NWA Gridiron Show Set for October 10-11

Like the standard practice at the Northwest Arkansas Times, we sometimes print press releases and pass them off as original news reporting. Here is a good example, one that should encourage politicians to lighten up while allowing the audience to support scholarship funds.

The fate of the Fayetteville High School building and the Walton Arts Center, George W. Bush’s farewell tour and the historic 2008 presidential race will all get spoofed when local journalists present this year’s Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show.

“It’s the Comedy, Stupid,” the 2008 Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show, is written, directed and performed by the local Society of Professional Journalists. The show spoofs newsmakers of the past year in sketch and song. The show is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Rogers Little Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. for general seating. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Cynthia Nance, dean of the UA School of Law, will emcee the show this year. As usual, the musical director is Emily Kaitz, a local singer/songwriter.

On stage this year, the Gridiron pokes fun at the search for efficient fuel, an unhealthy time at the Washington County Health Department and how Bella Vista is dealing with its goose poop problem. For sports fans, the Gridiron sees the world through Razorback Football Coach Bobby Petrino’s eyes and looks in to see what Frank Broyles, former UA athletic director, might be doing in retirement.

Gridiron writers are always happiest in an election year and what an election year it is. Six candidates for Fayetteville mayor compete in the “Singing Bee” where they must finish the words to a song about their campaigns. In Springdale, where six more candidates are vying for mayor, the Gridiron treats them to some group therapy.

On the federal level, Third District Rep. John Boozman gets some advice from a campaign aide. The “Sarah-cuda,” John McCain’s vice presidential pick, Sarah Palin, gets her own song this year to tell everyone how wonderful it is being a conservative.

Three people who lost primaries or elections grace the stage this year: Hillary Clinton explains why it’s Barack Obama and not she who is the Democratic choice. Mike Huckabee gets some advice for his new Fox News job from Don Imus; and Al Gore sings about, what else, global warming. Other targets include Gov. Mike Beebe, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and his lottery proposal, and the so-called Hillside Flasher. There are still more surprises, some of which will come from Letitia Mae and Elmer Stufflebeam, a perennial Gridiron favorite couple.

Tickets are $25 each. To purchase tickets and for more information, go online to nwagridiron.com.