Oklahoma senior stars of stage, screen, television and radio will perform “Senior Follies” at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 20 and 3 p.m. Sunday, August 21 in Oklahoma City Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center Theatre.

Tickets are available in the OCCC box office for $29.99, plus fees.

Jim Henline, a member of the cast said performers have to be older than 55 to perform in the show. He said this year’s performance will feature a cast ranging in age from 55 to 96.

“I can’t wait for our audience to see what our 96 year-old performer can do. She is amazing,” Henline said.

Charlotte Franklin has performed on Broadway and the stages of Oklahoma and in nationally touring shows, but Franklin said she’s particularly fond of “Senior Follies.”

“The show is packed with fun, laughter, inspiration, beauty and many surprises that will tickle our audience,” she said.

This year’s director, Terry Runnels, has performed on Broadway and has been directing for over 50 years. Runnels said the age of the cast is part of what makes the show great.

“The energy and enthusiasm of our cast, the talents and gifts they bring is exciting,” he said, “Whether it be dancing, playing the piano, ventriloquism, magic or whatever, there is no reason to stop what you’re passionate about because of your age.”

Runnels said the show is patterned after the vaudeville shows of the early twentieth century and more specifically, “Ziegfeld Follies.”

He said he’s excited to see former Governor George Nigh performing as this year’s King of the follies.

“He’s a great guy and I think the world of him. He will be fun to watch during the show,” he said.

John Ferguson has been performing in stage productions for over 60 years and has portrayed Count Gregore every year since debuting the character on television in 1958.

“This is a show we all look forward to each year,” Ferguson said, “It is an honor to entertain an audience.”

He said the cast has nearly 2000 combined years of experience.

PHOTOS FROM REHEARSAL by Weyman Slaten