Novi Seniors Readying for Annual Variety Show

The Novi Civic Theatre's senior performers are hard at work rehearsing songs, dance numbers and comedy skits in preparation for this year's Senior Show: Vaudeville to Video.

The senior variety show is a local favorite, performed every year by Novi singers, dancers and actors ages 50 and older. This year, there are 42 performers in the production, ranging in age from 53 to 96 years old.

This year's production will cover a wide range of material, from skits remembering the comedy of Charlie Chaplin to '70s-era songs by Sonny and Cher to dance numbers from classic Broadway musicals such as Kiss Me Kate and Anything Goes.

"This year's show will be light hearted, with lots of comedy. Last year we did a tribute to the USO, and parts of that show were pretty serious, so we really wanted to lighten things up this year," said Director Lauren Nowakowski. "We're doing lots of goofy vaudeville stuff and even recreating a couple of YouTube videos!"

The first Senior Show at the Novi Theatre was in 1996, and an annual production has continued for the 15 years since. The Novi Theatre’s founder and former Artistic Director Linda Wickert originated the concept.

Performers started rehearsing twice a week for this year’s show in May with the help of Choreographer Elaine Buck and Vocal Director Trenda Baldridge. In some cases, the seniors are learning new performance skills for the first time during the rehearsal process.

Virginia Whing, age 92, dons tap shoes for several numbers in the Senior Show, and she admits to being a novice.

"I didn't tap dance when I was younger. It's something I've picked up by being in these shows. It's very enjoyable,” Whing said.

Many of the performers in that original 1996 show fell in love with being on stage and have appeared in every production since that time.

"It's a lot of work rehearsing one of these shows, but it really doesn't feel like it because it's so much fun! I love the socializing that comes along with it," said Shirley Digoralamo, who has performed in most of the annual senior shows.

Nowakowski said that she truly enjoys directing the Senior Show.

"I love to see their faces when they get up on that stage and perform. And I really love their dedication to putting on a great show," she said.

Vaudeville to Video will open at the theatre on Thursday, Sept. 8 at noon and continue for five additional performances.

On Sept. 8, 9, 15 and 16 the noon shows will include a luncheon and tickets are $20 each. Sunday matinee performances on Sept. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. do not include lunch; tickets for these performances are $15 each.

Tickets may be reserved by calling the Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services office at 248-347-0400 or ordered online.