Goldilocks opened this last weekend with a very special guest in the audience. Pat Stanley, who now lives in Walla Walla, WA, created the role of Lois in the original Broadway production in 1958. In 1959 she was awarded a Tony for her work at the ninth annual Tony awards, held in a hotel ballroom.
The original tony award was lost years back in a fire, and attempts to have it replaced by the Tony committee have been fruitless. So at the opening night performance, Lakewood theatre presented Mrs. Stanley with a “People’s Appreciation” award for her inspiration to singer’s and dancers in creating great roles throughout her career.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening, however, was the after party where the cast enjoyed sitting with the vivacious and gracious 83-year old star and was able to ask questions about her work in the early days of the Broadway stage. It was an evening that won’t be easily forgotten.