By Peter Barhydt
For more than 20 years, Bob Doran stood at the center of the Gridiron Dinner stage, guiding audiences through the laughs, the music and the carefully crafted chaos.
This April, he’ll finally be on the receiving end.
“Trepidatious,” Doran said, summing up his mindset in a single word. “I am certainly looking forward to sharing the evening with friends and the community. But having been the MC for 20 years, I know what it’s like to be up and what we do to and for the fall guy or gal. And now that I am on the payback side of that, I am somewhat trepidatious.”
The Gridiron Club of New Canaan will honor Doran at its 64th annual Gridiron Dinner on April 23 and 24 at the Country Club of New Canaan, continuing a decadeslong tradition that blends satire, theater and philanthropy into what one organizer calls the town’s ultimate tribute.
“It is by far the largest Valentine that New Canaan can give to one of its residents,” said director and first-time master of ceremonies Eric Thunem.
A show built on tradition — and trust
For Thunem, who now steps into the emcee role long held by Doran, the challenge is both logistical and symbolic.
“That’s big shoes to fill right there,” he said. “And I had a little rehearsal with Bob on how to run the machine and how to do things. He said, ‘I’ll do just fine.’ So, I have his confidence.”
Despite the leadership change, the core of the Gridiron formula remains intact.
“These things always have a life of their own,” Thunem said. “But the beauty of it is that I know the audience will be receptive and the fall guy will be roasted and be honored — and we hope all will be in a good mood and lots of laughs.”
That balance — sharp humor paired with genuine admiration — is what has sustained the production for generations.
“I think the formula has worked pretty well for 65 years, so it’s still working,” he added.
And for Doran, who has watched that formula unfold from the inside for decades, the craftsmanship behind the scenes is what stands out.
“What they do with taking the life story and turning it to music and dance and skits is pretty amazing,” he said. “The work that the writers do, the research they do and then the writing they do is pretty impressive.”
A life ready for the spotlight
Doran’s story offers plenty of material.
A former child actor and daytime television regular, he later built a career in advertising as a producer, director and writer, eventually founding his own agency and earning multiple industry honors.
But it is his local impact that defines his selection.
From more than 100 productions with The Town Players to co-founding New Canaan Chamber Music and decades of involvement with local nonprofits, Doran’s contributions span generations.
“Bob Doran embodies the spirit of New Canaan,” said Gridiron Club President Scott Hobbs. “His creativity and generosity have left a lasting mark.”
Doran, however, deflects attention back to the town.
“This community — the sense and in the DNA, to use an over-hyped term, but of volunteerism here — I am like one small person in this community,” he said. “It’s just such a part of this community.”
Behind the scenes: collaboration and choreography
If the Gridiron Dinner thrives on writing and performance, it is equally powered by collaboration — something choreographer Holly Mensching has witnessed for nearly three decades.
“This is my 29th,” Mensching said. “I came and spiced up the Gridiron. Well, I came and spiced up the Gridiron.”
Her role has evolved from enhancing a few musical numbers to shaping the movement and energy of the show.
“Absolutely,” she said of this year’s expanded choreography. “The rehearsals have been going so well. We work together so collaboratively … we just whip it up together. It happens so organically and it’s so much fun.”
That organic process, she said, is what makes each production unique.
“It’s sort of a product of who each is, what’s the script, who’s being roasted,” Mensching said. “And we laugh and it’s funny. And we come up with some movement and it’s so much fun to do on the fly.”
Her favorite element remains the individuality within the ensemble.
“Look for the individuality of each chorus member,” she said. “While you might see a bunch of guys on stage doing the same step, you won’t see it the same way twice.”
More than anything, Mensching emphasized the spirit of teamwork.
“What I love about working with them is the way they work together with each other,” she said. “They become a team each year in the name of honoring someone else who’s very special.”
This year, she added, that honoree carries particular meaning.
“Bob’s been emceeing all these years and tying our show together,” she said. “So hopefully this is going to make him proud.”
A production that keeps evolving
Cast member Nick Ranieri, now in his fourth year, said that evolution is evident in this year’s rehearsals.
“I think it’s going really great,” he said. “Every year we’ve been at a better place earlier and earlier on, and that’s allowed us this year to do a lot more choreography.”
That includes additional musical numbers and more ambitious staging.
“Yeah, I mean, you could call it dancing,” Ranieri joked. “It’s definitely moving.”
For Thunem, those additions are a testament to the people behind the production.
“Her dedication is amazing,” he said of Mensching. “She’s a professional … but she always finds time for us.”
The show also continues to incorporate surprises — a hallmark of the Gridiron experience.
“We always have one or two surprise cameos,” Thunem said. “Sometimes those are touching and sometimes they’re funny and sometimes they’re both.”
Anticipation — and perspective
For the first time in decades, Doran is not preparing scripts or rehearsing transitions. Instead, he’s waiting.
“Instead of rehearsing, I’ve spent the time anticipating,” he said.
“And quiet contemplation?” he was asked.
“Yes,” he replied. “Let’s call it quiet contemplation over a martini.”
Even so, he understands the deeper meaning behind the evening.
“I’ve just always been thrilled to be part of the Gridiron performances,” he said. “And I’m going to say I’m just as thrilled to be on the other side of it.”
A community celebration
As always, the event will raise funds for a local nonprofit, with this year’s proceeds benefiting the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society.
“I happen to be working currently with Nancy Geary and the team on developing some new programming, and this seemed like just a natural fit,” Doran said.
For Thunem, the accessibility of the event is just as important as its impact.
“This is not a private club to which you must be invited,” he said. “All you got to do to be a member of this club is come to the show.”
Ready for opening night
Doran knows better than most what awaits him: affectionate ribbing, unexpected twists and a room full of neighbors celebrating his life’s work.
“There’s always a surprise or two,” Thunem said.
Doran, for his part, is taking it all in stride — at least for now.
“Ask me again on Saturday and I may have a different answer,” he said. “But for now I am excited and looking forward.”
Come opening night, the man who once controlled the timing of every laugh will be sitting in the spotlight, waiting for the next line — just like everyone else.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting: gridironclubofnc.org.
