Over the 2002 Labor Day weekend, Gordon Productions presented the acclaimed one-man show, GIVE 'EM HELL HARRY!, at Lincoln's New Salem. Harry S. Truman was portrayed by professional Cincinnati actor Bill Hartnett. A veteran of many stage productions, Hartnett has played many of the classic stage roles of our time including Willy Loman, Norman Thayer, Mark Twain, Harold Hill, the King of Siam and many more.

The show was presented by Gordon Productions at Lincoln's New Salem Visitor Center Theater on Friday, August 30 at 8 p.m., Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, September 1 at 6 p.m.

WHAT THE REVIEWERS SAID : "Bill Hartnett, a professional actor from Cincinnati, was certainly up to the job and portrayed Truman with ease and the right touch of a Missouri accent. Hartnett nicely illustrated Truman's sense of humor throughout the dialogue, which made him very likeable. He just as effectively demonstrated anger and deep fear as he single-handedly faced down a group of racists who once threatened his life. He truly looked the part, but more importantly moved about with confidence and great care to the details that made his performance all the more real." - Mary Young, The State Journal-Register.

The hit show featured Mary Jo Curry, Gus Gordon, Steve Williams, Cynda Wrightsman and the Jane Hartman Trio (Jane Hartman, Gene Haas and Brian Justison). Gus directed, with choreography by Gary Shull, vocal direction by Bill Bauser, Jr. and additional musical accompaniment by Roger Streu. The show was presented at Lincoln's New Salem on October 11, 12 and 13 and October 17, 19 & 20.

WHAT THE REVIEWERS SAID : "This presentation by Gordon Productions is fabulous! Three elements are responsible for this success: The four singers, Gus Gordon, Cynda Wrightsman, Mary Jo Curry and Steve Williams, are among the best in Springfield; the Jane Hartman Trio (worth the price of the ticket all by itself); and the songs! Not only could Sinatra sell a song like no one else ever did, he could choose music that communicates. You'll know most of them, and if you're like me, you'll smile through the entire evening." - Ann Ker, Illinois Times.

Well, the third time is the charm, so they say! THE CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK was a hit again this year! This Christmas musical revue featured many favorite holiday standards, plus some fun new songs like Mele Kalikimaka, Mister Santa and Christmas Time is Here. The fun-filled, old-fashioned Christmas concert featured regulars Ann Collins, Nancy Diefenback, Greg Floyd, Gus Gordon, Tom Heintzelman, Debbie Holmes, Roger Holmes and Steve Williams, and newcomers Kristy Cole, Debbie Rudis and Gary Davis!

WHAT THE REVIEWERS SAID : "Only The Grinch himself could have left THE CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK and said he wasn't satisfied with the yuletide tunes he heard. More than 40 standards, comedic spoofs and new songs were heard in director/star Gus Gordon's revue, which played to a capacity matinee crowd Saturday at New Salem's Visitor Center Theater. Gordon's show, in its third season, boasts a strong cast of local vocal talent that is as game for silly humor as it is for singing Christmas classics." - Nick Rogers, The State Journal-Register.

"Gordon Productions' 2002 version of THE CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK was a sold-out success, as usual, and with good reason. It was carefully cast, thoroughly prepared, and impeccably performed, with just the right balance of the songs you love to hear and comedic moments (Gus Gordon brought down the house when he told Santa: "All I want for Christmas is to be Mayor of Springfield!"). It's so much fun that the closing of New Salem's indoor theatre next year makes this show's projected demise a dismal thought." - Ann Ker, Illinois Times.