Slinky, Sassy Seniors of Sarasota sparkle
Slinky, Sassy Seniors are a sub group of Sarasota Senior Theater, and they are one feisty group of ladies. They meet once a month, usually at a restaurant; their June gathering was held at New York New York on Hillview Street.
Leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras provided "The Look of the Day." Everyone was decked out in animal print outfits, and some had added hats. These ladies are theater folk, so the conversation was filled with well delivered witticisms and a sprinkling of "sailor talk." (There were no shrinking violets lurking in this crowd.)
Several members had been professional singers, actors and/or dancers. Others were fulfilling a lifelong dream of singing, acting and dancing across a stage. Some of these women were or are now writers and/or directors. In the words of President Joan Marcher, "This is about keeping us off the streets and happily active."
The Slinky, Sassy Seniors meet for lunch at New York New York. Photos by Frank Colson.
Joan is more than just president of SST; she is partnering with Fred Kellermen to both write and direct "All About Me," a show which will be presented at Players Theatre on Feb. 26-28. A number of Slinky ladies will perform in that show. "We write the plots and steal the music," exclaimed Joan. (Well, they don’t really steal it, they borrow it properly according to copyright laws.) The group does, however, use existing music in their productions – no different than Julie Taynor did in her brilliant musical film, "Across the Universe," featuring classic songs of the Beatles.
(Seated from l.) Natalie Gundrum, Joe Ann O’Hara and Elizabeth Marin, with (standing) June Disabatino.
Sarasota Senior Theater is scheduled to present three one-act plays on Sept. 25-26-27 at Florida Studio Theatre. Each play will have a different director and a different cast. One of the plays is called "Any Body for Tea," and features a couple of corpses scattered around the stage. The very lively Dee Krantz and Selene Hawkins play two of the dead bodies, so I am assuming the show is a comedy. Come to the Players and see if I’m right.
Irene Silver founded Sarasota Senior Theater in 2000, and Mel Elwood was the founder of Slinky, Sassy Seniors. All these Slinky ladies have fascinating tales to tell, for it is a truly colorful crowd.
Sarasota Senior Theater is a nonprofit corporation composed of men and women 55 and older. Members have an opportunity to showcase their talent in large and small productions within the community. Performing, writing, designing and building scenery, costumes, make-up, dancing, singing, acting, it’s all available. Workshops are given in chorus, tap dancing, play reading and scene study. Performances are conducted at clubs, retirement homes and churches as well as locations such as Players Theatre and FST. One can become a member of SST for as little as $25, get involved, and have a marvelous, mind-stretching time.
You too can slink with the Sassy Seniors, wear animal prints and have a barrel of giggles. You, too, can bring out your inner actor, paint scenery and trod the boards. For information, call 952-7159, or go to www.SarasotaSeniorTheater.com.