Freedom Village at Brandywine witnessed a display of talent and community spirit as The Village Players, a theater group made up of Freedom Village residents, premiered their fifth musical comedy, “The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux,” on March 7 and 8, 2025.
The performances, directed and produced by residents Fran and Maggie Doyle, captivated audiences and raised significant funds for local outreach and scholarship programs.
The musical, a comedic delight, showcased the talents of residents, many of whom had little to no prior theatrical experience.
These dedicated performers invested countless hours in rehearsals, delivering a polished and entertaining two-and-a-half-hour musical comedy.
The average age of the cast was 82.4 years, and all the actors had to memorize their lines. Not an easy task to do at any age, let alone being a senior citizen.
Both performances drew packed houses, with Friday’s audience comprising residents and staff across all levels of care, and Saturday’s show welcoming friends and family.
“The Dastardly Doctor Devereaux” raised $4,400. This generous sum will be evenly distributed between the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund and the Freedom Village Outreach Fund, both initiatives deeply supported by the residents.
“We are incredibly proud of and grateful for all residents who participated and dedicated their time to this production,” said Maggie Doyle, co-director and resident. “Seeing everyone come together to create such a memorable experience, while also supporting vital community programs, is truly inspiring.”
Adding to the week’s success, the resident-run scholarship committee held a highly successful donut sale fundraiser on March 4, selling over 300 donuts. This initiative further contributes to the committee’s mission of providing scholarships to Freedom Village employees pursuing higher education.
“Our scholarship committee is entirely resident-driven, and we work hard throughout the year to support our dedicated employees,” said Fran Doyle. “The donut sale was a fantastic way to engage the community and raise funds for this important cause.”
“What makes these events truly remarkable is the residents’ commitment to giving back,” said Freedom Village Executive Director Danielle Geyer. “The Village Players do not charge for tickets, instead accepting donations that directly benefit the Outreach and Scholarship Funds. This unique approach highlights the residents’ passion for both the arts and community service.”
Freedom Village at Brandywine is a retirement community in West Brandywine, offering a wide variety of residential options, a wealth of exceptional services and amenities, and a full calendar of fun, engaging activities—all just minutes from the many attractions, charming villages, and historic destinations of Chester County’s lush Brandywine Valley.
As a life care community, Freedom Village at Brandywine makes aging in place simple, where residents can seamlessly transition from independent living to personal care, memory care and long-term care as health needs change.
