Submitted by John Curtis, Artistic Associate, Open Arts Alliance
This past month, I had the great pleasure of co-facilitating The Spring Follies, alongside Donna Spellman, marking Open Arts Alliance’s inaugural partnership with The Wallace Center. Senior outreach and community engagement have always been integral to our mission, and ever since moving into our new home at the Greenwich Arts Council last fall, we’ve looked for ways to collaborate with our downstairs neighbors at the Wallace Center.
Inspired by the spirit of early 20th-century vaudeville shows, the event offered a stage for Wallace Center members to share their unique talents—whether through song and dance, baking, photography, storytelling, knitting, and beyond. Through thoughtful conversations with our partners at the Wallace Center, The Spring Follies was born.
With support from a CDBG Grant to expand access to our senior outreach programs, we embarked on this project not knowing what to expect. Would there be interest? Would participants feel comfortable?
Much to our delight, following an introductory “lunch and learn” session, every available slot filled before our first official meeting, and over the course of four weekly sessions, it became clear this would be something special.
Calling the culminating performance “extraordinary” now feels like an understatement. We were overwhelmed by the support, filling every seat in the Greenwich Arts Council not just with Wallace Center members, but also with supporters from the broader Greenwich community.
Highlights of the performance included Jean Pennicott’s stirring recitation from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Mary Jenkins’ heartfelt original monologue chronicling a profound friendship, and Mary Kramer’s moving rendition of “Pennies From Heaven”, a song that holds personal meaning for her. The room rang with laughter and was softened by tears, all borne from the powerful storytelling and talent on display.
We are deeply grateful to every participant who made The Spring Follies so meaningful: Gino Arcuri, Palma Buzzeo, Sylvia Gordon, Jean Howley, Mary Jenkins, Mary Kramer, Winona Mullis, Natalie & Roger Musetti, Judy Natale, Jane Palmer, Marcia Preston, Jean Pennicott, Barbara Richardson, and Adele & Frank Rota, as well as our incredible Master of Ceremonies, Steven Csak, a graduating high school senior gracing the stages of Open Arts Alliance one last time.
We could not have done it without the support of the Greenwich Arts Council and Tatiana Mori for hosting us. Deepest thanks to Lori Contadino, Patricia Bykowski, and the entire team at the Wallace Center—this partnership would not have been possible without you, and we can’t wait to continue working with you in the years to come.
At Open Arts Alliance, we teach our young performers that theatre is a collaboration. The Spring Follies was a perfect example of that truth in action. When people come together with joy, creativity, and purpose, the result is something truly beautiful.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who took part in The Spring Follies, both on and off the stage.
With gratitude,
John Curtis, Artistic Associate, Open Arts Alliance
See also:
Photos: Inaugural Spring Follies at Greenwich Arts Council Bursts with Talent