Latham Players Year-in-Review: Performances in the Community

In this blog series, we’re sharing a sampling of the Latham Players’ community events this past year. The group of 14 performers from Latham Centers’ Adult Program entertain at venues throughout Cape Cod – singing at church services, nursing homes, and Latham events, performing on local cable TV, and joining with CapeCodCAN in musical productions and talent shows.

Human Rights Committee Performance: In July, a few of our Latham Players attended an Adult Services Human Rights Committee meeting, performing a short show to the delight of committee members. They spoke first of their positive growth and learning experiences as members of the Latham Players, then regaled the assembled audience with songs from “Moana”(Leona R.) and “The Lion King” (Max M., Schuyler D., Jessie S., and Leona R.). Ayanna G. also attended as a member of the Players. The meeting was held at Latham Centers’ future campus expansion site and Training Center on Main Street in Brewster.

Talent Show Fun: In October, the Latham Players joined with their friends and fellow thespians of CapeCodCAN for the Annual Fall Talent Show at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. At the October 19th performance, “ROOTED IN RHYTHM”, many of our Players sang solos and duets, as well as performing as a “jug band” in the group number – Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You Believe in Magic?”, complete with Schuyler D. as the magician. The show included songs such as “Good Morning, Baltimore” (from Hairspray) (Leona R.); “God Gave Me You” (Drew K.); “Thinking Out Loud” (Schuyler D.); “Owner of a Lonely Heart” (Anthony C.); “A Whole New World” (Ayanna G., Emily L., Jan R., and Leona R.); “I Can See Clearly Now” (Jan R., Andrea H., Nina K., and Jessie S.); and “Right Here Waiting For You” (Max M. and Maria M.)

“This show was a great opportunity for each Player to shine and demonstrate the great progress they have made over the past year – not only memorizing but also successfully putting across a musical number,” remarked Dinah Lane, Artistic Director of the Latham Players. Dinah expressed her thanks to members of our extended Latham community for attending this fun and upbeat show.

This Weekend: On Saturday, December 14th at 1:00, the Players will perform once again as part of CapeCodCAN in a Holiday Concert at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. In addition to vocal selections appropriate to the season, the Players are adding the playing of bells to their repertoire. “The learning of bell pieces has been a great way for many of the Players to explore their musicality in a different medium,” Dinah said. “I’ve been impressed and pleased with how well they have taken to the bells and really seem to enjoy them.”

As the year concludes, we’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Latham staff members who assist with supporting the individuals at their rehearsals and performances, and especially to Dinah Lane for her dedication and passion as Artistic Director of the Latham Players.