Video summary
The Appalachian Center for the Arts has partnered with Mountain View Pace to produce a new musical titled "Guys and Dolls Seniors," made possible through a grant from the Kentucky Arts Council. This production is a special adaptation of a classic theater show designed exclusively for citizens aged 55 and older, aligning with the center's mission to expand performing arts opportunities within the community. The show will run for approximately an hour and is scheduled to take place in October, marking a unique collaboration that brings together local senior living facilities and arts organizations.
Rehearsals for the production have already begun at Mountain View Pace before moving to the Appalachian Center for the Arts during the final week prior to the performance. The project aims to engage a diverse group of participants, including those who were active performers in their youth and wish to revisit their past experiences, as well as individuals who have never been on stage before. This inclusive approach allows seniors to share their skills and passions, creating a wonderful environment where people can come together regardless of their previous level of experience or background.
Executive Director Shannon Kirkpatrick Daniels describes the partnership as one of the most unique and thrilling projects the center has undertaken. The initiative not only provides a platform for artistic expression but also fosters a sense of community among seniors who are excited to participate in this shared endeavor. By adapting classic musicals specifically for this age group, the program ensures that performing arts remain accessible and relevant, celebrating the talents and stories of older generations while encouraging new members to explore creative outlets they might not have considered otherwise.
Read the full video transcript
Thanks to a grant from the Kentucky Arts
Council, the Appalachian Center for the
Arts is collaborating with Mountain View
Pace to produce a new musical. The show
will feature a cast that is exclusively
55 and older and is part of the App's
mission to expand performing arts in the
community. Executive Director Shannon
Kirkpatrick Daniels tells us how they're
preparing.
>> Music Theatre International, which is a
company that we use quite often, they
have a program called Broadway Seniors.
So, they've adapted classic musical
theater shows
to specifically fit senior citizens ages
55 and older. So, you have to be 55 or
older to participate in these programs
and we chose Guys and Dolls Seniors. So,
it'll be about an hour long and you have
to be 55 and older in order to
participate. So, we're working with
Mountain View Pace
to put on this show in October and we're
very, very excited about it.
>> The Recovery Resource Center, located
inside the Polk County Health
Department, offers support, guidance,
and resources for you and your family.
Call 509-5500. [music]
That's 509-5500.
Recovery starts here.
>> Rehearsals have been taking place at
Mountain View Pace and will then migrate
to the App during the final week before
showtime. Kirkpatrick Daniels says this
is one of the more unique partnerships
they've had.
>> Yes, yes. This is
one of the more unique projects that we
have worked on, but it has been a
thrill.
A lot of these individuals, there are
some that
used to do a lot more performing in
their youth
and to learn about their backgrounds and
their histories and everything like that
and now we're coming together as a
group. There's also some who have never
set foot on stage and just want to try
something new
and that is is just a really exciting
thing.
They're very excited to be a part of
this program as are we and
just to be able to come and share all of
our our skills and our passions together
is just oh, it's just wonderful.
>> Reporting for Mountain Top News, I'm
Nick Collam.