GreenFields Drama Group No Act For Seniors

It’s not hard to imagine clever, quick-witted Blanche Allen performing in madcap comedies or writing melodramas such as “Chicanery at the Checkout Counter” with characters named “Lester Lettuce Loader,” “Marjorie and Marvin Marble Mouth,” and “Trudy True Change.” The vivacious resident of GreenFields, a retirement community in Geneva, brings nearly 40 years of community theater experience to a weekly program of one-act plays presented by and for residents.

A founder of the Village Theatre Guild (VTG) in Glen Ellyn, Allen began writing and producing plays with neighbors when she was a member of a newcomers group. After they were no longer newcomers (and subsequently kicked out of the group, quipped Allen), they remained friends and continued to collaborate.

In 1963, Allen helped write and direct the VTG’s first production, an adaptation of “The Music Man” called “The Monument Man,” based on a horse trough fountain in downtown Glen Ellyn. Shortly after, she and a neighbor wrote and performed VTG’s first “real play” for 120 people at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse. Thus began Allen’s volunteer career playing every conceivable role in the theater. “I did everything—acting, writing, directing, sets…I even cleaned the bathrooms!” she said.
“I was there so often, my children went along with me.”

Years later, when Allen moved with her husband Dick to GreenFields, she met lifestyles manager Kathy Barber, whom she dubs “The Queen of Fun.” Barber wanted to bring a greater arts presence to GreenFields. So did fellow resident Ann Cooper, an award-winning artist, actor and playwright, and Allen was eager to join the effort. In January 2015, a play group began with 16 residents and has since grown to 18.

Every Thursday night, the group reads parts from a one-act drama in the community’s ping pong room. Initially, they focused only on comedies, but have since branched out into other material. “Sometimes three different people read one part,” said Allen. Some members have backgrounds in theater, and several couples participate together. One reader is a former farm reporter reminiscent of Orion Samuelson.

While Allen and Cooper focus on the scripts, Barber transforms the room into a “theater,” creating semi-circular seating that is consistently filled with audience members. “Our plays are very well attended, and enthusiasm is high,” said Allen. (Because of the success of the play group, an improvisation class led by a former member of the Second City comedy troupe has been added to program activities.)

Following the one-act readings, Cooper leads discussion about the play and its playwright. Recently, said Allen, residents learned about Neil Simon and his trying childhood. “He led an uncomfortable life,” remarked Allen, whose life at GreenFields is decidedly not uncomfortable. “I love it here,” she said. “When Dick and I first came here, we heard everyone laughing, having a roaring good time. Everyone is so friendly and nice.”

GreenFields is an exceptional LifeCare community offering an ideal location, a wonderful retirement lifestyle. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsOfGeneva.org.