Gridiron performers John Luke (left) and Rebecca Marks-Jimerson, accompanied by Sonny Gray, practice at the Tulsa Press Club last week for the group's 70th show.
STEPHEN HOLMAN / Tulsa World

No politician too big, too small for annual gridiron

"We say the things that you can't really print in the newspaper, but everyone knows they're true," said Tom Campbell, one of the show's writers.

Mayor Susan Savage, Gov. Frank Keating and Cathy Keating are all prime targets for this year's show, titled "Lame Ducks and Councilmen or Osama Where Art Thou?"

It will be held Feb. 21 and 22 in the Bernsen Center of First Presbyterian Church, 700 S. Boston Ave.

There are three ways a politician can react to being lampooned in the show's songs and skits, said performer D.J. Morrow. They can sit there quietly, walk out or get in on the fun.

"There are always the usual suspects, and most of them take it pretty well," Morrow said. "Susan Savage and the Keatings have all been big supporters of the show. They see the humorous side of their jobs."

A few, though, have been outraged enough to walk out, Morrow said. But that hasn't happened in several years.

"They're politicians," she said. "They need to have thick skins."

Morrow has portrayed Savage in the show for several years and said that since these are the mayor's final months in office, the Gridiron will pay a special tribute to her.

"It's kind of sad because I like playing the mayor," Morrow said. "She's always such a good sport about it, too, although she hates the wig I wear."

Not all of the show, however, will focus on people. Some of it will focus on issues, like Oklahoma ranking No. 1 in executions, the possibility of a state lottery, the potholes in the roads and, of course, football.

Even the Bixby prairie dog controversy will be addressed.

A narrator sets up the scenes so that even the people who aren't from Tulsa will be in on the jokes, Morrow said.

"It's a fun time for everyone -- even the people we poke fun at," she said.

The Gridiron show dates back to 1932, when the Oklahoma City troupe introduced their production to Tulsa, which started its own Gridiron in 1954. It was an all-male show until 1986, when they allowed females to join the group.

Proceeds benefit the Tulsa Press Club Educational and Charitable Trust, which distributes thousands of dollars in scholarships each year.

The cost to attend this year's show is $10 for the 8 p.m. Thursday performance.

The Friday night gala, which begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and continues with dinner at 6:45 p.m. and show at 8 p.m., is $75 for Tulsa Press Club members and $100 for nonmembers. All seats are reserved.

Tickets can be purchased at Novel Idea Bookstores and at the Tulsa Press Club.

For more information, call 583-7737 or visit the Gridiron Web site at www.oocities.org/tulsagridiron.

Brian Barber, World staff writer, can be reached at 581-8322 or via e-mail at brian.barber@tulsaworld.com.

Lyrics to trip the light sarcastic

One evening as the sun went down and my campfire was burning
I told the voters my ideas on turnpikes and higher learning
I'll be your governor and bring you bucks
You'll have a money fountain
So vote for me and you will see
A big state lottery mountain
In the big state lottery mountain
The voters yell "hooray"
They buy their winning tickets
From the taxes they don't pay

"I Want My Street Paved" sung to the tune of " Heat Wave"

Whenever I bend a rim
Something inside starts to churnin'
Yes, I've ruined a new tire
Could it be, a pothole or three
Or is this the way streets're supposed to be