PBS North Carolina Presents New Film About Four Women Who Perform at Their Retirement Community
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA PRESENTS NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT FOUR WOMEN PREPARING FOR THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCE AT THEIR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
The film Show Must Go On! shows it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 8/29/2022 — PBS North Carolina and American Public Television (APT) present Show Must Go On!, a new half-hour-long documentary that follows the comedy musical act Hot Stuff as they prepare for their final performance at their retirement community in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Performing in front of sold-out audiences, friends Karen, Mary, Jane and Pat bring joy to others and one another. As they arrange their last show, the women reflect on finding independence, hidden talents and their true selves in retirement.
PBS North Carolina will host a virtual screening of the film and a discussion with its stars and director J.R. Jones on Thursday, September 15, 7 PM. To register for the virtual event, visit PBS North Carolina’s website.
“Show Must Go On! started when my wife and I wanted to film the final performance of Hot Stuff for her mom and friends,” said director J.R. Jones. “After a phone call with my mother-in-law, Pat, I was so intrigued by why she and her friends spent three years doing this that I knew there was an inspiring story to tell. What unfolded was a story of loss, resilience and purpose.”
Friends Karen Cooper, Mary Crabill, Jane Hauser and Pat Beyle have had many roles in life—housewife, mother, teacher, musician, adventurer—each of which has made them the resilient women they are today. Through the stage, Karen, the accompanist and reluctant comedian, found her voice. Mary, who has always been a committed wife, mother, grandmother and teacher, found even more purpose in bringing joy to those in her community. Jane, whose late husband always believed in her raw talent, discovered the courage to continue her adventures through performing. Pat, who spent her life teaching her students and children to be independent, embraced a newfound independence of her own.
“Making Show Must Go On! has encouraged me to view every stage of life as an opportunity to rediscover myself and what I have to offer those around me,” Jones noted. “Everyone who worked on this project took something special away from the experience, and I think that can be seen in the final film. This is not another heartwarming film about ‘seniors’ doing something unexpected. This is a film about four incredible women who show us that there is hope in our shared human experience of pursuing purpose.”
About Lomaland Co.
Lomaland is a boutique film and media company based in central Pennsylvania. It’s committed to inspiring and connecting people through stories that capture our shared human experience. Visit lomaland.co to learn more.
About American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP,Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Live from the Artists Den, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV—featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming—and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS Kids and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS NC serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Media Contacts
Aimée Jones, Lomaland Co.
aimeejones@lomaland.co
910-540-5363
Kathleen Kramer, PBS North Carolina
Kkramer@pbsnc.org
919-549-7059