Seniors prepare for follies

By Sean Barron

One skit explored many comical ways in which a first date can go awry.

WARREN — If you’re old enough to remember the 1960s and ’70s, you likely recall a TV staple of that time: the variety show.

Several celebrities hosted one — from Carol Burnett to Flip Wilson, Sonny and Cher to Ed Sullivan.

Those decades are long gone, but if you think the variety show is a replica of a bygone time, then you probably have never come across the SCOPE Senior Follies.

The group, with close to 100 soloists and dance troupe members from all over the area, spent part of Friday in a dress rehearsal at SCOPE Inc., 220 W. Market St., preparing for two shows next month. This will be the follies’ 19th annual performance.

The 2 Ω-hour shows, called “Be Our Guest,” are set for 7 p.m. April 19 and 2 p.m. April 20 at Lake- view High School, 300 Hillman Drive in Cortland. Tickets are $10 per person.

Accenting the rehearsal were a series of vintage songs as well as comedy, dancing and skits. The musical selections dipped into a variety of genres, with one set of members taking turns handling the lyrics to Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” to a portion of the cast dancing to Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Other classic songs some members lent their voices to included “Come to the Cabaret” and “Lulu’s Back in Town.”

When they weren’t singing or tapping their heels in unison, some cast members were practicing their lines and movements for skits, one of which was called “Blind Date.”

The comedy centers on a man’s foibles on a first date that sees him, in the eyes of the woman he wishes to spend the evening with, going from being a blind date to “a blind dud.”

The reasons for joining the follies and length of time spent with the group varied as much as the material itself.

Diane Urchek of Cortland got on board six years ago after having danced a few years when she was younger. Urchek saw a dance class in Howland, and the next thing she knew, she found herself buying tap- dancing shoes and showing up at the following lesson.

Urchek will be in the “Blind Date” skit and perform eight dance numbers, she said. Those who haven’t seen the follies performed are in for a treat, she continued.

“The shows are very professional,” Urchek added. “If you’ve never seen us, you’re in for a big surprise.”

For Barbara Freeman, the experience is a bit fresher, since she is a first-timer with the follies. Freeman, of McDonald, will be in a skit and three dance routines.

If she was nervous wearing the hats of new dancer and performer, she certainly didn’t show it.

“I feel very confident,” she said. “It’s challenging, but I can do it.”

Much of the dialogue and many of the skits were written by Jason Burgermyer, the follies’ director and choreographer. The group has been working on the material about eight months, Burgermyer noted, adding that the shows will close with several patriotic songs.

One performance last year sold out, a feat Burgermyer said he hopes to duplicate this time.

SCOPE (Senior Citizens Opportunity for Personal Endeavor) provides information for senior citizens on housing, Medicare Part D prescription services, food and other needs, explained Patricia Currie, its media marketing and public relations director. SCOPE also has facilities in Lordstown, Howland, Niles, Champion and Cortland.

To buy tickets, call SCOPE at (330) 399-8846.