Charlie Strom, Bill Witter |
Page 24 Spring 1988
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Vaudeville Works on Vegas Stage for Willy 'n' Stron
Vaudeville
juggling is back at the Holiday Inn Casino in
They
met as performers in Barnum. Witter, a graduate of Ringling Clown
College and performer with the circus for three years, was in the
original Broadway production as the ringmaster. He also performed in
the play in London for two years at the Paladium Theatre.
He
went on the road with the show in South Africa, where he met Stron,
who was also in the show. Stron' s performance background was so
strong that he had done military service in an entertainment unit.
He was also a trapeze artist in a group called Star Lords that
toured throughout Europe.
The
two men met in South Africa and formed the Willy & Stron act
during breaks in Barnum rehearsals. They booked a few variety shows
in South Africa and then took jobs with another Barnum production in
Portland, Oregon.
They
bought a car and set out on the road to hone their act. Their first
job in the states was at the High Sierra Casino in Lake Tahoe. They
settled in Las Vegas and had good success on the fair and convention
circuit.
They
were offered an indefinite contract with the Holiday Inn Casino in
the "Roaring 20's Revue" last November and are still with
it.
The vaudeville theme of their act is carried by Dixieland music. While Stron is a skilled five club juggler, entertainment is the name of the game in their act. They play strong characters, with Witter as the comic and Stron as the straight man.
They begin with a fast-paced three club routine to music that includes steals, a leap frog and fun with a hat. Next comes a six club passing routine with lots of comedy. The act ends with music and a routine involving a balancing ladder and a tall unicycle.
Stron
says, "It is a simple act that we try to approach as actors
rather than as skilled jugglers." |
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Charlie Strom, Bill Witter |