Marilyn Johnson, advertising director for the Ames Senior Variety Show, believes that “life always goes on,” regardless of age.
This annual reminder is why more than 600 people have performed in the annual Ames Senior Variety Show over three decades.
This year’s performance of “Footloose and Fancy Free: Oh! The Places We’ll See!” will feature nearly 90 participants.
The 2024 Senior Variety Show will be held on Friday, August 23rd at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at the Ames City Auditorium.
“It’s a chance for (seniors) to rediscover their talents that they might have put on hold years ago and find out, ‘Gosh, I can still do that,'” Johnson said. “If you’re in the performing arts, you can take that into your ’80s, ’90s or however long you want.”
Johnson said the artists bring a lot of passion and joy to the stage every year.
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What will the show look like this year?
22 of the 88 artists this year are appearing on stage for the first time. The participants are between 61 and 94 years old and come from at least six different local communities.
Spectators can look forward to varied performances such as tap dancing, comedy acts, serious readings and singing groups.
The Heart of Iowa Band, consisting of older Iowans, will provide entertainment during the pre-show. After a short break, the band celebrates its highly anticipated comeback at the Senior Variety Show.
With 24 members from Story County, there are many new faces who have never performed in a show before, Johnson said.
A long history of diversity
The Ames Senior Variety Show was founded in 1995 by Betty Boccella.
Boccella became fascinated with “Green Winter: A Celebration of Aging” when she suddenly imagined seniors performing various books in a “readers’ theater” style. After gathering some of her friends, a performance took place a few months later.
Shortly after the first performance, Boccella had another idea. She wanted to put together a show with different acts performed exclusively by older adults. She wanted the performances to inspire others that life is not over when you turn 60.
The first show was presented in September 1995 by Heartland Senior Services in Story County. What began as a one-time celebration of aging has now grown into a beloved tradition beyond the senior center.
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The path to becoming a non-profit organization
In 2013, the show applied for nonprofit status after partnering with Heartland Senior Services for nearly 20 years. Today, the Senior Variety Show is run entirely by volunteers from the community who form a creative team, production team and operations committee.
The Senior Variety Show has raised more than $200,000 in its first three decades. Although the money was originally raised for Heartland of Story County, net proceeds are always donated to county organizations.
This year, net proceeds will go to the American Legion Riders, Chapter #37 (Wreaths Across America program), the Bridge Home, Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance, the Heart of Iowa Band and Heartland of Story County.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, politics and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at [email protected].
