Hampton Bays Seniors Take to the Stage

Nearly 21 senior citizens from the Hampton Bays Senior Center took part in an 8-week performance arts program that landed them on center stage at the last week.

With great fanfare, the seniors took the stage like professionals in a show, titled Melodies and Memories. Some participants performed monologues of memories from their life while others sang and expressed themselves through art.

The program, which was sponsored by the senior center and performing arts center, gave the seniors access to professionals, who helped them to express their memories by teaching them how to tell a story on stage.

The seniors also learned breath control vocal techniques.

Among those assisting were teaching artists from the performing arts center, including Julienne Penza and Patricia Feiler. Peter Pece, an accomplished pianist and Brian Quillin, a vocal assistant also aided the seniors.

 "I can't say enough about how wonderful it was," said Marie-Claude Baronnie, who works at the senior center and participated in the program. "It really makes me feel better about getting older and facing the things you face."

An opera singer in her youth, Baronnie, said she jumped at the opportunity to perform though the program.  Others, who have never been on stage, she said, took the program as an opportunity to experience something new. 

The program that the seniors created impressed all in attendance, including Southampton Town Board members.

"The performance was very sweet," said Anna Throne-Holst.  "They put together a choir and performed some oldies and also shared memories. It was touching and really lovely."

Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi said, "I thought it was an incredible performance and I truly valued the inspirational stories shared by our seniors.  I thank them for the participation and our senior services staff for organizing such a great event. I look forward to going again."

Pam Giacoia, director of the senior center, said she was proud of the program of all the participants. 

"I think everyone came out better from it.  Everyone got a little more acquainted with themselves and found they had talent that they never knew they had," said Giacoia.  "It was fabulous, beyond my wildest dreams."

Giacoia says she hopes the program doesn't end here and that the senior center can continue to work with the performing arts center.

"This is something that we would love to do again," said Giacoia.

Julienne Penza, managing director of arts and education at the performing arts center, said she too was pleased with the outcome. 

"The seniors in our Melodies and Memories program gave an incredible, moving performance. We are so grateful for our talented team of teaching artists and assistants, the many community members who came to the show and, of course, the amazing seniors who shared their talents and stories with us."