'Say Cheese' is latest show in Still Acting's 30-year run

Dispelling the myths of aging and bringing entertaining original stories to the public -- all while having a good time -- is a tall order.

But it is one that "Still Acting Up," an amateur acting troupe sponsored by the Skokie Park District, has been delivering on for more than 30 years.

And at 3 p.m. Sunday this group of actors over the age of 60 will perform at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines.

"I have been aware of this group for some time and I am so glad that we are going to be able to have them perform here," said Christine Posinger, adult programming supervisor for the library.

The group will be performing its 2007 production, "Say Cheese," an original musical comedy about the work involved in putting out a weekly newspaper.

"The show is composed of vignettes about the different departments of the newspaper," explained Patty Burton, the group's longest-standing member and its booking agent.

The Skokie resident said she is "totally devoted to this group" of which she has been a member since 1987.

"Most of the original members met in a creative writing and drama class at Oakton Community College so the college sponsored us for many years," Burton recalled. "But I was different. The director at the time had seen me perform in community theater and approached me to join the group."

"It is a wonderful outlet to keep our minds and bodies fit," Burton explained. "We rehearse at least one day per week and more often when we are working on a new show."

In fact, the group, which currently has a cast of 20, has a tradition of writing and producing a new show once a year. So over its history, "Still Acting Up" has been responsible for 30 original shows, which include their own songs and comedy sketches.

The group is writing its 2008 production about a college reunion titled "Altered States U." which will be available for bookings later this year, Burton said.

"These days we perform at libraries, churches, senior centers, charity events and retirement homes, primarily, and have about 20 bookings per year," Burton said.

But she still remembered her earlier days with the group when they performed 40 to 50 times per year and traveled to distant places, once even performing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Today the group is funded by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Skokie Fine Arts Commission and is directed by Jill Shellabarger.

If you go

What: "Say Cheese," an original show about producing a weekly newspaper, by Still Acting Up, a troupe of senior citizens

When: 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines

Cost: Free, but registration required

Call: (847) 827-5551 or visit www.dppl.org to register