Shades of gray
‘Senior Moments’ explores aspects of aging, through laughter, tears
Linda Kaufman’s first musical was produced in 1993 in San Antonio, Texas. Flash forward more than 20 years, and Kaufman is still writing and developing scripts.
Her latest, “Senior Moments,” will hit the stage on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque.
“My latest musical, ‘Senior Moments,’ reflects my belief that theater can be both entertaining, enlightening and lifechanging,” she says. “As my audiences have told me, ‘This show is riveting, because it speaks to my life with all its ups and downs, laughter and tears. I am coming back to see it again.’ ”
The play is a powerful romp through various aspects of aging — from the hilarious antics at a senior fitness class to the poignant interaction between an older mother and her daughter who constantly misunderstand one another.
This original musical is directed by Roberta Stein.
Kaufman says the play opens with all seven actors — four men, three women — singing “Senior Moments,” a rousing tune that lets the audience members know they are in for an exciting musical experience on the subject of aging. Highlights of the production include:
A solo by a grandfather, “When I Was a Young Man,” encourages his grandson not to make the same mistakes that his grandfather did but to learn that loving and giving, not accumulating, are what make for a meaningful life.
An entertaining scene with two aging women, one of whom urges the other to “get out there” and start dating again.
Two sisters complain to their older brother that they are upset that their elderly father is dating. The older brother tries to explain that their dad is entitled to companionship, even in his 80s, and we get to see him enjoying his new love as they sing “Making New Memories.”
Kaufman will be in Albuquerque for opening weekend, and she and Stein will have a discussion with the audience after the performances.