Twenty years ago, two people, armed with an idea and an abundance of enthusiasm and determination, embarked on a project that many in the entertainment industry of the time saw as "a crazy idea" – putting senior entertainers on one of the province’s most prominent stages, Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, to prove that there’s no age limit on talent.
Their efforts not only succeeded beyond even their own expectations but "sparked something new, something that spoke to a generation," says Wayne Burnett, artistic director/producer of the Seniors’ Jubilee, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the annual event he and producer, Glenda Richards, founded in 1989.
"It’s wonderful," says Burnett. "I’m excited about this anniversary. We started with great enthusiasm at the idea of bringing senior talent to a major stage. Looking back on our humble roots, we really were going against the wind."
But the success – growing quickly from two days of programming to five and now including thousands of performers – speaks to the validity of that idea and the commitment of its creators.
"Since those first two shows, we have been committed to illustrating, through this unique production, that talent is ageless – and to providing an extraordinary entertainment event," says Richards. "I’m in awe of what has been accomplished and cherish the memory of all the wonderful people who have become part of the Jubilee family."
"This is an opportunity to look at 20 years, the people we’ve met, the lives that have enriched us and those that we have enriched," Burnett agrees. "It’s been quite an adventure."
It’s an adventure he looks forward to continuing into the next two decades and that journey is starting with a new major sponsor, Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT, one of the country’s major providers of retirement housing and a corporation that shares the Jubilee vision.
Last year, Chartwell launched its own seniors’ entertainment showcase with Senior Star, a competition for Canadians 65-plus, modelled on the popular Idol television series.
"We wanted to create a platform – a stage – for seniors to perform and hoped it would enable people to see them in a much different light and understand how remarkably talented these people are," says Phil McKenzie, senior vice-president, marketing and public relations with Chartwell, words reminiscent of those used by Burnett and Richards when talking about their early vision.
As they embarked on the Senior Star project, McKenzie says many people approached him, saying, "You should talk to the Seniors’ Jubilee people."
"And when we were finally introduced, it really felt like good karma," he says.
"It seems like a really good fit, embarking on this journey together," says Burnett. "I’m very happy to have Chartwell onboard."
Says Richards: "In this landmark year, it’s fitting that we celebrate by welcoming Chartwell Seniors Housing, whose priority is the care and service of seniors."