It doesn’t take long to see that Marvin Himmel demands attention. The former child actor and Broadway showman, now 86, resides at Park Springs, the Southeast’s premier continuing care retirement community located in Stone Mountain. Himmel, a Chicago native is set to once again lead his cast and crew of 27 in this year’s community performance, “It’s a Lovely Way to Spend an Evening” Dec. 9 through Dec. 12 at 7:45 p.m. in Park Springs’ Community Hall.

This will be Himmel’s third consecutive production at Park Springs. This year, four shows were added to accommodate many Park Springs Members who were unable to see the show last year after it sold out in record time.

Avis Fox, who is performing in her third musical directed by Himmel, has been acting professionally for 20 years including roles in "Matlock" and "America’s Most Wanted." She says she often refuses roles this time of year in order to be able to perform in Himmel’s production.

“This is something I just wouldn’t miss,” said Fox. “Marvin is demanding, but he is great. We don’t have to ask any questions with Marvin in charge. He has everything figured out; we just go out and perform. This is just so much fun.”

The first segment of the performance will include a tribute to female icons including Judy Garland, Ethel Merman and Carol Channing. The second segment will shift focus to Broadway tunes including five songs from "Guys and Dolls". Other show tunes in the performance include songs from "The Music Man," "West Side Story," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Chorus Line" and "Sweet Charity."

Himmel says his background as a child actor and entertainment businessman has allowed him to understand all of the hard work that goes into a performance like this.

“This is a big time performance with a real stage and professional costumes,” said Himmel. “This is not just a bunch of seniors that go out there and put on a show. We start practicing in October and meet every Wednesday and Friday for two hours. This is a process and it’s something I won’t deviate from.”

Shirley Baskin, who has also been in every one of Himmel’s performances, says the rehearsals are just as fun as the performances.

“Marvin is so capable,” said Baskin. “He knows the best and he knows what we can do. People can’t believe it when they see our performances because it is so professional, but we are able to do it because of Marvin’s background.

Performances such as this year’s musical are just one of many Member events and activities that take place on Park Springs’ campus. A glance at a monthly Activity and Social Calendar will quickly clear up any misconceptions about seniors being inactive. Daily activities include art classes, card games, chorus, exercise classes, dance, Improv acting classes and Bible Study.

About Park Springs
The Southeast's premier CCRC, Park Springs enhances life for active seniors by providing independent residences alongside extensive amenities and on-site wellness and private health care facilities. The 398-home campus-style community is situated on 54 acres surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer's care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot Clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson Living and managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a leader in senior living communities. LCS today serves more than 23,000 residents daily in over 80 communities nationwide. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.

About Park Springs’ Health Services
Cobblestone, Park Spring’s assisted living facility, offers the highest quality medical, nursing and rehabilitative care in a residential environment. Our Resident Centered model provides Members flexibility in their daily activities embracing individuality while focusing on all aspects of wellness. Staffing ratios are three times greater than state required levels. A full time doctor trained as a geriatrician whose sole responsibility is the health of our Members is employed on site. A clinic staffed by our own full time Licensed Nurse Practitioner performs routine check ups, tests and lab work. Our doctor, clinic and skilled care are all Medicare certified. Home care services are provided by trained staff employed directly by our communities, licensed by the state, bonded and insured only after undergoing strict screening processes.

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