Geritol Follies
The Geritol Follies is a variety show that takes place in Hamilton, Ontario at the Hamilton Place Theater.
History
Christine Hamilton founded the “Geritol Follies” in 1974, which started with only a handful of chorus singers. She produced and directed the show, which grew into a cast of over 90 energetic senior citizens, until shortly before her death in 2001. As a charitable organization, The Geritol Follies continues today, performing twice yearly at the renowned Hamilton Place Theatre.
Christine Hamilton
Christina Hamilton, affectionately known as Chris, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1921. After graduating from College, she served 13 years in the British Army, which included four years with the occupation forces in Germany.
Emigrating to Canada in 1954, she spent the next thirty years as Camp and Program Director for various youth and adult programs with the YWCA. Chris was appointed Director of the first Senior Citizen’s Centre in Ontario, which was located in Hamilton. As Director, one of her accomplishments was founding outreach programs for nursing homes. This program enabled residents to be transported to the centre so they could participate in the programs and enjoy the entertainment offered.
Chris Hamilton’s many achievements have been acknowledged and recognized through the following awards:
- Hamilton Woman of the Year
- City of Hamilton Arts Award
- Induction into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction
- Citation for Citizenship (1989)
- Order of Canada (1990)
The Follies Today
The Geritol Follies Variety Show is a musical and comedy extravaganza that features the music, dance and comedy of our times. This year (2009), the Follies are celebrating their 35th year of entertainment. With an illustrious history that includes international tour dates as well as many years performing at the world-renowned Hamilton Place Theatre, the Follies have dazzled over 1 million audience members to date.
The eclectic cast of the Geritol Follies is made up of people from every walk of life, including nurses, factory workers, teachers, journalists and administrators. Their retirement years are now filled with singing, dancing and comedy at a professional level. These devoted cast members dedicate over 39,000 hours each year through a demanding rehearsal and performance schedule.
Shows are new each year, celebrating various themes and exploring different eras.
This ever-evolving production boasts over 100 multi-talented cast members who believe that life begins at 60, as well as a brilliant live band, led by director Carl Horton, emceed by Marion Dale, and choreographed by Alana Turner.
Carl Horton
The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted with Producer and Director Carl Horton.
Carl Horton Interview
When did you first get involved with the Follies?
"This job started out as a ‘gig’ for me over 20 years ago. Now it has become a life affirming way of life. I strongly believe in what the Geritol Follies can do for not only the entertainers but the audiences as well. I have seen it in action.
The job of dancers is to make difficult moves look graceful – our dancers do just that. They work for months on their routines, with enthusiasm and dedication. The end result is unbelievable from a group of women over 60 years old – it would be unbelievable from a group of 40 year olds, for that matter!
The lyrics of the songs take on real meaning when being sung by someone who has already lived a fulfilling life. There is nothing quite so moving as seeing a senior gentleman perform a heartfelt rendition of the Nat King Cole hit, ‘Stardust’."
How has the Geritol Follies changed / enhanced your life?
"The Geritol Follies have dramatically changed my outlook on agism in society. The culture of today is definitely youth oriented. As I age myself, I know I have more to contribute to society, but society wants less from me.
The cast of the Follies is made up of an eclectic group of people from all walks of life, including retired steelworkers, homemakers, business executives and university professors. And yet, what I see during the shows are showgirls, hams and flirts. I believe that the Follies give people a re-birth of sorts back to their youth and their roots.
One of the messages people expect from the Follies cast is ‘Look what I can do’ – the amazing thing is most people leave the show realizing the message was actually ‘Look what YOU can do’."
Emcee Marion Dale
The following is quoted from Marion Dale.
"I came to Canada in 1963 from Glasgow, Scotland with my husband Jim and son Jeffrey. Two years later we had Scott, then Grant. I worked in physiotherapy for 20 years. Two years after I retired in 1997, I joined the Follies. I was first in the choir, and then I joined the dance team in the fall of 2001. Chris Hamilton was taking some time off and asked if I would be the Master of Ceremonies. I was in shock. I’d never been on stage before I joined the Follies. She gave me the weekend to think about it. Well I did and here I am. I owe it all to Chris; she has given thousands of senior’s joy and inspiration. I know she’s up there rooting for me."
Community Partners
Reviews
“It’s a great big nostalgic romp … the Geritol Follies distills feel-good entertainment into glorious high art,” states Gary Smith, of The Hamilton Spectator
“The Geritol Follies is an inspiration not just to all seniors, but to all of us in the community. I have really enjoyed watching and listening to them, their enthusiasm and energy is contagious. Having a wonderful organization, which provides an opportunity of expressing dance and music, is a terrific social network and a great resource for our community,” stated by Judy Marsales, MPP for Hamilton West.
“This fast-paced hometown review, celebrating the irrepressible joy of Hamilton senior citizens, is currently sprinkling waters from the fountain of youth over everything in sight,” said by Gary Smith, of The Hamilton Spectator
References
- Tourism Hamilton Official Site
- Geritol Follies Official Site
- HECFI Official Site
- Christine Hamilton, Marion Dale and Carl Horton information is from the Geritol Follies Archives, Hamilton Ontario