Seabrook Resident Lindo Meli, 97, Directs His 15th Show on Campus

To mark the 400th anniversary of Cervantes’ death, the Seabrook Performers will present the “World of Cervantes” June 24, 25, and 26. The entertaining musical is the 15th Seabrook show directed and produced by resident Lindo Meli, who is 97 years young. Meli will also play Cervantes in the show.

The musical, performed by Seabrook residents, an active continuing care retirement community in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, is about the life of Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned Spanish writer, and author of “Don Quixote.”

Meli moved to Seabrook in 2008 and founded the Seabrook Performers. Each year he produces two shows on campus with the help of residents, who perform on stage as well as behind the scenes on set design, costumes, lighting, choreography, and more. Past productions include Arsenic and Old Lace and Guys and Dolls.

Meli has many years of experience working both in theater and radio. In 1939, he founded the Criterion Players. During WWII, while in Australia, he appeared in Vaudeville Theatre, many United States Special Services shows, two Brisbane Repertory shows, and six Australian Broadcasting System radio shows. In 1949, after he got married, he founded the St. Mary’s Drama Guild and was honored in 1991 for his “dedicated” service to the Guild. He has performed and directed more than 150 shows, both on radio and stage, and has worked with many famous actors including Lauren Bacall, Gene Barry (The Batman), Jos Shelly, Raymond Burr and Peggy Cass to name a few.

“Theater has always been in my blood and with each production I direct, the cast becomes my family,” said Meli. “I enjoy seeing these ‘young seniors’ sharing their talents and accomplishing something they didn’t know they could do—acting, singing, and more. I’m looking forward to our next production!”

The show’s musical director is Seabrook resident Norma Linzalone, who has been the accompanist for all of Seabrook Players’ musicals.

“I feel privileged to be working with such a talented and committed group of friends who are my Seabrook family,” said Linzalone. “Playing, singing and acting are all exercises to keep our minds alert.”

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Seabrook Resident Care Fund, which provides support to residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial resources. The play will run 7:30 p.m. on June 24 and 25 and at 2:30 p.m. on June 26 in Seabrook’s Town Square Auditorium, 3000 Essex St, Tinton Falls, N.J. Doors open ½ hour before show time.

Photo 1 from left: Bob Gamble, Sophy Kirsch, Amelia Raziano, Joe Emm, Assunta Lee, Norma Linzalone, Lindo Meli, Cynthia Gerstenberg, Jerry Vermilye, Marion Kleiner, Leo Heiden (Missing: Talib Mohammed (Executive Chef at Seabrook), Don Miller, Tom Sullivan, Judy Waters)

Photo 2: Lindo Meli directs Seabrook Performers during rehearsal.