Ran across this article on reporterherald.com and thought was interesting.
Old-time radio revival
It was a routine rehearsal for the Silver Stars Theatre Company.They ran through lines, practiced songs and figured out how to fit all their walkers, wheel-chairs and canes on the stage.
As a senior theater group at Loveland Good Samaritan Retirement Village, the 70- to 90-somethings have a few extra obstacles other actors would never need to consider.
But with their fifth play about to take the stage, they prove you’re never too old to put on a good show.
Friday and Saturday they’ll present free performances of “The KSAM Radio Hour,” a play written and performed by the theater group.
“You can’t believe we’re up there putting on a play,” said 87-year-old actress Opal Hickman.
During Tuesday’s rehearsal, the group of about 10 actors moved a bit slowly as they took their places in front of the microphone.
But one walker step and wheelchair roll at a time, they each made it to their marks. And from there, they were quick to deliver comedy skits, songs and the story line of the play.
Accompanied by the 18-strong Good Sam Singers, “The KSAM Radio Hour” portrays a behind-the-scenes look at a 1940s radio studio and its hourlong program.
It brings the audience back to a time all of the actors and singers experienced firsthand — which helped them develop the script.
“We all relate to the 1940s era,” said 82-year-old Betty Frost, an actress in the play.
“It’s things (other) generations never heard of.”
The writing started in May when the group began listening to recorded broadcasts of the time.
Immediately the memories came flowing back, and the script began coming to life. “They just did a lot of reminiscing, and I took a lot of notes,” said Deb Pullen, the Good Samaritan wellness instructor who helped coordinate the play.
In the end, they created a comedy that can bring back memories for those who lived through the times, and educate those who didn’t.
“Lots of youngsters don’t know about World War II,” said 86-year-old actor Jack Lennox.
He said younger people can get a taste of what life was like during that wartime, in an era before TV. “It relates to earlier life, listening to the radio.”
Plus, he added, “It’s good to throw some comedy out into the world today.”
Yet along with the audience’s education and enjoyment, the play gives the actors and singers an opportunity to stay active and have some fun.
“It’s been a blast,” said Frost, who joined the Silver Stars a year ago to make some new friends.
Until then, she hadn’t acted since high school. But that’s what made coming back to the theater so great.
“That’s why it’s so fun now,” she said. “It’s a second childhood.”
From: Reporterherald.com
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