William Shakespeare wrote in As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage…and one man in his time plays many parts.” Sometimes people just want to play a new part in their lives, exploring and trying new things, perhaps tapping into unexplored creativity.
Young Hearts Theatre has become a haven for individuals who enjoy the performing arts. Dating back to 1979, the group welcomes individuals ages 60-plus to its ranks. Its story began when dancer Eloise Terry retired from WHAS and joined forces with friends to perform for seniors who could no longer afford the price of musical theater shows. “It is amazing that 44 years later, this group, which has existed solely on donations and volunteers, is still going strong,” says Willa Fougnie, who has been involved with Young Hearts Theatre in various capacities for two decades.
In 2004, Willa met a Young Hearts Theatre board member, attended several performances, and decided the group was right up her alley since she had been a music teacher. Even Willa’s husband, Emil, was brought into the fold. “They needed a spotlight operator, and since he was a more technical person than an actor/singer, he volunteered to be their ‘spotlight guy,’” Willa says. “We have enjoyed working together in this group ever since.” In those years, Willa has created and directed numerous shows, as well as serving as music director for several performances.
Being involved with Young Hearts Theatre has many benefits, including physical exercise. During rehearsals, Willa sees her colleagues lift their arms, bend over, and raise their legs to kick. “They also use their lungs in singing,” she says. “We try to teach them breath control so that they actually can exercise their breathing apparatus.” But the positives to the group aren’t just physical.
Participants in Young Hearts Theatre form a close-knit group. If someone doesn’t show up for practice, a member of the group calls to check on them, Willa says. They stress kindness and camaraderie. Plus, because performers have to memorize lines for shows, it helps their cognitive skills. “Physically, cognitively and socially, Young Hearts seems to be good for seniors!” Willa says.
A special component of Young Hearts Theatre’s performances is the inclusion of The Rockerettes, a troupe of dancers ranging in age from 40-87. Victoria Young joined in 2015 and says she just wanted to have fun, but when the previous instructor suffered a broken pelvis, Victoria became director, choreographer, and teacher. “I try to be low-key, but I end up in charge,” she says.
Each Young Hearts Theatre endeavor is an original show, so Victoria says the Rockerettes work with the cast to find where they fit in. In one especially memorable cooking show performance several years ago, the Rockerettes were green onions that danced jazz. “Whatever they need us to do, we do,” Victoria says. Dancers practice one day a week at Douglass Community Center in the Highlands for an hour and a half and are committed to trying new things, although they do focus quite a bit on tap-dancing.
In the upcoming spring 2024 show, Victoria says The Rockerettes will be saloon girls who dance to Pharrell Williams song, Happy. Everyone in the group has some dance experience, although for many of the dancers, the last time they took lessons was as a preteen. But don’t think that this group of toe-tappers is only for women: “It would be so nice to have some gentlemen join us,” Victoria says.
Of course, not everyone who is involved with a Young Hearts Theatre performance is on stage. Like Emil Fougnie, there is a place and need for individuals with technical skills who can run lights, set up sound equipment, or serve as ushers. Willa says everyone’s individual talents are used in some way. “No one is rejected,” she says.
BOX Young Hearts performers meet for rehearsals at Hikes Point Christian Church on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 3:45 about three months before a show. Performances are staged at Ursuline Auditorium and are always free to the public.
The next production of Young Hearts Theatre featuring The Rockerettes will be April 4-7, 2024 and is called Westward Ho, written by Tom Gerstle and directed by Carol Fessler, with musical direction by Richard Ray and piano accompanist Shirley Hawkes. Auditions will be at 1pm on January 2, 2024 at Hikes Point Christian Church, 2601 Hikes Lane.
By Carrie Vittitoe | Photo by Kevin Klotz
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