'Tincups and Roses' has something for everyone

Proceeds benefit programs for local senior citizens.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Music, comedy, dance, intrigue, money and temptation meld together to entice audiences at this weekend's Warren SCOPE Senior Follies.
The group presents "Tincups and Roses" at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Lakeview High School auditorium, Cortland. All proceeds benefit programs for local senior citizens.
Jason Burgermyer wrote, directed and choreographed the musical comedy.
"This is our 13th annual show," Burgermyer said.
It's a rags-to-riches story in which the backwoods Flatstump family -- portrayed by Steve DeOreo of Howland, Mary Hovance and Norma Jibotian, both of Warren, and Kim Haase of Austintown -- wins $10 million in the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes and must wrestle with their demons to keep from blowing it all.
Tickets
Tickets are available from SCOPE at (330) 399-8846, from any performer or at the door the day of a performance.
It's a show that appeals to all ages, said Jibotian, who plays Verleene Flatstump.
"One year, my 12-year-old nephew said, 'Do I have to go watch these old people?'" But when it was done, he said, 'That was so good,'" she said.
This marks the sixth performance in the annual show for DeOreo, who portrays Pa, Jibotian, and Hovance, who plays Ma.
"Last year, we had 500 to 600 a night," Hovance said.
Some years they do a musical comedy. In others, it's more of a variety show, they said.
Sets and costumes
Burgermyer designed the sets, and SCOPE members painted them. Costumes, which range from raggedy hobo garb to fancy threads and mink coats, were garnered from fellow cast members, thrift shops or wherever they could find them, DeOreo said.
The troupe started learning the dances in September. While they may have some dance experience, Hovance stresses the performers don't consider themselves actors.
"We're all amateurs and all volunteers," Hovance said.
"It's all to make money for SCOPE," Jibotian added.
And they have a ball, the performers said.
Audrey Ruddy of Warren is making her Follies debut with roles that include a fast-food worker, a hobo and a Las Vegas card dealer.
She said she's nervous about the performance but adds that it's been a good time.
"Tincups and Roses" marks the third SCOPE Follies performance for Mickie VanKell of Weathersfield, who belts out a couple of powerful musical numbers as Big Mama.
"I'm the head of a gang," she said of her character. "They have machine guns and we sing and do a little dance."
dick@vindy.com