Laurette as Liz Gray, wife of Lt. Col. Robert Gray.

Liz does her part to entertain the troops

at the local USO Canteen.

Her husband took part in the Doolittle Raid,

America’s first bombing attack against Japan.

L aurette W illis’                                                                                                         

 

Reflections:

Letters from World War II

 

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In Reflections: Letters from World War II, Laurette portrays Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” Gray, the wife of one of the men who took part in the Doolittle Raid, America's first bombing attack on Japan.  The Doolittle Raid took place on the LAST DAY of the Bataan Death March in April 1942 when things looked very bleak for America, especially in the Pacific.  

 

Liz shares reminiscences of daily life in during the war (rationing, working as a “Rosie the Riveter” hammering shut crates of ammunition at the local "Powder Plant,” buying war bonds and war stamps, and learning to "do with what you have or do without"). 

 

Liz helped start the local USO Canteen in her small town and remembers when the Pastor of the Methodist Church brought some pretty girls by to dance with the soldiers stationed at Camp Gruber.  She remembers seeing the German prisoners of war at work in the spinach fields in their black and white striped uniforms. 

 

Liz kept a diary of her daily experiences to share with son Bobby when he was old enough to understand.  There's laughter and tears as Liz brings us back in time and shares letters from her husband Lt. Col. Robert Gray who flew "Whiskey Pete," the B-25 Mitchell bomber named for the horse he had as a boy in Killeen, Texas.  She shares the headlines, the heartbreak and the excitement of the daring Doolittle raid and the horrors of the Bataan Death March when thousands of American and Filipino soldiers, denied food and water, died during a 9-day forced march to a Japanese prison camp.

 

Laurette brings several military uniforms and 1940s outfits for volunteers from the audience to come up and learn to "boogie-woogie" like they did at the USO canteen!  It's a fun, nostalgic and informative program.

 

Jo Ellen Clow with the Broken Arrow, OK Arts & Humanities Council writes:

Thank you for a great evening, Laurette.  You always do such a professional job!  I am so pleased that you were part of "America Celebrates her Heroes" for Flag Day.  Comments you may use about the show:

"Laurette Willis has a way of making history come alive.  Reflections is a great theater piece about a woman who lived during the time of World War II.  Elizabeth Gray shares her memories of days gone by and helps those of us who were not there see how America rallied together to support the young men and women who committed their lives to defend and serve our nation.  She also brings in the personal side of a woman who misses her husband and how she contributes to the war effort through rationing, working as a "Rosie the Riveter," serving at the local USO (great singing of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy!") and documenting her story for her young son.  It entertained and enlightened all who attended the show.  Reflections starring Laurette Willis was so realistically presented that it caused the audience to wonder if she really is Elizabeth Gray!"

Reflections is a perfect choice for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day – and today!  Especially meaningful for students – brings history to life – and for senior citizens (showing that yes, we remember and appreciate their sacrifices and the freedoms we cherish today). 

 

 

 

One-Woman Shows:

Laurette’s original one-woman shows and seminars

are available for matching funds from the Oklahoma Arts Council or the Mid-America Arts Alliance (search under Willis) for Public non-profit groups and schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Women of the Bible

Susanna Wesley: LIVE!

The Nutty ‘40s Radio Show!

Great Women of the Frontier

Historical Hysterics

The REAL Belle Starr

Storytelling Shakespeare

Introducing: Miss Emily Dickinson

Great Women of the Oil Fields

Folktales of Scotland

Sister Aimee (Aimee Semple McPherson)

Reflections: Letters from World War II

 

A versatile and energetic presenter, Laurette Willis will captivate your audience and turn a special project or gala evening program into an experience to be remembered!

For information on how to bring Laurette to your area, please CONTACT Laurette directly.

 

 

Click HERE For Descriptions of

Keynote Presentations and Seminars

Including: Fitness for His Witness (featuring PraiseMoves™)

Personality Puzzle,

Leadership Skills, Drama & Storytelling Workshops

 

Little Laurie singing "Hello Dolly!"

 

Thank you for visiting!

 

 

 

 

IDEO TestimoniesStory BELOW:Click here for:  « HOME  « BIO  « Recommendations « STORE  

« PraiseMoves  « Keynotes/Seminars « Shows « Storytelling

« PowerMoves Kids (Character Ed. & Fitness!) « Alternative Education Residencies

« “Under the Cherokee Moon”  «  FAQ « Fitness for His Witness

« Ascential Nutrition Products « CONTACT US

 

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