They say the truth is stranger than fiction — and anyone who has had a
glimpse into the strange and outrageous world of Memphis and Shelby County
politics lately would have to agree.
You can’t swing a dead cat in the City of Good Abode without hitting an
elected official who’s under indictment for something.
In a place like this, can any attempt at political satire ever top real
life? Well, you have to give ’em credit — the cast of the 2007 Memphis Gridiron Show is certainly going to
try.
The Gridiron Show, an annual event that raises money for college
journalism scholarships, is once again taking to the stage to roast local
politicians with songs and skits.
In this year’s show, which will be held in the Al Chymia Temple at 5770
Shelby Oaks Drive, intrepid FBI agent My Harrison will continue her crusade
to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. The Ford political family’s deepest
secrets will be revealed. And Dr. Mayor Willie Herenton will be, well, Dr.
Mayor Willie Herenton.
It’s All in good fun, of course. And all under the disclaimer that these are fictionalized events, and any resemblance to actual current events is purely intentional.
Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell will serve as the honorary chairman at
this year’s show, which will also feature a ticket selling contest between
the local Democratic and Republican parties.
Each year, the Gridiron
organization also presents its Headliner Award to honor one local leader for
outstanding service to the community. This year’s award winner is U.S. Rep.
Steve Cohen, who survived a grueling election and an appearance on The
Colbert Report in addition to representing his constituents with
distinction.
The main show will be held Saturday April 21st. Cocktail hour will begin
at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner at 7 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for
the event are $65 each. Members of the media are also invited to attend a special preview show Friday April 20 at 7:30 p.m. That show is also open to the public, with tickets priced at $20 each.
For more information, please contact Terry Reeves, president of the Gridiron board of directors, at 508-4750 or Blake Fontenay, the board’s vice president at 361-3871.
