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Seniors hope to wow audience again at show
By MAUREEN BYRNE © St. Petersburg Times, published September 19, 2000 LARGO -- The first day the city advertised its annual Senior Variety Show, it sold 75 percent of the 333 seats at the Largo Cultural Center. It wasn't much longer before the show sold out -- again. Last year's performance was a sellout, too. "People are interested in seeing their contemporaries perform," said Leroy Mitchell, producer of the show. "I guess they're tired of always seeing skinny teenagers bop around on stage." Six seniors will perform in Thursday's two-act show. But it's quality, not quantity, that matters, Mitchell said. "These people are very talented, so you can make a show," he said. The audience will see a showcase of singing, dramatic reading, comedy and piano playing, he said. Karen Barth, a marketing specialist for the city's Recreation and Parks Department, said age isn't a factor for the group of seniors starring in Thursday's show. "Some of these people have had careers on stage," she said. "Their talent is still a vibrant part of their lives." Take Ira Bates, for example, she said. He's the headliner of the show. The 94-year-old has been playing the piano for more than 80 years. In his younger days, Bates played jazz clubs in the Boston area. "We want to save him to close the show," Mitchell said. "Just watching him when he comes on stage, you think, I wonder what this guy can do, and then he sits down and loses 50 years. He plays good, solid piano jazz." Patricia Pennachio, 78, was surprised to hear she will perform in front of a packed house. "Oh, I'm very pleased," she said. "I'm glad the community is supporting something like this." Mrs. Pennachio's standup comedy routine will poke fun at her neighbors. "I'm going to rat on all the people who live in my condo," she joked.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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