Let’s Have Lunch at the Piccadilly

by Amelia Old
1 comment
*Compensation was not received for this review. Opinions are solely those of the author. Complimentary Tickets were provided by The Playworks Group.*

Throughout my 20s, working as a talent agent in Atlanta, I was able to attend many theatre productions. In fact, it was one of my favorite things to do. I, of course, jumped at the chance to attend Lunch at the Piccadilly, a play based on the novel by Clyde Edgerton.

Lunch at the Piccadilly is a musical about the residents at a retirement and care facility in North Carolina. When I first arrived to the playhouse, I must admit, I immediately noticed my husband and I were the youngest people present. I also did not tell my husband A.) We were going to a Musical and B.) It was about a retirement community. Let’s just say he was a bit shocked when we arrived and he shot me a few ‘looks’ during the first song.

However, never judge a book by it’s cover. I tried to keep an open mind. And boy am I glad that I did!

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Within two hours I had gone thru a roller coaster of emotions. From laughter to tears. The show truly didn’t disappoint. Aside from the funny jokes about aging and trying to stay ‘with the times’ ….Lunch at the Piccadilly had a clear message. Don’t forget about the elderly. They have lived full lives. They have seen times change. They have had ups and downs. Good and bad times. No one is under any illusion. When the word ‘Nursing Home’ comes into a conversation…the immediate thought is that they’ll be left there to die. It’s the last stop on their journey. They begin becoming more dependent vs independent. And that can be difficult. Very difficult. Lunch at the Piccadilly follows these residents as they try to find their place in this world, to not be forgotten, and to fight for what they believe in. All with a smile on their face along the way. They realize that they are all FULL of life.

It actually made me think back to a situation nearly 20 years ago. One Christmas I decided to go to a nursing home in my community to spend time with those that had no visitors.  There was one particular woman they led me to which I then began visiting often after the first meeting. What amazed me was this woman had lots of family. Her family, in fact, had quite a bit of money and were known about town. Yet, they never came to see her. I never really understood that. I loved to sit and hear her stories because she had lived thru and seen so much. It was as though they dropped her at the doorstep and her life was done in their eyes. They were too busy for her.

We all have family that get to the point that they will need our help. I have personally seen a family member recently struggle of having to rely more on others. She can’t drive anymore. She can’t walk unassisted. This woman was a military nurse. She has been in the same profession for over 40 years helping others and now she can’t do everything herself. Not only is she affected physically but also emotionally. This show shares those emotions.

I highly recommend seeing this production. Whether young or old, I feel you will take something away from it and that everyone will be able to relate on some level.

You can catch a show at the Booth Playhouse from now until October 4th. Learn more about Lunch at the Piccadilly, their cast, and purchase tickets at http://www.lunchatthepiccadilly.com

 

 

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1 comment

Rebecca Koon September 21, 2015 - 9:50 pm

Thank you for your blog post. I hope you have lots of followers! Lil Olive

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