Seniors

Last Updated on Saturday, 01 November 2014 11:31

By Jill Brown

The colorful world of "Showboat" with the theme "Come Lose Your Blues" sure helps do just that – this performance put a smile on audience members' faces with a cast of local talented and energetic senior adults. The 28th annual variety show, held at Charleroi High School Auditorium on October 10 and 11, had its first start in 1987 under the production of Dick McVicker.

Friendly “Showboat” volunteers (l-r) Molly Koteshe, Barbara Cochran and Donna Hruby do their part selling tickets.

Mary Mariani, supervisor of Community Services with Diversified Human Services, said, "The cast produced it and directed it - I [just] oversee the event." While she's pleased with the efforts they put forth on the stage, she's even more proud of what takes place after the curtain closes. "The proceeds generated go to the home delivered meal program," she noted, continuing, "They (the cast) have donated over $100,000, and I am very proud of that."

The announcer was John Cheroki, production manager. The show was dedicated in memory of Betty Frick, director for over 15 years, who recently passed away, and John Matty, a soloist, who also recently passed.

This variety show featured a true selection of talent.

John Baumgarten, 98, spoke of his wife of 72 years, whom he lost five years ago, and how he wrote what he sang as a tribute to her.

Millie Thomas, minister with Monessen Union Baptist Church, sang a couple blessed worship songs.

“Showboat” entertainer John Baumgarten poses beside a boat made of 507,000 matchsticks he made himself, which took two years.

A comedy skit by "cleaning lady" Pat Petrosky had the audience laughing out loud, and she was hilarious as she joked with people.

Deborah Ritts, with the show for four years, says she performed the song "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton as a tribute to all those who were bullied as children, as she was.

The show ended with a solo by Mike Petrosky and group chorus of "God Bless America."

"Showboat 2014" was very enjoyable and well worth the ticket price of only $6.

For more information about being a part of "Showboat" in the future, please contact the Monongahela Senior Center at 724-258-9511.