Before becoming residents at Judson Services, a continuing care retirement community based in Cleveland, many of its seniors were active fans of local theater. But as they’ve aged, it’s become harder and more inconvenient for them to attend shows.
“So, we decided to bring theatre to them,” Mark Corcoran, managing director of Theatre in the Circle at Judson Services, told McKnight’s.
Theatre in the Circle is the resident theatre company of Judson Manor’s retirement community and is run by Corcoran and his husband, Bill, who serves as the artistic director.
Since being founded in 2016, Corcoran said residents and the local community have supported the theatre “tremendously.” Shows feature local community actors. The theater is supported by the Judson Foundation and has also received grants, gifts and donations from local organizations and residents.
“It’s been enormous. The response has been tremendous,” Corcoran said.
The theater produces four shows each season, which runs from September through May, with a special show during the summer. This season, shows included productions of “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” “The Gift of the Magi,” “Liberace!” and “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
“Theatre in the Circle is a tremendous asset for those of us who live at Judson Manor,” resident Josephine Steinhurst said. “It’s great to have this wonderful musical theater based right here. I simply take the elevator down and enjoy the performances. It’s just another stellar example of the enriching experiences that makes living here remarkable.”
Resident Alice Palda said the Theatre in Circle provides a unique opportunity to “experience live theater produced and presented in your home.”
“I love to attend the dress rehearsal and the final performance to see how the actors have grown in their parts, and to compare my impressions with fellow theater-goers. It leads to some spirited conversations,” she added.
