White Christmas opens in the midst of World War II. While in Europe in 1944, Captain Bob Wallace and Private Phil Davis learn that their General Waverly is being relieved of his command. Being a former Broadway star and an aspiring performer, respectively, Wallace and Davis send off their general with a chorus and an emotional farewell. From that moment on, the musical continually reflects the bond and support that veterans offer to their fellow comrades.
General Waverly is to be performed by Oconto Falls’ very own Bob Maloney! Mr. Maloney is honored to portray the general because as a veteran himself, he understands that the time spent with fellow soldiers is a time that defines them for the rest of their lives.
Mr. Maloney, who currently resides in his own little piece of heaven on Beaver Lake, grew up in Green Bay in the 50’s & 60’s, and he moved to Oconto Falls as a sophomore in high school, graduating in 1972.
After enlisting in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he served from 1972 – 1976 as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic), supporting Vietnam veterans as they returned from active duty. Duties included Great Lakes Hospital, 9th Naval District. He also pulled duty as a Brig Chaser with the Marines as their Corpsman on cross country searches for deserters, AWOL, and missing Navy and Marine Corps enlisted men and women. A few of his stops included Cherry Point, San Diego and Camp Lejeune.
In 1973, while on leave, Mr. Maloney married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Peterson. They share 2 children and 3 grandchildren, and this December they will celebrate their 49th anniversary. As Mr. Maloney says, “I’ve been a Colonel in the Auction Business, a Commander in The Legion, and now a General in White Christmas, yet I’m still just a Private at home.”
For 43 years, Mr. Maloney was self-employed as owner of Midcentral Sales, Inc. and Midcentral Auction Team. Even though he thinks he’s recently retired, his phone keeps ringing. Presently, he serves as commander of the Oconto Falls American Legion Post 302, president of the Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument, member of the Referendum for Oconto Falls Schools, and board member of Spruce Pine Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Maloney’s first acting role was in ASPI’s 2020 production of Something Funny Happened On the Way to the Forum, and he is proud to once again join this group of talented local actors.
ASPI has accepted a very generous donation of 50 tickets so that veterans can see the production of White Christmas for free. It is a privilege to offer these tickets to our veterans! Like Mr. Maloney says, veterans in our area always like to “pay it forward” by volunteering and assisting others that served our country. We hope veterans and their families will enjoy the show and that it will take them back to a simpler time.
The first 50 veterans to call the Box Office, will receive a free ticket! Showtimes include December 1st-3rd and 8th-10th at 7pm, and the 4th and 11th at 1pm. Audiences can also purchase tickets at abramsspotlightproductions.com. Please call the Box Office at (920) 826-5852 with any questions.