Lansdowne Woods Residents Write, Produce, and Perform Original Musical "It's Gershwin, By George!"

Lansdowne Woods residents produced and performed four shows of another original musical this week. Residents wrote, designed, created sets, arranged songs and performed It’s Gershwin, By George! at the community’s Monroe Auditorium. This first show on Monday, April 27, was performed as a special treat for an audience who came from local assisted living communities such as Leesburg’s Meadow Glen. Some 550 Lansdowne Woods residents also attended the musical comedy extravaganza, which featured dance and drama performed by Lansdowne Woods of Virginia’s tappers, singers and actors to Gershwin favorites.

Written by Carol Cutrona, Ann Hazard and Rose Pryor, the musical tells the story of Matilda Fortune, who is in debt and may need to close her performing arts Academy. The landlord, Basil Blackheart, is determined to evict her so he can open a speakeasy. Old teaching friends are there to help out, and Matilda’s neighbor George Gershwin supplies the music for a recital to raise money.

Lansdowne Woods of Virginia is home to approximately 1500 residents and has earned numerous awards for its livability, amenities and floor plans. Lansdowne Woods features expansive community amenities, including a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, auditorium, activity and craft rooms, bank, fine dining restaurant, ballroom, interfaith chapel and convenience shopping. Additional amenities include tennis courts and community gardens.

Photos by Jacob McLernen.