BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – For five decades music teacher Robert Manahan has directed high school theatre in Illinois, and at 81 years old he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the IWU alumnus (’52) is currently celebrating the success of his 81st show.
Manahan recently presented A Grand Night for Singing, a musical review he compiled and directed, at Hall High School in Spring Valley, Ill. He credits his unflagging enthusiasm for music and theatre to the infectious energy of his students.
“Young people keep me young! I certainly don’t look 81 years old,” Manahan said. Even after directing 81 shows, he says he still enjoys “creating characters and watching them come to life.”
The teacher believes that participation in the fine arts also creates character in his students. He notes that teenagers today lead complicated lives, and that often being part of a show gives them “something to hold on to” when they are struggling.
Still, directing his 81st show at 81 years old is a milestone he almost didn’t reach. Manahan retired in 1993, after teaching at both LaSalle-Peru High School and Putnam County High School.
However, staying retired proved to be a challenge. “When you’re a musician, music is the bug in you,” he says. Manahan returned to his alma mater Hall High in 1999 in order to continue passing on his love of music.