Theater troupe gives seniors the chance to realize dreams of stardom

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

Lee Balch of Romeo doesn’t like the word “senior.” She thinks it gives those her age a bad rap.

“You get an image of a crotchety old person tottering around,” said Balch, sitting in a room full of people over the age of 50 — some well into their 70s — backstage at the Warren Community Center Theatre, readying themselves to perform the musical “Carousel” through the Heart-of-the-Hills Players.

“Look at all these people,” she said of her peers milling about, most of whom were decked out in full makeup and costume for the big show. “They’ve got all their faculties about them. They’ve got a lot of talent. They’re fun; they’re colorful; they’re lively. This is a fun way (for us) to stay young.”

The Heart-of-the-Hills Players was founded in Rochester 26 years ago. They have a strict seniors-only policy, and their members must be over the age of 50. They’ve got about 125 members from Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, and perform three big shows a year, in addition to mini-entertainment events at senior housing centers.

“This organization gives the opportunity for seniors to showcase their talents, whether it’s acting, singing or dancing,” said John Hante, president of the group. “Besides the important element of the onstage people, we couldn’t do it without the backstage people — prop people, carpenters, painters, makeup, costumers.”

Hante himself loves to be in the spotlight.

“All my life I have wanted to be onstage — I’m living my dream,” said the 71-year-old Rochester Hills resident, who discovered the group 10 years ago after retiring and seeking out volunteer work in his community.

“Every little girl wants to be onstage,” Balch said of why she joined the group. “Here, everybody gets a chance to be a star. And it’s fun to play dress-up.”

The shows attract a big crowd each year, and many audience members are senior citizens, proud to see what their fellow peers are up to.

“We have quite a following,” Hante said. “We do all Broadway musicals, and they love that music. They remember when it came out and the movies that followed. And as they sit in the audience and see other seniors performing, it makes them feel good.”

Hante agrees with Balch that “older” doesn’t necessarily mean less fun.

“You don’t stop smiling because you get old — you get old because you stop smiling,” he said.

Peggy Bogart, 70, of Birmingham, said it’s inspiring to watch her friends onstage.

“Our average age has got to be 75,” she said, adding that there is even a member of their group who is 92 years old.

“He can dance, too,” Hante added, clearly impressed.

The group brings people together from all over Southeast Michigan, and its members end up developing close friendships as a result.

“It’s my extended family,” Bogart said.

For more information about the Heart-of-the-Hills Players, visit www.heartofthehillsplayers.org or call (248) 608-9008.

You can reach Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1108.