Oakland Older Adults Prepare for Unique Cabaret Experience

“What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play.” These lyrics from “Cabaret,” the classic Liza Minnelli song, are the theme for the Cabaret Club of Mercy Retirement and Care Center. This group of about a dozen residents, ranging in age from 60 to 100, is currently preparing to take the stage in an interactive cabaret experience held at the Oakland senior living community they call home.

Nearly two years ago, the idea behind the unique Cabaret Club came to the community’s music therapist, Hsin-Yi Cheng, and drama therapist Conly Basham. Both team members were amazed to hear the life stories of the residents and wanted to give them an outlet to share their stories and talents with their community and families.

Every week, the Cabaret Club meets and shares original writings, music and even dance moves with one another. The club then takes some of the ideas and showcases them in interactive performances throughout the year. This month’s performance, “Sentimental Journeys,” includes travel and love stories, and even a duet performance by a resident and his granddaughter, who is in elementary school.

Conly says these performances showcase the creativity and connection residents enjoy at Mercy Retirement. The Mercy community has experienced the health benefits of expressive arts groups like the Cabaret Club. In fact, studies have shown that expressive arts programs incorporating music, drama and storytelling have social, emotional and physical health benefits for older adults, including those living with dementia.

Residents will perform for of the entire community and their families on Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m.