Bustin’ Out with Backwoods Barbie and The Gambler

Bustin’ Out with Backwoods Barbie and The Gambler

This may sound kinda far-fetched – but the titular trio of kinda Dolly, kinda Kenny, and kinda Reba put on a hollerin’-good show on the last Tuesday night of November at Kelowna Community Theatre.

Let’s sort out all the “know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em” details.

kenny-holdem

The gig was billed as the Ultimate Tribute to Country Music’s Favorite Couple, Dolly (Parton) and Kenny (Rogers). They were “Together Again” on tour to sing their country hits and Christmas classics. Sprinkled into the moonshine mix, like extra marshmallows on a hot fudge sundae, was Reba (McEntire).

Playing the role of kinda Dolly and kinda Reba was the perky Wendy T. from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. With her redhead wig, tight jeans, aqua cowboy boots, and sparkly belt buckle, she kinda resembled and twanged like Reba. With her voluminous blonde wig, curvy wardrobe, and bluegrass harmonies, she kinda personified the bigness and brashness of (Backwoods Barbie) Dolly.

Kinda Kenny + Kinda Dolly After the Show
Kinda Kenny + Kinda Dolly After the Show
Kinda Reba
Kinda Reba

Playing the role of kinda Kenny was 66-year-old Marty Edwards, a colorectal cancer survivor. With his white locks, white beard and gravelly voice, he more-than-kinda captivated the audience (almost a full house) as the evening’s balladeer, storyteller, and funny man. While some of his jokes were older than dirt, he wasn’t pulling anyone’s leg when he announced that part of the show’s proceeds would benefit the BC Cancer Foundation.

kenny-bcf-logo

Kinda Reba had first dibs and was backed by the night’s three-piece band. She lit right into Tell Me Why, Fancy, and Take it Back to set a Grand Ole Opry kinda mood. After this short appetizer, she hit the bricks and paved the way for the big boppers.

kenny-opry

To everyone’s surprise, kinda Kenny entered from the back of the theatre singing Something’s Got a Hold on Me and swaggering down the aisle. He was shaking hands, winking at the ladies, and commanding the room before even stepping on stage. The Q-Tip crowd (that’s what he called all the white hairs in attendance) ate it up. Once on stage, he belted out playlist favorites such as Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, Lady, and I’ll be Home for Christmas.

After intermission, kinda Dolly burst onto the scene all dolled up in black-and-gold and singing 9 to 5, Here You Come Again, and Hard Candy Christmas. She quickly vamoosed for a costume change while Kenny reappeared looking dashing in a tuxedo. He delighted with chart-toppers Lucille and The Gambler, then was joined on stage by Dolly and her red frilly Christmas dress.

dolly-9-to-5

kenny-gambler-2As advertised, faux Dolly and Kenny were together again. Paparazzi not needed. The dynamic duo punctuated the evening with duets of Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer, Islands in the Stream, and holiday faves. As Kenny mused, they were a couple of old classics singing the classics. That’s what the audience came for and kinda-definitely got their money’s worth during the two-and-a-half-hour singalong.

4 thoughts on “Bustin’ Out with Backwoods Barbie and The Gambler

  1. Looking forward to working with Schell Shock Entertainment this spring so everyone can hear Jolene and the Gambler plus many more including early Kenny Rodgers hits

      1. Hi Ryan, both “Coward of The County” and “Jolene” are in our regular show, however as “The Regular Guy” points out, adding the Christmas tunes means something has to go. The hardest part of putting the shows together is deciding what songs are not in the show.
        Thanks for caring enough to comment!
        Marty Edwards “Kinda Kenny”.

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