DERBY — Derby’s Housatonic Council Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3, and Venture Crew 33 are proud to present their 97th Annual Scout Gang Show on May 13th at 7:30 PM. The event will take place at the historic Derby United Methodist Church, located near the Derby Green at the corner of 5th and Elizabeth Streets, Derby.
The Scout Gang Show, which is part vaudeville and part variety show, is the longest-running show of its kind, having been performed on the same stage in the fellowship hall of the Derby United Methodist Church since 1922, with the exception of a two-year hiatus during World War II and the past two years due to COVID.
This year’s show is themed “Enjoy Yourself,” and features more than 20 songs performed by the scouts. Highlights of this year’s show include songs “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, “Sponge Bob Square Pants Theme” and “Ain’t She Sweet”.
The Derby show is the only Gang Show still performed in the United States, and it is a traditional English-style Scout Gang Show. Scout Gang Shows are performed by Scout groups throughout the British Commonwealth countries. The name “Gang Show” comes from the saying “The Gang’s All Here.“
The Scout Gang Show was originally a traditional Minstrel and then evolved into the English-style show it is today. Many performers and members of the community credit the show with their first performance experience. Troop 3 Eagle Scout Jeffrey Johns is currently performing off-Broadway in “Waiting in the Wings” a musical he also wrote. The late stage and screen star Brian Dennehy, current Shelton Aldermanic President John Anglace, and Late Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers Captain Bob Skoronski are among the scouting alumni who performed in the show as youths under the direction of the late Scouting pioneer, Derby Hall of Fame member, and Pack 3 Cubmaster Edmund D. Strang. Strang was the show’s driving force for 70 years. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan sent Strang a congratulatory letter commending the annual show as “Connecticut’s finest example of organized chaos.“
The director and interlocutor since 1994 is Troop 3 Scoutleader Randy Ritter, and piano accompaniment is provided by Christian Tracz. Lighting and sound are provided by Troop 3 Committeeman Dominic Livoti. Chorus Director is Amity High School sophomore Anthony Stankye.
The “Endmen” or joke tellers for the show include Troop 3 and Crew 33 members Michael McMahon, Andrew Kluk, Jeremiah Charles, Alexander Robertson, Matthew Pinto, and Luke Camara.
“Stooges” performing run-on skits for the show include Logan Bottone, Matthew Kish, and Thomas Robertson. The Stooges are under the direction of Assistant Scoutmaster William McDonnell, Jr. and Venture Crew 33 Advisor Charles Hemstreet, Jr.
“We have fun with the show and don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do feel the show helps in Scouting’s mission to build self-confidence and develop leadership in our Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers,” said Pack 3 Cubmaster Daniel Cyrul, who, like Ritter, has more than 50 years of dedication to Scouting. .
Tickets for the show are available for $12 from Pack 3, Troop 3, and Crew 33 scouts, or by calling 203 – 732-0343. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds from the show assist scouts in attending Housatonic Cub Scout Day Camp and Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation Summer Camp in Goshen, as well as the six scouts attending the 2023 National Scout Jamboree.
Special guests are expected to include performances by Derby President of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen and St. Margaret Mary Chorus Director Sarah Widomski, and Troop 3 Committeeman, Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo
