PRODUCTIONS
Productions are developed through improvisation. We brainstorm themes and then develop scenarios that fit the theme. Eventually a storyline evolves. We fine tune it and then rehearse it until it is ready for production. We have no scripts, but we are well rehearsed. Performances are consistent and well received.
Below is a list of past productions:
"How Beautiful We Are" (2006-2007)
The 20 minute presentation expresses the vitality and challenges of late life. It consists of three independent scenes: a meeting, a bus ride, and a home visit, ending with a poem, "How Beautiful We Are" written by one of the actors. The play was developed from stories told from the seniors' own lives.
"NONY" -New Orleans Needs You (2008)
In this performance piece, the cast presents some of the problems New Orleans is facing. In a dramatic twist, the last scene of the show is a dialogue with audience members who are asked to make a specific commitment of their choice to do one small thing to help rebuild the city.
"Life in New Orleans" (2009-2010)
The title has two meanings. The first is all the wonderful things that are in New Orleans. The play takes us on a New Orleans journey that takes us to Cafe DuMonde, a traditional cemetery, Jazz Fest and a number of side paths as well. Its second meaning is literally a journey through life. We witness the aging of a mother into a grandmother and her children into mothers of their own. The play explores the problem faced by children when they reach the conclusion that their mother can no longer take care of herself. But grandma is not ready to accept their plans.
"One Family at a Time" (2010-2011)
During discussion at a dinner party, the guests begin to talk about the folks who have not returned to New Orleans. They talk about the problems in the city: the violence, the lack of decent schools and health care. How can families come home when the city is in such turmoil? The answer the guests come up with is that each of us needs to become active and get involved. After the performance, the company asks the audience what problems do we have that were not brought up in the play. When a problem is raised, the cast questions what audience members can do to improve that situation.
"Be True to Yourself" (2012)
A young girl aspires to become a chef following in the steps of her grandma who is a wonderful cook. She receives a scholarship to a chef school, but her parents feel she is too young to quit regular school. Deflated, she finishes school and has various nondescript jobs. When her grandma dies, she leaves letters to everyone in the family. To the girl, she says "Get off your duff and do what you always wanted, become a great chef." The encouragement of her grandma even after she has passed away moves the girl to return to her passion.
The 20 minute presentation expresses the vitality and challenges of late life. It consists of three independent scenes: a meeting, a bus ride, and a home visit, ending with a poem, "How Beautiful We Are" written by one of the actors. The play was developed from stories told from the seniors' own lives.
"NONY" -New Orleans Needs You (2008)
In this performance piece, the cast presents some of the problems New Orleans is facing. In a dramatic twist, the last scene of the show is a dialogue with audience members who are asked to make a specific commitment of their choice to do one small thing to help rebuild the city.
"Life in New Orleans" (2009-2010)
The title has two meanings. The first is all the wonderful things that are in New Orleans. The play takes us on a New Orleans journey that takes us to Cafe DuMonde, a traditional cemetery, Jazz Fest and a number of side paths as well. Its second meaning is literally a journey through life. We witness the aging of a mother into a grandmother and her children into mothers of their own. The play explores the problem faced by children when they reach the conclusion that their mother can no longer take care of herself. But grandma is not ready to accept their plans.
"One Family at a Time" (2010-2011)
During discussion at a dinner party, the guests begin to talk about the folks who have not returned to New Orleans. They talk about the problems in the city: the violence, the lack of decent schools and health care. How can families come home when the city is in such turmoil? The answer the guests come up with is that each of us needs to become active and get involved. After the performance, the company asks the audience what problems do we have that were not brought up in the play. When a problem is raised, the cast questions what audience members can do to improve that situation.
"Be True to Yourself" (2012)
A young girl aspires to become a chef following in the steps of her grandma who is a wonderful cook. She receives a scholarship to a chef school, but her parents feel she is too young to quit regular school. Deflated, she finishes school and has various nondescript jobs. When her grandma dies, she leaves letters to everyone in the family. To the girl, she says "Get off your duff and do what you always wanted, become a great chef." The encouragement of her grandma even after she has passed away moves the girl to return to her passion.
"The Grass is Always Greener" (2013-2014)
Heavenly spirits look down on the earth to see people not appreciating what they have. A daughter wants the authority and freedom of adulthood while her mother thinks she will enjoy the "irresponsibility" of a teenager. Two acting students envy their Hollywood movie stars and the stars are burdened by the pressure of their celebrity. The spirits give them what they want. But it isn't long before everyone realizes that the Grass is Always Greener and want to return to their original lot in life.
Heavenly spirits look down on the earth to see people not appreciating what they have. A daughter wants the authority and freedom of adulthood while her mother thinks she will enjoy the "irresponsibility" of a teenager. Two acting students envy their Hollywood movie stars and the stars are burdened by the pressure of their celebrity. The spirits give them what they want. But it isn't long before everyone realizes that the Grass is Always Greener and want to return to their original lot in life.
"What Price Progress" (2015-2016)
Technology can be a challenge for seniors. Texting, pictures with phones, talking to Siri have become a part of everyone's lives. For seniors it can result in confusion, frustration, and even humor as elderly try to adapt to the new culture.
Technology can be a challenge for seniors. Texting, pictures with phones, talking to Siri have become a part of everyone's lives. For seniors it can result in confusion, frustration, and even humor as elderly try to adapt to the new culture.
"Everybody Has Needs" (2016-2017)
What do a grandpa with a heart condition, a daughter who is an alcoholic, and a granddaughter who skips school have in common? They all need somebody to love them and support them. This is the lesson the family learns in this heartwarming story.
"Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" (2017-2018)
Neighbors who have scattered across the country are invited to a 50th reunion. The neighborhood is not the only thing that had changed. When they were young, people of color and whites did not mix, families talked at dinner (not to their cell phones), and doctors made house calls.