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Hats Off To This Act

Jesse Osbourne/Highlands Today

From left: Goldie Garnich, Anne Roehm, Gloria Coffey and Rose Marie Tippins-Beringer performed a song and dance routine at a recent rehearsal for the Glad Hatters, a traveling theater group that is part of the Highlands Little Theatre.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: October 9, 2007

SEBRING — Give a 15-member troupe of actors some humorous lines and plenty of hats and you've got –– the Glad Hatters.

The group of mostly elderly actors takes its act on the road to assisted living centers and any other group of theater fans, including the Lions clubs and Red Hatters.

They sing, dance and perform skits –– all laced with plenty of humor. Their distinctive hats vary depending on changing themes.

Wednesday, the banter was lively as senior actors rehearsed at Highlands Little Theatre.

Spirited lyrics included, "There's no business like show business" and "I'm looking over a four leaf clover that I overlooked before."

Vaudeville-type entertainment gives each actor a chance to individually shine.

Don Newby, Glad Hatters co-chairman, has been steeped in theater for more than 70 years. He leads the rehearsals and helps keep the actors on track.

"I've got grease paint in my veins," Newby said. "I've got theater in my blood. It's what I do, so I do it."

Actress Benny Malloy is a relative newcomer compared to Newby. She's got past her nervousness during her recent first performance, and enjoys her involvement with the group.

"Applause makes you feel warm and fluffy inside," said the actress.

Seventeen-year Highlands Little Theatre veteran Gloria Coffey said the group had trouble getting "off its feet" during its inception a few years ago, but within the last year, Newby's guidance has given them direction.

She especially enjoys performing at assisted living centers.

"At first it was an experiment and we wanted to see where it would go," said Coffey. "We love to see the people laugh and enjoy themselves. They hardly ever get out and we bring a little bit of happiness."

Goldie Garnich, co-chairwoman, talked about the camaraderie between actors.

"It makes me feel good to see the happy faces in the audience and that we brought some joy into the lives of patients in nursing homes," she said. "We also perform for civic groups, church groups, etc., and everyone seems to enjoy what we do as much as we enjoy doing it."

All members are volunteers and the Glad Hatters perform for free, with donations accepted by Highlands Little Theatre. Newby stressed that although all current members are seniors, the group seeks all ages.

For more information, call Highlands Little Theatre at 863-382-2525.

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