McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

Local News

July 23, 2009

How about some laughter? Doofus taking Liberty stage Friday

His stage name is Doofus Doolittle but he promises to do a lot during his appearance at the Liberty Theatre in Hartshorne —including performing as two different characters.

Doolittle’s real name is Randy Newman. He’s set to perform as both personas during his Hartshorne appearance, set to begin at 7 on Friday night.

Newman, who’s based in Branson, Mo., describes his performance as a total variety show, with comedy, championship fiddle playing, singing and a lot more.

For the first half of the show, the performance features the Doolittle character.

“We come out and do a lot of comedy,” he said.

The musician plans to include country music standards, gospel and bluegrass during his Hartshorne performance.

“In the first half, we’ll do songs like ‘Black Mountain Rag,’ ‘Orange Blossom Special’ and ‘Listen to the Mockingbird,’’’ Newman said, citing a few examples.

In the second half, the performer plans to dispense with his comedic hat and tie and perform as Newman in a custom-tailored suit designed by Manuel of Nashville.

During that segment, he plans to perform classic songs including numbers such as “Over the Rainbow” and “Danny Boy.”

Newman also includes a patriotic set in his performance, along with lots of other music.

One of Newman’s career highlights came when the late Porter Wagoner invited him to perform during his segment on the Grand Ole Opry

Although he has performed in Oklahoma City and Texas, the Hartshorne appearance will be Newman’s first time to perform in the McAlester area.

“We go through a whole range of emotions,” Newman said. “People tell me it’s a real blessing to be able to laugh and forget their troubles. We have a sure-enough good time.”

Tickets are $15 and are on sale now. For ticket information call 297-3651.

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

Text Only
Local News
Poll

Where do you spend the majority of your big-ticket shopping dollars (cars, appliances, furniture, clothes)?

I shop exclusively in McAlester
I spend 70 to 90 percent of my shopping dollars in McAlester
I spend approximately half of my shopping dollars in McAlester
I spend 20 to 40 percent of my shopping dollars in McAlester
I never shop in McAlester
     View Results
NDN Video
AP Video
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.