Contestants vie for Ms. Massachusetts Senior America July 14Date: 7/1/2019 HOLYOKE – They’ve been rehearsing for weeks to get their walk right, the phrasing for their “Philosophy of Life” polished, their talent ready for the stage, the steps for the “Dancing Queen” number memorized.
On July 14 at 1 p.m., the six contestants vying for the title of Ms. Massachusetts Senior America 2019 will take the stage at Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St., ready to strut their stuff. One pageant hopeful, Elaine Sincavage, has made the trip to Holyoke weekly from Quincy for the all-important rehearsals. The rest of the contestants are locals – Dori Alderman Blakney and Irene Szlosek Lemieux are from South Hadley; Lynne Koontz is from Chicopee; Ann Walsh is from Hampden; Annette Harris Davis is from Springfield. All will be judged in three categories – philosophy of life, evening gown and talent – as they compete onstage for the state crown and, with that honor, a chance to represent Massachusetts at the national Ms. Senior America pageant in Atlantic City later this year.
The six hopefuls will be joined on stage on July 14 by the Ms. Senior Massachusetts Dancers, a popular local performing troupe, and a special guest, the reigning Ms. Senior America 2018, Gayle Novak, who is in the midst of a cross-country pageant tour.
“I really enjoy it, “ Novak told Reminder Publishing during a phone interview about her upcoming appearance. “I don’t have to do the hard work [of competing] I just get to go and be encouraging” to the contestants.
She will, however, be performing her winning talent act for the audience, a rendition of the song, “Money, Money, Money” from the Broadway play [and film], “Mama Mia.” The stunning 60-year old will take the stage in the costume that helped her win her state pageant in Colorado – and the Ms. Senior America title – denim overalls and a tool belt.
“I changed the words [at the end] from ‘I can do anything’ to ‘I can look like a queen’,” Novak said, adding she whips off the overalls – held together with Velcro – to reveal a dazzling evening gown as she completes that phrase.
Lorraine Gorham, state pageant coordinator for Ms. Massachusetts Senior America, called Novak’s performance “amazing” and a must-see. Gorham added that she felt attendees would also be impressed by the collection of talented women they will see onstage – both this year’s pageant hopefuls and the past contestants who comprise the Dancers.
“Both of our top dancers are in their 70s and they do a combo dance that that a lot of younger people couldn’t do,” Gorham said, adding that the level of talent among past queens and contestants – most of whom are part of the group’s ongoing outreach and entertainment missions as Cameo Club members – surprises most people, especially during the group’s annual appearance at the Big E.
But she said the stunning array of beauty and talent that will be on display at this year’s pageant shouldn’t make would-be contestants reaching the age of 60 (and beyond) – a time in life Ms. Senior America calls the “Age of Elegance” – shy away from pursuing a chance at the state, and national, crown in the future. “Try it [next year] and we’ll help you make it,” Gorham said, adding, “For two acts, we created the talent” you’re going to see onstage.
Tickets for Ms. Senior Massachusetts will be available at the door for $12. Tickets for a post-pageant reception at the Log Cabin featuring the talent of Peter Annone, priced at $26, must be purchased by July 10. Call Gorham at 534-1318 or Joanne Impoco at 535-7065 for reception reservations.
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