BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Cliff Ott, of Dayton, watches auditions for the upcoming Senior Follies at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center. Ott is performing cowboy poetry for the show.
With a single-action six-shooter belted around his hips, Dayton resident Cliff Ott patiently waited his turn to audition for the "Wild Wild West" Senior Follies show at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.
The impressive and dashingly dressed gentleman was a picture of the Wild West at its best - handlebar mustache, slacks, black riding boots complete with Spanish spurs, a black cowboy hat and dress vest.
"I saw the story in the paper and thought it would be fun (to audition)," Ott, 75, said. "I do cowboy poetry and sing cantata at the church. I also belong to the Nevada Gunfighters."
For his audition, Ott recited the "Shooting of Dan McGrew" by Robert Service. His smooth voice carried well in the center's dining room.
Tonight is the second night for the public, those ages 50 and older, to audition for the Senior Follies 2008 production. Directed by Norma Conway, the show is a fundraiser for senior programs and Meals on Wheels at the senior center.
Members of the Chorus of the Comstock - Jim Crowley, Dave Ramer, Harold Swafford and Rook Wetzel - gave their harmonized rendition of "Home on the Range" to an appreciative audience who then gave them a big applause.
Floyd Smith sang the gospel song "In the Arms of Sweet Deliverance," Cathy Swinburg gave a strong performance of "Hard-Hearted Hannah" with just a touch of blues and Joycelyn Salmon yodeled a bit and offered her services as a drunken sheriff, to perform improv and trick riding.
More than 30 people auditioned for the show, including Jamie and Faye Wheeler.
"We thought perhaps it would be fun to get involved with the Senior Follies," Jamie said.
Two veterans of the show are Joe and Sarah Dietsch. The couple performed a comedy skit while singing, "There's a Hole in the Bucket."
"We like to entertain," Sarah said. ""We love the people and we both love to sing."
"We do it for the people," Joe added.
"We look forward to the show every year," Sarah said.
Conway said she is pleased with the auditions and is looking forward to the dance auditions this evening. Auditions are also open to anyone who could not attend last week.
"That was fun," she said with a big smile on her face.
Conway's musical directors are Lee and Connie Elliott.
Tonight's auditions are at 5:30 p.m. in the dining room of the senior center, 911 Beverly Drive. For information, call 883-0703.
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.