Register Star

By Charles Kondek

 The second season of the Taconic Stage Company in Copake, N.Y. has gotten off to a rollicking good start with a spirited musical, "Senior Moments."  Written and directed by Carl Ritchie, the show reverently skewers the myths and foibles and truths about growing old.  It is almost a continuation of last season's run-away hit, "I Know I Came in Here for Something," a show that had to extend it's run four times.  It is highly possible "Senior Moments" will have a similar fate.

  The music is by Wayne Moore. The score contains typical Broadway show tune and  a sweetly warm Cole-Porter-ish ballad called "June," effectively delivered by Marvin Shapiro, the only male in the company. There is a strong dose of Country Western material and a lively Cha-Cha number, performed with a good deal of exuberance., and something called "I Hate Viagra," - sung by females, of course – which brings down the house, deservedly so.  It's quite clever and very funny.

There is a plot of sorts, but does one really care(?), concerned with putting on a
show at a retirement home. It is the musical numbers which propel the action.

Far and away the standout of the evening, bearing an uncanny resemblance to film actress Meryl Streep, is 77 year-old Faith Compo. Years ago she did a few Broadway shows and National Tours, and even understudied the legendary Barbara Cook in the 1954 production of "Plain and Fancy."  She is in real life a singing and piano teacher at her home in Rhinebeck.  On stage she is a senior citizen named Marion living in the retirement community where "Senior Moments" takes place. She is terrific!

Diedre Devere Bollinger and Rachel Weisman complete the four-member cast and each has a shining moment.

The production is housed in the Lighthouse Marina at the very edge of beautiful Lake in Craryville, just a short drive away. For the price of a ticket, a bounteous, robust buffet dinner is served before the show and dessert comes at intermission.  It's a f estive evening out.