Music in the air for singing seniors

The sound of music will soon be heard at Mercy Place Mandurah as residents prepare to turn their residential aged care home into a musical theatre this month.

The initiative is a first of its kind and is a collaboration between arts-based charity Mind the Change and lifestyle staff at Mercy Place Mandurah. It offers residents – particularly those living with dementia – the opportunity to get involved in the theatre production – A Year with Frog and Toad.

“The residents are very excited about being involved in the theatre production,” says Althea Gordon, the Artistic Director of Mind the Change. “They all have their own roles, and are participating in the production in many ways, whether by helping with the props or being part of the chorus.”

Originally presented on Broadway, the local cast is compiled of five Mandurah locals, with the chorus being made up of residents at the not-for-profit home. The residents have all learnt new songs, despite living with dementia. Timber’s Edge Men’s Shed has assisted with the set, along with Halls Head Bunnings.

Mercy Place Mandurah Acting Service Manager, Kathryn Murphy, says meaningful activities and partnerships, such as the theatre project with Mind the Change, are exhilarating for residents.

“We’re thrilled that our home will temporarily be turned into a musical theatre this month. There is a real buzz in the air and we very much hope that the community will come along to support our residents, and everyone else who is involved,” Ms Murphy says.

“We actively encourage our residents to take part in new and interesting activities in the community, and our partnership with Mind the Change is a great example of this.”

Based on the books by Arnold Lobel, A Year with Frog and Toad will take place at Mercy Place Mandurah, 1 Hungerford Avenue in Halls Head from 19–22 September and 26–29 September. For bookings and ticket information visit www.mindthechange.org www.trybooking.com/506817

The theatre production is proudly presented by Act-Belong-Commit.

Mercy Health is a Catholic not-for-profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2,000-year tradition of caring for those in need. The organisation provides health and aged care services throughout Victoria, southern New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.

In Western Australia, the organisation cares for more than 300 people across six residential aged care homes, with an additional 78 retirement living units.