Wicked Witch of the West personified by son during presentation Margaret Hamilton will always be remembered as one of the most frightening witches of all time in the 1939 classic, “The Wizard of Oz.” At the annual meeting of the Southport Historical Society June 10, facing more than 100 enthusiastic listeners, guest speaker Hamilton “Ham” Meserve painted a very different picture of his mother as a classy, kindhearted lady who loved children and had a sense of humor. According to Meserve, Hamilton grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and caught the acting bug when she landed a lead role in a high school play. The next morning, during breakfast, she announced she was going on the stage. Without missing a spoonful of oatmeal, her mother responded, “Ladies in Cleveland do not go on the stage.” But then being a concert pianist herself she relented by saying, “You’ll go to college first to learn how to make a living.”
A look inside the Land of Oz at Beech Mountain, NC “I’ve had grown men who insist on skipping with Dorothy, or they get teary-eyed,” Barrett said. Of course, the journey ends with a happy ending, as all see the Wonderful Wizard for their individual requests. Barrett said, “It’s absolutely out of this world because I don’t think people expect to have the reaction they do, the second they hit the yellow brick road. The theme park is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested should not waste any time because the Friday dates have been completely booked, with the Thursday dates soon to fill up as well.
Up and Over the Rainbow: The Impact of Judy Garland on the work of Tyler Houchins We all have our childhood heroes. Tyler Houchins looks back to musical icon Judy Garland, returning with his evening-long celebration of Judy’s 50 years on the other side of the rainbow. Ahead of his pride month performance June 22, 2019, at L’Etage Cabaret, he talks with Henrik Eger about his life, from being bullied to falling in love with Judy Garland.
