Diapers, Dating and Dementia

The Station scores a big hit for both young and old

 By Rob Kocur

 Whether you dread it like the plague, welcome it with open arms, or are already living it, most of us have heard all the myths and exaggerated facts concerning the period right before our demise, known affectionately as “old age.” You’re perception will never be the same, however, after witnessing Station Dinner Theatre’s Golden Follies, a delightfully wacky tribute to seniorhood, written and directed by David Durst.

The cast consists of four of the more senior members of the station’s regulars; actually three and a half considering Carrie Smith had to dress the part. The others are Dave Edmonds, Durst and his wife Pam. Together, they perform a talent laden combination of dialogue, monologue and song that will surely keep you laughing.

The show is divided into two acts with the traditional soup, salad and bread served before Act 1. The first act which is the strongest of the two, highlights many of the comical stereotypes about growing old, including incontinence, forgetfulness, and inevitable weight gain. Pam Durst performs the first of several stand-up bits in Underwear: It Isn’t What It Used To Be. Instead of little spaghetti straps, she now needs lasagna.  In the skit entitled Six Secrets for Great Parenting, Edmonds and Smith give sage advice to a younger relative concerning the joys of parenting. Each plays off the other marvelously, and one of the highlights of the scene is when Smith explains that humor is a valuable and necessary ingredient in being a great parent. When someone asks if your baby is “good,” say “No. Actually, he’s a jerk.”

Act 1 ends with a bang with the wonderfully goofy parody of The Doors, Light My Fire. In Quit the Choir, David Durst has the unenviable task of trying to convince his mother, played by Pam Durst, to exit stage left before the rest quit in protest. Of the parodies, it’s my personal favorite, with lyrics that would make Weird Al Yankovic proud.

After Act 1, the main course and dessert are served, with ham, Romano chicken, potatoes and squash comprising the entrée.  Lemon parfait caps off the meal and as usual, my compliments to the chef.

Act 2 begins with Carrie Smith as Henrietta, offering advice about senior dating. With advanced age comes the need for compromise and thinking outside the box. She will gladly offer any suitor a George Foreman grille if he’s willing to date her at least three times a month. How can you beat that deal? David Durst satirizes back seat driving in The Little Helper, a skit that seemed the most relatable to the audience. Dave Edmunds told a humorous story if not a bit long-winded story about cats, then segwayed smoothly into Old Rock Stars, parodies of classic songs by famous singers who are definitely on the other side of the hill.

The show ends with a touching video display of cast members as youngsters shown while they sing Time of Your Life. Though only mildly humorous, it was the perfect way to end the performance. The mostly senior audience truly loved it.

So for an anything but scary look into our golden future, check out the Station Dinner Theatre’s Golden Follies. Remaining  performances are March 22, 23, 29, 30, April 1 and 2. For more information on times and ticket prices, call 864-2022 or go online at www.canterburyfeast.com.