TINTON FALLS — To mark the 400th anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes’ death, the Seabrook Performers will present the musical, “World of Cervantes,” at 7:30 p.m. June 24 and 25 and 2:30 p.m. June 26 at the Seabrook Town Square Auditorium, 3000 Essex St. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
The musical, which will be performed by residents of the Seabrook continuing care retirement community, is about the life of Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned Spanish writer and author of “Don Quixote.” The show is the 15th Seabrook production directed and produced by resident Lindo Meli, age 97. Meli will also play Cervantes in the show.
Meli moved to Seabrook in 2008 and founded the Seabrook Performers. Each year he produces two shows on campus with the help of residents, who perform on stage as well as behind the scenes on set design, costumes, lighting, choreography and more.
Meli has many years of experience working both in theater and radio. In 1939, he founded the Criterion Players. During World War II, while in Australia, he appeared in vaudeville theater, United States Special Services shows, two Brisbane Repertory shows and six Australian Broadcasting System radio shows.
In 1949, he founded the St. Mary’s Drama Guild and was honored in 1991 for his dedicated service to the Guild. He has performed and directed more than 150 shows, both on radio and stage, and has worked with many famous actors.
“Theater has always been in my blood and with each production I direct, the cast becomes my family,” said Meli. “I enjoy seeing these ‘young seniors’ sharing their talents and accomplishing something they didn’t know they could do — acting, singing and more. I’m looking forward to our next production.”
The show’s musical director is Seabrook resident Norma Linzalone, who has been the accompanist for all of Seabrook Performers’ musicals.
“I feel privileged to be working with such a talented and committed group of friends who are my Seabrook family,” said Linzalone. “Playing, singing and acting are all exercises to keep our minds alert.”
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Seabrook Resident Care Fund, which provides financial support to residents.
