Ever dream of performing in front of hundreds of people, maybe singing a favorite song or doing a professionally choreographed dance? That is what a group of local seniors called St. Louis Show Stoppers has been doing every August for 20 years. Starting in April, members get together for rehearsals to prepare for two summer weekends of musical revue at Clayton High School to benefit Siteman Cancer Center. So not only are they having the time of their lives, but they’re also raising money—$13,000 last year alone—for a great cause.
For anyone who’s ever experienced stage fright—like before a piano solo during sixth-grade music class—this two-hour show is pretty amazing. “We’re just a bunch of hams,” says one longtime member, a singer who says she treasures the opportunity every year. “It’s a bunch of people from all over St. Louis who love to perform.” And whether or not they sang and danced in their younger years, they’re not about to let age stop them now.
After all, these folks can be well into their 80s (although the dancers trend a little younger, 60s and 70s —too old to really be bothered by stage fright and too young, apparently, to give up being onstage. I say, good for them. It may not be A Chorus Line at the Fox, but it’s an entertaining two-plus hours of music and dance, plus an $18 contribution to charity. I once heard an amateur performer say, “My goal is just not to embarrass myself.” By that measure, everyone in Show Stoppers is a resounding success.
And think of the camaraderie of being part of a real cast, working together for four months before sharing it all with friends and family. They start with weekly rehearsals and step up the frequency as the show dates get near. “When it’s over, we’re relieved, but kind of sad, too,” says my singing friend. “We don’t know what to do with ourselves until the next April rolls around!” Plus, there’s the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping a worthy cause (cancer research and services), one that most likely has affected many people you know over the years. And when you consider the stamina it takes to put on the show four times over two weekends, these seniors have earned their applause several times over.
The cast party happens in September, a big blowout dinner during which everyone views a video of the show together. They are all volunteers—that’s 25 singers, nine dancers, four band members and a behind-the-scenes stage crew. Even the video is created by one of the spouses. In fact, spouses are involved in ticket sales, planning, staging, ad sales for the program and costumes; it becomes a real family affair. Maybe that family involvement is yet another benefit. Surely over two decades, the show has inspired a grandkid or two (and many other seniors) to perform? Or shown them the reward that comes from donating their time and talents to charity. Or both.
