Senior Sparkplug stage show teaching seniors musical skills
A new stage production in Charlottetown is helping seniors stay active in the midst of the Island's snowy winter.
Senior Sparkplug has been funded by L.E.A.P., the Learning Elders Arts Program. The entire production is written, directed and performed by seniors.
Joann Osborne is reconnecting with her community after some health issues.
"I got very seriously ill a few years ago and had to stop working and so this was one of the first things that I kind of got involved in," she said. "It's been nice because it's getting me back into the community. I'm meeting new people and developing some skills along the way too that I didn't realize I had."
Some of those new skills include hand chimes, singing, acting, and line dancing. There are 18 people taking part.
Marlene Bryenton is the volunteer project coordinator and says she was looking for something new and different for the community.
"I wanted to put a new spin on a seniors activity. Teaching them something new," she said. "And of course the L.E.A.P. objective is to bring seniors out in the winter when you can be a bit isolated due to weather conditions."
The group has been rehearsing the play for seven weeks, refining the new skills learned.
"There is a moral to this story and the moral of the story is that you're never too old to learn something new and all you can do is your best," Bryenton said.
For the cast it was all about learning something new, with most having no musical experience.
Music director for Senior Sparkplug, Hazel St. Amand says the cast has worked very hard.
"People have been very focused and yes, they've mastered two pieces so I'm very proud of them," she said.
The curtain goes up on Feb. 26 at First Baptist Church in Charlottetown. Tickets are free.
