South Shore singers and actors during a rehearsal for Broadway Buffet. Seated at the piano is Ellen Kleinschmidt; atop piano is Caroline Howard; rear, from left, are Teri Council, Brian Kleinschmidt, Mika McGee, Michael Peacock and Kathy Straub.
A smash hit last year that drew a standing-room-only crowd, this year’s Broadway Buffet has added a second show.
A “musical feast of lyrics and laughter,” the first show is slated for Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center, with an encore performance Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Apollo Beach, 5309 U.S. 41 N.
Tickets for Broadway Buffet are available at both churches for $10 in advance and $15 at the door, or with a credit card by calling 813-789-8271.
All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Broadway Buffet includes a sampling of songs and stories from four hit Broadway musicals: Pippin, South Pacific, Into the Woods and Annie Get Your Gun. This is a purely aural buffet. “Make sure you eat before you arrive. No food will be served, just a sampling of great songs from award-winning Broadway shows,” organizers said.
The concerts are personal for show organizer Ellen Kleinschmidt of Actors Against Alzheimer’s.
“My mother is living with Alzheimer’s disease, and they live close to us,” Kleinschmidt said. “They come and support all the shows that I do. It’s one way that I think I can help make a difference and try to help bring this upfront so that people can talk about it and so people can support finding a cure. This is what I know how to do, and it’s the best way that I know how to bring it to a large group of people at one time and make lots of money for research.”
Joining her on stage will be her son Brian as well as local favorites Kathy Straub, Michael Peacock, Mika McGee, Teri Council and singing phenomenon Caroline Howard. Alzheimer’s advocate Connie Lesko, Community Relations director at Inspired Living in Sun City Center, will also share inspirational stories and facts about Alzheimer’s.
“Over 400 people showed up last year,” said Lesko. “Last year was so popular, and we knew that everybody would come, and then you add it to a church and their congregation that supports everything that they do. But Ellen Kleinschmidt … everything she touches is professional. She does such a great job and people come.”
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than five million Americans may have Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institute on Aging. In addition, the national Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are more than 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in the U.S.
“I hope there is an end for it when my children’s children get to be [older],” she said. “I am really glad that people aren’t hiding it under the rug any longer. They are much more willing to talk about other diseases that they may have but Alzheimer’s is one that you kind of keep hidden and it shouldn’t be. It’s not a death sentence, it’s a disease. It’s a disease that happens to lots of people and as baby boomers like me get older, I think we are going to see more of it.”
For information about the show, to donate, or to join Actors Against Alzheimer’s, email Ellen Kleinschmidt at ellasings2@gmail.com or call her at 813-789-8271. If you won’t be able to attend the show, but want to make a donation, send a check made out to The Alzheimer’s Association and mail to Ellen Kleinschmidt, 3817 Cardenal Ave., Ruskin, FL 33570.
There is also an Art for Alzheimer’s fundraiser set for 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Kings Point North Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive in Sun City Center, with artwork by Marianne Wexler, a multi-talented artist who will display works in paint, pen and ink, and painted glassware designs. Refreshments will be served.
This colorful collage was created and donated by Diane Simon. It will be auctioned off at an event on Thursday, September 4, at a wine and cheese ‘after hours’ event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
Patients at Inspired Living also lent their hands to create a unique piece of art featuring painted stars, all on a single canvas, for the Sept. 24 Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce after hours, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Inspired Living, 1320 33rd St. S.E., Sun City Center “The unique painting will be auctioned off at the event,” Lesko said.
There’s also the chance of a large payday for the Alzheimer’s cause in the near future, although Lesko is a little uncomfortable with the title she might earn.
Nominated by the Alzheimer’s Association for the Tampa Bay Lightning “Hometown Hero” award, there’s a chance Lesko could win $50,000 — all of which she will donate to the Alzheimer’s cause.
“I don’t think I have a chance at winning,” said Lesko, “but if I would be selected, they give away $50,000 at a game to a ‘Hometown Hero’ and of course it would go to a charity of the winner’s choice. I am excited, but I don’t like the word ‘hero.’ The recognition doesn’t motivate me, but the 50 grand does. That would be so wonderful.”
Hundreds are also expected next month for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set for Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m.
The two-mile walk begins at Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. Participants then walk north on Del Webb Boulevard to the Freedom Plaza nature trail. For those who prefer, a bus at the one-mile mark is available for the return leg of the event, which will also include vendor tables.
Now in its seventh year, last year’s walk drew more than 700 locals and raised almost $75,000. The first walk raised $20,000.
For more information on the event, call Connie Lesko at 813-927-1147 or visit act.alz.org/SouthShoreArea.
