On Friday night the Greenwich Arts Council was the venue for a sold-out performance of the “Spring Follies,” a new program to celebrate the hidden talents of Greenwich’s older adults. There was singing, dancing, and story-telling that left the crowd in laughter and at times in tears.
The event represented a pilot partnership between the Wallace Center (formerly known as the Town of Greenwich’s Senior Center) and Open Arts Alliance, a local non profit theater company.
Open Arts Alliance is known for their impactful work with children in the arts, and Spring Follies was a chance to shine a spotlight on a different group who have given so much to the community.
Participants included Gino Arcuri, Palma Buzzeo, Sylvia Gordon, Mary Jenkins, Mary Kramer, Winona Mullis, Natalie & Roger Musetti, Judy Natale, Marcia Preston, Jean Pennicott and Adele & Frank Rota. Jane Palmer provided delicious coffee cake for the dessert reception.
Behind the scenes were, from Open Arts Alliance, Rocco Natale, Cindy Busani & John Curtis, as well as co-facilitator Donna Spellman. Also, thank you to Lori Contadino and everyone at The Wallace Center.
Winona Mullis evoked laughter and tears with her memorable story, “Potato Chip,” about a little boy running away from home to meet God. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Gino Arcuri, Natalie Musetti and Palma Buzzeo, sang during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
From open Arts Alliance, Steven Csak, served as emcee for the evening. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Jean Pennicott sang during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Gino Arcuri, Natalie Musetti and Palma Buzzeo received a round of applause after singing during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
During the Spring Follies, Judy Natale shared a story about the versatility and meaningfulness of prayer shawls. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
During the Spring Follies, Judy Natale shared a story about the versatility and meaningfulness of prayer shawls. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
During the Spring Follies, Frank and Adele Rota sang. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
During the Spring Follies, Frank and Adele Rota sang. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Piano virtuoso Marcia Preston heads to the piano to play for the sold-out audience at the inaugural Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Sylvia Gordon shared a beautiful story as Rocco Natale looked on. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Roger Musetti sang during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Roger and Natalie Musetti shared a dance during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Mary Jenkins shared a story during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Mary Jenkins shared a story during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Mary Kramer sang during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Mary Kramer shared a story during the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
Adele Rota gives a hug to Open Arts Alliance’s John Curtis as Donna Spellman looks on. May 1, 2025
Wallace Center director Lori Contadino thanked everyone after the Spring Follies at the Greenwich Arts Council. May 1, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager