Senior Stars perform a cabaret program

Senior residents of Queens showed that you’re never too old to shine during the cabaret show “Each Tomorrow Morning: Memories and Songs of a Lifetime.”
This show was the culmination of six weeks of training provided by the Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) as part of its first-ever Senior Stars Program, which was designed to give the age group a chance to show their talents. It featured seniors from all over the borough with varying entertainment backgrounds.
Albert Cole, a 72-year-old resident of East Elmhurst, plays the saxophone and sings. He frequently performs in senior centers and libraries, as well as in his church. Cole said that he wanted to get involved in the program because he likes to participate.
Woodside resident Helen Gambichler, 60, said that she had no prior performance background but that it was something she always wanted to do.
“This is my debut,” said Gambichler, who still works in the Queens Criminal Court. “I can’t sing or dance but I sure like to entertain. I’m having a ball.”
The cabaret had 20 seniors singing songs such as “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “Que Sera Sera,” “Twist and Shout,” “Mack the Knife” and “Born Free.”
“The highlight of the whole thing is being with people who are still excited about living and doing what they like to do,” said Gloria Stark Williams, a Rochdale Village resident who has been a member of the Ebony Ecumerical Ensemble for 18 years.
Jamaica Estates resident Audrey-Barbara Wheeler said that she has already been recommending the Senior Stars Program to others.
“Contrary to what so many people say, getting old isn’t so bad,” Wheeler said. “It’s kind of fun.”
While many of the seniors said they learned a great deal from the experience, director Sandra Bargman said that she also learned something.
“I’ve learned that at every turn just to have a good time and at every turn enjoy the moment,” she said. “They are inspirations in that category.”
Due to the initial success of the program, APAC plans on doing it again in the future.
“We will look forward to doing the program,” said Taryn Drongowski, APAC’s executive director. “The response we received was overwhelming and very telling - clearly, this program filled a need.”
To find out more about the Astoria Performing Arts Center and its programs, visit www.apacny.org or call (718) 393-7505.