Villas at Stoney Point Residents Bring ‘Peter Pan’ to Life
January 21, 2025
“I have a place where dreams are born, and living life is my daily plan.
Just keep an open mind, and suddenly you’ll find you’re acting in ‘Peter Pan.’
You’ll find a treasure if you stay here, far more precious than gold, for once you have found your way here, you will never, never grow old.
Just think of lovely things and your heart will fly on wings, forever in my home I call The Villas.”
And that’s my home where dreams are made, for me and all my fellas.
That was the inscription on the program for the Villas at Stoney Point’s presentation of “Peter Pan” in December 2024. Life enrichment coordinator Beth Melchior believes it sums up the production well.
“I’m blessed to be able to surround myself with such amazing people and to make special moments like ‘Peter Pan’ come to life at the Villas,” Beth says.
This pantomime show included music and comedy. Audience participation made all three sold-out performances unique and enjoyable for family and friends.
“Families are blown away by the abilities of their loved ones, on and off stage: from singing, dancing and acting to building props and growing their beards for their roles as pirates,” Beth says.
Putting the Focus on Residents
She selected “Peter Pan” with specific residents in mind for the cast. However, residents always have input into the show.
“When casting, I focus on individual personalities and strengths,” Beth says. “The residents have grown to trust the process, knowing that they will be part of something very special to give to others. My purpose is to give the cast joy, growth and camaraderie throughout the journey.”
All residents at the independent living community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are welcome and encouraged to participate. Beth designs roles for anyone willing to invest their time and talents.
“Peter Pan was played by Barb Munson, who is 92 years of age, truly inspirational and everyone needs to see what 92 can look like,” Beth says.
Preparation for the show took about two months, between rehearsals and prop building.
“Rehearsals give great purpose and a sense of excitement to the day,” Beth says. “Rehearsals tend to be the talk of the breakfast table, with the residents wanting to hear all the funny happenings that take place, who is playing what part and what costume they’ll be wearing. Building the cast and community through laughter is priceless.”
All Hands on Deck
Many people pitched in to make the show successful.
“The Villas team is always supportive, from Steve Melchior envisioning a way for a 92-year-old to fly, to our maintenance employees, Steve and Jason, helping with sound and lighting,” Beth says.
Hard work paid off, with audiences enjoying the show.
“It’s so rewarding to see our actors’ children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren watching mom or grandma on stage doing something that she has never done before,” Beth says. “Family members are so appreciative and grateful and can’t express what it means to them to see their loved one thriving. I hear so many comments from family members saying they can’t believe their mom or dad would ever do something like this.”
“Peter Pan” was the third pantomime at the Villas, following previous performances of “Snow White” and “The Jungle Book.” The community has also presented productions of “The Fab ‘50s” and “Prime Time TV.”