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Retirees take to the stage
By TERRY JONES © St. Petersburg Times, published April 24, 2001 TAMPA -- Four neighbors got together almost three years ago in the Fountainview Estates Park clubhouse to create a thespian troupe. Isador 'Izzy" Nadeau invited several residents of the retirement community to get together and talk about an activity that would let them meet new people and also entertain them. Nadeau had extensive experience in the theater acting and directing, and he wanted to share his skills. Joining Nadeau in the first meeting were Jan Hood, 66, Ed Keeter, 75, and Ellie Marcosa. Unfortunately, Nadeau died before the first production, The Y2K Magi, could be performed during the Christmas season of 1998. But the small troupe didn't give up. Hood took the director's responsibilities, and "Hams Inc." has performed four plays since that first Christmas. The list of actors, musicians, singers, stage production overseers, writers, costume creators and others has swelled to 15. Some of the members are in wheelchairs, some have other mobility problems, and some have lost their sight, but the show goes on, and the troupe enjoys making its audiences happy. "We are always on the lookout for new members for Hams Inc.," director Hood said. "We especially are interested in someone to be the director. I want to play a part, but without someone to direct, I can't do both. Every time we present a new play, we pick up a couple of new people. No one seems to think they can entertain, but anyone can." The most recent play, Remember Back When, was presented the Friday before Palm Sunday. The group's first musical covered the flapper time of the 1920s, the big band era of the 1930s and the crooner and patriotic time of the late 1930s and 1940s. "We had never attempted a musical before, but we had and still have some good dancers and singers," Hood said. "We also had some burlesque skits, because we also have some people who are real funny." Charles Gardner, 58, is the leading jokester. He also sings and dances, but mostly makes people laugh, Hood said. Vickie Williams, 54, and Jan Hood's husband, Bob, 66, use wheelchairs. Neither had any entertainment experience before joining Hams Inc., but Williams helps by doing all the narration and typing the scripts, and Hood plays any part offered, mostly comedy, but no singing. Julie Loyless, 90, and Ted Rego, 78, are legally blind but are very active in the productions. Loyless critiques all dialogue and program content, and Rego, a retired professional musician and a keyboard specialist, helps with all areas of music. Emily Butler, Paul Williams and Marcosa are experienced singers and also know numerous dance steps. At the age of 5, Marcosa sang and danced on street corners for nickels. Butler has been singing and acting most of her life, too, and Williams had summer stock and singing experience. Carol Barrows, 68, Lois Morgan, 63, Marilyn Snell, 63, Joe Way, 75, and Toni Martucci complete the troupe. They prepare the stage and perform. Each play requires three to six months' preparation. Since most of the members of the troupe live at Fountainview Estates Park, use of the clubhouse is free, as is admission to the plays for neighbors. The troupe also provides free refreshments after each performance. "We are always looking for new members," Jan Hood said. "Even those who think they can't do anything around the theater are welcome. We can help everyone find something to do. You may live someplace else and we still want you to call." Those interested in joining Hams Inc. can call Hood at (813) 243-4164.
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From the Times Seniority pages |
