The Villages - September 2017 - 26

Accompanist Jo Ann Hanebrink, who had a side
career as an accompanist for most of her life before
moving to The Villages, joined the group five years ago.
"I always loved Broadway shows," said Hanebrink,
of the Village of Calumet Grove. "It's a way to express
how life goes in a really cool, fun way. I love seeing
people come in who are so timid who blossom and find
their voice."
She encourages those who may be hesitant to join
the group to come out and try it before knocking it
entirely.
"I would say try to keep your confidence and you
might surprise yourself," she said. "In the theater, you
can be in a small part or a big part, so I would definitely
encourage people to come."
The group always gives newcomers a warm
welcome and a helping hand.
"If a new person comes in, 12 people are going to
talk to them before they leave," he said. "It's just that
kind of environment."
On top of putting on beautiful performances and
teaching residents about musical theater, they also
operate as a nonprofit, which allows them to give back
to the local community.
"We're allowed to be very generous to a lot of groups
and do what we like to do," Hanebrink said. "It's an
added thing that you feel good about."
Davis believes this group fosters long-lasting
friendships.
In fact, he made some of his best friends in his
favorite show he has directed so far, "You're A Good
Man, Charlie Brown."

It's a way to express how life goes
in a really cool, fun way. I love
seeing people come in who are so timid
who blossom and find their voice.
- Jo Ann Hanebrink

The small cast of six people allowed the members to
really get to know one another.
He still calls the cast members by their character
names when he sees them, Davis said.
"You create that camaraderie and it doesn't go
away," he said. "You stay friends for life."
In terms of acting, Davis is passionate and wants
those who are interested to know the feeling he gets
when he and other members are on stage.
"When you're on stage you become someone else,"
he said. "That's fun. You get to do things you might not
do. You get to think in a different way, and you feed off
the audience, whether it's applause, laughter or silence
when there's supposed to be. That's the joy for me is
getting that reaction from the audience."
Whether you audition for a part or join the
backstage crew, limitless opportunities wait for you
with The Villages Musical Theater.
If you are Interested In joInIng
the VIllages MusIc al theater,
VIsIt theVIllagesMusIc altheater.org
or check the recreatIon news
publIshed In the VIllages daIly sun.

26

SEPTEMBER 2017
http://www.theVIllagesMusIcaltheater.org
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - September 2017
