Rich Reveries

I was delighted to read Rich Hoag’s article about five decades of theatre in Santa Barbara. I was really blown away by his mention of Sally Ann Grafton. She was an enormous talent limited only by her size. On a stage she was big.

I worked with Sally about 1953-54, during which time she performed in the “Rec Revue” shows which were sponsored by the city recreation center and anchored by the Music Makers teen dance band. We toured with the “revue” through the army camps at Camp Cook, Camp San Luis Obispo, and Camp Roberts. Later I accompanied Sally in a Slings and Arrows production at the old Mesa location of the Santa Barbara College, produced by Dr. Ted Hatlen. Hoag’s mention of her was a fine tribute to a true artist.

It was wonderful reading his memories of many talented people he mentioned. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill Hatcher, Terry Boyes, Ted De Corsia, Amer Lincoln, Jack Nakano, and numerous others, many of whom would descend upon the Somerset restaurant and the Olive Mill Bistro after their performances. Thank you for his tribute to all of these fine artists. I can’t wait to read more of his memories.