The stage of the Ritz Theatre has a brand-new name: the Roberta Peacock Gamble Stage. The announcement was made by Mayor Dexter McLendon at last Saturday's birthday celebration honoring &#8220Miss Bobbie” and her dedication to the arts.

Her determination, enthusiasm and persuasive charm were cited as major factors in the restoration of the 1930s-era Art Deco theatre.

&#8220This building is a sign of what people who said it couldn't be done, and yet, it was done,” McLendon told the audience at the Ritz.

&#8220We are going to make a commitment to do what needs to be done to the outside of this place to make it match the inside,” the mayor added to the delighted cheers of the crowd.

Rep. Charles Newton was also on hand to share a resolution signed by Governor Bob Riley honoring the 80th birthday of &#8220warm and gracious lady…who is dedicated to the presentation and promotion of theatre arts in Alabama.”

Newton referred to Gamble's involvement in the arts on the local and state level and her role on the advisory board of the Southern Writers' Project for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Butler County Commissioner Jesse McWilliams expressed the commission's appreciation &#8220for all the work you have done, Miss Bobbie…we didn't want this event to go by and you not know that.”

With the Academy Awards only a night away, it seemed fitting that one of Gamble's most successful students in the arts, noted teacher and musician Randy Foster, should present his mentor with a statuette of her own.

&#8220Miss Bobbie, this is your very own Lifetime Achievement Award,” Foster said as the applause and cheers reverberated through the theatre.

Gamble, glowing on stage as she cradled her sheath of roses and shared words of thanks with her former students, confessed the wool had truly been pulled over her eyes with &#8220such a tremendous and complete surprise.”

&#8220I don't know how you did it,” she said, to which Nancy Idland, a former student of Gamble's, quipped: &#8220You taught us well.”

Gamble said she was absolutely thrilled to look around the theatre and see family members, friends and former students who had traveled great distances to be in Greenville for her celebration.

The self-effacing lady of honor added, &#8220I did so little…I didn't direct or teach for years and years. I don't think anyone has gotten so much credit for really doing so little.”

Following the show, Gamble and her guests enjoyed a birthday reception in the Ritz Reception Room. Along with ice cream, punch, comedy/tragedy mask cookies and other treats, guests were able to enjoy an amazing tiered cake, created by Betty Brock. The edible sculpture featured detailed replicas of the Ritz marquee and sign, along with reproductions of posters and playbills for Gamble's productions.

&#8220That was one of my shows…and that one…and that one!” Gamble crowed with delight as she prepared to cut the cake.