The intrigue begins when the future of Green Acres Mall , a beloved gathering place, is threatened.
How the community rallies is revealed in “It’s a Mall, Mall World,” a musical production by Still Acting Up! written, directed and performed by a 19-member senior cast.
“It’s clever, it’s sharp and it’s a complete book show,” said Georgia Cohen, an Evanston resident who is one of the composers and accompanist. “It is all original. And there is a surprise ending.”
Although the senior troupe Acting Up! folded after 19 years, interest did not and the group returned as Still Acting Up! in 1998, sponsored by the Skokie Park District.
Acting Up! began as a creative writing-drama class in 1977 for those over 60 at Oakton Community College.
Cohen has been involved for 15 years and said “It’s a Mall, Mall World,” is only the second time the troupe has done a complete story. In the past the troupe performed revues. This production took about a year to write, Cohen said.
“We are very high spirited, very energetic,” Cohen said. “And we are very serious about what we do.”
Jill Shellabarger, a local actor, became the troupe’s director about 1 1/2 years ago.
“There is lots of personal narrative and the show is full of humor, wisdom and surprise,” she said. “They don’t see things from a senior perspective. It is more about unlimited interest, vitality and the adaptations as you age.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m the oldest one,” said Shellabarger, who is 53.
The troupe has an interest in writing about what is topical, funny and poignant, Shellabarger said. The production, she said, reflects that with upbeat songs and ballads.
You have to be at least 60 to audition and the oldest member is 83, although “nobody tells,” Shellabarger said.
“And they stick by each other,” she said. “Through loss, illness and challenges, of which there are many.”
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“It’s a Mall, Mall World” opens Oct. 8 at the Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie.