This Thursday afternoon, Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center held their quarterly community event inviting families and outside community members to engage with the residents. This time they tried something a little different - a live performance by a local artist, Jillann Gabrielle.
Held in the Paramount Theatre at the center, Gabrielle’s one-woman show, The Garbo: The Musical, was a hit for all in attendance. As the writer, producer, and sole performer of the play, Gabrielle outlined the life, drama, and legacy left by the popular Swedish Hollywood actress, Greta Garbo.
“We saw [Gabrielle] at the Munster Community Senior Center and it was a packed house! It was absolutely amazing,” said Heather Shelton, Director of Business Development. “We wanted to expand our community marketing and decided to do something very original and different.”
“I am happy and honored to be here,” Gabrielle said. “Today they requested I do my original one-woman musical on Greta Garbo, the mysterious Swedish film star. I play three characters in that - Greta and two of her long term lovers, one male and one female. For residents and people in the community who remember Garbo, they will realize that she was a huge mystery and this musical unmasks her in a really fun, cute, sophisticated way.”
During the performance, residents and visiting community members indulged in popcorn, fruit, sandwich wraps, and cookies, all while enjoying a one-hour performance that featured humorous monologues and beautiful original music. Following the show, Gabrielle had an open Q&A session that allowed the audience to ask questions about the performance and the life of the beloved actress, Greta Garbo.
“I was interested in Greta Garbo because I had seen some of her films, and I remember one thing she always said was, ‘I want to be alone,’” said Dennis Ramirez, a resident at Dyer Nursing and Rehab. “I wanted to learn a little bit about her. It was a great show.”
The event was a unique way for the community and residents to bond over quality entertainment, all while enjoying the talents of a local actress portraying a favorite Hollywood star.
“This was a hit! The first two rows there were from the outside community, which is really good,” said Kristina Herrera, Administrator at Dyer Nursing and Rehab. “We want them to really be familiar with us and all the fun things we have to offer. We have an assisted living and now we have the long term care and the short term care, so people are in and out of the community. It’s really important to merge that gap [and make it familiar].”
This was the very first time Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation brought in an outside artist. Because the performance was so popular, they are looking to make a similar opportunity available in the future.
“Theatrical music is a great option for our residents here,” said Jennifer Halac, Admissions Coordinator at Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation. “It’s nice to bring that to them, too.”
To learn more about Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation as well as the many events and programs that they hold throughout the year, please visit their website!