Member's Forum
This excerpt came from the December 1987 'FOOTLIGHT NEWS'
This clever effort from Betty Mitchell for Jess Russ.
As time did not allow for a thorough research, Bonnie and I will give just a short resume of Jessie Russ, Where do we begin?
Jess joined the CONCERT ARTISTS in October, 1967, where she became a 'MAID OF THE MOUNTAIN' but the mountains were too cold so she travelled to U. S.A. impersonating a Sioux Indian, Mrs Black Tooth by name and there she met 'ANNIE GET YOUR GUN'. Annie took her to the GERALDTON REPERTORY CLUB and that caused a ‘CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS’
Bonnie: Regarding Concert Artists .........
She was on the Committee for several years and eventually became Secretary of that Group. She went to 'SOUTH PACIFIC' in 1969 but decided she would rather be on the Mississippi and joined a 'SHOWBOAT' in 1970. This life was too complicated so she travelled to Siam and became a Royal Wife with 'THE KING AND I'. But harem life was no good for Jess so she went back to the west in 1972 and travelled to 'OKLAHOMA' (second version).
Betty: Repertory Club .......
1969 found her prompting for 'THE CAT ON THE FIDDLE' and 'CINDERELLA' and she liked it so much she became a lodger in 'THREE'S COMPANY'. 1970 she met a man who had a friendly rabbit called 'HARVEY'. But I ask you - friend to a rabbit!!. So she went to Paris and became a helper at the ‘MOULIN ROUGE' this was in 1971. Gay Paree was too much for Jess so she went to England and joined the staff at the 'THE PIG AND WHISTLE' there she met 'TOM JONES', but his antics were too much for her so she joined the court of 'OLD KING COLE' and there she met her fate and married a Spaniard and became Lucienne Homerides De Histangue but her husband gave her a 'FLEA IN HER EAR'. She then joined the Suffragettes and tried to get "BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR'. When she did succeed she was horrified when she discovered 'A ROMAN ORGY' this turned her mind and she joined the 'SIX OLD HAGS'.
Bonnie: 1974'. Concert Artists and Geraldton Repertory Club Amalgamated.
Jess then joined up with 'THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE' and they went 'UNDER MILKWOOD'. 1975 she watched the 'LOVE OF FOUR COLONELS' and this caused an 'UPROAR IN THE HOUSE'. 1976 she began her long career as Secretary for Theatre '8' and still she would 'KEEP IN A COOL PLACE' all the Minutes. 1977 she went to 'CAMELOT' and heard 'THE SOUND OF MUSIC', but being 'ONLY AN ORPHAN GIRL' she had 'A SHIFTING HEART' and when approached, retorted 'NOT NOW DARLING'. Then came 'A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS' but he ended up a 'FIDDLER ON THE ROOF' so he did not become her 'BOYFRIEND'.
Betty: 1979 she went to Russia to see 'UNCLE VANYA' but in 1980 she became involved with the 'TEN LITTLE INDIANS'. From then on she stayed as Secretary, Not forgetting all the running around, organizing, marking tickets and box plans, running house, watering the lawns, washing cushion covers and turning off lights "on her way home" not forgetting going CROOK WHEN PEOPLE DON'T OBEY THE RULES!!!
All we can say: You have done a good job Jess!
This was in preparation to my "THIS IS YOUR LIFE" night. I was also connected with many other shows after this. My thanks to Betty and Bonnie for their effort even back so many years ago -Jess.
Time is something we all pay heed to each and every day, so here are some wise thoughts on that subject.
Take time to think
It is the source of power:
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth;
Take time to read,
It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh,
It is the music of the soul;
Take time to give,
It is too short a day to be selfish.