Waterbury's Golden Years Theatre Company Opens Senior Citizen Grease

GREASE is the word!

WATERBURY - Opening night for THE GOLDEN YEARS THEATRE COMPANY inaugural production of GREASE was a wonderful success.

Area-renowned theater director Bob Tansley and his longtime co-director Patrick Hearn are working with a group of seniors from Waterbury and several surrounding towns including Southbury, Wolcott, Naugatuck, Southington, Cheshire and Beacon Falls. Ben Orlando is working as assistant director, choreographer and costume designer.

The mission of Golden Years is to bring to the senior community the chance to perform on stage or behind the scenes in a live theatrical production and have fun, regardless of their abilities or inabilities. Everyone who came out was accepted to be part of the performance.

With the support of Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, the group is working in collaboration with Waterbury Brass.

Tansley and Hearn worked hard to teach the actors (who are all over 60 with the oldest 80 years young) everything they need to know.

Tansley believes that the work of this company is important and he hopes to build a program that will continue when he can’t do it anymore.

“As a senior myself, having something to do and look forward to is so important for mental health. It’s therapy for me as well, like any other senior.”

The brave audience members who came out for the first time the group had performed in front of an audience were extremely supportive. The large group appeared to be having a great time watching the cast of seniors, many of whom had never been on stage before, make their theatrical debuts.

Patrons took to social media to express their reaction to the first performance.

Arts at Angeloria's founder Lori Holm and her husband Ed Rosenblatt wrote:

Hats off to the cast and production team of Grease! We loved it! Kathy Miller and Nancy Sasso Janis, home run, Pink Ladies! Break legs for the remainder of the run! Grab tickets and support this terrific project, everyone!

Joyce Young said:

Congratulations! It was so much fun! Looking forward to seeing next production!

Wanda Mascola gushed:

A Performance from the Heart! - Congratulations to the cast - we had so much fun!

Local director/performer Lucia Dressel posted:

Last night we saw The Golden Years Theatre Company Presents: (Senior Citizen) GREASE and had a delightful time! Congratulations to Bob Tansley, Patrick Hearn, and the incredible orchestra. The show was completely enjoyable and we smiled through the whole wild ride. Special shout out Nancy Sasso Janis who gets the “who knew she was so talented!” award. Highly recommend supporting this production. Also loved seeing so many Blessed Sacrament kids doing crew! Well done and well worth the evening out.

Julie Rosenblatt posted:

You are amazing in the show. Watching it tonight. It was incredible.

Some of the roles in “Grease” have been double cast. The “Danny” and “Sandy” casts will each perform for three of the six shows. The role of Danny Zuko is played by Jason Bone. Anabela Soares and Fran e. McIntyre share the role of Sandy Dumbrowski.

The actors playing the Pink Ladies will perform at all performances. Sue Daddona plays the iconic Betty Rizzo, Lorraine Brandolini portrays Frenchy, Kathy Miller plays Jan and I cover the role of Marty. Angela Pazsak plays Patty Simcox at all performances.

The Greasers are portrayed by a group of talented guys. Joe Guarino and Sal Mancini share the role of Doody, and John Mullen and John Chenkus share the role of Kenickie. Mullen and Chenkus will play Vince Fontaine at the performances when they are not Kenickie.

Sonny Latierri is played by Dennis Walsh. Rick Dufresne is a riot in the role of Roger. Sandra Brunoli dances the role of Cha-Cha DiGregorio. Art Hendrickson Jr. plays Eugene Florczyk.

The role of Miss Lynch is shared by Carol Miller and Connie Luciano. Teen Angel is brought to life by Brian Lally.

In the ensemble for all performances are Dolly Caldwell, Dorothea Palladino, Peggy Taylor, Christine Rodrigues, and Virginia Cutrali.

Tansley has announced that he will be inviting the audience to sing along on some of the well-known musical numbers. He will also invite audience members to dance in the aisles for the Hand Jive and will instruct them on the movements during his opening remarks.

Many thanks to everyone who supporting the Golden Years Theatre Company.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://wbbrass.booktix.net/ with a limited number available at the door, depending on the performance date.

Performances will be presented at The Catholic Academy (the former Blessed Sacrament School) located at 386 Robinwood Rd. in Waterbury for two weekends, June 16 - 18 and June 23 - 25, 2023. The Friday performances begin at 7:00 p.m., the Saturday shows start at 6:00 p.m. and the Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase at: https://wbbrass.booktix.com/...The group is limiting online ticket sales to 250. There will be a small amount of tickets available at the door. Tansley recommends buying tickets online to assure you have a seat. All seats are general admission.

Questions may be emailed to the director at bobtansley1949@gmail.com.