By Dedra Cordle
Staff Writer
Jug Derring (aka Willie Nelson) croons ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before’ during a performance of Down Memory Lane, the latest feature from the E.L. Evans Senior Center Showstoppers Acting Troupe. The two-act musical will return to the center for a limited run on June 7 and 8.
There are two things that Grove City resident Barbara Ellis hates to miss: the spring production from the E.L. Evans Senior Center Showstoppers Acting Troupe and the fall production from the E.L. Evans Senior Center Showstoppers Acting Troupe.
“They are always so much fun,” she gushed.
She said she loves the material director Adrian Jahn chooses, the message behind them, the chemistry of the cast, and the dedication that bursts forth from the actors during each performance.
“You can tell they put so much work into it,” she said.
Though Ellis says she cannot name a favorite production as there are too many great ones, she feels that there is something so special about their upcoming production. She even semi-seriously offered to drive people to a showing after catching a preview on May 25.
“I’ll pick them up and drive them here if they wanted to go,” she said with a laugh.
The production that she cannot wait for the general public to see is a nostalgic musical called ‘Down Memory Lane.’ It is told in two-acts.
The first act takes place in a restaurant called Down Memory Lane and it is set in the 1940s.
The atmosphere is abuzz with the news that Ol’ Blue Eyes himself is going to be making an appearance. Some patrons, however, are skeptical of the rumors.
Though his presence remains a mystery, they are graced with performances from artists such as The Andrews Sisters, Doris Day and Kate Smith. Comedian Allan Sherman even makes a cameo.
The second act showcases the troupe’s comedic chops as well as their vocal talents when the stage is transformed into the set of ‘Hee Haw’, the popular variety television show that ran from 1969 through 1971. Willie Nelson, Julio Iglesias, and Dolly Parton make appearances.
Cyndi Slussar, the activities director at the Evans Center who also has a small role in Down Memory Lane, said this production is just an all-around feel good showcase.
“It’s a knee slapping, toe-tapping good time and it will bring a smile to your face,” she said.
Ellis said she had absolutely no doubt that those who go out and see it during its limited run will come away feeling happier for having seen it.
“It’s fun and nostalgic and it brings back all those good memories from childhood,” she said.
‘Down Memory Lane’ will be shown from June 7 to 8 at the E.L. Evans Senior Center, 4330 Dudley Avenue in Grove City. The June 7 performances will take place at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The June 8 performance will take place at 1 p.m.
The show is free to the public but monetary donations or canned goods for the local food bank are welcomed and encouraged.
