DATE: Sunday, September 28, 1997            TAG: 9709260321

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: CLOSE-UP 

SOURCE: Doris Townsley 

                                            LENGTH:   84 lines

JERRY DUCK ``HURRAHFIA'' TREASURER DOES IT ALL FOR THEATER GROUP

When Jerry Duck agreed to judge a lip-sync contest for the Hurrah Players, he didn't know what he was in for. Today, he is on the board of directors, teaches line dance, works backstage and sometimes acts - all for Hurrah, a theater troupe of young actors and actresses.

``We jokingly call it the 'Hurrahfia,''' Duck said. ``It's like the mafia. Once you get into it, you keep getting deeper and deeper.''

After judging the lip-sync contest, Duck decided to take an adult country line dance class being offered by Hurrah. Within a week, he was helping teach the class. The next thing he knew, he said, a decision was made to include a country segment in an upcoming revue. So he choreographed several dance routines. Then Hurrah decided to have adults, as well as children, dance in the revue.

``So I was in the show and teaching the dance,'' Duck said. Furthermore, when the revue premiered, Duck not only found himself in the show, but also working backstage.

``It just kind of snowballed,'' he said, ``and now I'm on the board. I'm treasurer.''

As an accountant, Duck is well suited to his treasurer's position on the board. He pays all the bills for Hurrah and prepares all the financial statements for the board meetings. He also has a voice in all major decisions made by the theater company.

In addition to his usual involvement with Hurrah, Duck recently received his first acting role with the theater company. He played Uncle Henry in the troupe's production of ``The Wizard of Oz,'' which they performed at Chrysler Hall and Willett Hall.

Duck, who was previously involved with the Franklin Little Theater, said that he enjoys all the work he does with Hurrah, so much that he has devoted most of his spare time to it.

``It's a lot of fun,'' he said. ``My parents asked me how much I got paid for it, and you don't get paid for this. It's all volunteer, but it's so much fun.''

Neighborhood: Olde Towne.

Number of years in Portsmouth: Five.

Birthplace: Franklin, Va.

Birthdate: June 18, 1955.

Occupation: Accountant.

What other job than your own would you like? Teaching, since I enjoy working with kids.

Marital status: Single.

Fondest childhood memory: My grandmother making home-made chocolate milk at her house on Sunday afternoon for me and my cousins.

First concert: Barry Manilow, the first time he appeared at Scope.

What book title best describes your life? Some friends suggested ``The Miracle Worker.''

If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? An oceanfront beach house on Hatteras Island and a townhouse in New York City.

If you could trade places with anyone in the world for just one day, who would it be and why? Michael Eisner, CEO of Disney. It would be great to be in charge of the ``Magic Kingdom.''

Biggest accomplishment: Appearing on stage at Chrysler Hall for seven sold-out shows of ``The Wizard of Oz.''

Most embarrassing moment: Forgetting the steps to a dance I had taught the kids while performing with them on stage.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Better vocal ability, so I could play leads in some of our shows.

Perfect way to spend the day: A day on the beach at Hatteras, taking the ferry to Ocracoke at sunset, and dinner at the Back Porch.

I can't resist: White chocolate.

Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: The Maxx.

Favorite Portsmouth leisure spot: The seawall.

Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: The negative image that so many people have of the city. I've introduced lots of people to the area who have changed their impression of Portsmouth after seeing Olde Towne, the Commodore and the Children's Museum.

If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?

1. Increased economic development.

2. Decrease in crime.

3. Success for High Street Landing and the businesses along High Street.

Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? Its central location in Tidewater. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by NHAT MEYER

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