Life Gets in the Way Rehearsal

Life Gets in the Way, a First Impression by Carli Fink

Life Gets in the Way RehearsalBeing brand new to MCT, I had no concept of what to expect when walking into Tuesday morning’s rehearsal for Life Gets in the Way. My first observation was the people around me: two MCT staff, a very tall musician, and six senior citizens already joking with one another.

I quickly learned that Rex Deverell, a Chalmers award winning playwright, wrote the show and five senior performers plus MCT’s Artistic Project Manager starred in the show. While helping to set up, I caught them doing warm-ups and running line drills; their jokes made me chuckle, and their eagerness inspired me. Each was so friendly towards me, the newcomer, and seemed so comfortable with the many characters they portrayed.

The show itself is a collection of scenes conveying different elements of life as an older adult, and it begins and ends with the titular song “Life Gets in the Way” which has stuck in my head since first listen. Life Gets in the Way provides a forum for discussing the issues facing senior communities, including memory loss, technological difficulties, and institutionalization among others.

My two days in rehearsal were filled with laughter and learning, an interest in Mixed Company Theatre and its work come alive in a celebration of seniority. The people I’ve met thus far are nothing short of wonderful – welcoming, talented, and engaging – and I can’t wait to see what they do next. I trust they will continue to dispel the myths surrounding old age. Until then, I’ll keep humming “Life Gets in the Way.”

Carli Fink is a volunteer at Mixed Company Theatre and is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Queen’s University. 

Voices Final Performance

Senior Production – Kristin’s 2 Cents

Voices Final Performance

What a roller coaster ride; we shared our stories; talked about who we are, where we’ve come from, what are some of our greatest achievements and some of our greatest challenges. “If you could write a letter to your older self what would it say? What kind of advice would you give yourself?” Together as an ensemble, we weaved those pieces of ourselves into the production Voices of Toronto Seniors.

Personally, I have learned that it is never too late to try new things. We can create a minefield of reasons not to, but sometimes it’s as simple as saying “Why not? What do I have to lose?”

What I appreciate the most is my new-found friendships! I am excited to hang out with Pat and whip up one of her Expert Martinis, to sit with Tom and hear more about sailing the 7 seas, to jam with Aidan, to listen to some tunes with Fred, and of course to see Maureen on the stage playing a role in a Noel Coward play!

I love you all and I am forever grateful for your hard work and dedication!

Kristin over and out… for now!

Kristin Bartlett is the Bilingual Projects & Communications Coordinator at Mixed Company Theatre. She spearheaded “Voices of Toronto Seniors”  and starred in multiple roles. Kristin was essential in creating and producing MCT’s first senior production.