Performer Tom Mullica will bring the comedy of Red Skelton to the Stage West Community Playhouse.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published February 6, 2004
SPRING HILL - If all the world loves a clown, then Red Skelton will forever have a place in America's heart.
This weekend, performer Tom Mullica will pay tribute to Skelton in a series of performances at Stage West Community Playhouse.
"Red just seemed to fit my style of humor," said Mullica, who met Skelton in 1980 and developed a friendship with the legendary performer. "Someone like Marcel Marceau was a traditional pantomimist, but Red was more the common folks' comedian."
By transforming himself into well-known characters such as Freddy the Freeloader, Clem Kadiddlehopper, Gertrude & Heathcliff, the Mean Widdle Kid and George Applebee, Mullica keeps alive a tradition of pantomime, comedy and, most of all, a "squeaky clean" sensibility.
After watching one of Mullica's early routines, which occasionally included suggestive material, Skelton told the young performer that if he cleaned up his act, he could use his material. Skelton told Mullica that he should perform every show as if his mother, a priest and a nun were in the audience.
"He was a kid himself," said Mullica, who is a magician by trade. "I think that's why we got along so well. He was irreverent, but never hurtful."
As he was growing up during the era of Sid Caesar and Milton Berle, Mullica said, he was particularly drawn to Skelton's reality-inspired antics.
The comedian's friendship took on more significance, Mullica said, when Skelton sent him W.C. Fields' famous twisted pool cue from his vaudeville routine. Fields had taken a liking to Skelton and had given him the cue about a year before he died.
"When I was a little boy, one of my major goals in life was to someday see my hero, Red Skelton, perform live on stage," said Mullica, who regularly performs in Branson, Mo. "I had no idea I would someday meet him and eventually become his friend."
Skelton's death in 1997 was overshadowed in the press by the news of Princess Diana's fatal crash and Mother Teresa's death. But Mullica said that fans have not forgotten the man who never forgot that comedy was for audiences of all ages.
"When the show is over and I'm shaking hands with people, they are grateful that we're carrying on Red's legacy," he said. "People are drawn in, and it's like seeing an old friend."
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
At a glance
WHAT: Red Skelton tribute performance by Tom Mullica
WHERE: Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Monday and Tuesday; 2 p.m. Sunday
TICKETS: Adult admission is $20; $10 for 18 and younger. Call 683-5113.
