New Stages, a Los Angeles-based arts program for LGBTQ seniors, will present “Heroic Lives,” an evening of stories and songs featuring LGBTQ seniors, at the West Hollywood Council Chambers, on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
“These beautiful individuals and their life stories are really what gay pride is all about, so it’s wonderful that we are a part of the Pride arts festival in Los Angeles,” said Mark Salyer, who is directing the event along with Kay Cole. Musical direction will be by Debbie Lawrence.
Heroic Lives is presented as part of West Hollywood’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, which this year celebrates the theme “I Remember.” More than 30 events and exhibits have been scheduled from Harvey Milk Day on May 22 through the end of June Pride month. A full roster of events can be found online.
For more information about contributing to or joining New Stages’ workshops, please visit www.newstages.org. For reservations to Heroic Lives, call (323) 860-5830 or email seniors@lalgbtcenter.org.
“The City of West Hollywood is proud to continue to support New Stages, which offers a great opportunity for our local seniors to showcase their talents and share compelling stories about their lives,” said Mayor John Duran. “This is especially relevant this year as we celebrate those who paved the way for the rights we hold dear with ‘I Remember’ serving as our One City One Pride theme.”
Heroic Lives is the culmination of seven weeks of workshops in voice development, music and storytelling. “The fact that each person has the opportunity to make their voice heard in such a personal and intimate way, that’s what makes this program special,” said Kay Cole, a Broadway veteran.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center co-sponsors the programs of New Stages each year. The performers are part of the Center’s Senior Services program, which provides more than 100 events monthly to LGBT older adults at the Village and Triangle Square apartments. New Stages is an integral part of senior services at the Center and a signature Pride month event.
“New Stages has become an integral part of Senior Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
“This heartwarming Pride season event is now a much loved tradition, “ says Tripp Mills, deputy director of senior services at the LA LGBT Center. “We can’t wait!”
New Stages is a program of Oasis Theater Company, a Los Angeles-based collective of artists dedicated to cultivating creative communities.
