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Thursday, October 16, 2008
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Better with age Seven original Frolickers share 21 years of memories Entertainment Editor A lot has changed in the 21 years since "Geritol Frolics" began - it moved from Central Lakes College to the general community and from director Bob Dryden to Ed Yunker. The cast isn't as big as it used to be, although it's still a popular draw among theater-goers.
And, of course, the skits and songs in this variety show change every year. But one thing has stayed the same since 1987 - seven original members are still with the troupe. These veteran Frolickers, ranging in age from 75 to 85, recently chatted with the Dispatch about why they keep coming back.
Paul Vrudny, 79, rural Brainerd, on his favorite skit: "I liked when we were putting on a western scene and I was a drunk. It was a neat part, because everything I did was in reaction to what other people were doing.
"Bob (Dryden) asked me if I could do a forward roll. In the skit, I had knocked my hat off, and if I got it in the right place I'd do a forward roll and come up with it on my head. I was a lot younger then."
Myra Vrudny, 75, rural Brainerd, on her favorite role: "I was one of the Andrews Sisters. I came on in a big wig and nobody knew who I was, and it was great. We had some good costumes."
Bert Caswell, 85, East Gull Lake, on his favorite skit and why people like the "Frolics": "My favorite act we've ever done was with Paul (Vrudny) and Ernie (Aarrestad) called 'The Collegiate,' back in '87 or '88. There was a school theme, and it was a fun, spirited section of the program.
If you go
What: "Geritol Frolics" 55-and-older variety show.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Oct. 25 and 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sunday and Oct. 23, 24 and 26.
Where: Franklin Arts Center Theatre, 1001 Kingwood St., Brainerd.
Tickets: $10 (regular reserved), $12 (premium reserved), on sale at Franklin Arts Center box office.
Phone: 825-4993.
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"People get a kick out of seeing the old people perform. (Not many) of us are professionals, but they see we have fun doing what we're doing, smiling and dancing and singing. After 21 years, we've learned to ham it up a little bit."
Mona Caswell, 78, East Gull Lake, on sticking with the "Frolics": "There was an ad in the paper and they were looking for people who wanted to come out. I thought, gee, what fun it would be to learn to tap dance, so I joined. It was a wonderful group, and here I am. I met this wonderful man on the show, Bert and I are married now, and we're both singing in the chorus."
Betty Alderman, Brainerd, on the closeness of the group: "My dad used to say, 'What would the galaxy be if there was one star up there without the other stars?' And that's so true of us - we're dependent on each other. The greatest satisfaction of being in the 'Geritol Frolics' is when we come out and greet the people and see the smiles on their faces. And you think maybe you've made their day just a little bit brighter.
"I also think there are people behind the scenes who don't get enough credit. The costuming is dazzling, and it takes a lot of hard work. A lot of people are amazed at how wonderful it looks on stage."
Ernest Aarrestad, 79, Brainerd, on being known for "Danny Boy": "I have picked up a new identity from the show. I'll be introduced to somebody and they'll say, oh, 'Danny Boy,' because I performed the song.
"I took a couple years off and I came back this year because I needed a kick in the butt. I think what people like is it's a new show every year."
Barbara Scott, 83, rural Baxter, on her favorite "Frolics" memory: "The National Council on Aging invited us to do our show (in spring 1988) in Washington, D.C. It was a marvelous experience. And we dancers had to dance on tables, but it didn't phase us, I guess. That was quite an honor to be asked to come out there. We were very new at this and very amateur, but we had a wonderful time.
"It's different now. We're not at the college anymore, but they have a nice facility here (at the Franklin Arts Center). The 'Frolics' has certainly made a difference in my life for the better."
JOHN HANSEN may be reached at john.hansen@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5863.
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