Seniors treated to special holiday performance at Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville

A popular holiday tradition returned to the Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville in Oceano on Wednesday. More than 100 senior care center residents were treated to a special performance of the theatre’s popular “Holiday Extravaganza.”

“It is giving people who seldom get out a chance to to see a bit of festivity for the holiday season,” said Central Coast Seniors club member Pearl Cole.

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Intended particularly for senior who receive little-to-no outside social interaction during the year, the show offers them an opportunity to relax, have fun and enjoy top-notch live theater.

“I enjoy the real music and the dancing, the drama, the acting, ” said audience member Debbie Pryor. “It’s all very good. It’s well put together.”

Called the Senior Shut-In Melodrama Performance, the show has been held each year since 1978 at the Melodrama by the Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis.

“Our Club looks forward to this event every year,” said club president Clint Weirick. “We work with several local care center facilities to identify the senior shut-ins. We assist the Melodrama by preparing the theatre for an above-average number of wheelchairs. We also arrange shuttle transportation through Ride-On for the senior citizens who facilities are unable to transport them.”

Seniors are treated to a 90-minute long show that features a short play, traditional holiday music and an interactive sing-along.

“I get to see people that I don’t get to see sometimes and we get to be together and laugh and have fun,” said audience member said Earnestine Dearwent “It’s just a great show.”

While the senior performance is now in its 39th year, new this year is the participation of the Nipomo High School Key Club, which assisted the Kiwanis with various duties, including serving refreshments. Complimentary popcorn and soft drinks were provided by the Melodrama.

“This is a most important event for us because it’s not only us helping, it’s us helping our elders.,” said Key Club president Sidney Aguilera.

The Nipomo 12th grade student emphasized it’s important for club members to volunteer in the community and be seen in positive light.

“I believe that’s a big deal because they are older than us and we do want them to see us being interactive and being involved, instead of being on our phones or on our laptops or stuff like that,” said Aguilera.

Seniors in the audience came from several local care centers including Alder House, Grandmother’s Park, Santa Maria Terrace, Central Coast Seniors, Graceful Living, Marian Convent, Wilshire Community Services, Arroyo Grande Care Center, Bella Vista Care Center and Mission View Health Center.

Many of the seniors, including Pryor, who lives at Mission View Health Center in San Luis Obispo, have seen this special performance many times over the years. Judging from their smiles and laughter throughout the show, it’s obvious this event is special to them and brightens their spirit.

“I just want you to know and the world to know how much this means to us to have this happen every single year,” said Pryor.