Larry and I attended the premier of "Remember When Again" at the Essanee theater in New Iberia Thursday night. Talented local performers gyrated and belted out 60's songs on the set of Ye Olde Soda Shoppe, the jail, and streets in The Berry [New Iberia]. 

The script was hilarious, the costuming retro, and the cast a mix of ages, from high school to generation 60's. This musical had all the classic elements of a great plot: love stories, grudges, politically motivated town officials intent on destroying historic sites in the name of progress, concerned citizens organizing protests, marital spats, and generation gaps.

Although the entire cast was amazing, lead actors, the Mayor, a short, loud, bald buffoon, his two sycophants, the town attorney, his sidekick- a madcap flunky, and the owner of the soda shop stole the show. Their long standing feud provided the background for the plot. The script included localisms and double entendres that New Berrians would understand and enjoy . . . like the Navy officer, Admiral Doyle.

The music was phenomenal, the singers unbelievable. Local talent mesmerized or brought the audience to its feet. Glenn Oubre, band member, and Loreauville native, crooned a beautiful love song. His son Trent Oubre, played harmonica and guitar simultaneously in a spot on impersonation of Bob Dylan. The audience roared as the four man group impersonating the Beatles ran down the aisles onto the stage.

I sat next to Jackie Blanchard Eastin. We laughed and reminisced about our adolescence 48 years ago, growing up in Loreauville and St. Martinville in the 60's. Larry sang along very loud to every song. I couldn't believe how many lyrics he remembered. . , Blue Moon, Twist and Shout, Love me Tender, Jailhouse Rock.

At the finale, cast members ran down from the stage and rocked out in the aisles. I couldn't help myself. I had to get up and dance with a cute little cast member for that last song.

Was I at the Majestic on Broadway?