Quebec Seniors Bring Classic Musicals to Life on Stage

A community theatre company in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, is bringing classic musical numbers and comedy to the stage with a cast and crew whose average age is 70. Forever Young Theatre, a nonprofit English-speaking senior theatre group northwest of Montreal, is presenting Broadway Revue, a production featuring 37 songs and numerous costume changes.

According to co-director Valerie Glover-Drolet, each performer faces a demanding schedule of wardrobe changes as the production combines singing, skits and choreography. The group has been preparing for the show since January, sound technician Vera Greven said.

Glover-Drolet described the scale of the upcoming production, highlighting the amount of preparation required from the performers.

"There's about nine different costume changes per person, and there are 37 songs," said co-director Valerie Glover-Drolet, referring to Broadway Revue.

Greven said the production's size has required months of work. The show draws on familiar material from classic musicals and films, including Wicked, Funny Girl and Fiddler on the Roof.

"Because it's such a big production, we've been doing it since January," said sound technician Vera Greven.

Memorizing lines and coordinating stage cues remain challenges for the performers as they prepare to deliver the songs and scenes. Richard Clarke, a cast member, joked about the difficulty of remembering his dialogue.

"I don't remember my lines," said Richard Clarke, who is part of the production.

Heather Tremblay is responsible for helping performers follow their cues and keep the show moving. Despite the group's experience, she said getting everyone to listen and respond promptly can be difficult.

"They are wonderful to work with, but they're worse than kids. They don't listen. They do not listen," said Heather Tremblay.

Gail Marchand, who has appeared in several productions, emphasized the commitment shown by the cast and crew during their weekly rehearsals.

"These people, they come to rehearsal. It's only once a week, and they work their butts off," said Gail Marchand.

Andrew Brown, one of the younger members of the crew, said working alongside the more experienced performers has given him an opportunity to learn while preparing for the show.

"Even though I may be one of the youngest members of the crew, they have experience; they share it. And I'm looking forward to trying to keep up with them and doing a good show," said Andrew Brown.

Clarke, 95, is preparing for his final production with Forever Young Theatre. His reflections on the musical numbers also highlight how the familiar songs connect the performers with earlier periods of their lives.

"The best part of the production is most of the songs I knew about 50 years ago. Now I've forgotten," said Clarke.

The remaining October performances at The Heritage Club in Deux-Montagnes are sold out, according to the source report. The company continues to seek new members to join its English-speaking senior theatre group.