CRT 56th Season Program

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OUR FIRST OUTDOOR SEASON Season 56

(719) 658-2540 / creederep.org

••• Now serving breakfast ••• tuesday through Sunday!

•••

introduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Members of the 1966 Company at 4UR Ranch. (from left) Lance Hewett, Kay Habenstein (now Lancaster), David Miller, Pat Royse, BJ Myers, Steve Grossman, and Steve Reed

O

6 ur 5

th Season / 20

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INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN CRT is moving outdoors! The summer of 2021 allows us to not only showcase the talent and artistry for which Creede Repertory Theatre is known, but also the majestic views of Seime Park, just above town.

This season fills us with hope and possibilities for the future, all with the safety of our company and patrons at the forefront.

And as always, a huge thank you to the Creede Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes for taking a chance on 12 young artists from the University of Kansas in 1966, making them feel welcome and cared for every step of the way. Through that kindness, those 12 young people found a place of inspiration and belonging. Fifty-six seasons later, this legacy lives on in the Creede Repertory Theatre.

your theatre, always

Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dear Jack, Dear Louise . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Red Riding Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 An Iliad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cabaret at The Creede Hotel . . . . . . . . . 18 Boomtown! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Headwaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The KID Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Educational Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Supporting CRT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 CRT Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 In Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

creederep.org (719)658-2540 Follow us! @CreedeRepertoryTheatre @CreedeRep @CreedeTheatre Creede Repertory Theatre, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductible.

Production photos by John Gary Brown. Cover photo by Michael Underwood (michaelunderwoodphotography.com).

Program design by RoShamBo Marketing + Creative.

JAYCEE/JAYCEE-ETTE APPRECIATION DAY: Sunday, July 18th, 2021 Before the 1pm performance of Dear Jack, Dear Louise

(from left to right) Founding Jaycee Paul Dunkel Jr. (right) with Christy Brandt (left) and CRT Founder Steve Reed (center). Members of the 1966 Creede Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes with their families at the first Appreciation Day in 2018. Producing Artistic Director John DiAntonio with founding Jaycee member Jim Livingston at his 80th birthday celebration in 2019

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THURSDAY 23

30

7:00PM An Iliad

LOCAL DISCOUNT

7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise

7

14

7:00PM Red Riding Hood

1

7:00PM Red Riding Hood 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret OPENS

11:00AM The KID Show 7:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

8

15

7:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

JULY 12-15 / THEATRICAL DESIGN DAY CAMP / 10AM-4PM

7:00PM An Iliad

21

7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise OPENS

SUNDAY 26

27

3

12:30PM Dear Jack, 4

Dear Louise

TALK 1:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise

CHAT BACK AFTER

1:00PM Red Riding Hood OPENS

7:00PM An Iliad OPENS

6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 9:00PM

An Iliad TALK An Iliad Hotel Cabaret Boomtown!

2

OPENS

1:00PM 7:00PM

7:00PM

Red Riding Hood Dear Jack, Dear Louise Hotel Cabaret

7:00PM The KID Show 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret 9:00PM Boomtown!

7:00PM

7:00PM 9:00PM

9

16

Dear Jack, Dear Louise Hotel Cabaret Boomtown!

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11:00AM The KID Show 1:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise 7:00PM Red Riding Hood 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

17

1:00PM

7:00PM 7:00PM

Red Riding Hood

1:00PM 6:30PM

7:00PM

7:00PM

An Iliad* 24 Dear Jack, Dear Louise TALK Dear Jack, Dear Louise* Hotel Cabaret

LOCAL DISCOUNT

An Iliad Hotel Cabaret

11

1:00PM An Iliad

CHAT BACK AFTER

1:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise JAYCEES

18

APPRECIATION DAY CHAT BACK AFTER

ACTION STORYTIME / 10AM

22

7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

23

7:00PM Red Riding Hood* 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret 9:00PM Boomtown!

25

1:00PM Red Riding Hood CHAT BACK AFTER

JULY 19-22 / PAGE TO STAGE DAY CAMP / 10AM-4PM

28

7:00PM Red Riding Hood

29

6:30PM An Iliad TALK 7:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

JULY 26-29 / STAGE COMBAT DAY CAMP / 10AM-4PM

7:00PM An Iliad

7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise

4

11

18

7:00PM Red Riding Hood

25

SEPT

SATURDAY 25

INDEPENDENCE DAY

7:00PM Red Riding Hood

7:00PM An Iliad

1

7:00PM

7:00PM

your theatre, always

7:00PM

7:00PM 9:00PM

30

Dear Jack, Dear Louise Hotel Cabaret Boomtown!

31

1:00PM Red Riding Hood 7:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

1

1:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise

CHAT BACK AFTER

ACTION STORYTIME / 10AM

5

Dear Jack, Dear Louise

LOCAL DISCOUNT

Hotel Cabaret

12

7:00PM Red Riding Hood 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

19

7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

26

7:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

* Denotes ASL-Interpreted Performance

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FRIDAY 24

SEASON OPENING & POSTER UNVEILING

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS ARE DARK ( “DARK” is theatre speak for closed.)

AUGUST

JULY

JUNE

2021 SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY

2

6

7:00PM Red Riding Hood 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret 9:00PM Boomtown!

6:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 9:00PM

13

An Iliad TALK An Iliad Hotel Cabaret Boomtown!

20

7:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret 9:00PM Boomtown!

11:00AM The Guava 27 Tree 1:00PM Headwaters Play 1 6:30PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise TALK 7:00PM Dear Jack 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret 9:00PM Boomtown!

7:00PM 7:00PM 9:00PM

An Iliad CLOSES Hotel Cabaret Boomtown!

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CLOSES

7

1:00PM

7:00PM 7:00PM

Dear Jack, Dear Louise An Iliad Hotel Cabaret

1:00PM 7:00PM

7:00PM

Red Riding Hood Dear Jack, Dear Louise Hotel Cabaret

14

1:00PM Red Riding 21 Hood 6:30PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise TALK 7:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

28

11:00AM The Guava Tree 1:00PM Headwaters Play 2 12:30PM An Iliad TALK 1:00PM An Iliad 7:00PM Red Riding Hood 7:00PM Hotel Cabaret

1:00PM

7:00PM

7:00PM

8

1:00PM Red Riding Hood

CHAT BACK AFTER

15

1:00PM An Iliad

CHAT BACK AFTER

22

1:00PM An Iliad

CHAT BACK AFTER

29

1:00PM Dear Jack,

Dear Louise

CHAT BACK AFTER

4

5

Red Riding Hood CLOSES

Dear Jack, Dear Louise CLOSES Hotel Cabaret CLOSES

RED RIDING HOOD

AN ILIAD

BOOMTOWN!

DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE

HOTEL CABARET

THE KID SHOW/ THE GUAVA TREE

CRT

IN THE

PARK

Ken Ludwig’s

DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE directed by Michael Perlman FALLING IN LOVE AT A DISTANCE

Romantic Comedy / Starring Graham Ward & Caitlin Wise Sparks fly and love blossoms from a world away when US Army doctor, Jack, begins a correspondence with aspiring actress, Louise, during WWII. Based on the story of his parents’ courtship, Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (Leading Ladies, Moon Over Buffalo, Lend Me a Tenor) explores love, isolation, and hope over great distance.

RED RIDING HOOD

schedule of shows

CRT AT THE CREEDE HOTEL CABARET CREEDE HOTEL:

at the

Utterly Devastating

MUSIC, FOOD, & FUN WITH CHRISTY BRANDT & ANNIE BUTLER

July 1st - September 4th / Every Thursday - Saturday at 7pm / $20*

by Allison Gregory • Directed by John DiAntonio

A FUN, FAST-PACED RE-TELLING OF A CLASSIC FAIRY-TALE

Embrace southwestern Colorado’s unparalleled climate while enjoying a fabulous meal in the newly renovated outdoor space at The Creede Hotel & Restaurant, entertained by none other than Christy Brandt, Annie Butler, and some very special guests. Join us every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for this spirited and unforgettable cabaret experience. **The purchase of a meal is required for attending the Cabaret. The $20 per person cover charge will be added to your food and beverage tab. Cocktail hour begins at 5pm, patrons must be seated for dinner by 6pm. Make reservations through The Creede Hotel & Restaurant at (719)658-2608.

Family Friendly / Starring Alexandria Bates & Matthew Tyler Horn You’ve never seen Little Red Riding Hood quite like this. Two actors with the stamina of marathon runners spin this classic fairytale with humor, excitement, and a whole lot of heart. Originally commissioned by the Seattle Children’s Theatre, Red Riding Hood is a delight for the entire family!

by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare

IMPROV COMEDY AT ITS WILDEST

based on Homer’s The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles

July 2nd - Sept 3rd / Fridays at 9pm / $10

directed by Betty Hart

AN ANCIENT TALE & THE MODERN WORLD COLLIDE

Drama / Starring Lavour Addison Against the backdrop of the epic San Juan Mountains, a lone figure emerges on a simple stage to tell his story. Fated to repeat the ancient tale of the Trojan War throughout the centuries, our storyteller finds poetry, humor, inspiration, and sadness in this 21st century retelling of Homer’s classic.

AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT Deepen your connection to the plays, stories, and complex inner workings of live theatre through our FREE Audience Enrichment programs.

Blasting out of their Zoom boxes, the cast of Boomtown is performing outside at The Creede Hotel & Restaurant this season. It’s Boomtown's 15th birthday and mom is finally letting us out of the house. So grab a cocktail (we can’t drink, but YOU CAN!), and get ready for Boomtown!: In the Wild! Well, it’s outside, but in a very comfortable climate with plenty of water available. Hang on, does someone actually get paid to come up with these taglines? Tickets to Boomtown! can be purchased through CRT in advance, or at the door. No meal purchase is required. The Hotel bar will stay open late for drinks!

Pre-show Talks / FREE! Pre-show Talks offer a comprehensive dramaturgical experience. In turn, you’ll appreciate and connect even more with our diverse repertory season. Arrive 35 minutes before show time for select shows.

Chat Backs / FREE! Stick around after select performances as our actors answer your burning questions and share fascinating stories about the creation of the play. In 2021, Chat Backs will take place after every Sunday matinee performance in Seime Park.

WANT MORE?

Don’t forget to pick up one of our Delve Deeper Study Guides for each of our shows at Seime Park.

Questions about CRT’s Behind the Curtain programs?

Contact Associate Artistic Director, Kate Berry at (719)658-2540 x 233 or kate@creederep.com

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your theatre, always

Hello CRT Friends, Welcome back to Creede, Colorado! Welcome back to live performances and sharing space with us face to face.

What a year it has been, and after lockdowns, shortages, and restrictions, thank you for returning. This summer is a grand experiment—our first outdoor season. It’s challenging to reinvent the wheel, but I suppose that’s the beginning of innovation.

Since this is the first season of its kind, I don’t know exactly what it will be like. So instead of telling you how it will unfold, I am going to share my hopes for the summer.

I hope you bring a comfy lawn chair. I hope you feel pleasure as you realize you haven’t been around this many people in a long time. I hope you feel safe at the same time. And whether you come alone or your box is full, I hope you connect with the story you hear, with the journey of its characters, and that their trials and tribulations bring a reflection on your journey this past year—its growth and stretching—and that you find a moment of peace. I hope you look across the lawn and see a friend who you haven’t seen in over a year, and you can connect after the show. I hope the weather is beautiful, but if it’s not, I hope you will forgive Mother Nature and come back and see a show the next week. As you look out to the left, to the east, over the rooftops of Creede and those beautiful mountains in the distance, I hope you can forget that stressful something that’s been following you around. When the show begins, I hope you can hear every word. I hope as the sun sets during the show, it casts a pinkish/purplish/cotton-candyish light on the clouds perched atop the Snowshoe Mountain as you wonder why you don’t watch the sunset every night.

And I hope you are caught up with a moment in the play where the actor turns to the audience and asks a question.

I hope the actor is looking in your direction, and you get uncomfortable and wonder if she is really asking you to respond. I’m telling you now, yes, she is asking you, and it’s okay if you answer. I hope you remember that stories have the power to heal, inspire, nurture, transport, and change us, and that there is a greater impact when that story is shared with other people at the same time, in the same space—something that has been missing for us for too long. I hope you laugh; I hope you cry; I hope you return again and again, and I hope you tell all your friends. Even better, I hope you buy a box and invite them to join you.

The past year tested our ability to hope. I hope our 2021 season fills you with hope. Thank you for joining us today and thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these uncharted territories. As always, I would love to answer any of your questions – please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop me at the K-Belle.

All the best,

John DiAntonio Producing Artistic Director (he, him, his) (719)658-2540 x229 john@creederep.com

hello!

When given the opportunity to return to CRT in January 2020 after nearly nine years away I couldn’t refuse. I met my husband when we were company members together in the summer of 2011. CRT offered me my first administrative staff position, put me on the management path, and shaped my career. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to live, create, and watch my son grow up than surrounded by the beauty of the San Juan mountains and the amazing community of artists who call them home.

My first year on the job didn’t go exactly as planned… I didn’t anticipate a pandemic. I didn’t anticipate being asked to reimagine an art form that has existed fundamentally unchanged for 5,000 years. What I did anticipate – what I was in no way surprised to find during these trying times – was a community that rallied around each other and CRT. Your well-wishes, donations, and partnership through the past year not only helped us to survive, they also enabled us to retain our full-time staff and undertake a number of improvement projects so patrons, students, and artists would return to a stronger CRT in 2021. The full-time staff did a deep dive into our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives; took advantage of a precious few months with empty buildings and warm weather to launch a massive facilities improvements campaign (which we can’t wait to show off in 2022!); created 24 weeks of free, online education programming; produced a new play, Beth Kander’s To the Moon; and built a brand-new website.

Two weeks after the September 11th attacks, as America was grieving unspeakable losses and it felt like the world had ground to a sudden halt, the Mayor of NYC went on Saturday Night Live to tell us it was OK to be funny again. Well, actually, when the cast asked if it was OK to be funny again, he said “why start now.” For the past year, that moment has stood out in my head – the moment the nation, the world, and a pretty rattled teenager living in Fresno, CA was told that though the situation was dire and there was a lot of work left to do, it was OK to go back to being who we were and doing what we did best. Since the news alert popped up on my phone on March 11, 2020 saying Broadway was going dark, I have wondered when the pandemic’s SNL moment would come. For me, and for CRT, it has come today.

Today, we are back in a space together; we are experiencing a living work of art together; and hopefully we can start to move forward together.

Morgan M. Manfredi Managing Director (she, her, hers) (719)658-2540 x 256 morgan@creederep.com

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CREEDE + CRT Mission

From its Rocky Mountain roots, Creede Repertory Theatre serves as an artistic home to our rural community and beyond, through the creation of repertory seasons, dynamic educational programing, and compelling new works.

Vision

CRT will be a haven for artistic excellence, belonging, and intrinsic joy.

Values

Artistry, Community, Intentionality, and Grit

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT CRT is committed to creating a Culture of Belonging for everyone. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whoever you pray to or vote for, whoever you love, however you look on the outside, whatever abilities or disabilities you hold in your body, we are committed to CRT being a place you call home.

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your theatre, always

CRT’s 2025 Strategic Plan & Goals A RT I S T RY

CRT will expand our artistic reach and national reputation through increased programming, strategic partnerships, and investment in our artists.

CO M M U N I T Y

CRT will deepen connections within our rural community and beyond, creating an artistic home for all artists, patrons, and students.

S U S TA I NA B I LI T Y

CRT will support the economic prosperity of our region, grow as an essential community partner, and reach new levels of sustainability in our finances, facilities, and staff.

First time in Creede?

Located at 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, Creede is a mountain town with a rich history.

Mineral County was the historic summer home of the Núu-agha-tuvu-pu (Ute), Jicarilla Apache, and Pueblo peoples who came to hunt, fish, trade and seek the medicinal benefits of local hot springs until forcibly removed from the lands after the discovery of mineral deposits in the mountains.

The modern town of Creede was founded in the late 1880s during the silver mining boom. Today it caters to the cultural tourist, outdoor enthusiast, and those looking for a quiet, yet friendly retreat along the headwaters of the Rio Grande and its nearly 540,000 acres of National Forest. Today, with less than 400 year-round residents, Creede has the feeling of a close-knit, family community. You can hike, fish, raft, shop, local artists / galleries – then take in a show!

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

mission

What Have We Been Up to Since 2019?

Over the past year, Producing Artistic Director, John DiAntonio has often talked about finding the “silver linings." It can be difficult to see those silver linings when in the midst of tragedy, but CRT has been grateful for the opportunity to slow down, reevaluate, and relearn. We have taken this “lull” period to evaluate our practices as humans and as an organization, and to make adjustments to those norms - acknowledging that much of it is rooted in cultural racism*. We are grateful for the folks who have pushed us and held us accountable, and we are committed to continuing our work towards becoming an artistic home for everyone.

We also acknowledge that CRT is currently a predominantly white institution. We know that to create a culture of belonging for everyone, we must also become an antiracist institution*, and we know that we have a long way to go and a lot of work to do.

In an effort to be more transparent, we would like to tell you about what we have done as an organization. Over the past year:

I N T ER NA LLY

• Created a weekly staff “Learning Lab.” • Participated in a two-day professional training with the organization Equity Quotient on becoming an antiracist theatre.

• Created a hiring task force to restructure our hiring policies and implement practices that reduce bias.

• Created an artistic task force to evaluate the stories being told on our stages and the folks who have historically been allowed to tell those stories.

• Created a Season Selection Reading Committee to help us get a more diverse slate of perspectives as we evaluate and select our plays for the season.

• The CRT Board has participated in a self-generated, eight-week Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion learning lab.

• Members of the Staff have participated in EDI workshops and training specific to their department.

EX T ER NA LLY

• Committed to having an EDI Representative involved in the rehearsal and pre-production process for every show.

• Made improvements to our buildings for them to be more ADA compliant and accessible. This includes redoing our Mainstage lobby floor, adding ADA toilets and accommodations in our public and private bathrooms, purchasing a state-of-the-art assisted listening system, and creating work surfaces that comply with ADA needs.

• Committed to doing land-acknowledgements* in lobby signage and website language.

• Increased our EDI Professional Development / Consultation budget.

• Moved to a 5-day work week.

M OV I N G F O RWA R D, W E CO M M I T TO T H E F O LL OW I N G :

• We will financially prioritize increased compensation for staff, seasonal employees, and contractors.

• We will further develop CRT’s non-biased hiring practices, removing barriers to entry.

• We will actively work to recruit BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and other underrepresented artists, theatre practitioners, and patrons.

• We will provide free tickets for indigenous community members.

• We will work to remove financial barriers to attending our productions.

• We will continue to increase our EDI Professional Development / Consultation budget.

For more detailed information, learning lab curriculum and more, please visit our website creederep.org/about/equity-diversity-and-inclusion

* D EF I N I T I O N S

Cultural Racism: How the dominant culture is founded upon and then shapes norms, values, beliefs, and standards to advantage white people and oppress People of Color.

Antiracist Institution: An organization that is inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences and which honors the humanity and dignity of the people within and beyond its walls.

Land Acknowledgement: A formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of the land.

• Eliminated the 10 out of 12-hour rehearsal day.

• Committed to having at least one ASL-Interpreted Performance per show.

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A Unique New Neighborhood In Creede

World Headquarters 114 North Main St. Creede, CO 719.658.0223 www.creedeamerica.com

2021 TICKETS

A WHOLE NEW WORLD!

Box Off ice Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm / Sunday 10am - 1pm CRT in the Park

Boxes start at $60 Each Box is 10' by 10' and can seat 1-4 people; the cost for the box is the same no matter if 1, 2, 3, or 4 people attend. If your party is larger than 4 people, you will need to purchase multiple Boxes.

Box capacity will be strictly enforced. Boxes are spaced to allow appropriate spacing between parties. Folks will need to bring their own chair or blanket - there will be no seats provided.

CRT Cabaret at The Creede Hotel: $20 per person The purchase of a meal is required for attending.

Utterly Devastating The $20 cover charge will be added to your food and beverage tab.

Boomtown! at the Creede Hotel

$10 No meal purchase is required.

The Hotel bar will stay open late for drinks!

The KID Show

FREE! Seats are limited; reserve now!

Headwaters New Play Festival Pass $25 All-access digital pass to two online readings of new plays and YAOT! There is a $3.00 service charge on all purchases for CRT in the Park and Headwaters.

Tickets for CRT in the Park, Boomtown!, and The KID Show can be reserved through CRT’s website or Box Office.

Reservations for the Cabaret can be made through The Creede Hotel & Restaurant at (719) 658-2608 or reservations@ thecreedehotel.com.

BOX OFFICE

CRT IN THE PARK SEATING MAP

130 Bee McClure Drive

ticketing

Like a hiker on a 14er, CRT always rises to the challenge!

While we expect to be back in the Mainstage and Ruth Theatres in 2022, we are thrilled to be bringing you live theatre set against the beauty of Mineral County this season!

CRT IN THE PARK FAQ Where is Seime Park?

130 Bee McClure Drive, across the street from Sunnyside Chapel and the Mineral County Cemetery. It is a two minute drive from town, or a quick walk up the path from Loma and 2nd Street.

Where do I park?

There is limited parking around Sunnyside Chapel.

Is the park tented?

The Park is open air! Please use sunscreen, bring water, and dress accordingly (layers for sun, wind, and maybe light rain!), bring an umbrella, and wear comfy shoes.

What if it rains?

If we are forced to cancel a performance (or part of a performance) due to weather we will exchange your ticket for any future CRT performance.

CRT AT THE CREEDE HOTEL FAQ Can I order from the full menu?

CRT alum, John Arp, has created a beautiful lineup of dishes and specials for the season. Cabaret guests can order from the full menu, including fabulous signature cocktails.

Is the venue tented?

Yes! Come rain, come shine, it’s on with the show – and dinner!

Is there a stage?

There is a brand new stage, lighting, and sound equipment!

What are the safety protocols?

The Creede Hotel & Restaurant complies with current mandates of the State of Colorado and local health officials.

COVID-19 SAFETY

These Safety Protocols have been crafted in partnership with Silver Thread Public Health, with strict adherence to Colorado State guidelines and requirements from the performers’ unions.

Your safety and that of our staff, students, and artists, is of the utmost importance.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate new territory together!

• CRT is proud to be a 100% vaccinated company!

• CRT asks that patrons follow CDC guidelines for outdoor masking.

• COVID-19 symptom checks are completed daily for CRT Staff; patrons will be asked to confirm no member of their party is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 prior to being seated.

• Patron’s contact information will be used for contract tracing purposes, if required.

• Social distancing must be observed at all times.

• Hand sanitizer will be readily available for patron use.

• All equipment and high-touch surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before each performance.

• If you are unable to attend a performance because a member of your party is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call the Box Office up to two hours before curtain time to exchange your tickets for a future performance at CRT. • We apologize that we can't offer any backstage tours, autograph signings, or meet-&-greet opportunities this year.

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Ken Ludwig’s

DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE directed by Michael Perlman Excerpts from A Better Legend: From the World War II Letters of Jack and Jane Poulton

Jack - Nov 22, 1942 […] I wish you knew how much I liked your letter today—it made me feel happy as I may be without you and strong enough for any job— was like warm sunshine when you are cold or being in bed when you’re tired or music when you need it most.

Jane - Nov 23, 1942 Please keep up the recorde r so we can duet. I will be goo d forever and never drown you out with the piano again.

I wasn’t very nice to you about that, was I? It hasn’t take n much going without you to make me realize things.

Jane and Jack Poulton

Jane - Nov 30, 1942

v 27, 1942 Jack - No er from e last lett I have th rning for we are o you this m and there won’t d e k e in the all pac me for on letter ti ch u m be at— I hate th morning. that I might be from you be lying here in l having wil ffice or following O st o P e th . the world me about

Your letters have been marvelous and I shall keep the m always. They are something to hand do grandchildren. I know wn to one’s how you feel when you think yo u aren’t putting all the things in your heart into your letters but you really do, you know.

I have always known what you were trying to say and I kn ow all about you therefore. You should know that. But a couple of thousand miles can make you a little unsure som etimes. I feel close to you always and the whole Pacific ocean can’t ch ange that.

Private Ernest Uno to his sister, Mae. Taken from War Letters, edited by Andrew Carrol July 29, 1944 I promised you I’d write every chance I had so here I am again. In the lull, between firing. I’ve found that scribbling off a few lines of a letter was the best way to ease the tension of fighting. Any little thing we do to divert our mind and keep us busy when the fighting comes to a temporary halt, relaxes the nerves and rests our bodies. That’s why receiving mail from home is so important.

I’ve got a bunch of letters in my pocket that are dirty and falling apart. They are the letters I have I received from you, and the rest of the family. almost know each one, word for word, ‘cause I’ve read and re-read them so often. They are the ones . that have kept me going until the new ones come

shows

DIRECTOR’S NOTES When my grandparents passed away about fifteen years ago, we found letters that they had written to each other during their courtship, during which time my grandfather was in Tel Aviv and my grandmother was in Vienna. From April 1935 thru July 1936, when my grandmother finally made the journey to join him, they shared stories of their lives, their hopes, their fears. They talked about Michael Perlman food. They broke up a few times. My grandmother visited his mother often so that she could give updates. And they waited impatiently to receive the next letters.

I was struck when I read these letters how utterly familiar they felt. Granted, online dating is faster, but we wait as eagerly for a text when we see those three little dots flashing as my grandmother did when she would run to the postal box every day to see if a letter had arrived. The method had changed, but the desire for love and connection is a constant.

I first encountered Ken Ludwig’s funny and poignant Dear Jack, Dear Louise in December of 2019 and was reminded of these letters and of the special gift my family has of being able to read them and connect to them these many years later. After the past year and a half, however, what was a wistful and lovely story of two people overcoming the obstacles of distance to touch one another with their words has taken on richer and deeper meaning. We all have overcome so many obstacles this year as we’ve reached out to one another to remind ourselves that the most important thing in our lives are our relationships with those around us. How thrilling it is to get to connect tonight by sharing this space and this story.

Director Michael Perlman’s Grandparents,-36 who corresponded over 16 months from 1935 Berta - June 6, 1935 me. I don’t wish you that Good advice: it is better if you don’t fall in love with love… in and apart far so being torture, because Fazi - July 11, 1935 despair. Are you not writing Lately I have been getting mail so irregularly, I could mail? bad the just regularly, or is it Berta - February 1936 keep it anyway, at least no The mustache does not suit you at all. But you can me. In case you should at to true stay you’ll and looks your one else will like the razor. first , please then some time be ready to be seen by me, Fazi – February 1936 at you. But by now it has Point 1. My mustache is deathly insulted and is mad Furthermore, one can get . worry to have gotten considerably smaller, so you don’t che. musta a even used to anything, Fazi - July, 1936 shaved off my mustache, so One secret I have to reveal to you. For your sake I have much. too all love your test to have that I would not Berta - April 16, 1936 heartfelt kisses from your I am coming! […] Stay well and accept the most . yours all all, be will Berta, who soon

10 Minute Intermission

CREATIVE TEAM Director Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Intimacy Captain Dramaturg EDI Facilitation

MANAGEMENT Stage Manager

CAST

Jack Ludwig Louise Rabiner

Michael Perlman+ AnnDee Alvidrez** Elly Hunt Kaye Swindell Ethan Fuller Jenni Harbour Courtney Cauthon Will Ward JuanCarlos Contreras* Graham Ward* Caitlin Wise*

Content Advisory: This production contains descriptions of war and violence, some strong language, and a love story that ends happily.

Dear Jack, Dear Louise premiered at Arena Stage (Washington, DC); Molly Smith, Artistic Director and Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer November 21-December 29, 2019 Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. concordtheatricals.com Excerpt from Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesserling, Original Broadway Production by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, used with permission.

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law. For more information, please visit: concordtheatricals. com/resources/protecting-artists ** Terrence and Polly Jones Scenic Designer

Fazi - July 26, 1936 made me very happy to hear Yesterday I received your dear letter of 24 July and it If that is so, I think this will closer… much moved has l arriva your that the date of is the last time I will have this hope I o, then be the last letter that we exchange…S you and to the real ones. to rd forwa g lookin am I and g, writin in to send you kisses (The July 26th letter was the last one in the collection)

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RED RIDING HOOD

by Allison Gregory • Directed by John DiAntonio

THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

Our 56th season is all about storytelling. Dear Jack, Dear Louise reveals the power of story through a series of letters sent over a very specific moment in time. An Iliad gives us The Poet, fated to tell the same story over and over again, who looks for new meaning throughout the centuries. Little Red Riding Hood is a story we’ve all heard, over and over, throughout the centuries and yet we keep coming back to it. Why do we keep coming back to these tales? In the article “Why are Fairy Tales Universally Appealing”, Kate Forsyth writes, “One of the things I was examining in my doctorate is why fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel continue to be told and retold, sometimes enduring for over a thousand years. What I discovered is a story only survives if it articulates some kind of desire or dilemma, some kind of predicament, which is of importance to both the reteller of the tale, and to his or her audience.” This explanation of the enduring qualities of stories, are some of the same reasons why theatre itself is so compelling.

Fairy tales originated hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Before early humans drew or painted on cave walls, they spoke their stories out loud. As speech evolved, so did stories. Stories were passed down through families, often to teach young people valuable lessons of good and bad, right and wrong, and the morality of the day. One of the most famous scribes of fairy tales, The Grimm Brothers, wrote their stories after listening to friends and family share them aloud.

They added and changed parts of the story to continue its evolution.

Storytelling gives us the freedom to expand and change, and this growth allows for these classic stories to be heard by a new audience.

When asked what inspired her to write her version of this classic story, playwright Allison Gregory shared, “There are countless variations and versions of Red Riding Hood, dating back hundreds of years, centuries; how could I bring anything new to the tale that hadn’t already been tried? The more research I did the more I came to realize that this was not going to be a play about how a little girl does or doesn’t get eaten by a wolf; it was going to be a play about storytelling. That’s when I really got invested: when it became about the How and not the What. That distinction cracked open the world of the play and gave me a kind of energetic authority to refocus events and rethink the dynamic between Red and the wolf.”

And what better way to tell a story, than cracked open through the power of theatre, in front of an audience.

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your theatre, always

(top) Hoodwinked! (2005) explores the classic story from each characters perspective; (bottom) The original cast of Stephen Sondheim's musical Into the Woods, which brings together many of Grimm's classic fairy tale characters

shows No Intermission

CREATIVE TEAM

Director John DiAntonio Scenic Design Amanda Relaford Costume Design Will Ward Lighting Design Kaye Swindell Sound Design & Composition Jake Harbour Music Director Andy Hudson Intimacy Captain Jenni Harbour EDI Facilitation Brittni Shambaugh Addison

MANAGEMENT Stage Manager

CAST

Delivery Person Wolfgang

JuanCarlos Contreras* Alexandria Bates* Matthew Tyler Horn*

Content Advisory: This production contains descriptions of fantasy gore, some cartoon style violence, plus a glorification of life in the performing arts.

Red Riding Hood was originally commissioned by Seattle Children's Theatre, Courtney Sale, Artistic Director and Kevin Malgesini, Managing Director

19th Century illustration of Red and the wolf

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

John DiAntonio

So why Red Riding Hood? Haven’t we all been trying to get to Grandma’s house (literally or figuratively) over this last year, while the “Wolf ” has thwarted our every step. Like Red, I’ve certainly felt a bit lost in the woods over this last year, but I’ve emerged older and wiser. I think I saw our trusty UPS Delivery Person live and in-person more often than my family, employees, and friends. So, yeah, it’s got some timeless resonance. But really, why now?

Because I love Allison Gregory’s version of this classic story. It contains all of my favorite things about the theater and live performance: theatricality, magic, imagination, playfulness, irreverence, music, singing, humor, heart, relationship and character arc, built for the outdoors, puppets, audience address, rhythm, physicality, a happy ending, and an overwhelming dose of joy, something we all could use these days.

There are many messages to take away from this classic tale. For me, at the top of the list is: You can’t do it alone. It’s something I need reminded of often, and something that we all need reminded of after a year of isolation. Even these two actors can’t do the show alone, they need a team of technicians, box office, and CRT staff to bring the magic to life. Oh, and one other key ingredient: They need an audience! That’s where you come in. Thank you for joining us today. I hope you have as much fun as we had bringing this production to life.

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by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare

based on Homer’s The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles

THE MANY FACES OF THE POET

directed by Betty Hart

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“A lone figure emerges on a simple stage...”

And the play begins. One-person shows are an acting feat all on their own, however An Iliad requires the performer to learn and speak Greek, tackle the epic style of gods and warriors, as well as command the audience with their presence and charisma. CRT’s production features the formidable talent of Lavour Addison. Here, we look at the many identities of The Poet. In the quotes below, An Iliad playwrights Lisa Petersen and Denis O’Hare discuss how the role came to be, and how they envisioned this very important role. Who would you cast as your Poet?

(left) Denis O'Hare in the original production. (right) Rachel Christopher at Long Wharf Theatre.

Photo by T. Charles Erickson

“We began to imagine a character called The Poet: an ancient teller of tales who might still exist in the universe, doomed to tell the story of the Trojan War until the day when human nature changes, when our addiction to rage comes to an end, when the telling of a war story becomes unnecessary.

A day that has yet to come, of course.”

Mary Tuomanen at Arden Theatre Co. Photo

by Wide Eyed Studios

“We imagine that on this particular night, our Poet finds himself transported to an empty stage, in front of a particular audience…”

your theatre, always

Kyle Hatley at Kansas City Rep. Photo by Don Ipock

shows

DIRECTOR’S NOTES Imagine a year of isolation where you were required to travel the earth alone. Because of the circumstances of the world, your journey was a solo one with occasional moments of visiting with other humans. You might think I’m talking about the past year where we were isolated due to Covid-19, but I’m not. I’m talking about the plight of the Poet in An Iliad. Our Poet is a journeyman whose life is Betty Hart traveling the world sharing the story & the lessons of the Trojan War. Our Poet’s task is to tell the story. The hope is that there will come a time when the story no longer needs to be told, but until then, like Sisyphus, who was forever required to push the rock up the hill, the Poet must tell the story over and over again until humanity finally hears.

Why should you want to hear a story of isolation, a tale of woe, here in the beautiful community of Creede, against the backdrop of the gorgeous mountain chain that surrounds us here? Because those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Are we, like the Poet, doomed to experience the worst of humanity over and over again, because we won’t learn?

Our Poet asks us “can we ever choose the path of peace or must we descend into madness once more?” This is timely, for as I write this, Israel and Palestine have had bombs flying over each other’s countries for eight consecutive days, with over two hundred people dead. That heartbreaking number will probably rise by the time you read this.

As our Poet shares the tale of the Trojan War, there is a heart that is breaking, not just for the Trojan War, but for our current world. What might happen if we decided that war would no longer be tolerated? That war was no longer an option? What if collectively, as a city, state, nation, or world, we decided that the children of tomorrow would read about war and see it as a fairy tale because war, like dragons, no longer visit the earth?

There is hope in those questions. There is hope that one day we will choose to look at our metaphorical neighbor as ourself, that we would choose the path of love and peace and empathy—not just for ourselves, but for the world community at large. Is it possible? I don’t know. But there is a gleam in the Poet’s eye, and I invite you to watch closely and see if you can see it, that says “perhaps”. Perhaps, there will be a day where each and every one of us decides that love is stronger than hate, and that we will have the courage to rewrite our future by saying a final farewell to war.

No Intermission

CREATIVE TEAM Director Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Music & Composition Fight Direction

Dramaturg Greek Pronunciation EDI Facilitation

MANAGEMENT Stage Manager

CAST Poet

Betty Hart Amanda Relaford Elly Hunt Kaye Swindell Jake Harbour Johnathan Taylor Lavour Addison & John DiAntonio Courtney Cauthon Liliana Talwatte Alyssa Peters JuanCarlos Contreras* Lavour Addison*

Content Advisory: This production contains some strong language and descriptions of war and violence.

An Iliad was originally developed as part of the New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspects Program, Off-Broadway premiere produced by New York Theatre Workshop ( Jim Nicola, Artistic Director; William Russo, Managing Director) in 2012.

An Iliad was originally produced by Seattle Repertory Theatre ( Jerry Manning Producing Artistic Director; Benjamin Moore, Managing Director). It was subsequently produced by McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, NJ (Emily Mann, Artistic Director; Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director, Mara Isaacs, Producing Director).

An Iliad was developed in part with the assistance of the Sundance Institute Theatre Program.

An Iliad is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

Lavour Addison stars in CRT's production

“There is no reason that The Poet could not be female, or any race, or differently abled, or over 70 or under 30. We think of Homer as a kind of coat that anyone with the passion and the talent (and the ability to memorize) the story could wear.”

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CABARET CREEDE HOTEL:

at the

Utterly Devastating

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

No Intermission CREATIVE TEAM Director Jessica Jackson+ Music Director Andy Hudson Costume Design Elly Hunt Lighting Design Kaye Swindell Sound Design Ethan Fuller EDI Facilitation Brittni Shambaugh Addison

& Will Ward MANAGEMENT Stage Manager CAST Host Host Plus Special Guests…

Miranda Ray Christy Brandt Annie Butler

Content Advisory: These performances may include lots of Broadway tunes and reliving past success.

The purchase of a meal is required for attending the Cabaret. The $20 per person cover charge will be added to your food and beverage tab. Cocktail hour begins at 5pm, patrons must be seated for dinner by 6pm. Make reservations through The Creede Hotel & Restaurant at (719)658-2608.

When humor exists, love is not far behind.

-Michael Lewis

Jessica Jackson

In March 2021, I saw a headline that read, “performing arts industry faces utter devastation.”

I found this headline perplexing. Oh, so, now we’re utterly devastated? What was the past 12 months? Just a balmy devastation? A mild, picode-gallo devastation before the ghost-pepper

devastation?

This ridiculous, irreverent cabaret is a salute to entertainers – those brilliant performers who captivate an audience, who hold us so deftly in the palm of their hand. Without audiences, these workers (mostly freelancers) were robbed of their livelihood for far too long. Most are still waiting for the jobs to return. They’ve been utterly devastated. This seems like a strange inspiration for a goofball variety-show parody. I don’t pretend that laughter can heal all these wounds, but I also can’t imagine facing the future without it.

Christy Brandt and Annie Butler play two semi-famous, semi-coherent divas on the cusp of calling it quits. With the help of some eccentric performers, they’re taking the stage for “one night only” to bid farewell to the world of entertainment - a last hurrah full of song, comedy, and mischief. Will they hang it all up when the curtain falls? Or will they carry on? It’s their last chance to be brilliant, captivating…and utterly devastating.

Christy and Annie. Butler vs Brandt. Starring Christy Brandt and Annie Butler. However you name this dynamic duo, they're sure to bring the laughs, and even tug at your heart strings. This year, these two legends of the CRT stage host an original cabaret complete with their unforgettable chemistry and some very special guests. Plus, no two shows will be quite the same! (left) Is He Dead? (2012), (right) Ripcord (2019)

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your theatre, always

!

N W O T BOOM

shows

One 5-minute Intermission

SHOW @ 9 PM* EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT July 2nd – September 3rd

IMPROV COMEDY

AT ITS WILDEST Blasting out of their Zoom boxes, the cast of Boomtown is performing outside at The Creede Hotel & Restaurant this season. It’s Boomtown's 15th birthday and mom is finally letting us out of the house. So grab a cocktail (we can’t drink, but YOU CAN!), a snack for the table, and get ready for Boomtown!: In the Wild! Well, it’s outside, but in a very comfortable climate with plenty of water available. Hang on, does someone actually get paid to come up with these taglines?

Tickets to Boomtown! can be purchased through CRT in advance, or at the door. No meal purchase is required. The Hotel bar will stay open late for drinks.

At The Creede Hotel & Restaurant

*Boomtown performances are starting earlier than ever before.

With the new 9 PM start time, now you can be in bed sipping a warm glass milk by 10:30pm! Book early, seats are limited!

CAST

Brittni Shambaugh Addison Lavour Addison Alexandria Bates John DiAntonio Bethany Eilean Talley Caitlin Wise Graham Ward And more less funny people!

PRODUCTION CREW

Musical Improviser Tech Improviser Lighting Design Sound Design EDI Facilitation

Andy Hudson Miranda Ray Kaye Swindell Ethan Fuller Alexandria Bates

SPONSORS

Tomkins Hardware, Kip’s Grill, San Juan Sports, San Luis Valley Federal Bank, Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and Restaurant, Courtney & Michele LaZier

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The Creede Hotel & Restaurant Historic downtown setting Period hotel rooms Serving the community since 1892

Under new ownership Featuring new dishes at ARP’S Spacious outdoor dining

w w w. t h e c r e e d e h o t e l . c o m

headwaters In 2021, Headwaters is Going Virtual!

OUR 9TH NEW PLAY FESTIVAL, OUR 1ST VIRTUAL FESTIVAL! 9th Annual Headwaters New Play Festival

World Premiere of El Guayabo/The Guava Tree

This year, our two staged readings will be virtual. Like March’s presentation of To the Moon by Beth Kander, an online setting gives us the opportunity to use artists from all over the world.

Get a front row seat (in your own living room) to the process of bringing new plays to life: readings of brand-new work, a peek into the process, and an engaging and interactive talk back with festival playwrights and directors.

Though our staged readings are virtual this year, Headwaters weekend gives you the chance to see the World Premiere of our Young Audience Outreach Tour live and in-person before it hits the road. See both casts of El Guayabo/The Guava Tree at the Virginia Christensen Multi-Use Facility at 408 LaGarita Ave in Creede. Not in Creede for Headwaters? A performance of El Guayabo/The Guava Tree will be available to stream over festival weekend. See page 27 for more about YAOT.

1PM MST / AUGUST 27 & AUGUST 28 OUR VIRTUAL THEATRE / $25

11AM / AUGUST 27 & AUGUST 28TH VIRGINIA CHRISTENSEN MULTI-USE FACILITY

AND INTRODUCING!

THE T. JEFFERSON CAREY MEMORIAL PLAYWRIGHTING AWARD

Awarded to one of the two Headwaters selections that most embody Jeff ’s spirit of writing.

Jeff Carey may have only been half human. In fact, spit-balling, he was likely about 68% bear. He had an ursine shape and was covered in lots of grizzly hair. He shambled when he walked. He was a consummate hibernator and scrounger. He liked dark places like theatres and haunted houses and basement apartments and caves. Ensconced, he would dream and cogitate and imagine and draw and write and create, and when he came forth from these dark places, sometimes of his own psyche, battling zombies and demons and internal organs and femme fatales, he emerged with a most human and archetypal and whimsical art.

His art wasn’t the type depicting, as Hitchcock accuses Disney in his play, Dangerland, “a world without nuance, a one-dimensional world, scrubbed clean of what makes us human”. Jeff wrote kid’s plays for grownups and grownup plays for kids. He didn’t try to shield kids from the fact of their mortality, neither from monsters or stolen mothers or pirates or any of their deepest fears. He had already navigated those places and knew their worth, and knew kids were curious about such things so he could lead kids on worthwhile adventures. He didn’t make them the false promise they wouldn’t encounter fear or loss, but in his stories, they could discover something true and dangerous and valuable to know. His heroines could face difficult things and survive. His plays were intended for brave children. His grownup plays could be scary and insightful and weird and funny. They could also be revelatory, uncovering hidden marvels to stubborn, habituated, grown-up sensibilities.

Jeff Carey

Scruff Turbo and the Children of the Future (2008) by Jeff Carey

This award helps us heal from the loss of Jeff, and the loss of his work never accomplished, by treasure hunting for similarities and intersections in the words and themes of other talented playwrights. We’re grateful for the work of others to peer under the page, behind the words, into the shadows, in order to catch a glimpse of our old dear friend.

–MAURICE LAMEE

CRT Artistic Director 2001-2012

Headwaters is made possible by the generous support of Ronny & Rena Wells

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education

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Bethany Eilean Talley

I am honored to see this story brought to life. It was born out of a year of disconnection and a heart weary for the suffering of the world. It is a love letter (love play?) to children - their imaginations, bravery, ingenuity.

They seem to get things right much more frequently than those in charge. Their collective voice, the voices of my two little girls singing whenever and wherever they please, give me hope.

“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over announcing your place in the family of things.”

–Mary Oliver, Wild Geese

THE KID SHOW’STH 19 SEASON! SEIME PARK July 8 / 11 am July 9 / 7 pm July 10 / 11 am

reserve your

free tickets today!

CREEDEREP.ORG/KIDSHOW

No Intermission

CREATIVE TEAM

Deviser & Director Bethany

Eilean Talley Assistant Director Jenni Harbour Scenic Design AnnDee Alvidrez** Costume Design Will Ward Lighting Design Kaye Swindell Sound Design Johnathan Taylor EDI Facilitation Elly Hunt Stage Manager Sky Bradley Developed under CRT’s Headwaters New Play Program.

SUPPORTED BY

Hitchcock Foundation Quiller Gallery Antlers Rio Grande Lodge & Riverside Restaurant San Luis Valley Federal Bank Chuck and Kay Harbert **Terrence and Polly Jones Scenic Designer

Now in its 19th season, The KID Show program provokes and empowers young creative minds to develop and produce a new play, while placing them in a professional environment and encouraging them to play!

For more information, contact Education Director Brittni Shambaugh Addison at (719) 658-2540 x 227 or brittni@creederep.com.

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education

learn with us

COME PLAY!

Creede Rep’s educational programs strive to bring excellent arts programming that inspires creativity, challenges, empowers, and nurtures individuals and communities through storytelling. We believe that EVERY student has unique gifts and talents.

Theatre is unparalleled in its ability to help individuals identify, explore, and share those gifts- and learn to celebrate the unique gifts of others.

2021 camps

Come play and discover your creative self through these exciting drama classes! Learning through theatre teaches students how to work together, problem solve, and use their imaginations.

five fantastic summer camps!

THEATRICAL DESIGN How do different design elements work together to bring a production to life? Join CRT’s team of professional artists and explore the world of costume, sound, scenic, and lighting design in theatre.

Ages 6-9 /July 12-15 /10AM-4PM Class Tuition: $200

STAGE COMBAT Have you ever wondered how actors make epic battles and fights look so real? Learn how to safely wow your audience while learning from our team of professional fight choreographers and actors.

Ages 8 + / July 26-29 /10AM-4PM Class Tuition: $200

ACTION STORY TIME 1 The Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog In this delightful offering for our youngest learners, students will have the opportunity to learn theatre fundamentals and problemsolving skills through movements, storytelling, and literacy. Every student will leave with a new book!

Ages 3-5 / July 16 / 10AM-12PM Class Tuition: $40

ACTION STORY TIME 2 Beast Feast In this delightful offering for our youngest learners, students will have the opportunity to learn theatre fundamentals and problemsolving skills through movements, storytelling, and literacy. Every student will leave with a new book!

Ages 3-5 / July 30 / 10AM-12PM Class Tuition: $40

PAGE TO STAGE What if we took a story that we all know and love and set it in a modern world? What is the process of looking at a story, making it your own, and bringing it to life on the stage? In this new offering, students will have the opportunity to do just that!

Ages 5-7 / July 19-22 /10AM-4PM Class Tuition: $200

CAMPS FILL UP QUICKLY!

Register today to reserve your spot.

To register, visit creederep.org/education/camps For any questions or to apply for financial assistance, please contact Education Director, Brittni Shambaugh Addison, at brittni@creedere.com or (719) 658-2540 x227

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education

YOUNG AUDIENCE OUTREACH TOUR Book and Lyrics by Diana Grisanti Music by Emiliano Messiez Directed by Ismael Lara

THE GUAVA TREE / EL GUAYABO DIRECTOR'S NOTES

El Guayabo sprouted in the midst of story sharing.

Diana, our incredible playwright, and I were bouncing Ismael Lara, Jr. ideas off of one another when a story from the past came to mind. A story of resilience from a younger student of mine. As an educator, I’ve been blessed to learn from many students who have experienced difficult times in their lives and I’m always inspired when they’re able to find joy in their hardships. I think I’m most in awe of some children's ability at showcasing the wisdom to hold two truths in their hands.

The story I shared goes a little something like this: A few years ago, a student of mine shared a thought conjured from a simple gaze at a tree that had suffered loss of leaves through the Winter. After a few silent moments of staring out of the window, watching the leafless tree sway in the wind, he gently and poetically uttered, “I love trees. Know why, Mr.?” “Why?” I replied. “Because it doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, hot or cold — the leaves keep falling and go away in the Winter, but they always come back. They always grow back. That’s why.” I sat. Shocked for a moment. Wondering what it was about nature that helped us understand resilience and I saw in his eyes this deep yearning for connection. It was a need to be understood and a hopefulness that everything would eventually be okay.

In El Guayabo, Emi takes us on a journey back to a time when his life was in transition. We see that even if saddened by uprooting everything he loves to move to America, once he arrives, he still finds the courage to plant seeds. Those seeds quickly begin to heal him and sprout a beautiful friendship with a lifelong companion, Iris. Emi, too, learns that resilience is inherent and like a tree in the spring we watch his new leaves emerge. What I hope we glean from this play is the truth that friendship and togetherness have the power to pull us out of difficult situations.

Celebrating 37 years of bringing excellent bilingual musical theatre to schools across the Southwest and beyond!

Creede Rep’s Young Audience Outreach Tour (YAOT) is one of the largest providers of educational theatre in the rural Southwest, serving over 31,000 children. YAOT’s mission is to bring high quality musical theatre to young audiences in rural and underserved communities by annually producing an original children’s show that tours throughout CO, NM, UT, AZ, OK, NV, and KS.

Literacy Empowers Our Youth!

To support your community’s literacy endeavors, each student receives a free original children’s book after the show. These books reinforce the themes of the study guide and play, while making reading exciting!

No Intermission

CREATIVE TEAM

Director Book and Lyrics Composition & Music Direction Choreographer

Scenic Design Costume Design

Sound Design EDI Facilitation

Ismael Lara Jr. Diana Grisanti Emiliano Messiez Bethany Eilean Talley Lisa Duncan Elly Hunt & Will Ward Jake Harbour Alyssa Peters & Alexandria Bates

MANAGEMENT

Stage Manager Sky Bradley Stage Manager Olivia Zapater-Charrette

CAST

Emiliano (Emi for short) Iris (and everyone else)

Brandon Guzman Emily Diaz

Emiliano TBD (Emi for short) Iris Patty de la Garza (and everyone else) Developed under CRT’s Headwaters New Play Program.

SUPPORTED BY

The Dane G Hansen Foundation The Krueger Charitable Foundation Clarence V. Laguardia Foundation Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation

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27

CRT PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of CRT’s Board of Trustee, it is my privilege to welcome you to what might just be the most fun and creative season in CRT’s 56-year history. While shows will not be on the Mainstage or in The Ruth you will still get to experience professionally produced, heartfelt shows with the stunning natural backdrop only Creede can offer. We have heard from so many patrons and supporters over the course of the last year and the continued love and support for CRT is overwhelming. Because of our super fans, the theatre survived a year with no company, no crew, and no live shows only to come out stronger and more dedicated. Staff pivoted to bring CRT to fans virtually through online shows, Zoomtown and a ton of educational programs. If you are reading this, please know we appreciate you more than you can imagine; you truly are the reason CRT is still going strong and continues to entertain and educate thousands of folks every year. We hope this season brings you great joy in the safest most spectacular way possible.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Kristy Robinson

President, CRT Board of Trustees

Our 2021 Board of Trustees Kristy Robinson

President Dallas, TX and Creede, CO The Hoglund Foundation Trustee

Vice President of Facilities Danbury, CT and Creede, CO Former Director of the Health Fund for the union of the City University of NY faculty

Susan Birdsey

Senior Vice President Grand Junction and Creede, CO Owner of Ramble House and Creede Guide and Outfitters and K-12 Public School Educator

Elizabeth Zurn Lujan

Vice President of Finance Alamosa, CO Owner & Producer at Vinrock Media, helping businesses attract more customers with video marketing (she, her, hers)

Rick Sloan

Vice President of Fund Development Prairie Village, KS and Creede, CO Founder of The Sloan Agency, an Independent Agency

Amy Krueger

Larry Morgan

Bob Johns

Vice President of Strategic Planning Arlington, Texas and Lake City, CO President of The Kitchen Source and Manufacturer’s Representative for WoodMode Cabinetry.

Mary Lee Pinkerton

Secretary of the Board Montrose, CO and Creede, CO Co-Owner of 4UR Ranch

Keith R. Cerny

Vice President of Board Development Boston, MA and Creede, CO Owner of The Mac Mine and The Krueger Family Foundation Trustee

Creede and Alamosa, CO Publisher, Valley Courier, Div. Mgr. News Media Corp.

Joe Ford

South Fork, CO Network Funding Mortgage, Texas & Colorado

Jim Loud

Creede, CO Safety Management Consultant at James Loud Consulting

Isaac Grody-Patinkin

Creede, CO Health Equity Lead & Prevention Coordinator, Silver Thread Public Health (he, him, his)

David Risser

Santa Fe, NM Finance Adviser with Financial Partners

The Christina Award

In honor and memory of Super Fan Christina Egolf, each year CRT recognizes and celebrates our most ardent and loyal patrons with The Christina Award. This honor recognizes patrons who went above and beyond in the areas of show attendance, volunteerism, charitable giving, and more. We will recognize these outstanding individuals before the 7pm performance of Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise on Friday, July 30th.

This year’s recipients: Christina Egolf (right) with daughter Adrian

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your theatre, always

Becky Potter Welsh, Sarah Linn, Tom & May Claire Hetzel, Gigot & Eli Hudspeth

thank you

55th Season Poster Unveiling at Quiller Gallery (2020)

!

U O Y K N THA

The vision of Creede Repertory Theatre is to be a haven for artistic excellence, belonging, and intrinsic joy. Our community is made up of multigenerational locals, friends all around the Southwest, pass-through hikers, students seeing a YAOT performance for the first time, students seeing a YAOT performance for the last year, summer residents, yearround locals, and so many more amazing individuals. We are intentional about welcoming all who walk through our doors into the CRT family; you belong here. The artistry on our stage is a celebration of excellence, creativity, and joy. And the grit of the San Juan Mountains lives through our historical legacy onwards.

But we didn’t create this identity alone. In 1966, the local community pitched in to bring CRT’s inaugural season to life. They laid the foundation for a town-wide artistic community. In 1975, the students watching Golliwhoppers! set the stage for a robust and far-reaching outreach. In 2003, the very first KID Show promised that students could build their talents from the mountains. In 2011, the opening of the Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre created another home for summer shows and community events in the winter. In 2020, when you watched our online programs, donated to sustain our theatre, and did your part to stay safe you inspired our hope, you ensured the first outdoor season would be an incredible endeavor. In 2021, we hope you see this identity grow and transform, and we cannot thank you enough for being a part of our story.

Thank you for contributing to the development of a new script for how CRT can survive and thrive through hardship.

You drive our mission of being an artistic home forward. Your gifts honor our history and push us towards our future. We would not have become Creede Rep without our family, audiences, and our donors, and we cannot remain CRT without you. As we move through this extraordinary summer you hold our identity and our gratitude.

This is your theatre, always.

The cast of The KID Show: Hansel or Gretel (2020)

An audience at the promenade style KID Show: Hansel or Gretel (2020)

From the Cabaret at Basham Park (2020)

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our sponsors Creede Repertory Theatre’s 56th season is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: ANTLERS RIO GRANDE LODGE & RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT Bordering national forest on a secluded bend of the Rio Grande, Antlers is known for its premier trout fishing waters and offers cabins, rooms, and RV spaces to the public.

At day’s end, come enjoy fine dining in a leisurely atmosphere at the Riverside Restaurant.

Seime Park, Boomtown, The KID Show

DANE G. HANSEN The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for the people of Northwest Kansas to enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Fulfillment of our mission is predicated on three specific goals: reverse the population decline, increase the economic opportunities, and strengthen critical community services.

YAOT

BROKEN ARROW RANCH AND LAND COMPANY Anne and Dale have owned and operated Broken Arrow Ranch & Land Company in Creede for nearly three decades. Their diligence, experience and commitment to clients has helped many acquire their dream mountain property. Looking to buy or sell? Call the local experts! Anne and Dale are honored to continue their tradition of supporting the local community.

Seime Park

DEL NORTE BANK As a mutual bank, Del Norte Bank’s philosophy is to be TRUE to the community with an honest approach as a LOCAL financial institution providing necessary BANK products to individuals and businesses to facilitate community success. True, Local, Bank.

Seime Park

CHARLES & KAREN NEARBURG & BROADACRES RANCH Charles and Karen Nearburg & Broadacres Ranch in memory of Rett Nearburg are proud to support Creede Repertory Theatre.

Seime Park CHUCK AND KAY HARBERT & THE RIO GRANDE ANGLER Chuck and Kay have actively supported the theatre through the years, with Kay serving as a Board member from 2002-2008.

Long-time play sponsors and fundraisers, they believe that CRT is an integral part of the Creede experience.

Seime Park, The KID Show CLARENCE V. LAGUARDIA FOUNDATION YAOT COURTNEY &MICHELE LAZIER Boomtown CREEDE AMERICA GROUP Creede America is a unique neighborhood that sits up on the mesa on the west side of the city of Creede. Great architecture, cuttingedge green technologies, and stunning views make Creede America the place to be in Creede.

Seime Park

DIXIE LEE SLATER MEMORIAL FUND Dixie and Bob have enjoyed many years of seeing and supporting CRT. Their involvement has included serving on the Board, the Ruth Capital Campaign and, sponsoring interns. See page 43.

Seime Park FIRST SOUTHWEST BANK First Southwest Bank serves southwest Colorado in the San Luis Valley, Pagosa Springs, Durango and Cortez. We’re the bank with “capital ideas” to get you where you want to be. We can help you get there.™ CMYK: C-100 M-30 Y-66 K-17 RGB: R-0 G-112 B-101 Web: 007065

CMYK: C-37 M-78 Y-79 K-45 RGB: R-94 G-54 B-44 Web: 5E362C

GENNY BASLER MEMORIAL FUND See page 43.

CMYK: C-100 M-77 Y-38 K-36 RGB: R-0 G-53 B-90 Web: 00355a

HECLA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Educational Sponsor

CMYK: C-65 M-51 Y-44 K-16 RGB: R-98 G-105 B-113 Web: 626971

Font: Lato Family

THE HITCHCOCK FOUNDATION The Eleanor and Henry Hitchcock Charitable Foundation is proud to support The KID Show for the 2021 season. Now in its 19th year, The KID Show is created and performed by local youth in collaboration with CRT professionals.

The KID Show JOHN DAVID LENTZ MEMORIAL FUND See page 43.

Seime Park

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our sponsors KIP'S GRILL Boomtown KRUEGER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The Krueger Charitable Foundation’s commitment has been instrumental in supporting the literacy component of CRT’s Young Audience Outreach Tour. Their gift makes it possible for CRT to give a children’s book to each of our young audience members after every tour performance. We hand out close to 25,000 books each year because of the Krueger Foundation’s generous support.

YAOT KYM & MICKEY THOMPSON AND JEN HOUSTON & ALAN BUSCHE Seime Park LEO GILBERT WETHERILL FOUNDATION Educational Sponsor NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS CRT Education is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works.

Educational Sponsor PEGGY LONGWOOD LAMB Peggy Longwood Lamb has been a part of the Creede community since 1939 when her parents bought their cabin at Spar City. She has witnessed this historic venue’s transformation from a movie house to its present use as the home of the Creede Repertory Theatre. Desiring to secure the financial stability of CRT, Ralph and Peggy Lamb established the Ralph & Peggy Lamb Endowment Fund in 1994, paving the way for the creation of the CRT endowment. The leadership and vision of Ralph and Peggy will forever provide a rich cultural legacy for Creede and its community of visitors.

Seime Park QUILLER GALLERY The KID Show RICK & AMANDA RODRIGUEZ Seime Park, Boomtown ROBERT HOAG RAWLINGS FOUNDATION The purpose of the Foundation is to assist nonprofit organizations with projects that are designed to improve the lives of people who reside in The Pueblo Chieftain circulation area, all within Colorado counties.

YAOT

RONNY & RENA WELLS Headwaters New Play Festival SAN JUAN SPORTS Open since 1974, San Juan Sports provides for all your outdoor adventuring needs. As proud distributors of the finest outdoor products, San Juan Sports offers outdoor sporting equipment, apparel, and shoes. Also, check out our tee shirt shop, San Juan Sports T-Shirt Company (next to the Kentucky Belle Market), and have a beverage with us at our new addition Sunnyside Bar! Don't forget to join our mailing list at www.sanjuansports.com. As always -adventure on friends, but before you go out…come in!

Boomtown SAN LUIS VALLEY FEDERAL BANK Since 1899 we’ve been serving the banking San Luis Valley needs of our members. We’re happy to share Federal Bank some of our success with our community, and proud to support the amazing work of CRT. Seime Park, Boomtown, The KID Show SAN LUIS VALLEY RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, serving you since 1937, has been an ardent supporter of CRT for dozens of years. SLV-REC applauds the Theatre’s commitment to the arts and its patrons.

Seime Park STEVE & MARTI KIELY Seime Park THE VALLEY COURIER Valley Courier publisher Keith R. Cerny, a CRT board member, and his wife Debra SowardsCerny are regular supporters of the theatre because of the economic impact CRT has on the entire San Luis Valley. We invite you to keep up on the news of the San Luis Valley at www.alamosanews.com and follow us on Facebook. The Valley Courier salutes the staff and crew of CRT and look forward to another outstanding theatre season.

Seime Park 127 North Main

Creede, CO

719-658-2240

TOMKINS HARDWARE Tomkins Hardware and Lumber has been located on Main Street since 1892.

Under new ownership since 2019, we carry everything that contractors and homeowners need for projects large and small and our professional staff is always ready to advise and help you tackle any project.

Boomtown

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CITY OF CREEDE A COLORADO TOWN

AUTHENTIC.

HERITAGE.

HOME. VISIT TOWN HALL 2223 N. MAIN CREEDE, CO 81130

719-658-2276 WWW.CREEDETOWNHALL.COM

donors John David Lentz Memorial Endowment Fund John David Lentz was a much-beloved company member at Creede Repertory Theatre in 1992. After the conclusion of the season, John traveled to San Diego where he was enrolled in a Master of Fine Arts theater program at the University of San Diego. John completed his MFA requirements on April 29, 1994 but was killed in a random shooting in Balboa Park on May 1, 1994.

In 2015, a five-year campaign was launched to permanently endow the John David Lentz Memorial Fund at CRT. Over the coming years, we will ensure that the Fund continues to honor John’s life, long into the future.

Donors to the John David Lentz Memorial Endowment Fund

Alicia Helm & Everett McCorvey Alton Pope Beverly Sandvik Bob & Sharon Seago Carol Hove Cat & Avery Augur Catherine & Richard Ormsby Chris Esson Christy Lentz Cynthia & James Keen David & Amanda Basler and Family Don & Leslie Dustin Don & Rosemary Hollenshead

Douglas Hammett-Lair Emily & Jeremy McComas Guy & Dede Dresser James & Judith Mietz Jan Crawford & Jim Loud Jim Mitchell John Deaver Kathy & Jim Nolan Kay & Chuck Harbert Kurt Kehler Lucretia A. Flammang & Scott Deshong Margaret B. Grow Milt & Rene Benham

Nancy & Bill Blackford Paul Winterhoff Peggy Stenmark Pete & Lindsey Leavell Phil & Teresa Lack Philip & Stacy Ahlrichs Richard Thatcher Richard Worm Rita Odom & Clyde Dooley Ron & Mary Sue Lentz Johnson Stan & Julie Lentz Family Stephen & Marta Quiller Tom Basler William & Teryn Smith

Donors to the John David Lentz Memorial Endowment Fund in memory of Genny Basler

David and Amanda Basler & Family Don & Leslie Dustin Ron & Mary Sue Lentz

Tom Basler Christy Lentz

Genny Basler Memorial Fund 1939-2017

The Genny Basler Memorial Fund was founded in memory of Genny Basler, a longtime Creede resident and lover of Creede Repertory Theatre. Genny saw her first show at Creede Repertory Theatre in 1993, the summer after her nephew John David Lentz was a member of the CRT company, and from the moment the lights went up, she was hooked. Genny and her family have been regulars in the CRT audience every summer. In the summer of 2003, she and her husband, Tom, retired to Creede and became much more than regulars—they became part of the CRT family. Genny was an early member of the Creede chapter of the Friends of CRT, and as president of the Ladies Aid Society in Creede, orchestrated many tech dinners to feed CRT company members. Her presence was always felt at CRT as a regular volunteer, patron and friend. On June 19, 2017, Genny and her husband, Tom, were returning to Creede from the Valley when their car was struck by an oncoming car on Hwy. 160 just west of Monte Vista. Genny was killed instantly. A longtime supporter and friend of Creede RepertoryTheatre, Genny was beloved by all, and her presence in the CRT audience will be forever missed. Donations made to CRT in Genny's name will be entered into the memorial fund to help support future CRT shows. Thank you.

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come in for a beer

stay for the night

after the show!!!

after the beer!!!

123 main street open noon-10pm

www.squarepegbrewerks.com

www.aspeninncreede.com

Main Street, Creede / 719-658-2526 Ron & Kay Fief, Proprietors

kentuckybellemarket.com

donors

CREEDE REP'S GENEROUS DONORS We cannot fully express our gratitude for the generosity shown by our CRT community during this time. This list includes gifts to Creede Repertory Theatre from January 1 - December 31, 2020. *An asterisk denotes giving in both 2019 and 2020.

DESIGNERS $5,000-$9,999

Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation*

City of Creede / Virginia Christensen Trust Fund* El Pomar Foundation* Leo Gilbert Wetherill Foundation* Mineral County* Mineral County Lodging Tax Tourism Fund Panel* Ramble House and Creede Guide & Outfitters* San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative* Sheila Fortune Foundation* Silver Thread Public Health District Hinsdale County* The Denver Foundation*

Alan Echeverria and Dyan Sublett* Angel and Steve Dillon Donor Advised Fund of the Hutchinson Community Foundation Anonymous* Cultivating Hearts* Jan Crawford and Jim Loud* Jerry and Karyn DeVault* Joan Green Jeffrey* Michael and Shelly Dee* Pete and Lindsey Leavell* Robert and Julia Johns Terre and Polly Jones*

Shubert Foundation*

CHOREOGRAPHERS

STAGE MANAGERS

Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley First Southwest Bank* Network for Good* San Luis Valley Federal Bank* Bob and Sharon Seago* Frank Ikard* Jim and Diane Knutzon* John Rochester* Joseph Roach* Judith Blanch* Julia Marsh* Kay and Chuck Harbert* Larry Morgan and Julie Kushner Morgan* Morton and Cecelia Weir* Phil and Teresa Lack* Rick and Diane Sloan* Rita and Roger Shenkel* Stacey and Reed Dillon Donor Advised Fund of the Hutchinson Community Foundation* Steve and Marti Kiely* The Levisay Family Tom and Michele Schrandt* Tom Basler* Van and Anne Oliver

Broken Arrow Ranch and Land Company* Creede America Group, LLC* Hecla Charitable Foundation* IBM International Foundation* Quiller Gallery* Rare Things Gallery of Treasures* Tomkins Hardware True Value Foundation Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC* Amy Jackson and Tom Fowlston* Bieber Family Foundation* Bill and Ann Boies Bob and Bev Westmacott Bob and Cindy Koets* Carl and JoAnn Hill* Carol Krueger* Carolyn Lamb & Steve Reed* Chad and Shelly McNair Charlene and George Ameel* Chev and Jenna Yund* Chris Corcoran* Compton Family Fund Cristi Larsen* Dale and Beverly Hettinger* Daniel P Wolkowitz* David Disheroon* Don Jensen*

DIRECTORS $10,000+

Antlers Rio Grande Lodge, Inc.*

Clarence V. Laguardia Foundation Dane G. Hansen Foundation* Del Norte Bank*

Krueger Charitable Foundation* RLC Foundation*

Ruth H. Brown Foundation*

Small Business Administration The Hoglund Foundation*

The Schramm Foundation* Ann and Tim Cranor* Anonymous*

Bacchus Foundation Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation* Bob Slater*

Charles and Karen Nearburg* Cheryl Burnet

David Katz and Lee Katman Mary Lee Pinkerton*

Talley Family Charitable Fund William and Teryn Smith*

$2,500-$4,999

$1,000-$2,499

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Dr. James and Christine Mercer Kraft* Ed and Paige Innerarity* Ellen and Ray Deaver* Ernest and Debra Gomez* Everett and Alicia Helm McCorvey* Gary and Beverly Moore* Gary and Jodee Kring* Gary Mitchell* Gigot and Eli Hudspeth* Gomez Family Charitable Fund * Harold and Kay Kelloff* Jamie Horton Jane and Richard Nearing* Jean Bethke* Jim and Karen Carns* Joe Ford John and Alice Berry* John and Cynthia Strickland Joyce and David Robinson* Julia and Ross Rathgeber* June Russell and Bob Ulrich* Kay and Charles Lancaster* Keith Cerny and Debra Sowards-Cerny* Kent Strickland* Kristy Robinson* Lindsey and Chris Hervey* Lynn Russell* Mark and Lynn Chambers* Michael and Pamela Reese* Paul and J'ne Day-Lucore* Paul Barnes* Paula and Steve DiAntonio* Randall and Lyn Mason* Reba Copeland* Richard L. Hay* Ron and Mary Sue Lentz Johnson* Sally Mason and Derrell Capes* Sally Smith* Sloan Family Fund / Greater Kansas City Community Foundation* Stanley V. Graff Steve Hall and Bev Chapman* Steven and Karla Vantreese* Susan Chapman and Stan Wylie* Thomas and Ann Carey Wise Family*

LEADING ROLES $500-$999

Holy Moses Gift Shop SLV Development Resources Group* The Weisman Family Foundation* Al and Carol Perlman* Amy Getz* Anonymous*

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your theatre, always

Barbara Elliott* Beach and Lee Ann Snyder* Bill Ellis* Bob and Marguerite Holt* Carol Sutcliffe and Clifton Meyer* Carolyn and Gary Martyn Catherine and Richard Ormsby* Cecelia Matson and Jack Armitage* Cheryll Faust* Colleen and Mark DeSanto* Dave Krueger* David and Amanda Basler and Family* David and Lael Fruen* Doug Davlin Duane and Lorelei Bussey* Elaine Blumenhein* Elisabeth DesMarais* Elise and Neil Rudolph* Fred and Carol Grover* Gail and Bill Longfellow* Gary and Joyce Johnson* George Muncrief James R Jackson* Jean Mackenzie* Jeni and Greg Goodwin* Jenifer Houston & Alan Busche* Jerry and Suzi McKee* Jim and Madge Schmank* Jobie Irvine* John and Caitlin Wise DiAntonio* John and Carlyn Bryngelson* John and Jan Ison* John and Janet Mulay* Judith L Reynolds* K.R. and Sherri George* Katy Touysinhthiphonexay* Kay Milner* Kaye Shedlock and Rick Hasbrouck* Kent Schlundt* Kim and Yen Touysinhthiphonexay* Kim McCormick* LaMee Family* Leslie Shenkel Lin and Bob Spangler* Lori and Shawn Reed Michael Horton & Sandra Allen Michael Schrandt* Neal R. Fenter* Pamela Tumler* Patrick and Brenda Oenbring* Paul and Jennifer Harrison* Paula and Jeffrey Menten* Phyllis Vandehaar* Richard and Gwen Powell* Rick and Amanda Rodriguez Rudy and Andie Davison* Sara Sweet Sheri Charles* Sherri and David Lachance* Stan and Julie Lentz Family*

Steve Morton Susan Pollard* The Blackbaud Giving Fund on behalf of Boeing and its donors Tim and Diana Anderson* Valinda and Steve Yarberry* Vince and Elizabeth Zurn Lujan* Western Colorado Community Foundation/Shenkel Tseng Fund* William Riley* William Spicer

SUPPORTING ROLES $100-$499

AmazonSmile* Bristol Head Bakery Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado* Denver Municipal Band* Headwaters Alliance The BP Foundation* Abe J. Taylor* Agnes Davis* Alice Royalty Allison Pistorius Alton Pope* Andrea Carey Andrea Weems* Ann and Skip Phebus* Ann Sabbah* Anne and John Blair* Anne Milne* Anne Sandoe* Anonymous* Audrey Kaus* B.J. Myers and Bill Kuhlke* Bannerman Family* Barb and Don MacDonald* Barbara Kruse* Barbara Palmer* Barbara St. John* Barbara Tidd Bean Family Betty Carey* Bill and Cecilia Dail* Bill and Lori Dooley Blaine Burt and Karen Gere Blake Cestone Bob and Jeannette Barnes* Bob and Arlene Stein* Bob and Bonnie Siddons Bob and Marilyn Box* Bob Knous and Caroline Fisher Brian Leavell* Bruce and Linda Gardiner* Burt, Jean and Zoe Wagner* Carla Branda* Carol Hove* Carol Sasa*

Carol Williamson* Carolee Miller* Carolyn Kawanabe Caryn Relkin* Cat and Avery Augur* Cathie Pearson* Celia Brown* Charles and Janet MacLeod* Charles Berger* Charles Freuden* Cheryl McEachran* Cheryl McFarren* Chesta and Jb Norton* Chris and Billi Dawn Schoggen Christina Moss* Cindy and David Bruner* Colonel Ted Kerr* Conni Rogers* Courtney Klager Cynthia and Stuart Rider Cynthia Rush Dan Muecke* Daniel DiAntonio* Darlene and Marty Danko* Dave and Zoe Myers David and Glenda Buhrmann* David and Lei Wang Cohen* David and Lisa Hutson* David and Lynn Hurst David and Molly Niven* David Shaw* Deborah S. (Dev) Singer Diana and Martin Jones* Diana Jones* Diana Sunshine and Bill Onderdonk Diane and Wally Post* Don and Leslie Dustin* Don and Raynell Singletary* Donald and Diane Fullrich* Donald Munford* Donna and Bob Diantonio Dorian Neal* Douglas Hammett-Lair* Dr. Tom and Polly Venard Dustin Shattuck* E.J. Barklage Earl and Kathleen Ellisor Eileen Rogers Elfriede Jopp* Elizabeth Caplan* Ellen Marshall and David Harwood Emily and Adam Cave Emily Van Fleet and Nathan Jones* Emma and Michael Baldisserotto* Eric Mann* Frances and Elliott Graves* Fred and Shelly Winston Fred Tucker* Frederick Westover* Friends of CRT Gary D and Joan E Wofford Geri, Shawna, and Rose*

donors Greg and Claudia Mayer Gregg and Kristine Kampf* Gretchen and Scott Davis* Gretchen Tinkle* H K Strahlendorf* Hal and Sue Brettmann Harlan and Robin Butt* Heather Greenwolf and Wren Green Helen Kultgen* Holly Dockery* Howard and Peggy Berg* Jacob Harbour* James and Jean Melvin* James and Judith Mietz* James Grigsby* James Mobberley and Laura Moore* Jan Schmidt* Jana Wilson* Janet Harrison* Janice Coyle* Janice Thorup* Janis G Jacobs Jeanne and Gerald Pees* Jeff and Hallie Owsley* Jeff and Mary Lou Schleher Jeff C. Jennifer Krueger Jennifer Wilson* Jessica Salsbury* Jill Swanson Jim Mitchell Jimmy Keith Joe and Melanie Kelloff* Joel and Pat Barker* John and Nancy Loftis John and Barbara McClure* John and Diane Quicker* John and Gloria Hood* John and Jan Ramsay* John and Leslie Brown* John and Rebecca Green* John Beier* John Bullington John Deaver John F. and Susan J. McClure* John Segelke Joseph and Linda Woodford Joseph Stanley Josh and Aline Gonzalez-Saiz Judith K Judkins Judy and Gerry Dettloff* Julie Carey Julie Jackson Karen Slater

Karen Spriggs* Katherine Busser Kathleen Murphy Kathryn Warren Kathy and Jim Dawson* Kay and Janice Watkins* Ken and Janet Taht* Kent Maughan* Kim Hargraves Tyrrell and Todd Tyrrell* Kimberley Temple Kit and Ariel Davlin* Kitty and Jeff Melch* Kurt Kehler* Larry and Danita Witt* Laura and Mark Brandt* Laura Leisey Laura Love* Leana Bowman* Lee Ann Bakros* Leonard and Viola Koch* Lila F Hill* Linda and Gary Sandstrom* Linda Bowen* Linnea Ohlsen* Lisa and Bob Foster* Lisa and Robert Vicek* Lizabeth Duckworth* Logan Ernstthal* Lori Poe* Lucretia A. Flammang and Scott Deshong* Lynn and Judy Hancock* M.S. Eldredge* Maegan and Jonathan Allsup Maggie Schlundt and Lucas Brandl* Margaret and Jim Phillips* Margaret Biles* Marilyn Henne Marilyn McCullough* Mark Rye* Mark Seaton and Suzanne DeVore* Marlowe Marbry* Marsha Rutledge Martha and Wes Segelke Marty Siemion* Mary Stewart* Matthew Schlief, Jessica Jackson, and Penny Prince* May Claire Hetzel* Melanie Pittner* Melissa Walker Michael and Evie Rapport* Michael and Crystal Hudson*

Michael and Evie Rapport* Michael and Julia Garratt Micheale Duncan* Michelle Chapman Michelle Salazar* Mike and Meghan Vucetic* Morgan Severeid* Mr. Mark Smith* Ms. Sally S Kriebel* Nagle and Sandy Jackson* Natalie McLeod* Pamela Johnson* Patricia Lovelady* Patricia Suellentrop and Shaun Gregory* Patrick and Andrea Woods* Patrick and Paula Murphy* Paul McCumber* Paul Schulte* Pesha Rudnick Wright* Peter and Alison Bethke Gayek Peter Cook Phil and Carolyn Virden Prisila A Foss* R. Deane and Esther Wymer Rachel Kelmenson Rachel Wise* Rebecca Lennahan* Rena and Ronny Wells* Renee Prince* Rev. and Mrs. Gus Browning* Ric Johnson* Richard Worm* Rick and Dori Diantonio* Rick and Susan Moore* Rita McDermott* Rita Odom and Clyde Dooley* Robert and Melanie Matthews* Robert Pope Robert Rominger Ron and Jennifer Roberts* Ronnie and Anita Wright* Ruth Acheson and Maura Anne DeOliviera* S.M. Grammer* Sally Mather* Sam McCoy Sandra Kroll* Sandy and Jim Brady Sandy Taylor and Charles Vail* Sarah Chandler Sean Matthew Johnson Sharon and Fred Gauthier Sheila D. Moore* Spafford Robbins Stephanie Ouren*

Stephen and Marta Quiller* Stephen Leichty* Steve and Elinor Hill* Steve and Barbara McCarl* Steve and Cynthia Haynes* Steve and Linda McCormick* Steve Beckham* Steve Scott and Ted Hoerl Steve, Heather, and Birdie Hughes* Subra Balan* Sue Armijo and Roger Miller Sue Jensen* Susan and Sam Buttram Family Fund of the Hutchinson Community Foundation* Susan Ammann* Susan and Carrol Cross* Susan Birdsey* Susannah and Chloe McLeod Susie and Paul Franke* Sylvia and Sam Gregory* T.N. Taddeucci* Taylor Knapp Thad and Deanne Elliott The Foales* Theodore Chapin Thomas Whitten* Tim and Susan Kroes Tom and Karyl Scarlett* Tom and May Claire Hetzel* Tom and Norma Meyer* Vanessa Griffith* Vickie Ford* Wanda L. Kelsey* Wesley Segelke Will Deboer* William and Melissa Miller* William and Marlys Meagher* William Stonaker and Patricia Wilson* Wyatt and Karen Henderson* Zora Dash

UNDERSTUDIES

Over 200 donors gave gifts of $1-99 in 2020 for a total of $9,166!

!

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donors

CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE endowment

We can enhance our quality and expand our programs by building and maintaining an endowment that provides funding in perpetuity for CRT. These forward-thinking friends gave to CRT’s endowment, supporting all fundamental aspects of the CRT experience.

Peggy Longwood Lamb Kay & Charles Lancaster Christy Brandt & J.G. Brown If you are interested in contributing toward CRT’s endowment fund and building a sustainable future for the theatre, contact the Development Office at (719) 658-2540 x231.

Creede Repertory Theatre’s

LEGACY CIRCLE

Members of CRT’s Legacy Circle include those individuals who have made a commitment to the future of the Theatre through an estate gift.

Cheryl Burnet

BJ Myers & William Kuhlke

Melvin & Camille Getz

Randy Nicholson & Cary Bush

Dr. Jessie Gilmer

Richard & Catherine Ormsby

Becki & Keith Helmstetler

Mary Lee Pinkerton

Lynna Jackson

Michael & Lanette Quint

Rhonda Jantzen

Barbara Roughton

Dr. Merl & Kathy Jennings

Bob & Dixie Slater

Phil & Teresa Lack

Rick & Diane Sloan

Drs. Ed & Minnie Lee Lancaster

William & Teryn Smith

Stan & Julie Lentz

Kim Hargraves & Todd Tyrrell

Candice Lindh

Peggy Pharr Wilson

Maurice LaMee

& Tristan Wilson

& Trary Maddalone

Ed & Betty Wheatley

ralph and peggy lamb endowment fund Desiring to secure the financial stability of CRT, Ralph and Peggy Lamb established the Ralph and Peggy Lamb Endowment Fund in 1993, paving the way for the creation of CRT’s endowment. The leadership and vision of Ralph and Peggy will forever provide a rich cultural legacy for Creede and its community of visitors. Peggy Longwood Lamb contributes to the Endowment Fund annually and also generously supports CRT through a play sponsorship.

Gary Mitchell

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st Creede’s Newe

Place to Eat...

Lunch & Dinner / Full Bar Serving fresh homemade comfort food to the people of Creede Salads Smash Burger Reuben French Dip Fish Tacos Fish & Chips Chicken Pot Pie Fried Chicken

Mac & Cheese Penne Pasta Chicken Alfredo Pork Chop Meatloaf Grilled Salmon New York Strips

and much more!

What Our Guests Are Saying: Finally made it to this new We had a terrific meal at Great experience! Friendly addition to the restaurant a great price. The hosts people & great food. Love the scene in Creede. We had heard were very friendly and interior mountain design & great things and it did not the food was top notch. cozy feel. We had a large disappoint. Enjoyed meeting Do yourself a favor gathering there & were the owners and being served and stop by. treated like family. Will a very good meal. definitely be going back!

112 N. Main Street, Creede, CO 81130

719-223-9139

CALL FOR OUR SEASONAL HOURS For a current menu visit us at facebook.com/BlueMooseCafe.Creede.CO

donors

Dixie Lee Slater Memorial Fund

Dixie Slater passed away on November 29th, 2020 in Creede, CO at the age of 78. She was a long-time, passionate supporter of CRT. Created in loving memory by her husband, Bob Slater, this memorial fund will sponsor CRT’s 2021 Summer Season in her honor. For more about Dixie, see her In Memory feature on page 65.

Donors to the Dixie Lee Slater Memorial Fund Maegan & Jonathan D. Allsup David Anderson Jim & Judy Bloom Hal & Sue Brettmann Bob & Robin Brobst Wayne & Tanja Burgdorf Dan & Margie Cruse John Dean Jonathan Douglas Paul Dude Janice Edwards Les & Katrina Garner Martha Glassmeyer David & Ann Guell Chuck & Kay Harbert Payne & Paula Harrison Rebeca C. Helmstetler Sydney & Forrest Hicks Walter & Janet Hopp Shari, Tom, Connor, Cole, & Parker Hume Thomas Jarom Burt & Doris Johnson Gary & Judy Jorgensen Harold & Kay Kelloff Gayle & Susie Krantz Jonathan Brand & Rachelle LaBarge

Mo & Trary LaMee Charles & Kay Lancaster Janice & Jim Leary Stan & Julie Lentz Brian D. Mayer Greg & Claudia Mayer Mace McCain Rollie & Fran Moore Marilyn Norden Denny & Sandy O'Brien Dean Offerman Hyde & Ann Perce Marti Peterson John Pokrifsac Chuck & Patti Powers Stephen & Marta Quiller Kristy Robinson Alex Slater Bob Slater Christopher Slater Karen Slater Mike & Nick Slater Scott Slater Richard & Norma Small Danny Smith Bill Sur Joe & Jane Tettleton Max Wisgerhof

T. Jefferson Carey Memorial Fund & Playwriting Award

Honoring the legacy of Jeff Carey – playwright, longtime CRT company member, and extraordinary person – with an award to underwrite CRT’s investment in new work through support of a select playwright whose style, inspiration, and passion originate from that place of no comparison. For more about the playwriting award for the Headwaters New Play Festival, see page 21.

Donors to the T. Jefferson Carey Memorial Fund & Playwriting Award Maegan & Jonathan D. Allsup Michele Ashby Cat Augur E.J. Barklage Emily Bray Mary Jo Brooks Annie Butler Jack & Jean Carey Julie Carey Thomas & Ann Carey Andrea Carey Wendy Correa Bob Knous & Caroline Fisher Stuart Handloff

Jamie Horton Karen & Martin Hummel Andrew Hutchinson Christy Jordan Rachel Kelmenson John & Catherine Levisay Carolyn & Gary Martyn Natalie Maynard Ann & Basil Sabbah Dorothy Safford John Segelke Martha Segelke Grant Segelke Deborah S. Singer Diana Sunshine

Emilia's Tree (2006) by Jeff Carey

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c

Mac &

! t it an w

the way y se ou e he

$2 off! purchase of $10 or more

Home of Creede’s ORIGINAL Fried Pies!

111 Wall St, Creede • 719-580-9959 Limit one coupon per purchase. Code: CRT

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

donors

in honor of 2020 Kid Show Cast & Crew Merritt McShane Charlene Ameel Stephanie Ouren George & Charlene Ameel Dick and Donna Dehn Elise Backinger Elizabeth Glass Pete and Lindsey Leavell John and Cynthia Strickland Jacob Bannerman Ivan Camp Kate Berry John and Alice Berry Jennifer Dettloff Jessica Salsbury Kate Berry & Family Judy and Gerry Dettloff Luciana & Sofia Carla Branda Christy Brandt Jim and Karen Carns Tom and May Claire Hetzel John and Gloria Hood Carol and Charles Jones Larry Morgan and Julie Kushner Morgan Phil and Teresa Lack Dr. James and Christine Mercer Kraft Christy Brandt & John Gary Brown Michael and Evie Rapport John Gary Brown Tom and May Claire Hetzel Annie Bruner

Cindy and David Bruner Annie Butler Tom and May Claire Hetzel Kent Strickland Annie Butler & Hercules Gary and Beverly Moore Jeff Carey For full list, see page 43 Burdette Chapman Michelle Chapman The Company for Columbine Day of Service May Claire Hetzel Creede Babies Ms. Clare Henkel Russell & Barbara Cowman Family Rev. and Mrs. Gus Browning Shelly Dee Spafford Robbins Jerry & Karyn DeVault Judith and Michael Kigin Leo DiAntonio William Riley New Baby DiAntonio Cathie Pearson Vito DiAntonio Rick and Dori DiAntonio Guy & Dede Dresser Susannah and Chloe McLeod Steve & Angel Dillon Susan and Sam Buttram Jean Egdorf Dreher Charl Kay Norloff Christina Egolf Adrian Egolf

The Existing Staff & Future Ones Wanda L. Kelsey Kathy Fisher Bill Ellis Shane Foss Prisila A. Foss The Gospel of Bob! Bob and Cindy Koets Ruth Ann Gartrell Dave and Zoe Myers Elliot Graves Elise and Neil Rudolph The Amazing Kathryn Grody Isaac Grody-Patinkin The Hoglund Family Don and Raynell Singletary Duncan Horn Melanie Pittner Jeanette Howey Jessica Heinicke Braeden Ingersoll Ms. Julie Ingersoll Beth Kander Helene Paris Lisa and Ken Kander Ms. Risa Herzog Mrs. Rochelle Magid Dave & Courtney Klager Karol Klager Marta Knudson Doug and Judy Knudson Gary S. Kring Denver Municipal Band John David Lentz For full list, see page 35 Julie Lentz

Christy Lentz Allison Loney Allison Loney Jim Loud Carol Smith Morgan M. Manfredi Aimee Quarles Evan Leif Mann John and Jan Ison Melissa Meyer Adams Tom and Norma Meyer B.J. Myers & Christy Brandt Michael Horton and Sandra Allen The Olive Street Kids!

Christy Jordan and Family Hagan Oliveras Robert Aziere Jeff Owsley Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Dr. Elizabeth J. Pense Glenn and Betsy Pense Mary Lee Pinkerton Wesley Segelke Steve Quiller Gary Mitchell David Reynolds Judith L. Reynolds Kariana Sanchez Ernest Irizarry Andrea Merlo Mary Lou & Jeff Schleher Dot and Hal Olson Dr. Charles Scoggin John Beier

Diane & Rick Sloan David and Molly Niven Heidi Sloan John McGee Dane M. Smith & Norma McClure Mr. Mark Smith Virginia Snow for her many years of work on Broadway Ted and Polly Kerr Our "Grands": Halle, Paislee, Ben, Sydnee, Dean Beach and Lee Ann Snyder Our 2020 Senior Halle Francis Beach and Lee Ann Snyder Seth Stoeber Bill and Lori Dooley Sean Thompson Christina Moss Emily Van Fleet Nanci Van Fleet Laurie White Sadie White Edith Wilson Cristi Larsen Marilyn Wintz Kay and Charles Lancaster Caitlin Wise & John DiAntonio Gary and Beverly Moore Paula and Steve DiAntonio Wise Family Jane Wise Anne Milne Larry Woods Linda G. Woods

Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Karper Kristin Karper Dave Klager Courtney Klager Bill Krueger Carol Krueger His daughter and son in law Sheldon Kushner Larry Morgan & Julie Kushner Morgan Jordan ( Jordi) Lamb Carolyn Lamb and Steve Reed Larry Morgan, Cara Morgan and Julie Kushner John David Lentz For full list, see page 35 Joe & Norma Manning Jim and Molly Carpenter Anthony Montoya Anonymous Paul & Brian Morgan Larry Morgan and Julie Kushner Morgan Jane Morton Lizabeth Duckworth Amber Muko Devon Muko Bill & Emily O’Grady Kitty and Jeff Melch John Prine Kent Schlundt Jerry Quiller Stephen and Marta Quiller

Monica Sallaway Miranda Ray J. Seamster Anonymous Dwight and Kandace Freeman Lila F. Hill Kurt Kehler Dorian Neal Geri, Shawna, and Rose Bettye & Frank Siddons Bob and Bonnie Siddons Dixie Slater Cat and Avery Augur Cloyde Snook Stephen and Marta Quiller Valinda and Steve Yarberry Chris & Jenny Stiegler Jim and Connie Stiegler Paul Stone Jim and Karen Carns Grant Segelke George Zavala Anne Torrance Tom and May Claire Hetzel John Tumler Jamelyn Payan Rod & Marilyn Wintz Paul and Jennifer Harrison Homer, Shirley & Raymond Wright Tim and Diana Anderson

in memory of All the Saints who have gone before us!

Sharon Vick Melissa Adams Tom and Norma Meyer Ben & Gerry Alexander Beach and Lee Ann Snyder Elise Backinger Heather Greenwolf and Wren Green Pete and Lindsey Leavell Jan Schmidt Kent Strickland Genny Basler For full list, see page 35 Mary Beckham Steve Beckham Stephen Benson Stephen and Marta Quiller Dr. Barry Berman Kathryn Warren Mary Louise Berry Kate Berry and RJ Mann John and Alice Berry Jeremy Brady K.R. and Sherri George Betty Brandt Christy Brandt and J.G. Brown Henry Brandt John R. Brandt Christy Brandt and J.G. Brown Henry Brandt Cheryl Burnet Kay and Charles Lancaster

Nancy Butler Laura B Embleton Jeff Carey For full list, see page 43 Anonymous Edward McWilliams Ken Carpenter & Mike Rierson Anonymous Bob Carrel Cat and Avery Augur Ellis Clampitt & Bea Colerette Debbie Fimple Tony Clark Todd and Kristi Clark Robert Paul Cooper Malu Gawthrop Hugh Copeland Valinda and Steve Yarberry Marjorie Corcoran Chris Corcoran Cecil Davis Agnes Davis Inez Deines Tony Deines Sheila Devereux Stephen and Marta Quiller Vito (Papa) DiAntonio Donna and Bob DiAntonio Patricia Disheroon David Disheroon Lois & Dick Dove Caryn Relkin

Lynda Easter Paul and Jennifer Harrison Ted Ellis Bill Ellis Bill Evans Neal R. Fenter Ann Morton Frohn Sonya Morton Mangan Melvin & Alice Getz Amy Getz Hector Gonzalez Josh and Aline Gonzalez-Saiz Bill Grammer S.M. Grammer Mike Green Joan Green Jeffrey Julia and Ross Rathgeber Moose Green John and Rebecca Green Ed Hargraves Kay and Charles Lancaster Kim Hargraves Tyrrell and Todd Tyrrell Hosselkus Family Sandra Kroll Mark Houston Jenifer Houston and Alan Busche Hillard Howard Kent and Mary Ann Davidson Cheryll Faust Carol Sutcliffe and Clifton Meyer Larry D. Jensen Don Jensen

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Playwrights and Composers Allison Gregory

Playwright – Red Riding Hood Allison’s plays have been produced nationally and internationally, and she has received commissions, grants, and development from Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kennedy Center, South Coast Repertory, Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Playwright’s Center, Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT Theater, and Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Her plays include Not Medea and Wild Horses, both of which received National New Play Network Rolling World Premieres. Allison was recognized recently by TYA USA as “One of the 10 Most Produced TYA Playwrights”. Her plays for families include Go Dog. Go!, adapted from the P.D. Eastman book and cowritten with Steven Dietz; Even Steven Goes to War (AATE and UPRP awards; Kennedy Center New Visions/New Voices selection); Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, and Junie B. is Not A Crook (over 200 professional productions), adapted from the beloved book series by Barbara Park; and Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter, adapted from the Astrid Lindgren book. allisongregoryplays.com

Diana Grisanti

Playwright – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (she, her, hers) Diana is a playwright, educator, and Co-Artistic Director of Theatre [502] in Louisville, Kentucky.

In the Before Times, she wrote Creede Rep’s KID Show: Derring-Do. Some of her other plays include Lawbreakers! (a fast and furious history of women’s suffrage) (StageOne Family Theatre); Bowling for Beginners (Vanderbilt University); The Patron Saint of Losing Sleep (Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte); River City (National New Play Network); and The Starkweather-South High School Physics Club First Annual End-of-Year Lock-In, or Ghost Party (Cleveland Play House). Diana has been a Michener Fellow, a Kentucky Arts Council Fellow, and a Writer in Residence at Vanderbilt University. She teaches playwriting at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Ken Ludwig

Playwright – Dear Jack, Dear Louise Ken has been called America’s preeminent comic playwright. He has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London’s West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. Lend Me a Tenor won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century”

by The Washington Post. Crazy for You was on Broadway for 5 years and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. He has written 28 plays and musicals, including Moon Over Buffalo (starring Carol Burnett), Twentieth Century (starring Alec Baldwin), Be My Baby (starring Hal Holbrook), Baskerville, A Fox on the Fairway, Leading Ladies, and Dear Jack, Dear Louise, which won the 2020 Charles MacArthur Award for Best New Play or Musical of the Year. He has also written stage adaptations of The Three Musketeers, The Adventures of Robin Hood and Treasure Island, which are performed throughout the world. kenludwig.com

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your theatre, always

Emiliano Messiez

Composer and Music Director – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree Emiliano is an Argentinean pianist, music director and composer based in New York City. With a very versatile and personal sound, he is the pianist of the show Forever Tango and he directs his own orchestra Típica Messiez. He is educated in classical music, jazz, tango, rock and Latin American rhythms and has performed all around the world in different venues such as The Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and The Houston Opera Theater in Texas, among others, where he performed with artists like Paquito de Rivera, Diego El Cigala, Concha Buika, and others. Emiliano is the composer of Bordello, a musical that has received awards from The National Alliance of Musical Theater in New York and The Broadway Bound Festival. Bordello has also been pre-selected by the Eugene O’Neill Theater Festival.

Denis O’Hare

Playwright – An Iliad Denis is the co-author, along with Lisa Peterson, of the award-winning Solo Performance Play, An Iliad (Obie, Lucille Lortel awards). Mr. O’Hare has appeared numerous times on Broadway in such pieces as Sweet Charity (Drama Desk Award), Assassins (Tony Nom.) and Take Me Out (Tony, Drama Desk awards). He has also worked extensively Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop at the New York Shakespeare Festival, and other theatres. His regional work includes Seattle Rep, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, and the McCarter Theatre. Denis appeared in 2 seasons of True Blood as King Russell Edgington, on the premiere season of American Horror Story, and as Judge Abernathy on The Good Wife. Film work includes Milk, Michael Clayton, A Mighty Heart, Duplicity, The Proposal, Charlie Wilson’s War, and Garden State, among others. He is currently writing a new stage piece with Ms. Peterson entitled, The Good Book for The Court Theatre in Chicago.

Lisa Petersen

Playwright – An Iliad Lisa is a theater director who wrote and adapted An Iliad with actor Denis O’Hare, for which they won 2012 Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards.

Her other adaptations include The Waves, adapted from the novel

by Virginia Woolf, with composer David Bucknam (Drama Desk nominations), the upcoming The Good Book with Denis O’Hare, and Insurance Men with composer Todd Almond. Her directing credits include the world premieres of Tony Kushner’s Slavs!, Donald Margulies’ Collected Stories and The Model Apartment, Naomi Wallace’ Trestle At Pope Lick Creek, Jose Rivera’s Sueno, Marlane Meyer’s The Chemistry of Change, and many others. Lisa won an Obie in 1991 for Caryl Churchill’s Light Shining in Buckinghamshire at NYTW, and Dramalogue, Drama Desk, and Calloway Award nominations for many other productions. She is a graduate of Yale College, and a member of Ensemble Studio Theater, and the executive board of SDC.

Why do some of our staff, company, and Board members list their pronouns? Though it sometimes appears obvious, we can’t always know someone’s gender just by looking at them. Listing pronouns is a way to remove the guesswork.

Directors/Choreographers/ Music Directors John DiAntonio

Director – Red Riding Hood See bio on page 58

Betty Hart

Director – An Iliad (she, her, hers) Betty is elated to be directing An Iliad. CRT: Beth Kander’s powerful play To the Moon. Earlier this year, Betty directed the theatrical film 2020 Speaks for the University of Northern Colorado. In 2020, Betty directed the Vintage Theatre production of the musical The Scottsboro Boys, which was nominated for three Henry Awards. She also directed the staged reading of Vroom Vroom by Josh Koenigsberg for Local Theater’s Local Lab. Unfortunately, due to Covid shutdowns, audiences never saw this piece. Selected Colorado directing credits include: Crowns (Vintage Season Award for Outstanding Director, 2019) and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Aurora Fox Theatre: Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies, which broke box office records and became the third highest selling show in the theatre’s history.

Denver Center’s Garner Galleria: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Betty is an associate artist with Local Theater Company in Boulder, Colorado.

Andy Hudson

Music Director & Accompanist – Cabaret at The Creede Hotel, Red Riding Hood, Boomtown! (he, him, his) Andy is a music director, composer, arranger, accompanist, and director based in New York City.

He’s so grateful to be returning for his second summer with Creede Repertory Theatre! Some of his favorite credits as music director include: Little Shop of Horrors, Peter and the Starcatcher (Creede Repertory Theatre), Into the Woods, The Addams Family, (Forestburgh Playhouse), The Fantasticks (Allenberry Playhouse), and Memphis (Red Mountain Theatre Company). He has written music and lyrics for three new musicals for young audiences, most recently SuperKids! which premiered at The Little Theatre on the Square in 2018. His work as an arranger and orchestrator has been heard in many new revue shows and cabarets at Allenberry Playhouse, The Little Theatre on the Square, and the Forestburgh Playhouse. He is grateful that live theatre is finally resuming its vital function as an engine for passion, creativity, and empathy in communities around the world.

Jessica Jackson+

Director – Cabaret at The Creede Hotel (she, her, hers) Jess is a director/composer/actor who served as Artistic Director of Creede Repertory Theatre from 2012-2019. During her time as Artistic Director, CRT produced 6 world premiere productions, 7 new play festivals, & 12 world premiere commissions for young audiences.

CRT directed shows include: Miss Holmes, William Shakespeare’s

our company Land of the Dead, Little Shop of Horrors, and several theatre for young audience pieces co-created with Jeff Carey and Steven Cole Hughes. She founded CRT’s Boomtown Improv Comedy in 2007 and helmed the company-devised Pants on Fire: A Totally MadeUp Musical for Kids. Favorite non-CRT credits include: Writer/ Director - The Rough (The Catamounts), Director - The Laramie Project (Oklahoma City University); Chorus - Chess (The Actors Fund Benefit, NY with Josh Grobin). Original Scores for CRT include: The Bad Man, Billy Hell (for which she shares a Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Original Music with Ryan Prince & Kendra Kohrt), and Scruff Turbo.

Ismael Lara

Director – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (he, him, his) Ismael Lara, Jr. is a Latinx director from Southeast Texas. He currently resides in Chicago and champions work that aids the fight against injustice, creating a bridge between underrepresented communities and the theatrical institution. Selected directing credits: Tomás & The Library Lady (NU), The Displaced (NU), Write It Out! (The Lark, NQT), Where Seeds Bloom (Lakeforest College), Kicked!

(CPH), Lily Plants A Garden (Hangar), The Thing I Hold (Hangar), And All the Dead Lie Down (ConCon), Aunt Leaf (Co-Director, CPH) Assistant credits: The Leopard Play, or sad songs for lost boys (Steep Theatre, World Premiere) I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (Steppenwolf, World Premiere) Guards at the Taj, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Junk, The Chinese Lady (Milwaukee Rep). Ismael is a Drama League Fellow and an MFA candidate at Northwestern University.

Michael Perlman+

Director – Dear Jack, Dear Louise (he, him, his) A director and writer, Michael returns to CRT for his seventh show. CRT credits include: Is He Dead?, Language of Trees and Barefoot in the Park. He has also directed at Goodspeed Opera House, Trinity Repertory Company, Cleveland Playhouse, and the Brown/Trinity MFA Programs, and taught workshops with The Playwrights’ Center and Young Playwrights, Inc. Associate Directing credits include: The Public Theater and Roundabout Theater Company.

Michael’s plays include: From White Plains (GLAAD Media Award recipient), and At The Table ( Jeff Awards - Best Production of a Play). Michael’s one-person show Flying on the Wing was presented at the New York Fringe Festival (Outstanding Solo Show winner).

Michael is an Artistic Associate with both Fiasco Theater, and Fault Line Theatre, and has also worked at The Guthrie Theatre. Michael is proud to be a member of SDC, a Drama League Directing Fellow, and holds a BA and MFA from Brown University.

Bethany Eilean Talley

Director & Deviser – The Tree Watcher Choreographer – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (she, her, hers) This is Bethany’s ninth season with the Creede Repertory Theatre. Most recently she choreographed Little Shop of Horrors and The Wizard of Oz for

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Creede Rep. Her favorite CRT credits include Greta in General Store, Cookie in Ghostlight, Rebecca Gibbs in Our Town, a Hot Box Dancer in Guys & Dolls, and Boomtown. Other credits: Viola in Twelfth Night (Colorado Shakespeare Festival Education Tour), Berdine in Psycho Beach Party (THEATREWORKS), Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor (Vintage Theatre), Frieda in Sunday in the Park with George (Playhouse 22), and most recently Ma in The Kid from Kittlerumpit at Talespinner Children’s Theatre. BFA Acting, Brigham Young University. +Member of SDC: Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Production Team

AnnDee Alvidrez

Terrence and Polly Jones Scenic Designer Scenic & Properties Designer – Dear Jack, Dear Louise; The Tree Watcher; El Guayabo/The Guava Tree Scenic Associate (she, her, hers) AnnDee hails from San Elizario, TX. She is a third-year MFA Design Candidate with a focus in Scenic Design at Texas State University. Her most recent designs are In Arabia We’d All Be Kings (TXST), Significant Other (TXST), Men on Boats (TXST) and Sidelines to Frontlines (SRSU). AnnDee is excited and honored to be joining Creede Repertory Theatre this season.

John Gary Brown Company Photographer (he, him, his) John Gary Brown has been CRT’s company photographer since 1974. He is proud to have created a voluminous photographic archive of shows and events and wishes he could have started in 1966! Brown received an MFA from The University of Washington and has sold over 500 oil paintings to museums, galleries, corporations and private collectors since 1970. The University of Kansas Press published his photographic history of cemetery art, titled Soul in the Stone in 1993, and it was their best selling book two years in a row. His photographs were used as illustrations in Gardens of Revelation (Abbeville Press, 1995). Brown’s artwork has won numerous prizes in juried exhibitions, including “First Prize, regardless of Medium” at Kansas City’s Nelson Atkins Museum. One of his paintings was purchased by the Institute of Arts and Letters in New York. He is happily married to CRT actress Christy Brandt.

Kylie Carroll

Patron Services Front of House Associate (she, her, hers) Kylie has been passionate about the theatre since she was a small child. This passion has pushed her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts as a Musical Theatre Major at Colorado Mesa University. She is so excited to be working her first summer with the Creede Repertory Theatre family. She looks forward to providing wonderful service and getting to finally step foot in the professional world of theatre.

our company Courtney Cauthon

Dramaturg – An Iliad; Dear Jack, Dear Louise (she, her, hers) Courtney is a communication consultant at ARTiculate: Real&Clear where she uses her theatre background to support business leaders in aligning their communication with their vision, values, and purpose.

Dramaturgical work includes working at Local Theatre, Vintage Theatre, Aurora Fox, and Athena Project. Courtney holds a MA in Performance Studies from New York University and a PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Toronto.

She is driven by projects that bring together her love of theatre and communication with her desire for creating a more equitable world.

Ethan Fuller

Sound Design – Dear Jack, Dear Louise; Cabaret at The Creede Hotel Sound Associate (he, him, his) Returning for his second summer at Creede Rep, Ethan is recently off of The Color Purple 2nd National Tour. Touring the country up until the industry closed down, he’s now excited more than ever to share the pleasure of theatre and the arts therein.

If you see him around town he’d be happy to strike up a conversation about anything regarding live shows and the production that goes into them.

Jake Harbour

Sound Design – An Iliad, El Guayabo/The Guava Tree Sound Design & Composer – Red Riding Hood See bio on page 59

Elly Hunt

Costume Designer – An Iliad; Dear Jack, Dear Louise; El Guayabo/The Guava Tree; Cabaret at The Creede Hotel Costume Associate (they, theirs, she, hers) Elly is a costume designer, craftsperson, stitcher, and teaching artist working across the mid and southwest United States who is delighted to be doing a fourth season with Creede Repertory Theatre. Recent credits include costume design for To The Moon (Virtual), Hansel Or Gretel (CRT), and The Thing That Made You (Independent film); as well as coordinating costumes for a David Yarrow Photoshoot and teaching children’s technical theatre camps and classes. In 2020, Elly was nominated for Broadwayworld Denver’s Costume design of the decade for both Thingamajig Theatre’s Men on Boats and Creede Repertory Theatre’s Ripcord. To see photos or find out more about their work, visit Ellyhuntcostumes.com or follow either @ Ellyhuntcostumes on Instagram or @ellyhuntcostume on Twitter.

This season’s work is dedicated to her Aunt Reeny.

Kyle Leinneweber

Lighting Associate (he, him, his) Kyle is very excited to be back in Creede after so long away. He spent his summers here from 2013-2015. During that time, he worked as

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a scenic carpenter in 2013, head carpenter in both 2014 and 2015, and as technical director for The Tamin’ of the Shrew in 2013, and The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild in 2014. He was also lucky enough to marry his wife, Amanda Relaford, on the CRT Mainstage in 2015. After that, he worked for Upstaging Inc. as the Fabrication Shop Assistant where he helped coordinate scenic elements for live concerts and trade shows all over the world. Before all that, Kyle got his B.F.A. in Technical Direction from Point Park University in 2012, and an M.F.A. in Stage Technology from Northern Illinois University in 2015.

Alyssa Peters

Patron Services Front of House Associate (she, her, hers) Alyssa is a native Texan who recently graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in BA Theatre and Performance and minors in Film and Directing.

She is currently obtaining her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership with an Arts Administration focus. This will be her first summer season with CRT working as one of the Patron Services Associates.

Her background is mainly in performance; however, she’s had the opportunity to do some administrative work, including Patron Services, through her work-study job during her undergrad. Though she will miss her son (a sweet and goofy 7-year-old miniature schnauzer) who’s staying in Texas this summer, she’s excited to get back to doing theatre as well as learn from and work with the people of CRT!

Lauren Ramsey

Wardrobe Associate (she, hers, they, theirs) Lauren is thrilled to be joining Creede Repertory Theatre for their 2021 season. Her previous work includes touring with Feld Entertainment as Head Wardrobe for Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream (SE Asia) and Assistant Wardrobe for Sesame Street Live: Let’s Party (National Tour). Other favorited works include Riverside Theatre’s Chicago and Saturday Night Fever as well as Music Theatre of Wichita’s Hunchback of Notre Dame. Lauren holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from University of Houston and is a recent graduate of UCLA Extension’s Business & Management in Entertainment program.

Amanda Relaford

Scenic & Properties Designer – An Iliad, Red Riding Hood Scenic Associate (she, her, hers) Amanda earned a M.F.A degree in Properties Design and Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015. Her professional credits include Assistant Properties Coordinator for The Ring of the Nibelung, produced by The Washington National Opera at The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in 2016. She has had the pleasure of working as a Props Artisan at The Aspen Music Festival, and a Puppet Builder at The Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Amanda also served as the Properties Manager for The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois from 2016 to 2018. She is overjoyed to be back in Creede after a six-year hiatus, and is thrilled to be joined by her husband, Kyle Leinneweber, whom she married on the CRT mainstage six years ago.

our company Heidi Caran Snider

Patron Services Front of House Associate (she, her, hers) Heidi is thrilled to be returning to Creede Repertory Theatre for their very first outdoor season! She first came to the beautiful Creede, CO back in the summer of 2018 as a Musical Theatre and Patron Services Intern.

Heidi’s passion for theatre led her to Colorado Mesa University where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.

Her previous stage credits include Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Muzzy Van Hossmere in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Richard Henry Lee in an all-female production of 1776. Early next year, Heidi plans to move to the Los Angeles area where she hopes to further her career as an actor and looks forward to working with like-minded individuals who share her passion for storytelling.

Visit www.heidicsnider.com for more info!

Kaye Swindell

Lighting Designer – An Iliad; Dear Jack, Dear Louise; Red Riding Hood; The Tree Watcher Lighting Associate Kaye is an artist and environmentalist who is delighted to be combining her love of nature and lighting designing this season for Creede’s first outdoor season!

After several years exploring her love of the arts- you may have seen some of her work in Creede’s 2019 season! - the pandemic has granted her the opportunity to explore her love of nature and the environment by spending time on a ranch, and after this season, she will be pursuing a career in environmental science. Some highlights from her time as a lighting designer include Best Foot Forward with CRT’s Young Audience Outreach Tour and A Little Night Music at Oklahoma City University. This season is dedicated to a lamb named Opal.

Johnathan Taylor

Composer – An Iliad Sound Designer – The Tree Watcher Sound Associate (he, him, his) Johnathan is a sound designer, producer, and actor based out of Grayson, GA. He has been working in the arts since he was a kid and began his theatre journey in college with Aurora Theatre. His previous works include: Knock Knock at Alliance Theatre, Mirandy and Brother Wind at Synchronicity Theatre, and Ver**on Play at University of West Georgia. He loves creating experiences and feelings for every audience member and hopes you enjoy the show!

Emma Tolleson

Patron Services Front of House Associate (she, her, hers) This is Emma’s first summer at CRT! Born and raised in Texas, Emma recently graduated from the University of Evansville with a B.F.A. in theatre performance.

She is excited to be out of the Midwest and spending the summer in Colorado. Emma’s goal is to create theatre that sparks joy and

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inspires change. In the fall, she’ll be moving to London to earn her M.F.A in directing from The University of Essex’s East 15 Acting School.

Will Ward

Costume Designer – Red Riding Hood; The Tree Watcher Assoc. Costume Designer – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree

Costume Shop Manager (they, them, theirs) Will is the Costume Shop Manager and one of the Costume Designers for CRT. Will has worked for companies such as Texas State University, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Music Theatre of Wichita, and Inbocca Performance. Previous Costume Designs included: Spring Awakening, Significant Other, Little Women the Musical, and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. Will is very proud to be a part of CRT and can’t wait for you to see this season.

Piper Weingardt

Patron Services Front of House Associate Piper is an Oklahoma City University student working for their first time at CRT! They are a Colorado native (from Pueblo) and are super excited to be along the journey for Creede’s first outdoor season!

Stage Management Sky Bradley

Stage Manager – The Tree Watcher Tour Manager – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (they, them, theirs) Sky is overjoyed with the opportunity to enjoy their 4th summer with Creede Repertory Theatre! Originally from Jesup, Iowa, Sky received their BA from the University of Northern Iowa. Their past work includes various technical positions for theatre companies such as Theatre Memphis and Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. They have also sound designed for shows such as She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen, A Gulag Mouse

by Arthur M. Jolly, and To Touch the Moon a TheatreUNI devised project. In their free time, Sky enjoys writing, hiking, getting tattoos, and traveling. They would like to thank their precious friends and family for all the love and support.

JuanCarlos Contreras*

Production Stage Manager (he, him, his) JuanCarlos is honored to be back in Creede making live theatre again. This is his second season after working as the assistant stage manager during the 2019 season on Peter and the Starcatcher and Little Shop of Horrors as well as the stage manager for Red Hot Patriot. Originally from Northern California, JuanCarlos has just completed his master’s degree in Stage and Production Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

our company include Bainbridge Performing Arts, where she worked as the podcast creative coordinator and adaptive writer, and Caravan Stage Company, where she coordinated the 2018 tour of Nomadic Tempest and worked as an onshore rigger (the ‘Amara Zee’ will sail again in 2022!). Recent acting credits include: The Childcatcher (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Gingy (Shrek). Her eternal love and gratitude to her parents, Brian and Cheryl. If you see her around town or around the hotel this summer, stop and say hello! Shoutout to Seal Team Dix!

Olivia Zapater-Charrette

Tour Manager – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (she, her, hers) Olivia is a non-equity stage manager. Professional theatre management credits include serving as the Production Office Assistant at Steppenwolf Theatre and Stage Management internships at The Goodman Theatre (We’re Only Alive For A Short Amount of Time, The Winter’s Tale). She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Psychology and completed the Theatre Management Module. Northwestern stage management credits include Wirtz Center productions (The Cherry Orchard, Machinal) and student produced work (Me...Jane, The Women Who Discovered How to Measure the Universe). She is eternally grateful to her parents and grandparents for making her education possible.

Actors

CRT in the Park Lavour Addison*

The Poet – An Iliad (he, him, his) Lavour is overjoyed to be making art again in his debut show with CRT. Was last seen when he performed his one man show The Gospel of Bob in October, and in the online web series of the Adventures of Sunny and Blue. Other recent credits include: Small Mouth Sounds and House Arrest (THEATREWORKS Colorado Springs) for the first time, Creede Repertory Theatre’s 2019 holiday radio play of It’s a Wonderful Life, Strings (Long Wharf ); Macbeth (Idaho, Tahoe, Oberlin Shakespeare Festival); Shakespeare in Love, The Good Peaches (Cleveland Play House). Bless up to the courageous women in my life. Brittni, Aria, and Siobhan. Thank you for the love and support and being my heroes. V.A. forever in my heart.

* Members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of professional Actors and Stage Manager in the United States.

Miranda Ray

Stage Manager – Cabaret at The Creede Hotel (she, her, hers) Miranda is inexpressibly happy to be back in Creede again this summer! Recent past theatres

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our company

Alexandria Bates*

Red – Red Riding Hood (she, her, hers) Alexandria is beyond ecstatic to be back at CRT. Alex hails from Florence, Alabama and attended Jacksonville State University where she started a cabaret-style theatre called Cocky Guerilla Theatre. Regional Theatre: Paw Patrol Live National Tour (Mayor Goodway). Alex has also been seen at Birmingham Opera, Old Creamery Theatre, Brightstar Touring Theatre, and Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

Alex has recently spent more time cooking, performing with theme parks, and audition coaching, and is beyond blessed to be able to continue educating and inspiring people through these trying times. Favorite credits include Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Kate in Kiss Me Kate, Rosa Parks in The Birmingham Bus Boycott, and Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray. Alex is thankful for every step of this uphill battle in the performing arts. Alex isn’t just a performer, she’s a teaching artist, a friend, a sister and a joy. She can’t wait to give this story to you!

Matthew Tyler Horn*

Wolfgang – Red Riding Hood (he, him, his) Tyler’s CRT credits include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (William Barfee), The Presidents! (Agent Fontanelle), How to Succeed...

(Bud Frump), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin), and Harry the Great (Eugen Sandow). Regional credits include: Les Miserables ( Javert), La Cage Aux Folles (Francis), Cloak & Dagger (Detective Nick Cutter), and Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (King of Bohemia) for the Lake Dillon Theater Company, Caldwell’s Bomb (Caldwell) for the New York Venus/Adonis Theater Festival, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? (Nick) and Farragut North (Stephen) for Steel River Playhouse, The Life and Death of Harry Houdini (Manager) for EgoPo Classic Theater, Two Gentlemen of Verona (Duke of Milan) for Delaware Shakespeare Festival, and the New Voices Play Festival at the Bucks County Playhouse. Training: BFA Temple University, MFA University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Graham Ward*

Jack – Dear Jack, Dear Louise (he, him, his) Graham has been on Creede stages since first arriving in 2012, performing in Mrs. Mannerly, Is He Dead?, and Harry the Great. Other CRT roles include Watson in The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, Peter in The History Room, George in Our Town, Nicely-Nicely in Guys & Dolls, and Cliton in The Liar. Graham has performed in nine seasons of Boomtown, and is a co-creator of Pants on Fire: A Totally Made-Up Musical for Kids (2013-2017). Graham was a member of the year-round staff of CRT in Development from 2016-2018. Regional credits include: Harvey, The Great Gatsby, The Mousetrap (Arvada Center), and The 39 Steps (Lone Tree Arts Center). In addition to theatre, Graham appears in several series on the Twitch channel Ghostlight RPGs, where he is Content Manager.

He grew up in Boston and has a BFA in Acting from Brigham Young University.

Caitlin Wise*

Louise – Dear Jack, Dear Louise Caitlin is thrilled to join CRT for her 11th season and first outdoor season. She’s appeared in Pride and Prejudice, Barefoot in the Park, Miss Holmes, Kind of Red, The Syringa Tree, Private Lives, Our Town, August Osage County, Hope and Gravity, Harry the Great, and Unnecessary Farce (CRT). Other credits include: Flirtation (Marvel Rep). In Loco Parentis (ART/NY). The Christians, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Christmas Carol, Dracula, and Othello (Denver Center). The Importance of Being Earnest, Around the World in 80 Days, and Good on Paper (Arvada Center). Wild Honey, The Game of Love and Chance, Girl of the Golden West, and The Liar (Theatreworks).

Much Ado About Nothing and To Kill A Mockingbird (CSF). Caitlin received her MFA in acting from the National Theatre Conservatory.

She is honored to call Creede home, to have married John here and welcomed their children Leo and Sebastian into the mountains.

Cabaret at the Creede Hotel Christy Brandt

Co-Host – Cabaret at The Creede Hotel (she, her, hers) Christy is delighted to be performing at CRT for her 47th season. She feels that she is the most fortunate of actors to have lived and worked in the beautiful San Juan Mountains for most of her life. Having appeared in more than 130 productions at CRT, some favorites include: Marilyn in Ripcord (one of her most treasured experiences here), Helen in The History Room, and Miss Helen in The Road to Mecca, for which she received the “Best Actress in a Drama” award from the Denver Post. Christy co-authored and performed in Six Women with Brain Death. She appeared in Ang Lee’s Ride with the Devil and a recent release called The Sublime and Beautiful. CRT has been her professional home since 1973. She has been happily married to photographer and painter John Gary Brown since 1981. She would like to thank all of the Creede Rep audiences for supporting her all these years and for being faithful fans of live theater!

Annie Butler

Co-Host – Cabaret at The Creede Hotel (she, her, hers) Anne celebrates 20 years in Creede this year as well as 18 years with CRT! CRT credits include: Abby in Ripcord, Violet in August Osage County, Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, Rose in The Last Romance, and The Madame Aigreville in The Ladies Man. In 2018 she was Dierdra in The Humans at The Curious Theatre in Denver. Other Denver credits include: Dotty Otley in Noises Off (Arvada Center), and Moon in The Real Inspector Hound (Aurora Fox Theatre). She played for five seasons of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and credits there include: Volumnia in Coriolanus and Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals. She was also with Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro, Minnesota for five years, playing roles such as Chickabiddy in Misalliance. She holds her master’s degree in Acting from The National Theatre Conservatory. She dedicates this season to Jessica Baron and Chad Afanador for giving her a new lease on life!

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart WORLD PREMIERE

THE LORD OF CRIES

Music: John Corigliano, Libretto: Mark Adamo

EUGENE ONEGIN Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Benjamin Britten

ANGEL BLUE IN CONCERT

Follow our Reopening Plans

For more information visit santafeopera.org or call 505-986-5900

Photo by © Hidenao Abe, StudioAbe

Young Audience Outreach Tour Emily Diaz

Actor – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (she, her, hers) See bio on Page 59

Brandon Guzman

Actor – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (he, him, his) Brandon is super excited to be doing his first CRT show and tour. Brandon is a New Yorkbased actor with his BFA in musical theatre.

During the pandemic he was singing in restaurants in the Sarasota area in Florida. He was recently seen in The Office! A Murder Mystery Parody as Dwight K. Schrute in both San Antonio and Austin. He hopes you enjoy his performance!

Actors’ Equity Association

Creede Repertory Theatre operates under an agreement with Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and stage Managers in the United States.

our company Patty de la Garza

Actor – El Guayabo/The Guava Tree (she, her, hers) Patty is thrilled and humbled to be back on a stage after this whirlwind of a year and even more excited that it’s her debut with Creede Repertory Theatre with an amazing group of people! Previous Regional credits include: Othello, All’s Well That Ends Well, and Julius Caesar, Tuck Everlasting, Aesop Fables, and Schoolhouse Rock Live! Les mando Un beso más a mi familia. And a huge thank you to her partner for all the love and support, mi cielo. Instagram: @pattyndelagarz

OUR STAFF

y e a r - r o u n d s ta f f John DiAntonio

Producing Artistic Director

(he, him, his)

John’s been with CRT since 2011 as an actor, director, playwright, fight director, videographer, and Associate Artistic Director. Some of his plays for CRT include: Kind of Red, Reading! And Other Superpowers, and Harry the Great. Favorite CRT acting credits include: Kind of Red, Taming of the Shrew, Language of Trees, and Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead. Other acting credits include: The Game of Love and Chance, The Liar (Theatreworks), Cyrano (BETC), The 39 Steps (Lone Tree Arts Center), Is He Dead? (Arvada Center), Othello, A Christmas Carol (Denver Center). John received his MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory and BA from Case Western Reserve University.

John and Caitlin got married in Creede’s little white church on the hill. In December 2018 they welcomed little Leo to the world, followed in August 2020 by the newest member of their family - baby Sebastian! john@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 229

Morgan M. Manfredi Managing Director (she, her, hers)

Originally from Fresno, CA (where the raisins come from) she holds a BA in Theatre from CSU Sacramento and owes her career to the amazing visual and performing arts programs of Clovis Unified School District where she attended K-12. Morgan is an administrator, educator, and designer with a firm commitment to arts education and fostering empathy and cultural dialogue through theatre. She previously served as the Production Manager of American Family Theatre in Philadelphia, PA; the Company Manager and Associate General Manager of Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA; and most recently as the Associate General Manager at McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ. She was a participant in Cohort 2 of TCG’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Institute, representing McCarter.

Morgan met her husband Tyler while they were CRT company members together in 2011; the pair have a son named Duncan and a menagerie of furry critters. morgan@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 256

Lori Heinrich

Development Director (she, her, hers)

Originally from Texas, Lori grew up visiting Creede each summer. Married to a now-retired military spouse, Lori had the opportunity to live from coast to coast and work in corporate, nonprofit and public-school settings and has experience in grant writing and management, accounting, public and donor relations and event planning. She and her family were thrilled to make their final move in 2018 and establish roots in Creede. Lori has a deep love for Creede Repertory Theatre and has enjoyed watching her children build new skills and confidence because of their involvement in CRT’s education

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programs. In her spare time, Lori enjoys hiking, making music, knitting and spending time with her friends, family and pets. lori@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 231

Brittni Shambaugh Addison

Education Director/Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Chair (she, her, hers)

Originally from Sneads Ferry, NC (home of the Shrimp Festival!), Brittni received her BA in Theatre from Wake Forest University and her MFA in Directing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Brittni has had the pleasure of teaching, directing, and performing across the country, and is particularly passionate about creating and participating in programs that bring theatre into under-served populations. As an educator, she believes strongly in the power of Arts Integration and is focused on exploring the “why and how” rather than the “what.” She previously worked as the Education Associate at Cleveland Play House and the Artistic Associate at the Honolulu Theatre for Youth. Other notable credits include Players Theatre NYC, Great Lakes Theatre, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Cleveland Public Theatre, Ensemble Theatre CLE, and Beck Center for the Arts. So much love to Lavour, Aria, Luna, and Dudley. Love you Moody. brittni@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 227

Jared Lee

Marketing Director (he, him, his)

Honored with promoting and celebrating the great work at CRT, Jared hails from SW Missouri. He currently holds a B.S. Ed. in Speech and Theatre Education from Missouri State and an MFA in Directing from the University of Portland and an MFA in Theatre Management from Wayne State University. Jared is a director, collaborator, marketer, and theatre artist. Through his stints in Springfield, MO, Portland, OR, Detroit, MI, and Lexington, KY, he has worked with many organizations, including Springfield 2nd Stage, The Skinny Improv, Hand2Mouth Theatre, Imago Theatre, Well Arts, Detroit Public Theatre, and The Factory Theatre. Jared has taken on many roles from Producing Artistic Director, Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Performer, Director, and more. Most recently, he was the Marketing Lead for Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University, where he received the 2019 Ad POP award for his work on Angels in America. jared@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 221

Jacob Bannerman

Director of Production and Facilities (he, him, his)

Jacob has worked on the production management teams at Music Theatre Wichita, Oklahoma City Ballet and the Texas Shakespeare Festival, and is looking forward to another summer at CRT. Other notable management teams Jacob has been a part of are Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Summertime Theatre in Beijing, China, The American Cancer Society and Atikokan Donald Rogert Canoe Base in Canada.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production and Stage Management from Oklahoma City University, where he met the love of his life, Emily. When he is not in the office, Jacob can

be found playing D&D in the kitchen, or playing with his two dogs, Bonnie and Sheba. jacob@creederep.com 719-658-2540 Ext: 254

our staff

Kate Berry

Jake Harbour

(she, her, hers)

(he, him, his)

Associate Artistic Director Kate first found CRT as a member of the acting company in 2005 and is now in her fourth year as a full-time staff member. She currently manages Audience Enrichment programming, the Headwaters New Play Festival, and oversees the Marketing Department. She is inspired by new play development and has appeared in several new play festivals around the country including CRT’s Headwaters Festival, Local Lab in Boulder, and Ashland New Plays Festival in Oregon.

Colorado Credits: Arvada Center (The Lion in Winter, The Importance of Being Earnest, Blithe Spirit), Theatreworks (Wild Honey, The Seagull, Psycho Beach Party), Colorado Springs Fine Arts Theatre (Other Desert Cites), Colorado Shakespeare Festival (Twelfth Night), and Curious Theatre Company (Charles Ives Take Me Home). Favorite roles at CRT include Elsa in The Road to Mecca, Eliza in The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, and Sherlock Holmes in Miss Holmes. Member of AEA and SAGAFTRA. kate@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 233

Jenni Harbour

Education Associate (she, her, hers)

Jenni is grateful and humbled to be joining the CRT staff for the 2021 Season! She is a teaching artist, actor, and director who earned her M.F.A. at Northern Illinois University (which included a summer intensive at the Moscow Art Theatre).

She has taught Theatre for the University of West Georgia, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Hardin-Simmons University, Young Audiences of Abilene, and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. She is passionate about creating access to arts education for all learners and introducing new students to Shakespeare. Huge gratitude to her husband, Jake. Adventure is out there! jenni@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 255

s e a s o n a l s ta f f Emily Diaz

Operations Associate (she, her, hers)

This is Emily’s 4th summer in Creede! Emily graduated from Oklahoma City University with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.

Most recently Emily was the Education Associate for CRT but is thrilled to be going on the road with El Guayabo / The Guava Tree. You may have seen her in the 2019 Headwaters Festival, It’s a Wonderful Life, or teaching the youth of Creede. Emily would like to thank her partner Jacob and dogs Bonnie and Sheba for supporting her in all their many adventures. operations@creederep.com

Associate Production Manager Jake is a Sound & Scenic Designer, Music Composer, and Technical Director. He has worked for many prominent theatres in the Denver and Atlanta area and has been nominated for 4 Henry awards and one Suzi Bass award. Jake has 12 years of university experience teaching classes ranging from Sound & Light Design, Scenic Design, Technical Direction, as well as carpentry and welding. He holds his MFA in Technical Direction from the University of Northern Illinois.

Julia McCorvey Grants Manager (she, her, hers)

Julia is originally from Lexington, Kentucky.

After completing her Bachelor’s Degrees in Cognitive Studies and Spanish at Vanderbilt University, she stayed to receive a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School. As an artist, Julia was raised by opera singers and she plays violin, piano, viola, and cello. She believes in the power of the arts to give life to individuals and, through those impassioned artists, their communities. Outside of the office, Julia hikes, climbs, and plays with her dog. grants@creederep.com

Monica Sallaway Company Manager (she, her, hers)

Monica is thrilled to be joining the Creede Rep family for her third consecutive year!

Based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Monica is a freelance theatre artist with specializations in company management, stage management, and directing.

Passionate about theatre in education, she enjoys writing and producing theatre work for youth, and is a co-founder of the Weatherford Arts Council’s Music Theatre Camp, now in its sixth year. She currently serves as a rotating member of the directing team for The Drunkard & The Olio, America’s longest-running play. Past favorite production credits include: A Christmas Carol, Noises Off, and The Foreigner.

B.A. in Communication Arts & Theatre from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. When she isn’t in the office, you can find Monica hiking in the wilderness with her dog, Lola, or making a mess in her kitchen. monica@creederep.com / 719-658-2540 Ext: 226

Why do some of our staff, company, and Board members list their pronouns? Though it sometimes appears obvious, we can’t always know someone’s gender just by looking at them. Listing pronouns is a way to remove the guesswork.

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IN MEMORY 60

Thousands of people from all around the world have been part of the creation and performance of hundreds of productions over our astonishing fifty-six-year history. Creede has welcomed us all and left a distinct impression that stays with us until our last days. On top of a year that encompassed indescribable struggle and loss, we continue to honor their passion and vigor for theatre, its importance in society, and in life.

In Memory of our CRT Company Members, with their years at CRT

David “Duke” Arnold, 1976 Riley Austin, 1972 Cheryl Burnet, 1967 Jim Busby, 1983 Cary Bush, 1974-79 Jeff Carey, 2003-09, 2013-14 Rachel Corday, 1984-85 Elsie-Ann Brink Crist, 1974-79 Tammis Day, 1982 Valerie Ruth Dickenson, 1980 Bill Evans, 1971-73, 1975-79 Dave Froman, 1973 Carl Helfin, 1966-88 Lawrence P. Henderson, 2007 Lance Hewett, 1966-67 Mark Houston, 1976-82 Mark Hunter, 2007 Beverly Jensen, 1976 Kirby Kemble, 1969 Jimmy Lamb, 1976 John David Lentz, 1992 Michael Lueders, 1979 Monica Miller, 1999-2000 Bob Neches 1971 Casey Nichols, 2015-17 Gerald Rabkin, 1974 David Richards, 1975 Art Sloan, 1970 Roy Sorrels, 1970 Al Srnka, 1975 Paul Stone, 1972-73, 75-77, 1983, 2002-03 Mary Thom, 1966-1978 Anne Thompson, 1974 Earl Trussell, 1966-67, 74-75 Stuart Vaughn, 1974 Nancy Vunovich, 1986, 1990-92 Kenneth Washington, 1984-85, 1987-91 Doug Wasson, 1969, 71-72 Cheryl Payne Wilson, 1971

your theatre, always

Cheryl Burnet 1948-2019

CRT Company Member 1967, Legacy Donor Cheryl was one of the thirteen members of the Creede Repertory Theatre’s second season in 1967. She had just finished her freshman year at the University of Kansas and was cast that summer as Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker, Grace in Bus Stop, Elaine in The Seven Year Itch, and Mrs. Kirby in You Can’t Take It with You. Every time I pass the canned vegetable section in the grocery store and see a can of cream corn, I remember the final dress rehearsal of The Miracle Worker when Earl Trussell bought a can of cream corn instead of whole kernel corn for us to use at the dinner scene. As Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, we (Cheryl and I) were covered in cream corn and slipping and sliding on the stage. We both had smashed corn on our faces, hair, costumes, props, scenery. Steve Grossman stopped the rehearsal of the fight scene and said, "What is going on up there?

Stay in character!" I swear there was ground-in corn on the stage floor for years...It was about 2am by the time we walked back to our trailer across from the theatre near the flume with dried cream corn all over us. Cheryl washed her costume in the kitchen sink, and I washed mine in the bathroom sink. We would iron them on the trailer kitchen table in the afternoon. Yup, we both ended up taking cold showers that evening in the trailer where six CRT company members lived back in 1967. There was laughter--for decades.

–Kay Habenstein Lancaster I remember the night Cheryl filled in for Kay Habenstein who was too ill to perform one night. Kay played Olga Katrina in a brief scene in You Can’t Take It with You. All of the actors in the company were in this play so for a while we thought we might have to cancel the performance. Cheryl came to the rescue that evening by playing not only Mrs. Kirby but also Olga Katrina. I’ll never forget Cheryl’s entrance as Olga. I looked down, as I always did when Kay appeared since she was quite tiny but found myself looking at Cheryl’s midsection. Cheryl was a towering Olga Katrina compared to Kay. And then Olga spoke, not with a gravelly Russian accent that we were used to hearing from Kay but with a lovely Irish lilt that Cheryl used while playing Annie Sullivan. We all managed to stay in character (I think), but Olga was transformed, and the play went on.

–Gary Mitchell I remember Cheryl as the quietest among us that year. She worked her craft tirelessly and practiced "ensemble" better than most of us. She was one of those actors that directors always hope for...an actor who did the job and kept the drama on the stage. When Annie Sullivan's speech pattern required a subtle Irish lilt, she just put it in during the first read through without a moment's hesitation or mention. Her Grace in Bus Stop was as weary and world wise as her Mrs. Kirby was patrician and distant. And, though Cheryl was the quietest among us, her Annie Sullivan was a warrior...and her Grace possessed...such grace. And she is gone too soon.

– Phillip Grecian

Marilyn Wintz 1940-2020

Member of the 1966 Creede Jaycee-ettes This past year CRT said goodbye to a wonderful friend, advocate, and dedicated supporter.

Marilyn was a founding member of the Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes, an organization that helped bring the Creede Repertory Theatre into being. She was born in Aspen, Colorado on Valentine’s Day in 1940. She was known for sending perfectly cut out pink hearts that would fall out of an envelope like confetti.

Marilyn graduated high school in Monte Vista, Colorado and loved keeping up with her classmates who called her “Cookie.” La Garita Ranch in Creede is where Marilyn spent her summers working between college semesters at Colorado State University and U.N.C., where she studied to become a teacher. A handsome young cowboy, Rod Wintz, home from the National Guard visiting his parents George and Dorothy Wintz at La Garita Ranch, captured her heart. Rod and Marilyn were married in Colorado Springs and returned to Creede to manage Wason Ranch for over 30 years.

There they raised their family and met many lifelong friends. In the summer of 1966 Rod and Marilyn worked tirelessly to help the young students who came to Creede at the request of the Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes to begin a theatre company. It was a joy for them to attend shows and watch as the small company grew, changed, and received more and more accolades over the years. In her early teaching years, Marilyn began a preschool in the reception room at Wason Ranch. She initially taught first and second grade as well as music at Lamb Elementary School in Creede. One of her greatest joys was keeping up with her past students, and she referred to them all as “her kids.” She also spent time as the elementary school principal and after retirement went on to earn her PHD from the University of Denver. Rod and Marilyn retired to “Rel Rio” along the Rio Grande River where they loved seeing and hearing the river daily. She treasured the view of the river and enjoyed having a cup of tea with friends in the beautiful and peaceful place.

–Shirrae Fazio

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Doug Wasson 1946-2021

Triple Tribute to Doug Wasson: CRT Company Member 1969, 71, 72 Doug was a multi-talented University of Kansas theatre major.

Doug wrote Soap, a satire for CRT in 1972. During his three seasons with CRT (1969, 1971-72) he directed Glass Menagerie, Dracula, and Room Service, and had major roles that displayed his versatility: Taming of the Shrew (Baptista), The Lion in Winter (Henry II), Rainmaker (H.C. Curry), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Lycus) and Sunday in New York (Adam Taylor). He and I comanaged the 1972 season, but it was actually more Doug’s insightful, assured management than mine.

– Gary Mitchell Doug was brilliant as the old actor in the 1969 CRT production of Fantasticks and a delight to direct in Everybody Loves Opal.

–Kay Lancaster

Steve Scott and Doug Wasson in The Lion in Winter (1972)

Roy Sorrels 1938-2020

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In 1971 while in Vietnam I was invited to co-manage Creede Repertory Theatre with Doug Wasson who was stationed nearby. Having shared that Army experience, Doug and I were perfect partners. We never had a disagreement; we complemented each other. He was unique in the ease with which he approached challenges: “It is what it is; let’s move on.” Whatever the situation, Doug always made the best of it whether stuck on a hot wretched Army base in Vietnam or on a cold, cramped stage in Creede with less than a week to rehearse a show.

–Wes Payne

CRT Artistic Director in 1970 Roy, along with Managing Director BJ Myers, successfully steered the Creede Theatre through one of its most traumatic early seasons. In the spring of 1970, just a month before the first play was to open, the theatre building was severely damaged by a fire — the whole interior was gutted, and the entire season was in jeopardy. Roy and BJ rallied the rest of the company — and, together with much volunteer help from the Creede community, they rebuilt the theatre, rehearsed the first play, and opened the season on schedule. That amazing achievement was in no small part due to the leadership of Roy and BJ. CRT owes Roy a tremendous debt of thanks, even in memoriam. The story of the 1970 season is told in three stories in the CRT 50th Anniversary Book, Chapter 2, and there is a wonderful photo of Roy and BJ on p.57. After CRT, Roy continued his theatre career, mainly as an actor in NYC and various regional theatres. He then turned to writing, with several published novels to his credit, as well as becoming an award-winning playwright and a much-admired writing coach. He spent many years living in Mexico and eventually settled in Santa Fe, where he and I reconnected. My wife, Carolyn, and I spent many delightful evenings with Roy and his wife, Sarah. Then, as Roy’s health began to fail, we moved from evening visits to early afternoon lunches, which Roy found more accommodating. He often reminisced about that unforgettable summer of 1970. –Steve Reed

in memory

Both photos: (left) Elsie-Ann Brink Crist (right) Cary Bush

Elsie-Ann Brink Crist 1963-2019

CRT Company Member 1974-79 When I first met Elsie in 1977, she was a teenager wise beyond her years. I am not certain how much of that had to do with her Creede upbringing or her early introduction to the CRT, but I do know I will never forget her enthusiasm, her expression of exasperation at the never-ending tasks of feeding our hungry company who placed such a burden of expectations on both her and Cary Bush, her exhalation of a breath that seemed to set in motion a whisk of red hair that brushed her eye, and, always, a smile on a beautiful, freckled face that made you know you had found a friend.

We made numerous trips together to Safeway in Monte Vista over the summers to bring back station wagon loads of groceries and supplies designed to last a week. It was truly amazing to see how well fed we could be on such a small budget. Elsie and Cary's planning, along with BJ Myers’ careful supervision, created no small number of

Cary Bush 1964-2021

CRT Company Member 1974-79, Super Fan Cary Jean Bush - wife, mother, best friend, and longtime supporter of CRT and Creede - passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021. Cary has been an integral part of CRT and the City of Creede for over forty years. Cary's history with CRT started in the mid-1970s where, starting at the age of 12, she and her friend Elsie Brink cooked for the company for several years back when the theatre provided meals for its company. At the age of 14, she was also a member of the Creede Philharmonic with her stepfather Steve Little, Jimmy Lamb, Mark Houston, and others.

She graduated from Creede High School, valedictorian, in 1981. I was blessed to meet Cary in 1988, we married in 1995, and Lyric was born in 1996. Cary introduced Lyric and me to the theatre and to Creede.

When the theatre began having a fall season and wanted to hold a benefit fall dinner to kick it off, Cary immediately volunteered us to organize those events and lent her

culinary miracles. Even though we frequently complained, I am still amazed at how much our cooks did with so little! There were notable exceptions (does anyone remember lettuce soup?), but their work was herculean and so much appreciated. Both demonstrated a tremendous work ethic that matched or exceeded the rest of the company.

Over the years, our paths crossed many times in Mineral County: at Marge Deacon's for the 25th Anniversary, at Cary's home for the 50th Anniversary, and several other times just due to happy coincidence. Each visit we were able to catch up on the intervening years and enjoy each other's company as though time had not carried us in such different directions.

Thanks, Elsie. We are all so blessed that you were part of our lives. You will always be remembered with dear fondness and a grateful appreciation for the many acts of kindness, friendship, love, and the great enthusiasm for life you showed to us all.

–Gary Yawn

culinary talents to cook for over 100 people, with us donating the food as well so that it was a true fundraising event for the theatre. We did that for 7 or 8 years. Later on, Cary opened our house in Creede and took in a half dozen children attending the kids camps every summer for many years, serving as both den mother and surrogate mother. One of my fondest memories was a night that Cary was acting as director with our daughter and the others staying at the house, rehearsing a musical number from Damn Yankees in our living room until 3am the night before their performance to make sure they had it down.

In 2006, Cary founded Recycle-Creede in an effort to bring recycling and green living to Creede and other parts of the valley; initially in our garage and finally opening a drop off center in town.

Over the last 40 years, Cary has given of herself unselfishly to CRT and the City of Creede. We are confident that today she is flying with her hummingbirds.

– Randy and Lyric Nicholson

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Larry Basky 1943-2021

Elise Backinger 1944-2020

CRT Board Member 2013-15, Super Fan I don’t actually remember when I first met Elise Backinger, because it feels like she’s always been here.

It was likely in the lobby of the Mainstage or Ruth, after a show, sharing with us her enthusiasm and passion for the show she’d just seen. I can still see her short bob haircut and lean frame springing over to me like an eager puppy. This happened countless times.

That spring in her step. She seemed ageless.

Elise was always busy. With purpose. Serving her home community of Salida, she once participated in the local high school’s Career Day by giving an indepth presentation on “The Many Careers in Theatre.”

CRT was extensively featured. Elise would make an annual plea for us to send her all the brochures and programs we could spare so that she could thrust them into the hands of often unsuspecting Salida-folk. She served on the CRT Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2015 and was a constant source of ideas. During one meeting, a fellow board member was purported to have said, “Elise has a lot of ideas, and some of them are even good!” She took this as a compliment.

After company members Graham Ward and Bethany Talley had their first child, she sent me a letter asking to make sure the donation check she’d enclosed was used to honor the birth of their daughter, but not to tell them because she wanted it to be a surprise when they read that year’s program. She did this again for John DiAntonio and Caitlin Wise, and again for my husband and myself, when our children were born. Along with her husband Kent Strickland, she was adamant about attending our baby showers in order to celebrate these new chapters in our lives.

She championed love, life, and art. Her kindness and support knew no bounds. Her presence felt essential.

It felt right. Because of this, the world is just a little less bright without her. Or maybe a lot.

– Kate Berry

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your theatre, always

Artist, Educator, Football Player, Coach, Family Man, Lover of Life Creative, pensive, spiritual, and charming. A raconteur at its finest, Larry Basky was the quintessential “Renaissance Man”. A renowned serigrapher, he found inspiration in diverse landscapes from Creede to Maine. He and his wife, Jo Ann, opened Basky Gallery in Creede in 1992. This inviting haven is where he displayed his intricate and expressive silkscreens, monotypes, etchings, oil paintings and watercolors.

He was the founder of the National Small Print Show which brought together printmakers from around the country, now in its 20th season. In 2002, he moved his family, gallery and studio to Plymouth, Wisconsin where he continued to flourish artistically.

Larry created thriving high school art programs in Wichita and Alamosa. He also held many printmaking workshops throughout the country, making the complex process of printmaking more attainable to those he taught.

Known as a fierce competitor and a natural as a defensive lineman, Larry was a two-time AllAmerican football player at Pittsburg State University in Kansas and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

He coached at New Mexico Highlands University, Bishop Carroll in Wichita, Alamosa High School, and at Adams State University.

A beloved and thoughtful man with a gift for storytelling, he infused his adventurous tales with his passionate nature. At times I said, “Dad, did that really happen?!” And yes, all of his stories were true and were relived over and over, due to his entertaining narration. Larry had a passion for cooking and nurtured us all. His music and book collections were vast and his flair for catching fish, canoeing, and being one amongst nature, unrivaled. He loved all sports but more importantly, he loved a good game.

Next time you and your loved ones are remarking about the beauty of a sunset, grab a glass of wine, and cheers to our dad, husband, and friend. We will always remember him with a twinkle in his eye, his magical way of just “being,” and his big bear hugs full of love and comfort.

–Holly Basky

in memory

Dixie Slater 1942-2020

Bob Carrel 1933-2020

CRT Donor, Super Fan Kay and I were fortunate to know Bob and Kay Carrel. We were close neighbors, so we got to know them well. Importantly, Bob and Kay were strong supporters of the CRT. They were one of the main reasons we became CRT supporters as well.

We knew Bob from the Creede Community Church, where he and Kay sang in the choir. Most people don’t know that they were the lead contributors to the Fellowship Hall at the Church, which is now used extensively by the Creede community. After Church, we frequently went to the Creede Hotel to share lunch with them.

Bob was a self-made man. He was educated at Purdue and founded an aviation electronics company with a few friends. They were bought out by Hughes Aircraft/Chrysler.

I will always remember the fun times we had with Bob – golfing, eating at the 4UR, and many other great experiences.

Bob will be sorely missed by the Creede community.

We extend our sympathy and best wishes to Kay and the Carrel family.

–Chuck Harbert

CRT Donor, Super Fan Dixie loved her early years on the farm and worked it along with family. Corn, cattle, pigs, chickens, mud, fences, etc. Dirt under her fingernails. Life perspective and values shaped here. Met Bob in college and they spent the next 58 years together, 48 years in Texas and Creede for 28 years. Special times. Dixie was President of the Arlington Girls Club Board, devoting significant time to working with girls from low-income families in need of further education and employment. Held fundraisers and counseled young girls. She became involved along with Bob in the Creede Repertory Theatre; Cornell College; assisted with Cure JM, founded by daughter Shari, which morphed from a lemonade stand to a National Foundation for a rare disease affecting grandson Parker; and an enthusiastic Girl Scout Troop leader and “Cookie Captain” which at times meant every room in the house was full of cookies. We still have some left in the closets.

Dixie found comfort in CRT: the plays, the laughter and joy of it all, the love of a phrase or a lyric, the spark, personal relationships, taking the family to a play and sharing afterwards. For a few moments you’re transferred to another place. Yes. Theatre created the inner warmth and awareness of life from so many different perspectives which we all need.

For Dix, theatre was kindness, laughter, and staying positive on life through good times and hard times.

It was wood in the fireplace, a cup of coffee in the morning, conversation. “Focus on the family, be a part of your community and let’s move on."

58 years with Bob, two children (Scott & Shari), seven grandchildren. Missed by all of us, dearly.

–Bob Slater

creederep.org

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John “J” Preston Seamster, Jr. 1943-2020

CRT Board President 1983 June 2020 brought the loss of long time CRT supporter and past board member John “J” Seamster, Jr. J passed away very unexpectedly from a massive heart attack. I’m not exactly sure when our dad became such a strong supporter of the tiny little theatre in a tiny little town most people had never heard of. But for as long as I can remember every summer meant going to Creede, sitting in seats C 1-4, and seeing every play a minimum of 3 times. Those summers are now a treasured memory. J served on the Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1983. His leadership skills were recognized and put to work as Vice-President of the Board in 1982 and President in 1983. During that time, J and Geraldine would host the members of the theatre group at our cabin for a wine and cheese party. It was a chance for the summer employees to get to know each other and our family. J was also the guy who would dig a huge pit, make a bonfire, and let it burn down to coals. Once the coals were just right, he would place a whole pig into the pit, cover it with wet burlap sacks and dirt, and let it cook all day. Some of you may remember having some of that wonderful pork at Cabaret. He was also a vital part of creating the burlap sack ceiling in the refreshment area. The building was very primitive at that time and the burlap sacks really classed the place up! Dad was vital in putting on the Meet the Cast parties every year and helping to ensure everyone had a good time.

Losing our dad/husband so unexpectedly has been very difficult, but we will forever be grateful to him for the wonderful memories of summers at CRT. His dedication to that tiny little theatre gave us all a love of the Arts. We would like to thank CRT for honoring him, he would be humbled by the recognition.

– The Seamsters (Geraldine, Shawna & Rene)

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your theatre, always

Bob Neches 1951-2020

CRT Company Member 1971 Robert Neches was born on August 4th, 1951. He spent one season at CRT in 1971, appearing in Harvey, Dracula, Sunday in New York, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. On screen, he appeared in the films Innerspace, Hitmen: Blood Money, and About Last Night. In 1983, he was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Musical for They’re Play Our Song in Chicago, IL. CRT company member Wes Payne remembers: “I have many fond memories of him during our 1971 Creede season together. During the Spring of that year, I found that we were in need of a young male actor to complete the company. Mandy suggested Bob, and that turned out to be a great choice. I recall that Bob played a wonderful romantic lead in Sunday in New York. He was also very good as Jonathan Harker in Dracula and in a smaller role as the young doctor in Harvey. Bob was always a pleasure to work with.

He provided one of my favorite stage bloopers while playing Jonathan Harker in Dracula. Transposing his nouns, Bob reacted with amazement to the magical disappearance of the Count by exclaiming, ‘Up the bat as a chimney!’”

Paintings and Prints by Stephen Quiller w Capturing the Spirit of the San Juans Clay, Bronze, Glass, Basket and Wood Forms; Gemstone and Horsehair Jewelry, all by Colorado Artists

“Pipsqueak Creek #3”

48” x 28”

Acrylic

SUMMER SEASON — OPEN DAILY PO Box 160 w 110 Main Street w Creede, Colorado 81130 w 719.658.2741

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