If you’re searching for heartfelt music performances in Metro Vancouver, MOSAIC’s Seniors Musical, “Seniors Take On Things We Never Talk About”, is an event you won’t want to miss. This one-of-a-kind production brings together talented seniors who share their real-life stories through music, dance, and theater, creating a moving and unforgettable experience.
At 80 years old, Loretta Yao has found a new stage to express herself, proving that it’s never too late to embrace a passion for music and storytelling. As part of MOSAIC’s seniors’ musical program, she is using her voice to inspire others while strengthening community connections through the power of performance.
The following story, shared in Loretta’s own words, was captured in an interview by Colleen Qiu on February 13, 2025.
My name is Loretta and I came to Canada in 1974. I am turning 80 this year! I have always loved music, especially singing, but I never had the chance to spend too much time developing this hobby earlier in my life. I was occupied with raising my two daughters and working hard. After I retired, I felt like I finally had the full freedom to do whatever I pleased, so I joined MOSAIC’s Senior Choir on Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I was so excited to learn how to sing with others! Later after the pandemic, our short musicals within the Seniors Club evolved into a bigger production open to the public, and I was happy to continue my musical journey there.
I play Chloe in the musical. She is a cheerful and energetic resident at the senior home. Before writing the musical, our coach and director, Andrea, asked me about my thoughts and I told her about my life story. Andrea really loved the idea of incorporating the actors’ real experiences into the musical’s storytelling. This was how this character came to fruition.
I am a breast cancer survivor. After I was diagnosed in 2006, I had surgery, lost all my hair at one point, and underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy. I also didn’t have very good luck with my marriage. After overcoming these adversities, I came out a completely different person – more resilient and less obsessed with things in life. Sometimes I still feel a bit sad looking back on it, but I have let go of the past and chosen to focus on the present. Playing Chloe is basically playing myself. I am never ashamed to share my story and I want to offer hope and inspiration to others through this role, just like I do in my personal life.
Although it was my first time performing in a musical, it was actually not too difficult for me to take on an English-speaking role since I had been speaking English for quite a long time. However, I noticed it was challenging for some other members of the musical who were less familiar with the language, so I always helped them with their lines whenever I could.
I also choreographed two dances in the musical, which are the opening and closing dances that embodied the characters and the story in their movements. I taught the seniors how to do these dances and practiced with them even outside the rehearsal times. When we performed on stage and saw the audience moved by our infectious energy, it was a very happy and rewarding moment for me.
Although I didn’t join the musical with the specific goal of making friends in mind, I was lucky to have met so many incredible people that I really clicked with. I still hang out with them regularly now and we do many activities together. Having these friends encourages me to go out and enjoy the beautiful things in life more, such as taking strolls in the park, having delicious meals, and traveling abroad with them.
In the future, if MOSAIC has a new seniors’ musical, I would love to support it in a backstage role. I am looking forward to seeing more new members in the musical.
In terms of my personal future plans, I still have a lot of other instruments that I want to improve on or learn; keyboard, Erhu, guitar, ukulele…I already bought some of them at home, so maybe it’s time to finally start playing seriously. I realized I don’t really like long plane rides from my recent trip to New York, so probably not too many more international trips for me!
An Invitation from Loretta
“Do you know that a lot of elderly people have things they never want to talk about? You might not be able to hear it from the seniors you know, but you can see many of these “hidden” things in our musical. At the senior home where the story takes place, all the seniors have very different personalities and thoughts. I remember in one of the scenes called “Secret”, many people in the audience even cried after watching.
Plus, you get to see my acting in person and please let me know how I did afterwards!”
Experience Unforgettable Music Performances in Metro Vancouver
MOSAIC’s Seniors Musical, “Seniors Take On Things We Never Talk About”, will be performed on March 31, April 1, and April 2 at Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam. It is more than just a stage production—it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the stories that often go untold.
Whether you love theater, music, or powerful storytelling, this is a must-see event that will leave a lasting impression. Join us for one of the most heartfelt music performances in Metro Vancouver and experience the magic of seniors sharing their voices with the world.
Get your tickets today and be part of this unforgettable musical journey!
