Bridging Generations Through the Magic of Theater: Seniors, Seniors, and a Show!
Life’s most enriching moments often come from the least expected places. For Dawn Legurre, discovering Senior, Seniors, and a Show through the Broadway Theatre League of Utica was one such moment—a connection to the hopes and aspirations of a younger generation while rekindling her love for the arts.
The program, Seniors, Seniors, and a Show was something Dawn discovered on social media. A lifelong lover of theater, she was intrigued by the premise: pairing senior community members with high school students for an evening of shared cultural enrichment. “I stumbled upon it by accident,” she says. “When I saw the premise, I thought it was a fantastic intergenerational opportunity—to share theater with senior students while also reigniting my love for the arts.”
When Dawn arrived at the event, organized by the Broadway Theatre League of Utica, she found herself paired with Grace, a high school senior and aspiring artist. What began as a casual introduction quickly blossomed into an instant connection.
“We bonded over Agatha Christie novels, murder mysteries, and a mutual love for 1940s films,” Dawn recalls. “Grace had this incredible appreciation for classic storytelling. It was refreshing—and humbling—to see someone so young with such a deep connection to the past.”
Grace, a young ambassador for Broadway Utica, shared stories of meeting performers, learning about staging, and dreaming of a future in the arts. “Her enthusiasm was contagious,” Dawn says. “Hearing her speak about her aspirations made me think back to when I first fell in love with theater.”
The evening was punctuated by moments of connection. A student from New Hartford shared his dream of becoming a music teacher and bringing theater to underserved communities, leaving Dawn with a renewed sense of purpose. Later, the group met the performers of the Kingdom Choir. The choir director spoke about the discipline, energy, and skill required to bring world-class performances to audiences worldwide. Dawn marveled at their diverse backgrounds—teachers, worship leaders, and musicians—all united by their shared love for gospel music and their message of hope and joy.
“Their passion and resilience were remarkable,” Dawn reflects. “Hearing their journey and seeing their unity through music reminded me of the universal power of art to connect us, no matter where we’re from.”
As the evening unfolded, Dawn watched Grace and her peers become fully immersed in the Kingdom Choir’s performance. The theater, alive with the powerful rhythms of gospel music, was filled with the spontaneous joy of students standing, clapping, and dancing. “Watching Grace and the others lose themselves in the music was pure joy,” Dawn says. “It wasn’t just about the performance—it was about experiencing something profoundly cultural and celebratory together.”
The evening wasn’t just a memorable outing; it was also a reminder of the importance of programs that foster these connections. Erik Jacobson, Chief Community Officer at Upstate Caring Partners, spoke to the group about how such initiatives promote empathy, boost cognitive abilities, and even combat isolation. For Dawn, those benefits were immediately apparent.
“Grace’s energy and enthusiasm reignited something in me,” she says. “Her love for the arts reminded me of the vitality theater brings—not just to individuals, but to entire communities.”
Now, with a new performance of Dirty Dancing on the horizon, Dawn is eager to see what fresh connections will form. “I can’t wait to hear how the music and storytelling resonate with the younger generation,” she says. “Their perspectives always add something unique to the experience.”
Dawn’s takeaway from the program is simple yet profound: “It’s not just about mentoring young people—it’s a reciprocal exchange,” she says. “You give them your experience and perspective, but what you receive in return is equally valuable. They remind you of the joy and curiosity you might have forgotten.”
For Dawn, Seniors, Seniors, and a Show is one of Utica’s best-kept secrets. “If people knew how much they could gain—not just from the incredible performances but from the opportunity to connect with the next generation—they’d be lining up to participate,” she says. “It’s a rare and beautiful opportunity to connect across generations—and it stays with you long after the curtain falls. It’s truly magical.”
Interested in joining? Learn more here: https://www.broadwayutica.org/programs/seniors-show/
Funding in part by: The Community Foundation
