Golden Years Theatre Company's Senior Citizen Peter Pan

The Waterbury-based Golden Years Theater Company is presenting their second musical, a fully-produced performance of Senior Citizen “Peter Pan” The Musical.

Bob Tansley directed the show, with the assistance of Pat Hearn. Marc Sokolson has returned as music director, Ben Orlando is back as choreographer, and Michele Marchetti returns as stage manager. Flying was facilitated by Shad Ramsey for ZFX Flying.

Tansley set out to give area seniors 60+, regardless of their abilities or inabilities, the opportunity to participate in a fun experience as they work together to make magic on stage. He often says that senior citizens have been attending performances of their children and grandchildren for years, and now they have the chance to invite their family members to come see them shine on stage.

Fifteen cast members returned to Golden Years after participating in last year's production of “Grease” that marked the group’s premiere show. They are joined by 26 seniors between the ages of 60 to 80.

Click here to read more about this production.

The process of producing this show is being filmed by the director's daughter Brooke Tansley for a documentary. She posted her thoughts about the seniors who are part of the show.

Something that has struck me about making this film about senior citizens is that nearly all of them have shared stories with us of devastating loss and tragedy in their lives, yet they show up to each day with joy, gratitude, and ready for adventure. They are really living their lives. Their strength and resilience is inspiring. I know that I will carry them with me and the lessons they've taught me forever. We aim to complete this documentary about this all senior citizen musical theatre company and their production of Peter Pan and distribute it globally. Please contribute - every little bit gets us closer to getting this thing in the can and out into the world.

Pictured: Pearl Wynkoop, who is one of the Peters (many roles are double cast so more can have the opportunity to be featured), is performing for the very first time in her life after a lifetime of wanting to do this. This is a frame from the film, courtesy of our incredible Director of Photography, Jennifer Hook. One lesson learned: It's never too late! Watch clips and contribute here: folklightfilmclub.com (Contributions are tax-deductible through our 501c3 fiscal sponsor.)

Click here to watch a clip of the upcoming film and make a donation.

Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis will appear as Wendy at the Sunday, July 21 matinee and the Saturday performance next weekend. At the alternate performances, she will portray a Native.

At these performances, Pearl Wynkoop leads the cast in the title role, and at the other performances will portray the canine nanny “Nana” and a Native Girl.

WAMS chorus teacher Marianna Vagnini Dadamo sings the role of Mrs. Darling with this cast. Sal Mancini returns to the group to play Mr. Darling, and Cecco the Pirate in the other cast. Anabela Soares, who shared the role of Sandy last year in “Grease” last year, returns to play the role of Tiger Lily.

In the cast that will perform on July 20, 26, and 28, Abby Nemec plays Peter Pan and Joanne Battipaglia plays Wendy. Fran McIntyre, who also played Sandy last year, plays Mrs. Darling and a Pirate. Joe Guarino returns to play Mr. Darling with this cast and Cecco in the other cast. Angela Pazsak, who played Patty Simcox last year, will play Tiger Lily.

The remaining cast members get to play their role at all six performances. Lorraine Brandolini, who played Frenchy in “Grease,” plays Michael Darling and Suzanne Daddona portrays John Darling. Al Reiff takes on the fun role of Captain Hook.

Faith Meo will dance the role of Liza the maid and a Native. Virginia Cutrali returns to Golden Years to play a Lost Boy and Native Girl #1. Dorothea Palladino returns to play The Ostrich, Nibs and a Native. Kathy Miller, who played Jan in “Grease,” returns to play Hook’s sidekick Smee at all performances.

Brian Lally plays a dancing Pirate in the ensemble. Christine Rodrigue returns to play a Lost Boy and a Native.

Art Hendrickson returns to play Curly and a Lost Boy, and his wife Linda Hendrickson joins the cast to appear as The Narrator.

Doreen Smegielski will appear as The Lion, and Pat Lund will play The Kangaroo. Barbara Murray plays Slightly, Dee Blasko plays Tootles, and Becky Bridges plays First Twin, alongside Betty Bajek as Second Twin.

Returning to Golden Years are Connie Luciano as the Adult Wendy and Peggy Taylor as Young Jane. Luciano also plays a Pirate and Taylor portrays a Lost Boy and a Native. Adalyn Cavanaugh will play the ticking Crocodile.

Sharyn Pliska plays Mullins, Terry Breen plays Starkey, Janice Ash plays Noodler, and David Peck plays Jukes. Ensemble members include Connie Nolan, Louise Lopez, and Lynn Lantieri as Lost Boys, with Mary Giglio, Deborah Fischer, Evelyn M. Brothers and Sandy Robillard as Pirates. Barbara Jo Wheelahan plays a Lost Boy and a Native.

Tansley and some cast members appeared on WATR 1320AM and 97.7 FM on the morning of opening night to promote the show.

Performances of “Peter Pan” will be held at Rotella Magnet School, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at gytc.booktix.com and at the door. $18.00 for adults and $8.00 for children 12 and under (plus fees).

Click to watch Fox 61 coverage of a final dress rehearsal.