John Hetherington of New Canaan was honored with a dinner and show as the Gridiron Club of New Canaan’s 55th “Fall Guy” at the Country Club of New Canaan on Wednesday, April 23, and Friday, April 25.
“The Bow Tie Goes to the Runner” included songs and skits portraying the life and times of New Canaan’s always-in-a-bow-tie retired District 125 State Representative. Each year, the past Fall Guys select a resident who exemplifies the true spirit of community service, and the Gridiron Club performs an original musical comedy showcasing his life. This roast was attended by almost 300 guests, and Hetherington “thoroughly enjoyed watching the troupe of businessmen-by-day sing and dance their way through his personal history,” according to Robert Doran of the club.
Material for the show was gathered by a research team who interviewed Hetherington’s wife, Hope, their son, Kells and daughter, Jane, as well as longtime friends Randy Taylor and John Wilkinson, and numerous Connecticut state politicos. “Everyone we interviewed had nothing but kind words to say about what a fine man John Hetherington is,” Gridiron Club president, Eric Thunem, said. “The show reflected that, but we still had some great laughs.”
Emceed by Doran, the cast performed life-sketches including “Navy Beans,” in which Ensign John Hetherington (Frederick Whitmer) of the Navy JAG corps defends his own legal expertise at court-martial in the face of a boisterous Navy Captain (Bill Walbert). Hetherington’s avocation for Civil War re-enactments was on display in “Gettysburger,” as Hetherington (Frank Sisson) tried to keep the peace with General Robert E. Lee (Eric Thunem), Gen. Ulysses S. Grant (Steve Pond), and the Lincoln’s (Frederick Whitmer and Rob Avery). Hetherington’s love of sailing was featured in “All is Lost … and Found,” with his two pals, Jack Riley (Frank Sisson) and Randy Taylor (Bruce Wilkinson), singing their way through rough seas as captain John Hetherington (Bill Walbert) fixes things and guides them home.
“Major Medical” featured Hetherington’s legislative experiences in Hartford as state reps argued over the prospects of medical marijuana laws and representative Harry (Robert Curry) seemed to be on the same side as a nonagenarian intruder (Eric Thunem). The show wrapped up with a rendition of the Sinatra classic “My Way,” as Hetherington (Frank Sisson) and the Speaker of the House (Bill Walbert) serenaded the statehouse in “Shy and Retiring.”
The show was written by head writer and Broadway veteran Bill Brown (“The Wiz”), and Gridiron veterans Frank Sisson, Frederick Whitmer and Eric Glerum. Brown celebrated his 20th Gridiron anniversary as a writer, and director Sisson marked his 15th year at the helm. This year’s show also featured musical director Will Duchon. Producers were Doran and Walbert. Dr. John Kerchoff ran the teleprompters, with Patty Beyer and Eniko Szatai took care of costumes and props.
At the end of the show, the Fall Guy was invited up to say a few words, which included his heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew. Hetherington was gracious, and remarked at the “creativity and hard work” that went into the production. At the end of the traditional Ladies Night performance on Wednesday, Mrs. Hetherington was equally gracious, according to Doran, “complimenting the Gridiron Club on a thoroughly enjoyable show, and recited her own poetic thanks to the cast and crew.”
Each year the club tries to raise money for the Fall Guy’s charity of choice. This year, it was the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Gridiron Club of New Canaan welcomes new members.
More info: johnrmurphy@optonline.net or ethunem@hotmail.com
‘Shy and Retiring’ was the name of the song as members of the State House bids farewell to Hetherington (played by Frank Sisson) wearing bow ties on his final day as State Rep. of the 125th District.