Lakewood Lore

'The Group' of extroverts ready to spring into action

Once again it’s time for another stellar musical comedy revue concocted by “The Group,” an insatiable, indefatigable band of volunteer song-and-dance performers whose organization has become an integral part of Lakewood’s entertainment history.

This year’s production, with performances scheduled for two Fridays and Saturdays (April 12, 13, 19 and 29) at Lakewood Civic Auditorium, Franklin at Bunts, will mark The Group’s 27th annual show.

“We (this year the cast totals 53) rise from the mist every spring,” said William H. (Bill) Langenhop, business manager, with a smile.

“Our current offering, entitled ‘Swell Hotel,’ comprises 28 skits of zany happenings -- mainly in the hotel lobby -- including a convention of clowns and a commingling of magicians.”

The theme of the show revolves around the tyrannical female owner of the hotel, Leana Harmsley, said Langenhop, who admits his writers have never been above lampooning the headlines.

The Group was formed here in 1964 from a core of 20 local amateurs who took part in a “Red Stocking Follies” benefit at the Lakewood Y. An out-of-town promotion firm provided the music, script, director and a trunk full of costumes, he said.

“That firm -- the Cargill Co. -- remains in business, but we broke away the next year -- 1965 -- and staged our very own production called ‘Times and Tunes’ at Lakewood High School’s Tryout Theater.

Since then, Group members have continued to write their scripts and handle all other responsibilities, including direction, choreography, costuming and set construction.

Twenty-two years ago the show became a principal fund-raiser for the Lakewood Kiwanis Club, whose membership helps sell a large share of the tickets. Proceeds from this affiliation go to assist youth activities and other supportive programs sponsored by Kiwanis in the community.

From its outset, the show’s popularity grew until in 1981 it was necessary to switch to the Civic Auditorium for greater seating capacity.

Through the years a total of more than 350 performers have participated, representing a broad spectrum from homemakers to city officials. Lakewood mayor Robert Lawther and Anthony Sinagra have played roles.

Four couples who met while in the cast were subsequently married -- still are, Langenhop reported. “They’re Andy and Terrie Winterstellar, Bob and Sandy Dadante, George and Lois Bartlett, and I and my wife, Debbie.

“Also, we have seven families where we’ve had second-generation participation,” he added.

Of the original cast, only two -- Natalie Weltz and Helen Corns -- are still active. Natalie will take part this month, singing and tap dancing. Helen will not be on stage but has helped with the writing.

Helen’s husband, Bob, who costarred with her for many years, died last year and is sorely missed. But their son, Rob, continues as a regular.

Langenhop’s in-laws, Rollie and Marcia Detwiler, have been avid Group troupers for over 20 years. Most of the organization’s inventory of 1,500 costumes were made by Marcia and her daughter, Debbie Langenhop. About 100 new ones are sewn each year.

Director this year is prominent Lakewoodite Ann Daw. Ann, who works for American Greetings Inc., as a card verse editor, directed her first Group show in 1973. She returned last year after a 10-year absence during which time she had five children.

Langenhop, who formerly directed, succumbed to the smell of the grease paint and the roar of the crowd in high school in his native Napoleon, Ohio, and has been a thespian at heart ever since.

He moved to Lakewood after graduating from Case Western Reserve. He married Debbie in 1982, and they have three children. He is a financial planning counselor in real life.

“Shortly after one show closes, The Group begins writing the next,” Langenhop related. “We start rehearsals at Lakewood Y early in January and continue them twice a week for 3 1/2 months. For each production we put in a total of more than 3,000 manhours.”

Revealing a strange coincidence that has beset the show, he said, “it seems that every time we put in a kicking chorus line, one of the women becomes pregnant and has a baby the next year. But that isn’t deterring us, and there’ll be a chorus line in again this year.

“Tickets for the new extravaganza are only $6 apiece,” touted Langenhop. “They’re available from Kiwanians, the cast, or at the door. Bring your family and friends for a gala night out. Curtain time’s 8 p.m. and there’s plenty of free parking.”

This article by Dan Chabek appeared in the Lakewood Sun Post April 4, 1991. Reprinted with permission.

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