A Grumpy Nun and the Joy of Musical Theater

Last summer, I had the joy of performing in Humboldt Light Opera Company’s production of “The Sound of Music.” I played Sister Berthe, the “Grumpy Nun,” alongside a talented group of “nuns” from 12 to 83. The full cast ranged in age from 6 upward — a reminder that the joy of musical theater has no age limit.

Standing backstage, I found myself thinking about why I have continued performing with this company since I was in my 40s. Now almost 75, I realize that musical theater has been much more than a pastime. For more than 30 years, it has given me opportunities to keep growing, connect with others, take on new challenges and experience the joy of being part of something larger than myself.

Musical theater engages so many parts of us at once. There is the intellectual challenge of learning music, lines, choreography and stage directions; the physical challenge of moving, dancing, standing and projecting your voice; and the creative and emotional experience of stepping into a character and telling a story. (Trust me, it was fun to be a grumpy nun!)

For me, one of the biggest challenges was memorizing the Latin the nuns sang. These old brain cells had to work! It was both frustrating and satisfying to discover that I could still learn something completely new.

Perhaps the greatest gift music has given me is social connection. In “The Sound of Music,” children, teenagers and older adults worked side by side toward the same goal.

We depended on one another, encouraged one another and laughed together when things went wrong. Age simply wasn’t the most important thing about any of us.

Rehearsals also gave structure to my weeks and provided something to look forward to. There is a special satisfaction in showing up week after week and watching rehearsal gradually become a performance.

Being part of a production reminds me that aging doesn’t have to mean retreating into a smaller world. We can continue to learn, take on challenges, meet new people and create something together. We can still be beginners, get nervous, make mistakes — and have a wonderful time.

For me, musical theater has been a wonderful way to grow older, staying curious, connected, creative and open to whatever comes next. And that lesson extends beyond theater.

Music, in whatever form speaks to you — church choir, an instrument, singing with friends or simply listening and singing along — can help keep us engaged, connected and joyful as we age.

Wait until you hear what we’re doing next summer!

Tracey Barnes-Priestley acts up, sings and writes in Bayside.