“Young at Heart” are Fascinating Ladies

Posted on February 28, 2011 by

Young At Heart Musical Theatre for Seniors, Inc., a non-profit charity organization, produces original Canadian musicals and presents them to isolated seniors in long term care facilities. The shows are designed to stimulate seniors’ minds, spirits and imaginations, often taking them back to a time gone by. It truly brightens their day and provides wonderful memories.

The theatre group enlists the talents of Prince Edward Island Directors, Actors, Composers, Musicians, Designers, Stage Managers and Choreographers. Catherine O’Brien, co-founder, is the Artistic Director and looks after the administrative, fundraising and operational duties.

Catherine contacted me a few months ago about volunteering my design services to create a poster for the upcoming performances of “Fantastic Ladies”. I had never heard of the group but quickly became enthused by their work and jumped on board. Fantastic Ladies is a fictional tale set in PEI, written by and starring Catherine O’Brien and Julain Molnar, and featuring Amy Reitsma. Three cousins conspire to put on a concert in honour of their Grandmother’s 100th birthday.

This musical features popular “girl group” music, including 23 songs by the Boswell Sisters, The Andrews Sisters, The Carter Family and more. View dress rehearsal video clip.

After getting further details from Cath I did some research on these famous 20th “girl groups”. Their album covers and posters exemplified that era’s design style. I tried to capture that essence for this production with my font, colour, image and shape selections. A black and white ad in the BUZZ ad repeated some of the elements. The program was final piece which gave recognition to all the volunteers behind this production.

The all female cast will be touring Fascinating Ladies on a whirlwind schedule of eight shows per week for four weeks, including three public fundraising performances. The Young at Heart team do fantastic work. The group needs someone with financial resources who can help keep this program going. For more info and schedule click here. Join them on Facebook.