In early January in 2005 a group of individuals gathered at the Ocean Park Firehouse in answer to an ad placed by Wilma.. Wilma had placed an ad requesting anyone interested in acting contact her. Her idea was to prepare a self written skit to be presented to the senior citizens. That came about and was the first production of what now is know as the Peninsula Players.
There was some apprehension as to whether we should move forward with a continuing theater group. We decided to move forward. Wilma wasn’t too sure about the move, but appeared at our next meeting and on we went. As with any new venture, we needed money. Our group decided to have a variety show. Several talented individuals from the community participated, but no one can forget the song dance performed by Wilma and Marsha.
Our first main stage production was Deadwood Dick in which she played a saloon girl. Not only did she do a great job with her character, but recruited several for the saloon scene. Among those recruited was her beloved husband, Gary. What a fun pair they were. She went on to in the casts of Annie, Oklahoma and Give My Regards to Broadway.
Wilma loved to write and she often told us she had so many ideas for plays that sometimes she couldn’t sleep at night. She performed other original works at various venues. She entered some of her works in the Peninsula Players’ One Act festivals. Her final skit for us was a game show and a great time for our audiences.
She was a staunch supporter of the players and often lent her talent behind the scenes. She would sell tickets, greet theater goers and ask Gary to build something. Her loyal friend, Jeanine Miller, would tromp the peninsula putting up posters for upcoming productions. This was a job many of us did not want to do and her and Jeanine would volunteer.
When we would have special events like at the Port to advertise the players, you could depend on her and Jeanine come dressed in costume. They would move thorough the crowd with smiles on their faces and theater in their hearts. They were something to behold.
We will long remember the mother of our group and with great sadness that we say goodbye to Wilma Vardsveen. She will live in our hearts and minds for a long time to come. When we reach our reward, I am sure we will either see her at the thrift shop or performing on the stages in heaven. Wilma, we salute you.
