Flashback: Marla's Variety Show Article

Marla Medders' cousin Tammy Medlin went on to visit Marla on the first day of the set in Asheville, North Carolina for the variety show. Here's the article:

Tammy goes on the set of Marla Medders' new TV show and hobnobs with the cast and crew. She finds out a lot more goes on than what we see back at home.

Tammy: It's 10:45 A.M., and like clockwork, here is Marla, as always, on time. Call time is 11:00 A.M. for the rehearsals and tapings of Marla' new TV variety show.

I wait a few minutes before entering the back door of the concert hall. Inside, down the long corridor, I spy Marla. Her husband Marty was there, but her two children are with his sister Lemmie and her husband Delbert Jacks. The show will debut in October.

There are 18 stage hands and 19 episodes, according to Marty. Production staff-12, audio, four, video—one, makeup—two, hair—one, clothes stylist—one, technical director—one, assistant technical director—one, five camera people, one cue card lady, one lighting director, one assistant lighting director and at least five other people who do various chores. Plus caterers—two to four—who serve the food that was already prepared. We're pushing 60 people here and haven't gotten to the orchestra or band.

There I saw the Burton Brothers from South Boston, Virginia. Ward and Jeff were six years apart. Marla and the brothers performed this rare type gospel song "Feeling Mighty Fine." I also saw Patty Moise and Elton Sawyer, who both married in November of last year. Patty sang with Marla in the Eagles version "Heartache Tonight." Marla said, "Conway (Twitty)'s version was with the Osmond Brothers, and I was in shock."

Lunch is called, and I am allowed to dine "in house" with the crew and stars alike on sandwich fixings, cheeses, meats, potato salad, potato chips, pickles, pineapple upside-down cake, iced tea and coffee.

At 2:00 P.M., Mark Chesnutt shows up for his rehearsal with his producer, Mark Wright. Chesnutt is sweet, shy and ready to sing. After meeting with the clothes stylist, it is decided that when Mark comes back later on for the taping, he'll wear a red shirt that he left back at the hotel. But for now he can just rehearse in his regular clothes. I have heard prettier sounds. Mark walks into the middle of the bunch and sings "Too Cold at Home," his hit on MCA. Next was "Brother Jukebox." Chesnutt's onstage rehearsal goes well although I can tell he is a little nervous, embarrassed and bored. Lights are flashing, no one is in the audience at this time except the help and me. His eyes tell me he really wants to get over it. As he curls every word around each and every note, he looks out and smiles my way.

Tracy Leslie was the last regular to join in. The 1988 ARCA champion from Michigan reveals that he is "disqualified" for being the rookie of the year while a champion, but Bobby Gerhart is. After Mark left, Tracy chose the song "Nobody's Home" by Clint Black. Tracy and Marla had a duet in a Hank Williams song "Half as Much." However, she recorded with football star Randy Cross, who was a broadcaster right now. That night Mark performed the same two songs with his red shirt.

Next week all over again, the same five regulars, and next guests. McBride & the Ride were the newest MCA stars who conquered the world. Ray Herndon previously played with Lyle Lovett, Billy Thomas also previously played with Emmylou Harris, and Terry McBride, the lead singer and the son of Dale, plays with Delbert McClinton. They sang "Felicia" and "Can I Count On You" from their newest album "Burnin' Up the Road."

Marla and the Ride members sang "Memories of You" from Marla's newest album "Stay Forever." The Burtons had a regular music video for the Vern Gosdin song "That Just About Does It" with Maine driver Joe Bessey having a cameo role. The last song was the sweetest gospel song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." I can remember when the last change keys were made as Tracy said, "Have we trials and temptations," my heart is soaring up the storm. I didn't know he could sing his heart out.

After Marla said "Goodnight Everybody" with the Ride members. I ran into her and asked my advice for her as did my dad Chuck and my two younger brothers Spence and Harold. The next day, I had lunch with Robert Pressley, who didn't attend the show last night, but takes more time with his wife Gina and 2-year-old son Coleman. I was at my uncle Vern's grave and Marla thanked me for this. Don't forget to watch Marla's variety show in October.