Everyone wondered, how could it be done? How would you make a musical out of a best-selling novel in which the leading characters are senior citizens living in a nursing home? But then it became clear that if anyone has a reason to sing - and lots to sing about - it’s those folks. Especially when they’re all riled up and decide to fight back.  Best selling novelist Clyde Edgerton and Drama Desk Award winner Mike Craver (both North Carolina natives), along with director Steve Umberger, have translated Edgerton's book into what critics call "a must-see production."

The show takes place on the rocking porch of the Rosehaven Convalesence Center in little Listre, N.C. Unable to keep up with the times, Rosehaven is being sold to Ballard College for use as a care facility for wealthy donors. Nothing is supposed to change, but the residents have already noticed a difference in the cornbread.  It's looking grim, but enter Lil Olive, whose recent broken hip means the end of her living-alone days. Worse yet, nephew Carl now has to tell her to turn in her car keys.  Lil brings new life to the porch - and a revolutionary new idea. 

When she realizes there’s a church across the street, and a preacher in the house, she and L. Ray unite the “porchers” to form The First Breakfast Club, so called because, “after 2,000 years of Last Suppers, we need a first breakfast to follow it up."  They’re not really sure how it works, but, says one of them, “It sure is nice to have something to get up for in the morning.”

 As the FBC gains members and momentum, the rowdy residents begin to revolt, demanding changes at Rosehaven and finally erupting in a roof-raising rap song. Along the way, everyone gets another chance. The “porchers” get a second life, the bachelor Carl falls for Rosehaven's director (and single mom) Anna Guthrie, Anna finds a surprising way to save Rosehaven, and Lil gets to drive again…briefly. As the final curtain falls, we may wonder just how long the FBC will last, but we know it has given its members - and us - the chance, and the party, of a lifetime.

 

With 20 songs of almost every imaginable style, from blues to Broadway ballad, "Lunch at the Piccadilly" comes to the stage with all the warmth and humor of the novel...and a few surpirses.