The Spectacular Senior Follies at Richardson’s Eisemann Center

Who says young folks get to have all the fun? Ned Startzel and The Spectacular Senior Follies certainly don’t believe it’s true. These young-at-heart senior citizens have only retired from their 9-5 jobs, not life. You can see them do their stuff this weekend at the Eisemann Theater in Richardson, TX.

How It Began

Ned Starzel was retired and one of his favorite things to do each day was read the newspaper. One day he read an article about Mark Carroll, a popular pianist here in the DFW Metroplex, in the Senior Section and felt a call to action. In the article, Mark has shared a wish he’d been cherishing – a talent showcase for senior citizens in the area.

Ned shared the same dream. Though he’d pursued a typical professional career for most of his life, back in Pennsylvania, during his college days, he was active in theatrical productions, musical composition and performing. The performance bug had never really died.

So Ned called Mark. Mark agreed with Ned that something needed to be done, but Mark was just too busy right then to pursue the project. Ned understood, but wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily. Two years later Ned contacted Mark again. The rest is history – a great history.

Seven Year of Excellence

The Spectacular Senior Follies were featured in a recent article in Celebration Magazine. Here are some some excerpts from the article about the Follies:

“Cast members are from Broadway, Las Vegas and local theater and dance groups, including The Tap Dazzlers and Class Act Tap Company and features many other surprise guests.”
“[Ned Starzel], the oldest performer in the Follies at 97, was a vaudeville performer as a kid.”
“Also in the cast are Dallas’ favorite storyteller, Rose-Mary Rumbley, Jackie Troup Miller, whose fame started as a tap dancer from the golden days of MGM musicals, vocalist and showstopper, Lillie Madison, along with dancer Joe Cutaia, and many of your Follies favorites, including a visit from the Follies’ own Marilyn Monroe from Hollywood.”
“[T]he Follies is directed and choreographed by Broadway Tony winner, Michael Serrecchia.”
“The Follies artistic director, Dee Anne Meece, started out as a jingle singer for many national companies and later was featured in many equity theater musical roles.”
“Andy Michlin, musical director, has worked with show business giants like Tom Jones, Lisa Minnelli and Linda Carter. Andy was also a member of the New Christie Minstrels.”

As you can see, this is not your grandmother’s local talent show. Lenicam Video Productions, your Dallas Events Videographer, is pleased to be a part of the production this year, recording the Saturday performances for a souvenir video DVD. Tickets are still available just click here.