ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - SPOTLIGHT
Young at Heart
Island that provides professional and original musical theatre productions for senior citizens in long-term care and retirement facilities. Each year the company raises funds to produce a professional musical that will tour across PEI to all the various manors, community care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and other places where seniors gather. The venues donate a small portion of the cost, while the rest is raised through grants, sponsorships, fundraisers and private donations. “It’s always a challenge to raise enough money each year,” says Catherine O’Brien. “ Part of our mandate is to make the shows accessible to seniors, regardless of their ability to pay. We are grateful to the Province of PEI Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture for some of that much needed funding.” Young at Heart Musical Theatre for Seniors is the only organization of its kind east of Ontario. It exists to enrich the lives of senior citizens who are generally isolated by giving them a vibrant and interactive experience that will brighten their spirits and potentially improve their health and well-being. PEI’s aging population solidifies their mandate to continue to provide vibrant and original professional entertainment to those with little chance of seeing a show outside of their retirement and long-term care facilities. Young at Heart Theatre has touched the lives of thousands of senior citizens in more than 30 facilities in PEI with several original Canadian musical shows. Some past productions include: The Big Red Radio Show, Blessed Assurance, Canada In Love, Flash In the Pan, and Dr. Magnificent’s Travelling Musical Medicine Show.
Music is a great healer. Studies have shown that people with early dementia or other cognitive impairments have demonstrated increased awareness and concentration, better social interaction, diminished pain and tension, improved recovery times, and of course a happier outlook on life when exposed to music! Older adults that are exposed to music and theatre have shown alleviations of anxiety, depression and loneliness, which are three key factors in maintaining proper mental and physical health. Young at Heart, whose primary focus is on performing for long term care residents, touches on every one of those benefits, lifting spirits, hearts and minds, and enriching seniors’ lives. This year’s production will surely lift many spirits. The tour begins April 3 and runs to May 5. All ages are invited to a special fundraiser for Young at Heart Theatre on May 3rd at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Charlottetown. Generations of Fascinating Ladies will be presented, along with some special guests and a dessert extravaganza!
▲ Catherine O’Brien Artistic Director
Celebrating 13 years of service to seniors, Young at Heart Musical Theatre for Seniors is gearing up for another exciting tour to Island residents. Generations of Fascinating Ladies is a special tribute to the great girl groups and female artists of the last century, including The Boswell Sisters, Andrews Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald, The Chordettes, The Maguire Sisters and more, with popular tunes including: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, In the Mood, Sentimental Journey, Java Jive, Sincerely, Tell Him, and the Shoop Shoop Song (In His Kiss). Directed by Artistic Director Catherine O’Brien and musically arranged by Sean Ferris, this musical revue will keep toes tapping while three talented Island artists take the audience through a kaleidoscope of musical eras. Young At Heart Musical Theatre For Seniors, Inc. is a not-for-profit, charitable organization, based in Prince Edward
Tickets and additional information: laura@yahtheatre.com
Young at Heart Musical Theatre for Seniors 902-314-0729 www.yahtheatre.com
SPRING 2018 www.pei-living.ca SPRING 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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