Older Adults in Philly Turn COVID-19 Into Musical Comedy

Residents of the Watermark at Logan Square nursing community in Philadelphia are staging musical productions for their fellow residents, using the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown as an opportunity to mine humor from adversity, reports WHYY . The Watermark Players organized "Ain't Congregatin,'" a spoof on the Broadway revue "Ain't Misbehavin,'" modifying song lyrics to reflect life during the crisis. In one example, the song "The Best of Times is Now" from "La Cage aux Folles" was retooled as "The Worst of Times is Now." Live performances are held through Zoom, with performers telling corny jokes between musical numbers. The players' leader, Philly Senior Stage teaching artist Steve Hatzai, said the performers have adjusted to the platform well. "They have an ability to look on something which may have a downside, and look at it in a positive light, and with humor," he explained.