On October 17, Gordon will take to the stage at the Napa Valley Opera house in Napa, California. (got my tix).
This little theater is nestled in the wine country - about 1/2 hour north of San Francisco.
Opening in January of 1880 - the very first performance at this venue was Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore - a comedy.
One of the new up and coming cast members was a young, beautiful 19 year old socialite from San Francisco; her name was Sarah Josephine Marcus. Sarah was a young starstruck runaway seeking her fame on the performing stage. From her San Francisco and Napa debut's - Sarah toured with the G & S cast - ending up in Dodge City, Kansas later that year.
In Dodge City - the young starlet had a brief chance encounter with the town Marshall: Wyatt Earp. Brief, but an enduring encounter.
Later that year - the H.M.S. Cast ended up in Tombstone Arizona of all places. (possibly making their way back to S.F.).
(Unknown to Sarah was the fact that Wyatt and his brothers, along with their wives had since relocated to Tombstone - turning their back on lawman work and seeking fortunes in silver mines and saloons. But not for long......)
In Tombstone, Sarah became Josie, who then became "the other woman" - who soon became Mrs. Wyatt Earp. (or so the legend tells).
Twenty-one months after Josie's debut in Napa the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral took place. A mere 45 seconds in history that still spurs debate and polarization to this day! Why? Perhaps it is simply because some of us take action for the good of all, while others of us peek through closed blinds until the smoke clears - and then tell tall tales.
Now, if by any chance, the ghost of Josie haunts this little Napa theater from time to time, a word of warning to her: LEAVE GORDON ALONE - home wrecker!
Haven't you done enough damage with you grace and charm?
Jo-sie, you better take care...!!
Gordon Lightfoot - Wyatt Earp - & Josie ?
