City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Senior S.T.A.R.S. Shine!

S.T.A.R. is the acronym for Senior Thespians Are Ready. Faye Adams-Taylor had a very  specific vision.  “When we emerged from the pandemic, people were expressing their raw emotions and misgivings to me. I felt terrible and helpless, and prayed, 'Lord, what can I do to eliminate some of these fears, to let them know that we’re not at the end of our road?'  He replied – “Turn the corner.”  A light came on!  S.T.A.R. Ensemble was born! God had provided a platform to stimulate the memories, to nurture the gifts and talents in the performing arts, and more than anything else to unleash the creativity of senior citizens 55 years and older.”

Faye Adams-Taylor, the artistic director and visionary of S.T.A.R. and playwright, together with her most capable partner and fellow thespian Dhana Powell-Pope, answered God’s calling. They answered the call to lead, guide, and nurture this dynamic group of talented and committed new artists.

Most of the S.T.A.R. actors had never acted before but they have developed a love for their craft, which has given purpose to their lives at a moment when they were considering retirement.  This artistic outlet is perfect for those who might consider joining S.T.A.R. Ensemble. 

Faye shared her concept with City of South Fulton District 1 Councilwoman, Dr. Catherine Rowell, who introduced the playwright and her vision to then Southwest Arts Center (SWAC) Director, Salondia Aveni. They were excited about this addition to the arts program and God blessed S.T.A.R. with a home at SWAC, where all their shows will premiere.

Adams-Taylor’s efforts were delivered in her debut production with S.T.A.R. Ensemble, by her personal twist of James Weldon Johnson’s infamous play – God’s Trombones in April 2024. Her version entitled “A Different Twist of God’s Trombones” is a first in that she takes five of Weldon Johnson’s sermons, renames them lessons and renders them character driven. The result of this creative liberty is entertaining, distinctive, and transforming, which is why the production is back by popular demand!

After eight sell-out performances at Southwest Arts Center, S.T.A.R. Ensemble has been invited to deliver an encore presentation of A Different Twist of God’s Trombones at Divine Faith Ministries International. 

S.T.A.R. Ensemble continues to work arduously to fulfill their quest to entertain, inspire, and stimulate audiences, which motivates, esteems and encourages senior citizens throughout the community. 

Join Ms. Faye Taylor-Adams and her S.T.A.R. Ensemble performers, as they prepare once more to take theatre goers by storm with A Different Twist of God’s Trombones, Saturday, September 14, 2024, 4:00 pm at Divine Faith Ministries International, 9800 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, Georgia. There will be one show only! Don’t miss it!

Transportation will be provided from the Publix Supermarket parking lot on Cascade Road to the Divine Faith Ministries Campus for ticket holders who desire to attend from southwest Atlanta but are unable or don’t desire to drive the distance.  Tickets may be purchased at Eventbrite.com.

Just as children enjoy watching other children perform, seniors equally enjoy watching other seniors perform!  Bring your parents, your grandparents, neighbors, and other seniors in your lives to witness this glorious performance! This show is for the entire family. You will laugh, you will cry, you will sing, you will rejoice, you will celebrate! It is a theatrical experience you will never forget!