Mrs. Roper(s) romp through Downtown Lincoln

Those of a certain age will remember Three's Company, the ABC comedy show that starred Norman Fell as Stanley Roper and his free-spirited, love-starved wife Helen Roper, played by Audra Lindley. The sitcom, which ran from 1977 through 1984, was about three single roommates (two women and one guy) and follows their social lives and struggles in a long-ago, strait-laced era. Roper Romps began 12 years ago in New Orleans, are now nationwide, and includes dressing like Mrs. Roper – but even more outrageously than the outfits and hairdos of the late '70s and early '80s. And it's more than just dressing for a party, it's a pub crawl with friends, complete with music and dancing. Fast forward to last weekend when 60-plus women, plus a few guys, got into the Mrs. Roper craze and made bar and food stops at seven local establishments. Debra Bellis organized the Romp. There were drink specials like the "Regal Beagle" (named after the pub on the Three's Company show) at the Lincoln Speakeasy, where Professor DJ Rockola played fun 1970s and '80s trivia. The group really got into the act with dancing and a parade around the bar to the Three's Company theme song. The Lost Shaker created "Chrissy's Coconut Cooler," "Janet's Tequila Twister" and "Jack's Lemon Splash." The Rebel Hen Cafe and Easy Company Café offered coffee, sweets and beer or wine choices. Other establishments that participated were Lincoln Gardens, Soli's and Hops and Hogs – all with accompanying food and drink. New friends were made with the 'Rompers' visiting Lincoln from out of town. Cars up and down Lincoln Blvd. tooted their horns and gave a thumbs up as the 'Helens' walked to each participating venue. The Rompers definitely had an economic impact on Lincoln's dining and drinking businesses, and several of the out-of-town contingent also stayed at local hotels. The Romp was created as a fundraiser for the Lincoln Salt Mine, and the group delivered canned foods to the nonprofit's food bank location on Lincoln Blvd. The next Roper Romp is scheduled for Dec. 13, when Mrs. Roper will don a Santa hat and again party in Downtown Lincoln. The Rompers will be joining the Santa Crawl put on by Easy Company. Watch for the event on social media.