By Melissa Wagoner
Candace Pressnall has been involved with the theater for over 40 years.
“I even have a degree in it,” she said proudly. “I’ve enjoyed it a lot.”
Which is why, when the Silverton Senior Center decided to pivot to a more member-led programming, she jumped at the chance to bring a little theater to the lives of her fellow members.
“I’m from Coos Bay and they had [Senior Follies] there and it was a huge success,” she said of the impetus for the idea that she eventually presented to the Senior Center’s Executive Director, Dodie Brockamp, for a three-day, no holds barred talent show/comedy act.
“Follies means fun,” Pressnall said of the primary difference between follies and a traditional talent pageant. “They’re making fun of themselves,” she added.
Whimsical in presentation, this year’s Follies will include dancers, singers, musicians and spoken word poets.
“Along with a couple of crazy MCs,” Pressnall added, referring to Dixon Bledsoe and Sharon Messman, whose talents with a microphone fill in any gaps.
“These people are awesome,” Pressnall continued, referencing the 20 performers, who have been working hard for months in preparation for the final event, which will be held June 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., as well as on June 19 at 2 p.m. in the Silverton High School auditorium.
“And there are different shows on different nights,” Pressnall added. “So, people can come to all the shows.”
Appropriate for audiences of all ages, Pressnall hopes to fill the entire 600-person theater, something she thinks would be a benefit to both the actors, who have put in many long hours, as well as the audience – many of whom have missed out on live
theater events during the past two years.
“People are really wanting to get out and do things now,” Brockamp pointed out. “And this is going to be our signature event.”
Senior Follies
Silverton High School Auditorium: 1456 Pine St.
June 17 & 18, 7 p.m.; June 19 2 p.m.
$10 general admission
$5 children under 10
Half price for dads on Father’s Day
Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St.
