Reel Christmas cheer
Last Thursday, residents showed off their theatrical talents at the annual Ardenwoods Singers holiday performance. This year’s theme, Reel Christmas Cheer, featured songs from holiday movies. The performance dazzled the residents, family, friends and Ardenwoods staff who attended.
Led by director Shirley Morrow, the Ardenwoods Singers is a choral group made up of residents “who just love to sing and have a good time,” Shirley explained. Created in 2014, the group performs two programs per year — one typically in the summer and the other during the year-end holidays — for which they practice once a week “to learn the music together and have a good time while doing it.”
Shirley believes the most rewarding part of being the director of the Ardenwoods Singers is having fun together and simply enjoying the experience of singing.
“Music is good for the brain and cognitive function. And I think when people participate in music, it really does make a difference in how we think and how we feel. I like to say music is good for the soul,” said Shirley.
For this year’s holiday performance, the Ardenwoods Singers performed songs like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Last Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and tracks from movies like “A Chipmunk Christmas,” “Home Alone” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Residents also had the opportunity to participate as dancers and actors in the performance. Resident Tyler Martin played the role of the Grinch.
“It’s difficult fulfilling the role of the Grinch when you’re a positive person,” said Tyler. “Though I love performing and wanted to be involved this year.”
It’s Tyler’s third year participating in the holiday performance. In both prior years, he participated as a singer.
Tyler wore a complete Grinch outfit, including a face mask and body suit. His performance included removing presents from under the Christmas tree and quoting iconic lines from the movie — and like the movie the Grinch had a change of heart at the end of the performance. Turns out, it wasn’t Christmas the Grinch hated; it was being alone. To close out his performance, Tyler raised a toast and encouraged the audience to join in on a group hug.
“Having experience as a Presbyterian minister, standing in front of large crowds is easy for me to do,” said Tyler. “I had no microphone but did not need one.”
The show also recognized multiple faith traditions, including Christianity and Judaism, as residents lit and held candles in honor of Hanukkah.
Thanks to all participants and attendees who made this year’s performance memorable! May your holiday season be blessed with peace, joy and warmth. Until next year...
