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◊ Words of Support from 'Show Stoppers' ◊ |
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"I had been advised by my doctor to wrap up affairs because I had about four to six months to live... Christina persuaded me to join her group of performers. She not only taught me to read music, but also to play the piano keyboard, and greatly improved my ability on the instruments I played. Most significant,Christina literally gave me life. ... Chemotherapy, which I was told would be of no avail, started to be effective. In fact my oncologist noticed this phenomenon and insisted that I continue with what he called, my 'Musical Therapy'."
Les Krellenstein Manhattan, NYC - Age 75 |
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"I never thought that there was life after retirement. I basically stayed home, in bed, doing nothing, particularly after my daughter died at the age of 44. There was absolutely nothing to do except perhaps watch TV and wait to die. Little did I know that a Senior Center would change my life as a senior member of society forever.... The Center I was fortunate to join ... had Christina Conroy as its director. Christina was not only involved with her seniors but she engaged them and challenged them like no other before her. She had the entire senior population on their feet dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, participating in cabaret acts or shows and pageants. ... We performed in city parks, in major corporations, and even on television. Who would have thought that I, in my 80s, would perform on MTV! or would be teaching Hawaiian dance to the seniors, or perform in cabaret acts? It was Christina who provided the motivation, the forum, the appropriate programs to get me and the rest of the seniors living life as it should be lived - productively and in good health."
Rosario Avelino Queens, NYC - Age 86 |
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"I was always shy and quiet, I never thought I could do anything that others performed on stage. But thanks to Christina Conroy I did the impossible. With her encouragement and her faith in me, little by little I began to dance, sing, act and play an instrument. I will always be grateful to Christina for what she did for me." Maudie Salowitz Bronx, NYC - Age 70 |
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"I noticed (Christina's) charismatic personality, her multi-talents, her beauty as a high-level person. I asked her if she would teach me to play jazz piano...(I have played classical piano since my early childhood, but always yearned to play jazz). Christina's answer to me was: 'I know little about jazz piano, but I'll teach you what I know'. An astounding answer! I, of course, began jazz lessons with Christina. As I progressed, she suggested that I join her musical ensemble group...Now I had the ultimate experience. " Sonia Schwartz Manhattan, NYC |
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"Ms. Christina has the magic touch. She is able to turn average, elderly Janes and Joes into polished performers.... Most of us have had no musical training....Christina Conroy's many talents, excellent academic training and varied experience in theatre arts and music, and her inexhaustible enthusiasm for our rugged, old pulses that keep beating to the music, even into our eighties and nineties - make Ms. Christina an inspiration to elders like me. On the senior scene, Christina Conroy has earned recognition as a miracle worker." Eugenia Shelley Manhattan, NYC - Age 85 |
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"I have been performing with the senior citizen musical group 'The Show Stoppers' for six years. This past Thanksgiving day, we performed at the Laugh Factory Comedy Club in New York City. That day my husband was very ill in the hospital in the I.C.U. While performing, my mind was also dwelling on his condition. While traveling home that evening I felt so relaxed and happy knowing that I had offered some fun and entertainment to our audience. A few days later my husband died, and I continued to perform concerts all through the month of December. 'The Show Stoppers' motto, 'Music Gives Life', helped me cope with my sorrow during this traumatic time in my life. Without 'The Show Stoppers' I would have been home grieving with my loss, alone." Veronica (Roni) Ivins Manhattan, NYC - Age 81 |
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◊ Words of Tribute to 'Show Stoppers' ◊ |
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"On behalf of the Deacons of First Presbyterian Church, I thank you and your wonderful performers in the Show Stoppers for an afternoon of music that lifted our spirits, brought laughter and hope, and brought together a unique and special group of individuals... The professionalism is beautiful to behold. The program selections were absolutely wonderful... Our friends are still talking about it, and will be until your next engagement! ... Thank you for giving us all this delight." Meg Harper First Presbyterian Church - NYC |
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"Thank you for your great performance at the JASA West Side Senior Center... Our members really loved the performance, and had wonderful comments to make for many days after your show. It was great to see the thrill you all get from performing and this thrill is evident in the way you all perform, with gusto!" Claire Jackson JASA West Side Senior Center - NYC |
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"I am writing in reference to the Show Stoppers and their outstanding performance. I had the opportunity of working with this wonderful group of people. The Show Stoppers performed for our facility on New Year's Eve. They were fun, energetic and interacted very well with our residents. ... I highly recommend this group to any facility. You and your clients would enjoy every moment of the Showstoppers entertainment." Nicole Barnaby Hearthstone at the Esplanade - NYC |
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