Folklore of Enid's Performing Past:

"Spirited" Stories Surrounding the Places and People of Enid's Oldest Theatres.

A Project for Mythology & Folklore, by Brady Henderson

 Stories of the Gaslight Theatre: Love is All You Need

Back when the Gaslight Theatre was a vaudeville hall, many decades ago, there were two performers who had fallen in love. Or, more accurately, there was a woman who had fallen in love with a man who never seemed to notice her. He was one of the big shots, attractive, young, and the best performer in town. He could have almost anyone he wanted, and frequently did. The young woman, though, worshiped him obsessively. Finally after months of trying, he noticed her and began to respond to her flirtations. To him it was only one more object of sport, but to her it was everything.

 

Soon he agreed to “dinner and a movie” on a Friday Night. The young woman bought a new dress, had her hair and nails done, and spent hours preparing for this first date with her dream. As she waited where they were supposed to meet, a small café on the corner next to the theatre, the minutes ticked by until soon an hour had passed, then two. She held back her tears until she couldn’t anymore. She ran out of the restaurant into the alley behind it and the theatre. She looked around and found the backstage door a little ajar. For some reason the stage offered familiar sanctuary, so she went in. Still sobbing, she walked across the stage until she came upon what sounded like two lovers engaged behind a curtain. She peeked around and saw her fantasy naked, with another woman. Before either could react, she ran to the costume room and locked the door. Afraid, the lovers immediately left. That next day, when the crew came to do some work, they opened up the costume room and found one more dress hanged on the rack, still being worn by the young woman.  They say that she is still trapped in the old costume room even today, pining eternally for her lost love, appearing silently sometimes, scaring everyone who sees her, but never causing harm.

The lone actress on stage.

[Based on an interview with Mary McDonald, about 45 years of age, of Enid, Oklahoma, conducted by Brady Henderson in June, 1997]