Gwin Garrison 1951-2011
Gwin Garrison's time with Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre was brief but cherished by each and every member. Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre was not his first rodeo either. He was born in Moss Point, MS in 1951. He spent most of his life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After working many years at Ingalls Shipbuilding he changed careers and gained employment at Beau Rivage Casino & Resort as a Certified Massage Therapist. From his college days at University of Southern Mississippi, many will refelect upon his theatrical studies. Gwin loved the arts, theatre,, and especially music. He played leading roles in many plays across the Gulf Coast, such as in the title character in "Jesus Christ Superstar." and Lt. Cable in "South Pacific." His infectious spirit was that of a true comedian and he loved to laugh, and making others laugh wasn't hard for him.
From his early years in band, he was an accomplished trumpet player, but most notably known for that bellowing tenor voice. He sang in many choirs, such as the Gulf Coast production of the "Messiah", but was probably the most recognized tenor with the Melodytones Quartet, and then later the Portsmen Quartet.
After a nearly 20 year hiatus from the stage he finally returned at the request of many friends, coworkers and family to take a small non speaking role in Biloxi Little Theatre's most recent production of "Inherit The Wind" directed by Lisa Parker who by chance happened to hear him singing backstage. From there he was once again addicted to the stage becoming one of the founding and charter members of this newly formed troupe, Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre. He served on the first board of directors as Treasurer and was most recently seen in a USO Themed "Red, White, & Blue Celebration!", "A Taste of Broadway", and "Cruising The Coast 2011."
Gwin was more than just another voice in our group. He served as not only a board member but was a great friend to all. He was never afraid to crack a joke to break the ice or calm the mood. He was more than just a singer/actor, he was a mentor, teacher, and most of all one of the greatest friends that this group has ever had the privilege of working with. Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre will push on, and "the show will go on" but as one member has already said, "a light has dimmed on our stage and the sky has gained a star." Gwin will remain with us in every production, he will remain in our hearts, our memories, and there will never be another one like him. Gwin, though you have gone on, you spirit remains alive in each of us. We love you, and our only regret is the short time we had with you. We'll miss your jokes, we'll miss the laughs, but most of all, we'll miss you. . .
Dennis Troy
Publicity Director
Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre
From his early years in band, he was an accomplished trumpet player, but most notably known for that bellowing tenor voice. He sang in many choirs, such as the Gulf Coast production of the "Messiah", but was probably the most recognized tenor with the Melodytones Quartet, and then later the Portsmen Quartet.
After a nearly 20 year hiatus from the stage he finally returned at the request of many friends, coworkers and family to take a small non speaking role in Biloxi Little Theatre's most recent production of "Inherit The Wind" directed by Lisa Parker who by chance happened to hear him singing backstage. From there he was once again addicted to the stage becoming one of the founding and charter members of this newly formed troupe, Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre. He served on the first board of directors as Treasurer and was most recently seen in a USO Themed "Red, White, & Blue Celebration!", "A Taste of Broadway", and "Cruising The Coast 2011."
Gwin was more than just another voice in our group. He served as not only a board member but was a great friend to all. He was never afraid to crack a joke to break the ice or calm the mood. He was more than just a singer/actor, he was a mentor, teacher, and most of all one of the greatest friends that this group has ever had the privilege of working with. Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre will push on, and "the show will go on" but as one member has already said, "a light has dimmed on our stage and the sky has gained a star." Gwin will remain with us in every production, he will remain in our hearts, our memories, and there will never be another one like him. Gwin, though you have gone on, you spirit remains alive in each of us. We love you, and our only regret is the short time we had with you. We'll miss your jokes, we'll miss the laughs, but most of all, we'll miss you. . .
Dennis Troy
Publicity Director
Gulf Coast Dinner Theatre