Hopewell Valley senior residents attended a sneak preview yesterday of Hopewell Valley Central High School’s Winter Musical, The Wedding Singer, at the HVCHS Performing Arts Center, where they enjoyed a throwback to the 1980’s! Based on the Adam Sandler romantic comedy, the senior residents were treated to big hair, neon colors, and snazzy singing and dancing.
Attending a preview of the upcoming Hopewell Valley school performances is a tradition that spans several years. It provides a friendly audience for the students to perform a first, full run-through of their production, complete with the orchestra and lighting. It also allows senior residents to see the show free-of-charge, without the hub-bub of a regular performance, and provides a chance for community members to get to know one another.
Hopewell Valley Senior Services offers a range of programs and resources for the 60+ years and older community with activities specifically suited to the needs of older residents. Often, seniors can become isolated because they may lose friends and family members as they age, making them feel isolated and lonely. Health problems can further inhibit engagement and socialization. Hopewell Valley’s Senior Services aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the area, not only by offering social events and excursion but also by offering education and workshops in a variety of areas where seniors may need support, such as caregiver support, legal services, financial, health and wellness, and nutrition.
“My goal is to create opportunities for people to connect and enjoy the community around them,” said Randi Malkiewicz, Senior Services Coordinator. “By offering a number of different programs and events, we hope to appeal to any range of interests and needs that seniors may have.”
84 year-old Hopewell resident, CB Patel commented: “The Wedding Singer was excellent.” “Wonderful display of talent by the young high school boys and girls. And it was free! Now they open for the paid public this and next weekend, but we got a preview. It is worth being a Senior Citizen in Hopewell!”
Floyd Ito, an 81-year-old Pennington resident added: “Yes, it sure is nice that Hopewell has these programs for us seniors. It is nice to get out, meet others, and see what is happening at the high school. The kids keep us young! And the show was great! The students are so talented!”
“Wednesday was my fourth preview and I am thankful for these Senior programs,” explained Patel. “I’ve enjoyed each of them and am looking forward to next year’s already. Amazing what these young adults do nowadays. Very proud of them!”
To learn more about how you or a 60+ year-old friend or family member may get involved with Hopewell Valley Senior Services, visit https://www.hopewelltwp.org/177/Senior-Services or contact Randi Malkiewicz at [email protected].
The Wedding Singer is running live performances this weekend, Friday, March 3, Saturday March 4, and next weekend, Friday, March 10, and Saturday March 11 at 7:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Hopewell Valley Central High School, 259 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, and following all HVRSD guidelines. Tickets are $15 / $10 for students and seniors at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/71631 Friday, March 10th will be 80’s night, where guests are invited to come dressed in their most rad 80’s gear, complete with leg warmers, mullets, and rooster bangs!
No tickets will be sold at the door and capacity is limited.
This production is rated PG-13 for some mature language and content.
Additional information can be found through the MTPA Facebook or Instagram pages.
In the feature photo, Jack Elliott, Frankie Bancroft, and David Sigman perform during the Senior Preview on Wednesday
