Entertainment-industry pundits keep saying that the late-night talk show is history. But what about a talk show about history? Now there’s a fresh spin that might prove the format has some life in it yet, thanks to Stage 55, the aptly dubbed 55-plus performance division of Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts).
In the world premiere of Betsy Ross and Friends, some of the most intriguing personalities from our nation’s 250 years of existence will come together in a chat-show setting to dish and hobnob to their hearts’ content. There’ll be two shows: Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, at 3 p.m. in Schaeffer Hall at St. John Church.
Actors who portray Betsy Ross, Grandma Moses and Fred (Mister Rogers) Rogers are the hosts—and if that trio doesn’t strike you as the textbook definition of strange bedfellows, it only gets wilder from there. Their guests include the likes of Shirley Temple, Charles Schulz, Annie Oakley and George Washington.
Each guest will perform an autobiographical monologue and then interact with the host and the disparate panel of luminaries as if there’s nothing whatsoever unusual about the arrangements.
A remembrance of Paul Revere’s ride that’s more akin to an Amazon delivery may be your first clue that the version of history on display here won’t prioritize pinpoint accuracy over entertainment value.
Following the late-night template set down by Doc Severinsen and Paul Shaffer, there’ll even be musical accompaniment from a live band that will feature members of the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. (Remember, even Seth Meyers can’t afford a real-time soundtrack anymore.)
And if talk shows just aren’t your thing? Don’t reach for the remote, because there’s a little bit of game show thrown in as well. A rousing round of “Florida Jeopardy” will narrow the focus of the proceedings from the entire country to our own peculiar peninsula.
Stage 55, formerly known as The Narrators, is a recurring CFCArts program to help seniors stay sharp through writing and acting activities. Improv and scripted performance are both a regular part of the mix, but Betsy Ross will mark the first time that the group has presented an entirely original work written by its staff and members.
St. John Church is located at 1600 South Orlando Avenue, Winter Park. For more information, call or visit the website.
