"Les Trois Femmes de Rouge - Can Can Dancers" Carolyn Lewis, Ginger Williams and Carol Evans strut their stuff during the additions at the Last Chance Saloon for owner Jerry O'Connell during the Western Burlesque Friday, Jan. 24 . Manager Michael Cropper watches his ladies perform.
Trace Stone, Mark Williams, Rachel Feigley and Pete Feigley played a couple of songs as "The Nose Pickers" before returning to the stage as "The Huckleberry Pickers" to close out the auditions at the Last Chance Saloon.
Carol Evans, Carolyn Lewis and Ginger Williams pose before the show.
"The Bandit of Love" Marcos Arroyo used his charm and suave as he sung to the ladies drawing cheers and hoots from the audience.
Tom Beers raises his shot for a toast following the attempt of the bar custodian and resident drunk to "learn them how to dance" before the pose went to a Barn Dance. Pictured (L-R): Gene Schade, Beers, John Fulton, Tom Browder and Steve Schmidt.
"Burt Maverick" played by Eric Hayhurst is feeling low because his family doesn't like him and he was accused of cheating at cards. Without much advice from bartender Jerry O'Connell they decided drinking is the best medicine.
Cheryl Lewis and Andi Bourne came to the auditions as "Born Loose." They were trying to get a fresh start in the music business. While nearly kicked off the stage when they played "My Homes in Montana," they won O'Connell over with "Sing, Sing, Sing."
The Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce provided the Watering Hole and dessert auction. Members of the community donated the desserts to help raise money for the Seeley Lake Elementary and Seeley Lake Meals on Wheels. The Chamber also created Wanted posters for various locals as decorations.
Steve Schmidt "Schmidty" kept the saloon tidy. However as soon as he was called upon to cut a rug, he was up on stage attempting to teach his mad dancing skills.
SEELEY LAKE – Last Chance Saloon Owner Jerry O'Connell was faced with a tough decision. After posting for auditions to perform at his saloon, O'Connell couldn't decide between the six groups that auditioned. Following the last performance, he proclaimed, "I think we are going to hire everybody. Drinks on the house!"
Friday night around 90 attendees at the "Western Burlesque" were taken back to the late 1800's in the Last Chance Saloon when times were tough and the alcohol flowed freely. While a few patrons just stopped in for a drink, others were looking for work. All of the performers had their own story and took the audience along for an evening filled with laughs.
Several attendees commented that they laughed so hard their cheeks hurt. One said she hadn't laughed that hard in years.
In addition to the show, attendees enjoyed desserts donated by members of the community and drinks from the Watering Hole hosted by the Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. A dessert silent auction helped raise funds for Seeley Lake Elementary and the Seeley Lake Meals on Wheels. Prior to the show, SLE Superintendent Daniel Schrock told the crowd there was an $8,000 fund balance of unpaid school lunches. He hopes the funds raised will help support the parents pay this off.
While the amount raised for the two organizations was unavailable at press, producer of the show Ginger Williams and Chamber Executive Director Lisa Hayhurst were thrilled with the event and appreciated everyone coming out for the evening to support Meals on Wheels and SLE.
"You have all made me so happy," said Williams after receiving a bouquet of flowers for her efforts putting together the show.
Hayhurst added, "It was fantastic!"
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