picture of you and Eileen together. Thanks for sharing the pictures of the production -- it was so fun to see you and Eileen as young women, since I met you when you were more mature! :) Love you both!
Susan AlexanderApril 18, 2016
Carolyn, beautifully written. Love this story and the long term happiness that continues forever. Did you know that I saw SW at the Annandale Stake Center just after I was baptized in '79, and little Jennifer came along a year later? Then Heavenly Father helped me meet you and Eileen, then my adorable Dan. I love you so much!
Joyce YoungApril 18, 2016
I was in the hospital in 1975 having my second baby, a boy, and a small group came down the hall at LDS Hospital singing the theme song from "Saturday's Warrior." I've always loved that play.
Douglas MillsApril 18, 2016
I enjoyed your story Carolyn, it brought back many good memories and a few tears remembering my participation in the choir for all 20 sold out performances at the Phoenix, AZ Symphony Hall. I consider that a very special time in my life. Some of the pictures shared in earlier articles showed what they called the L. A. choir but in reality it was the Phoenix choir for there in the back row is my 6' 4" almost bald head sticking up.
Jeanne Grow WhitingApril 18, 2016
I too was in the BYU production, March-April 1974. I played the vibraphone in the small orchestra. I still have my reel-to-reel recording of the show. Thanks for reviving the memories! Has it really been 40 years?
Wayne LarsenApril 18, 2016
Thanks Carolyn for your wonderful memories. I imagine I saw you in that Salt Lake City production at some High School. I have seen the play many times, but that first production was the best.
Mary Ann NolteApril 18, 2016
That first production was my most favorite! I only went because I knew someone in the chorus and was intrigued by the name, "Saturday's Warrior". My roommates and I laughed and cried and loved it! We wanted to see it again, but couldn't get tickets. A year later, my new husband and I went to the Spanish Fork production on our honeymoon. We're looking forward to seeing the new movie today celebrating our 41st anniversary.
PennyApril 18, 2016
Thank you for your memories. As a person who had grown up in Spanish Fork Utah, but not a member of the church, I remember going to see the play and feeling like I was remembering doctrine I had never heard before. Like the first time I was physically by prophet David O McKay, I was touched in ways I couldn't explain. I will always have warm memories.
DJApril 18, 2016
What are remarkable experience- thanks for sharing! Looking forward to seeing the movie tonight for FHE.
CIndy MoorheadApril 18, 2016
Thanks, Carolyn, for your beautiful story! I was at BYU for part of that time too, and I regret to say that I never went to see Saturday's Warrior. But I'm for sure going to see it now, as a movie.
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