The mission of The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.
VISION STATEMENT
The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
PARKING:
Parking attendants will be on hand to provide direction!
QUIET PLEASE:
Please turn off all cell phones prior to the start of the performance. Please do not use your mobile device during the performance as the light emitted from the screen can be distracting to patrons seated around you.
LATE ARRIVALS:
Latecomers are seated at the discretion of house management and may be seated in an alternate location until an appropriate break in the performance.
REFRESHMENTS:
Concessions are available before the show and during intermission.
NO SMOKING:
Smoking is prohibited by federal, state and local regulations. When smoking outdoors, please maintain an appropriate distance from entrances and open windows.
PLEASE NOTE
: Feel free to “Follow” us later!
www.facebook.com/DepotTheatre
@depotbackstage
Taking photographs or video recording during the performance is STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY LAW.
TEXT MESSAGING
during the performance is not allowed. Please TURN OFF all mobile devices.
Depot Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation. P.O. Box 414 · 6705 Main Street · Westport, New York 12993 518-962-4449 · www.DepotTheatre.org
SEASON SPONSOR
Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
FIRST DATE
Chazy and Westport Communications
RADIANT VERMIN
Mountain Lake PBS
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
THE ROOMMATE
Emerging Blue
PLAYBILL SPONSOR
Sylvamo
DIGITAL MARKETING SPONSOR
Arts Spark
EXCLUSIVE AND EXTRAORDINARY CRAFT BEER SPONSOR
Ledge Hill Brewing Company
CONCESSIONS SPONSOR
Champlain National Bank
DEPOT ACADEMY THEATRE PROGRAM SPONSORS
UNDERWRITER
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
SENIOR PROGRAM SPONSOR - The Drowsy Chaperone
The Mill
SUMMER PROGRAM SPONSOR - The Wizard of Oz - Youth Edition
TrailNorth Federal Credit Union
The Depot Theatre receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor and the New York State Legislature.
WELCOME!
THE ACTORS’ EQUITY DIFFERENCE
Since 1988, the Depot has maintained an active relationship with Actors’ Equity Association – the union for professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
The Depot Theatre is committed to bringing professional theatre artists – actors, directors, stage managers, technicians, choreographers, and designers – to the Adirondacks.
By maintaining its Equity status, as well as being a Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) affiliated theatre company, the Depot Theatre has built a reputation for producing high quality performances in a unique performance space, in a very rural area in the Adirondacks.
The Depot Theatre employs members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 Actors and Stage Managers. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING- TYLER NYE as Narrator
SEXMOB
STEVEN BERNSTEIN, BRIGGAN KRAUSS, TONY SCHERR, KENNY WOLLESON
JOE FIEDLER, RYAN KEBERLE, CURTIS HASSELBRING, MARCUS ROJAS
YUKA HONDA (SOLO)
FIMA EPHRON
JOSH DION + GEOFF KRALY
w. JOHN HOLLENBECK
w. ADAM ROGERS + BEN PEROWSKY GILLIAN MARGOT +
REBEKAH HELLER (SOLO)
LUCIAN BAN + MAT MANERI TRANSYLVANIAN DANCE
DAN TEPFER (SOLO)
J.S. BACH INVENTIONS + REINVENTIONS
ROGERIO BOCCATO
CARDUME
w. KEITA OGAWA + CLEBER ALMEIDA
TAYLOR HASKINS + BEN MONDER
CAMILA MEZA : PORTAL
HELEN GILLET (SOLO)
STEPHAN CRUMP OTHERLANDS
w. ERIC MCPHERSON + DARIUS JONES
JODY REDHAGE FERBER
w. CAMILA MEZA + SARA CASWELL
Letter from the President of the Board
Dear Depot Theatre Guests,
Welcome to the Depot Theatre’s 47th season!
We’re proud to continue our legacy as the Adirondacks’ oldest professional Equity theatre, and this summer, that tradition of excellence is stronger than ever — on stage, behind the scenes, and throughout our vibrant community. This year’s lineup of Main Stage productions promises a powerful mix of heart, humor, and unforgettable storytelling — performances that will uplift and inspire audiences of all ages. And while the lights shine bright on the Depot stage, the future of theatre is taking root just as boldly through the Depot Theatre Academy. We’re especially thrilled to showcase The Drowsy Chaperone on the Depot’s main stage — a milestone moment that celebrates the incredible talent of our young performers. The Academy season continues at the Whallonsburg Grange with a production of the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz, offering another opportunity to experience the creativity and energy of our community’s youth.
We’re also looking beyond the summer. With your continued support, we’re laying the groundwork for year-round programming that keeps the magic of theatre alive in every season — expanding our educational offerings, developing new works, and creating more opportunities to connect with our community through the arts.
Finally, I’m delighted to introduce Sarah Wilson, our new Executive Director. Sarah brings incredible energy and vision to the Depot, and we are excited to work with her to guide the theatre into this next exciting chapter.
Thank you for being part of our story. Your enthusiasm and support make everything possible. Here’s to a season full of creativity, connection, and unforgettable moments.
With gratitude,
Scott Gibree President, Board of Trustees
Depot Theatre
SUPPORT
THANK YOU
The Depot Theatre’s continued success is a testament to the support we receive from our subscribers, donors, sponsors, grantors, friends, local businesses and partners.
We RELY on your generous contributions, just as you rely on us to deliver on our mission to “entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.”
KEEP US STRONG
Recent years illustrated the need for us to ensure that we can weather another unforeseen derailment AND continue to pursue our long-term strategic goals. By remaining financially secure, we can do both.
Here are some ways for YOU to have a long-term impact on the Depot’s success:
• Recurring Gift
One of the simplest ways to support the Depot Theatre is to make a monthly recurring gift using a credit card.
• Multi-Year Pledge
We’d love for you to consider pledging a certain level of support for multiple years. A multi-year pledge is a great way to make a significant impact on the future of the Depot Theatre by strengthening our ability to plan budgets and programming.
• Planned Giving - support the ongoing work of the Depot Theatre with a planned gift in your will or trust.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Sarah Wilson, Executive Director, at ed@depottheatre.org or 518.962.4449 x2.
You, our investors, continue to help keep us strong, and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity!
The Depot Theatre presents
Book by COLIN ESCOTT and FLOYD MUTRUX
Original Concept and Direction by FLOYD MUTRUX
Inspired by
ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY CASH,
JERRY LEE LEWIS and CARL PERKINS
Originally developed and produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights, Inc. at the Goodman Theatre, Robert Falls, Artistic Director – Roche Shulfer, Executive Director and transferred to The Apollo Theatre, Chicago, IL, 2008
Produced by the Village Theatre, Issaquah, Washington, Robb Hunt, Producer – Steve Tompkins, Artistic Director, 2007 and Seaside Music Theater, Daytona Beach, FL, Tippin Davidson, Producer – Lester Malizia, Artistic Director, 2006
Director - MICHAEL SANTORA
Musical Director - JONATHAN ACORN
Scenic/Light Design - BONNIE B. BREWER
Sound Design/Engineer - JACK SCHOONOVER
Costume Design - CLARK BOUNDS
Dyanne’s Dress— Tony Nominee MICHAEL MCDONALD
Production Stage Manager - BETH GLOVER*
Stage Manager - LYDYA FELIX
Master Carpenter - KEVIN BOYLE
Technical Assistant - STYX WILLIAMS
Million Dollar Quartet is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
CAST
JERRY LEE LEWIS...............................................................JONATHAN ACORN
BROTHER JAY PERKINS.....................................................CHRIS SHACKLETT
ELVIS PRESLEY.................................................................................SAGE SPIKER
The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
THE CAST
JONATHAN ACORN (JERRY LEE LEWIS, MUSIC DIRECTOR)
- is thrilled to make his Depot debut! A Massachusetts native, Jonathan has spent the last 3 years cruising the world with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET on Norwegian Cruise Line. Some of his other favorite credits include the world premiere of DOLLY PARTON’S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL (Young Scrooge/Fred) for which he had the honor of working directly with Dolly. He also had a hand in another world premiere, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS (u/s Jerry Lee Lewis) at The Phoenix Theatre Company. Other favorite credits include RAGTIME (Younger Brother) at Wheelock Family Theatre, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Jean-Michel) at Reagle Music Theatre, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Brad) at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and many productions at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. BFA Musical Theatre, Emerson College - JonathanAcorn.com - Be a light.
JANE BOXALL (FLUKE) has toured on three continents, recorded on labels including Naxos and Fat Possum, and worked with artists from Armand Hammer to Jessi Zazu.
Drum! magazine praised her “killer technique and inspired musicality.” Collaborators note:
“Jane brings absolute technical mastery to everything she does. What makes her exceptional is that she brings absolute presence, heart and feel too” (Michael Chorney);
“She is a joy to work with, both musically and professionally. She is dedicated, sincere, and brilliantly talented” (Corey Selover);
“Jane’s versatility and range make for a Swiss Army knife effect. I feel like I can bring her a variety of ideas, textures and soundscapes, and she plugs in effortlessly” (billy woods);
“There are very few musicians in this world with the skill, depth, and musical knowledge that Jane possesses. Among those talented people, none are as humble, fiercely loyal, or passionately dedicated to their craft and beliefs as she is” (Ceschi Ramos).
Jane endorses Adoro Drums, Coe Percussion, Vic Firth, and Alternate Mode. She holds a Doctorate in Percussion Performance from the University of Illinois, and she lives in New York. janeboxall.com
CASON DAY (CARL PERKINS) is an actor, musician, composer, and music director based in NYC. He’s thrilled to be stepping into the Blue Suede Shoes for the sixth time! Favorite credits include: Orin Scrivello, D.D.S in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 4th Cricket/ Buddy Holly Understudy in THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, Plankton in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, Mark in RING OF FIRE, and of course, Carl Perkins in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Huge thanks to the Depot team for this opportunity to visit Sun Studio once again. Thank you Ashley, Mom, Dad, Braeden, Ms. Bankston, Lulu, and Lucy for their love and support. Thank you Carl Perkins for the music and the opportunity to tell his story. Enjoy the show and “Go, Cat, Go!” Website: www.casonday.com
JONATHAN HADLEY * (SAM PHILLIPS) is delighted to be back on the Depot stage where he has played leading roles in THE 39 STEPS, PETE N KEELEY, SAVING UP FOR SATURDAY NIGHT and BORN YESTERDAY, and served as the Interim Producing Director for two seasons. Jonathan’s credits include roles on Broadway (JERSEY BOYS, A CLASS ACT) Off- B’way, (THE GREAT DIVORCE, FINIAN’S RAINBOW, CAESAR AND CLEOPATRA), National and International Tours (JERSEY BOYS, THE BODYGUARD, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), and many fine regional theatres. TV and film credits include “blink or you’ll miss me” roles on Succession, Sex and the City, Due Season, and Crash the System. Jonathan has degrees from UNCSA and Brooklyn College and is currently teaching Performing Arts at Saint David’s School in Manhattan.
BRIAN SANFORD (JOHNNY CASH) is an actor/musician based out of Lafayette, LA. He is honored to be making his Depot Theatre debut. He has performed in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Johnny Cash) at Shepherd of the Hills (Branson, MO), Interlakes Summer Theatre (Meredith, NH), and as a swing (Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins) with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Some of his other credits include Davy (BANDSTAND), Nick/Low Righteous Bro. (BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL), Tommy Devito/ Nick Massi (JERSEY BOYS), Narrator/Mysterious Man (INTO THE WOODS), and Caiaphas (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR). His daughter Scarlett’s debut EP Drury Lane, which he produced, is available on all streaming platforms!
ADDISON SCHUH (DYANNE) is excited to be returning to The Depot Theatre! Addison, a graduate from Oklahoma City University, is an NYC-based singer and actress. She was last seen on the Depot stage as Rhetta in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES. Some of her other recent credits include Cinderella (INTO THE WOODS), Christine Daae u/s/Ensemble (PHANTOM), and Countess Helene (SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER; The CW Network). She would like to thank her agents at the Avalon Artists Group, friends, family, and God for their guidance and support! @addisonschuh
CHRIS SHACKLETT (BROTHER JAY PERKINS) was invented in Newburgh, NY on October 20th, 1982. He shares a birthday with Bela Lugosi, Tom Petty, and Kamala Harris. Music came naturally early on in life and still does to this day as you are reading this bio. Chris considers himself a musician rather than a bass player as he is versed in percussion and a variety of stringed pieces of furniture such as piano and guitar. Between being a music instructor at Strand Center of the Arts, selling alcohol for Craft Beer Guild NY, and playing in musical groups in the area, he still finds time to participate in wonderful things such as this production you are about to indulge in. He is also no stranger to the theater. He’s been in several productions at The Strand Theater with Adirondack Regional Theater in Plattsburgh in the pit as well as on the stage. His favorite foods are probably bread, cheese, sushi, and vanilla ice cream (Häagen-Dazs or B&Js). If you were to ask him at any time what he’d rather be doing, it would most likely involve being with his dogs, Summer and Dorothy.
SAGE SPIKER (ELVIS PRESLEY) is happy to be making his Depot Theatre debut! This will be his sixth time playing the King in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, but he has done a plethora of stage-work, with some of his favorite regional credits including KINKY BOOTS, THE WEDDING SINGER, and BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. He has also worked off-broadway, on a cruise, and toured nationally with various shows and tribute acts. Keep up with his adventures on Instagram: @sage_spiker
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
MICHAEL SANTORA (DIRECTOR) is so excited to make his Depot Theatre debut and work on his favorite musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET! He has performed in over 300 shows as Sam Phillips, and has loved every minute! He graduated from The University of Idaho with an MFA in Acting. National Tours: ANNIE, FLASHDANCE, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and ANYTHING GOES. Off Broadway: THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY (Dwight), THE IMBIBLE (Narrator). Favorite directing credits include MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, FOREVER PLAID, RING OF FIRE, and JEKYLL & HYDE: IN CONCERT, as well as HAMLET, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, and RICHARD III. Special thanks to ATB! All my love to my wife Kim, Nannan, and my Mom, who always holds a special place in my heart. www.michaelsantora.com
COLIN ESCOTT (PLAYWRIGHT)
Born in England, Colin Escott lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He is the author of GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT: SUN RECORDS AND THE BIRTH OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, the first in-depth account of the Sun Records story. His book HANK WILLIAMS – THE BIOGRAPHY has been adapted into the movie I SAW
THE LIGHT, starring Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen. His multi-CD box set, THE COMPLETE HANK WILLIAMS, won a Grammy, and another of his productions, B.B. KING – KING OF THE BLUES , was nominated for a Grammy.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET received three Tony nominations, including Best Book and Best Musical. Escott was part of the writing/producing team adapting the show for CMT/Viacom. The first season aired in 2016.
FLOYD MUTRUX (PLAYWRIGHT)
Floyd Mutrux apprenticed at the Alley Theatre in Houston and worked at Second City in Chicago; he attended Columbia University. He has conceived, written, directed, or produced 50 films, including DUSTY AND SWEETS MCGEE; FREEBIE AND THE BEAN; ALOHA, BOBBY AND ROSE; THE HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS; AMERICAN HOT WAX; DICK TRACY; AMERICAN ME; BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT; THERE GOES MY BABY; and MULHOLLAND FALLS. With his wife Birgitte, he is preparing a new film MOON OVER MEMPHIS (a rock-and-roll FIELD OF DREAMS.) He also cowrote the musical BABY IT’S YOU! With Colin Escott and helped adapt SUN RECORDS, the new television series based on MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET received three Tony Award nominations in 2010, including best book and best musical.
ACT 1
BLUE SUEDE SHOES
(Music and Lyrics By Carl L. Perkins) – Company
REAL WILD CHILD (Music and Lyrics By Johnny O’Keefe, John Greenan and Dave Owens) – Jerry Lee Lewis
MATCHBOX (Music and Lyrics By Carl L. Perkins) – Carl Perkins
WHO DO YOU LOVE? (Music and Lyrics By Ellas McDaniel) – Carl Perkins
FOLSOM PRISON BLUES (Music and Lyrics By John R. Cash) – Johnny Cash
FEVER (Music and Lyrics By Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell) – Dyanne
MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS
(Music and Lyrics By Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr and Frank Miller) – Elvis Presley
THAT’S ALL RIGHT (Music and Lyrics By Arthur Crudup) – Elvis Presley
BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN (Music and Lyrics By Chuck Berry) – Company
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE – Company
15- minute INTERMISSION
ACT 2
SIXTEEN TONS (Music and Lyrics By Merle Travis) – Johnny Cash
MY BABE (Music and Lyrics By Willie Dixon) – Carl Perkins
LONG TALL SALLY (Music and Lyrics By Robert Blackwell, Enotris Johnson & Richard Penniman) – Elvis Presley
PEACE IN THE VALLEY (Music and Lyrics By Thomas A. Dorsey) – Company
I WALK THE LINE (Music and Lyrics By John R. Cash) – Johnny Cash
I HEAR YOU KNOCKING (Music and Lyrics By Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King) – Dyanne
PARTY (Music and Lyrics By Jessie Mae Robinson) – Carl Perkins and Company
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE (Music and Lyrics By Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer) – Jerry Lee Lewis
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE (Reprise) – Company
HOUND DOG (Music and Lyrics By Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller) – Elvis Presley
GHOST RIDERS (Music and Lyrics By Stan Jones) – Johnny Cash
SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR (Music and Lyrics By Robert Guidry) – Carl Perkins
WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’ GOIN’ ON (Music and Lyrics By Curly Williams) – Jerry Lee Lewis
Each performance we have needs for:
2 Ushers
2 Concessions
1 Raffle
1 Parking Attendant
Contact: Susan Granfors House Manager
hm@depottheatre.org
c 603-315-3664
Throughout the season, if seats are available, VOLUNTEERS are invited to stay for the show as our guest. Should the show be sold out, we offer a voucher for a seat to another production this season
No experience is necessary; I'll be there to support and/or train you.
Please email, call or scan the QR Code to learn our current needs.
THANK YOU!
Take a journey without leaving the station
Ampersound
Saranac Lake, New York
The BackPack Program provides food in backpacks for food insufficient families to take home every Friday, ensuring that kids have enough to eat for the weekend.
Unfortunately funding for this program has been cut, but the need is greater than ever. It only costs $273 per student for the year to serve a child in this program. Half of the revenue earned from our main stage raffles throughout the summer will be donated to this program and serve the Boquet Valley Central School and Willsboro Central School Districts.
BALLARD PARK BALLARD PARK
~ Robert Shaw
DEPOT THEATRE STAFF
SARAH WILSON (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
Sarah is delighted to join the Depot Theatre team and help carry forward its legacy of great stories, Adirondack charm, and unforgettable summer seasons. A longtime communications professional, she brings a deep appreciation for the arts and a commitment to strengthening community through theatre. Sarah is especially inspired by the Depot Theatre’s dual role as a local cultural anchor and creative home for visiting professional artists. She’s grateful to help steward its next chapter—locally and beyond.
BETH GLOVER (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER OF FIRST DATE) Her passion for theatre began with a Southern upbringing that valued storytelling. Acting credits: 6 Broadway First National Tours, many Off-Broadway shows (most notably: COUNSELLOR AT LAW, Lortel Winner and TAKE ME ALONG, Drama Desk Nom.), Goodspeed Opera House, Papermill Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre Co. of DC, etc. Favorite roles: Blanche, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Big & Little Edie, GREY GARDENS (BACC Award Best Actress). Directing credits: 9 TO 5 at SUNY Plattsburgh, BAKERSFIELD MIST for ALCA & ADK Stage Rats, ANALOG & VINYL, WICKED CITY & HEROES for the Depot Theatre and more for Adirondack Stage Rats, co-founded with her wife, Karen Lewis and Bonnie B. Brewer. Beth is looking forward to treading the Depot Boards once again at the end of the season in THE ROOMMATE. Complete credits: www.Beth-Glover.com
but never On-Broadway). Several awards and grants have come her way; among them: THE PERFECT WIFE won The Stanley Drama Award and was a semi-finalist at The O’Neill’s National Playwrights Conference and ATC’s nuGeneration Festival; SHADES OF VALOR, published by Dramatic Publishing, was a winner of the AACT NewPlayfest. Most recently, thanks to help from a SCR Individual Artist Grant and a Blu/Pen Artist in Residency, her play THE PATHLESS WOODS was developed and performed at several North Country Community College Campuses. Karen is a co-founder (with Beth Glover and Bonnie B. Brewer) of the Adirondack Stage Rats theatre company producing full productions and staged readings around the North Country. Two decades in the amusing salt mines of daytime television resulted in 5 Emmys, 4 WGA awards, and hilarious memories. Proud member of the Writers Guild of America and The Dramatists’ Guild.
KAREN L. LEWIS (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) is a writer/producer whose plays have been performed around the country (including Off,
KEVIN BOYLE (MASTER CARPENTER) runs a small woodworking business and brings a wealth of building experience and creative solutions to support both the technical and set design team and many infrastructure projects at the Depot. Though he describes himself as lacking a background in theatre, he enjoys the “fleeting nature” of live performances. He is most proud of his work on RED and CHESAPEAKE, their intense and physical nature required extra involvement to create those stunning and functional sets. He has been a longtime supporter and volunteer with a 2015 Volunteer of the Year award to prove it.
BONNIE B. BREWER (RESIDENT DESIGNER) has been working the professional theatre circuit for over 37 years now. Directing projects include: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, KISS ME KATE, DAMN YANKEES!, SANTALAND DIARIES, KIMBERLY
AKIMBO, URINETOWN, ANNIE, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE LAST ROMANCE, ALMOST MAINE, AGNES OF GOD, OTHER DESERT CITIES, ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE 39 STEPS, THE GIN GAME, EVITA, SYLVIA, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED (and a few of their other abridged shows too), ALL MY SONS, WAIT UNTIL DARK, DEATH OF A SALESMAN, AND LEND ME A TENOR. Light and set designs include: ANALOG & VINYL, CHESAPEAKE, MOUNTAINTOP, LADY DAY, ADDAMS FAMILY, WORLD GOES ROUND, FOREVER PLAID, URINETOWN, ANNIE, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, THE LITTLE MERMAID, CHICAGO, OTHER DESERT CITIES, BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, and …more than I can remember at present. Thank you to the entire Depot Theatre Family. AND thank you Kevin :)
Coffee House, Mont Vernon, NH; Riverbend Theatre, Milford, NH.
GIGI MASON (ACADEMY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR)
LYDYA FELIX (STAGE MANAGER) has been involved in many theatrical productions most recently, SPAMALOT, END DAYS and WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME during the Depot Theatre’s 2023 season. Lydya is now a graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BA in Theatre and Certificate in Theatrical Production and Technology. She looks forward to a wonderful 2025 season at the Depot Theatre.
SUSAN GRANFORS (HOUSE MANAGER)
became a full-time resident of Westport in October of 2023 and is thrilled to be able to see each and every Depot production again this season! And that she will! She looks forward to answering your questions, listening to your compliments and concerns, and most of all, making sure you feel welcome and safe here at the Depot. Experience: Haskell Opera House, Derby Line, VT/Stanstead, Quebec; Round Room
is thrilled to be working with students and educators all over the North Country to continue to expand opportunities for youth in the theatre arts. This summer will be a busy one, continuing to offer Academy students ages 5 and up the opportunity to participate in three different programs. Mason, a retired school administrator with over 35 years of experience, has always been a passionate supporter of children and theatre. She has produced, directed and choreographed shows for children since 1996 in local schools, community theaters and the Boquet River Theatre Festival (BRTF). Mason has also been involved in the Depot Theatre as a Board member, an Advisory Board member, and Education Committee member. gmason@ depottheatre.org
KATIE SHEPARD (OFFICE OPERATIONS MANAGER)
began working in the Depot Theatre’s Box Office in 2012, and she became the Box Office Manager in 2014. In 2022, she took on moreadministrative responsibilities as the Payroll Manager, and in 2025 she is now the Office Operations Manager. She is the co-founder of Essex Editions (essexeditions.com), a small artisanal publishing and author services company in Essex, NY. In 2016, she published her first book Essex, New York Architecture: A Doodler’s Field Guide co-created with Geo Davis. Currently, she is also the Managing Editor for Rewilding Earth (rewilding.org). continued. . .
JACK SCHOONOVER (SOUND DESIGNER/ ENGINEER) is a sound designer, musical instrument builder, and founder of the synthesizer company SetonixSynth. Jack is based in Willsboro, NY, and is excited to be returning for his fourth season at the Depot Theatre.
STYX WILLIAMS (TECHNICAL ASSISTANT)
is a student in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Anthropology major and Technical Theatre Certificate programs, working predominantly in Costumes and Lighting. Looking forward to the Summer 2025 season!
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
ADMINISTRATION
Executive Director: Sarah Wilson
Academy Outreach and Education Director: Ginene Mason
Office Operations Manager: Katie Shepard
Resident Designer: Bonnie B. Brewer
Company Manager: Peter Corley
House Manager: Susan Granfors
Bookkeeper: Teresa Cummings
Auditor: Joseph P. Lafiura, CPA P.C.
MAIN STAGE PRODUCTION TEAM
Artistic Directors: Beth Glover and Karen Lewis
Set/Light /Projection Design/Properties: Bonnie B. Brewer
Master Carpenter: Kevin Boyle
Sound Designer /Technician: Jack Schoonover
Stage Managers:
Lydya Felix
Peter Corley
Beth Glover
Technical Assistant: Styx Williams
Costume Alterations: Kent Streed
DEPOT THEATRE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Scott Gibree (President)
Maureen Carlo (Vice President)
Alexandra Henderson (Treasurer)
Lindy Flanagan (Secretary)
Betsy Bacot
Catherine Conover Covert
Alisa Endsley
Greg Harper
Lawrence Masle
Bill McColgan
Matthew Melewski
Cheri Phillips
Liz Spitler
Marlene Super
DEPOT THEATRE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Dee Carroll
Jim Carroll
George Davis
Melissa Davis
Amy Guglielmo
Jonathan Hadley
Daniel Keegan
Amy McNamara
Jennifer Moore
Mary Ellen O’Loughlin
Jane Preston
Kathy Recchia
Kim Rielly
Annie Scavo
Joan Simon
Sally Struthers
Michael Thomas
ROGERS-CARROLL FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Depot Theatre is grateful for the longtime support of the Carroll family.
Dee Carroll, her late husband Bob, and sons Jim and Larry, have made incredible contributions of time and treasure to the arts in the region through their businesses, their foundation, and as individuals. Their contributions to the Westport Chamber of commerce and other regional tourism efforts alone are significant!
And, through their monetary support through via The Galley Restaurant & Bar, Westport Marina, and the Family Foundation, they have bolstered the Depot, the Academy (formerly the Boquet River Theatre Festival), and other arts organizations with sponsorships and gifts every single year since before they moved to the area in the early 1980s.
In addition to being advocates for Westport and the greater community, they are true champions for the arts, and their consistent support continues to have a tremendous impact.
THANK YOU.
LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Depot Theatre wishes to acknowledge that we are operating on the traditional and unceded homeland of the Mohawk or Kanienkehaka people, who oversaw a gathering place for many Iroquoian and Algonquian peoples in this space. We honor the Kanienkehaka ancestors who took great care of this land and their present-day descendants who continue to teach us the importance of land stewardship and community. With great respect and gratitude to the Kanienkehaka, we express our desire to align with their teachings to protect the land the theater is located on and to create community to the best of our abilities.
2025 ART EXHIBIT
Westport Heritage House
6459 Main Street ● Across from Ballard Park
Westport, NY
July 1 September 1
10:00 a m -3:00 p m Mon -Sat 1:00 p m -3:00 p m Sun
Closed on Tuesday
The exhibit features a wide collection of work from our talented artists of the Champlain Valley.
All art will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit local artists and the Heritage House.
Meet the Artists Reception July 10, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
“Made possible, in part, by the Essex County Arts Council’s Cultural Assistance Program Grant, with funding provided by Essex County.”
The Board of Trustees of the Depot Theatre extends its sincere appreciation to the friends of the theatre who have generously supported the organization with a gift this fiscal year.
This list represents gifts received August 1, 2024, through July 30, 2025.
Archangel ($5,000+)
Elizabeth Bacot
Christine Denham & Robert Stein in Honor of Beth Glover & Karen Lewis
Emerging Blue
Greg & Kathleen Harper
Arlene D. Ida
New York State Council on the Arts
Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
The Brooks and Joan Fortune
Family Foundation
W.G. Broughton Foundation
Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation
David and Candace Weir Foundation
Angel ($3,000 - $4,999)
Catherine Conover Covert
Lindy & David Flanagan
Between A & B Productions
Barbara Howson
Magnate ($1,500 - $2,999)
Anonymous (1)
Lyn & Terry Flynn
Amy & David McNamara
John & Antje Munroe
Christine O’Shea in Memory of Robert & Jean Cushman
Cheri Phillips
Konya Schuh
Steelcase Foundation†
Shipstore*
Howard & Paula Trienens Fund
Benefactor ($1,000 - $1,499)
Anonymous (1)
Linda M. Beane
Charlie Cerf & Cindy Dunbar
Sharon & Barry Cook
Peter Gow
Marlene Super
Patron ($500 - $999)
Anonymous (1)
Bobbi Atz
Sandy & Chip Bissell
Maureen Carlo
Nancy Decker
Jenifer Hale Deming
Leanna & Richard Deneale
Brendon & Kathleen Dolan
Essex County Arts Council
Mary & Steve Halloran
Daphne Hallowell
Dan & Alex Henderson
John & Miriam Klipper
Mary Jane Major
Lawrence & Astrid Masle
Matthew Melewski
David Namerow
Kim Nesmith & Bob Fullington
Ralph Ocker
Jane Preston & Alan Hipps
Wild Orchard Farm Fund at Adirondack Foundation
Christopher Rice
S&P Global†
Joel E. Shapiro
Joan Simon
J.C. Steiniger & M.E. McDonald
Charitable Fund at Adirondack Foundation
Stewart’s Holiday Match
Carrie Treadwell
Craig & Penny Treggett
Richard & Beverly Van Duyne
Engineer ($250 - $499)
Anonymous (1)
Stephanie Ames
Matt & Beth Bakes
Michael H. Bartlett
Eleanor Garrell Berger
Alan & Jennifer Booth
Michael Bosworth
Bradamant Real Estate
Thomas J. Davey
Dr. James C. Dawson in Memory of Dr. Caroline Weiss Dawson
Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Devinney
Joseph & Brenda Domer
Rolling Hills Estate Winery
Peter & Chappie Flanagan
Keith & Kathleen Giles
Steven Hecht
Janice Kyle & Hans Himelein
Scott & Wesley Kevelson
Roland Machold
Bill & Brenda McColgan
Connie Meng
Arthur Momot
Tyler Nye
The Cairn Fund at Adirondack Foundation
Ken & Helle Parker
Jonathan Prime
Laura Sells-Doyle & John Doyle
Joan & Doug Smith
Liz Spitler
Michael Tyler
Conductor ($100 - $249)
Anonymous (4)
Linda Alexander
McCutchen & Ellen Few Anderson
Pam & Todd August
Bob & Gerry Bradley
Darla & Mac Breckenridge
Jean Brennan & Zach Rodgers
Mary Duncan Brust
Loree G. Burns
David & Mary-Lenn Carr
Lynn & Bob Chase
Martha & Jeff Clark
R. Peter Clarke
Jay & Leslie Cohen
Keely & John Compton
Paul & Ann Marie Conolly
Nolan Cool
John & Nancy Cowen
Mary Cushman & Fred Daly
Robert & Kathryn Cushman
Gordon & Melissa Davis
Jessica Deeb & Jeff Letson
Art & Peggy de Grandpré
Kathleen Donohue
Jake & Pat Dresden
Ellie Eldredge
Maryanne Friedel & Cliff Connery
TIm & Kristie Giles
John & Sandy Goodroe
Susan Granfors
Donna & Roger Granfors
Amy Griffin
Alison J. Guile
Gary & Janice Hackett
AnnMarie Harmon
David Howson
Susan & Sandy Jacobs
Rick & Eileen Jensen
William Johnston
Jenda Jones Trowbridge
Marc & Suzanne Joslow
Kathleen Kelley
Donna Schlegel & Greg Knowles
Tom LaBombard
Ernie & Alta Lapine
Virginia B. LaPointe
Anne Laumont
Eric & Beverly Lawson
George Maffey
Lisa & Mark Mastrean
Jon & Mimi McBride
Scott & Tracy McClelland
Judith McCusker
Candice McKeon
Robert Harper & Wendy Miller
Bruce Moore
Jack & Ana Moore
Robert & Phyllis Mooso
Dennis & Diane Mullen
Ellen O’Hara
Nancy Page
Jay Frank & Ann Pember
Richard Pendleton
Bill & Nancy Persell
Dr. Mark & Judith Pohlman
Rich & Lois Rawson
Robin Reardon
Mr. & Mrs. P.H. Rice
Ed & Edith Rice
Linda H. Rielly
Linda W. Rockefeller
John Rosenthal
Steve Rothamel
William & Marcia Russell
Patrick Ryan
Stephen & Sharon Sassaman
Betty Schoen-Rene
Vincent Shanley
Richard & Ann Stanton
Richard & Bethany Teitelbaum
Harry & Marie Tobiassen
Deborah & Julio Virella
Jim Visconti
Virginia Westbrook in Memory of Tom Morgan
Donald K. White
Sarah Woodin
David & Robin Wright
Lake Placid Rug & Home
Switchman ($1 - $99)
Anonymous (10)
Linda Adams
Daniel Berheide, Amber Adamson, & Daphne Adamson-Dwyer
Brad Armstrong
Winifred Balz
Michelle Becker
Dr. Adrian & Karen Bernagozzi
James Blaisel
J. & E. Bottiroli
Tom & Sheera Broderick
Rachel Budin
Thomas Burleigh
Doreen & Regis Canning
Christine Carpenter
Kelsey Carroll
Dr. Nancy J. Church
Jim Cooke
Sarah Cosgro
Frances Cress
Daniel Croft
Ronnie Cunningham
Sarah Curtin
Sue De Forge
Teri Dumas
Michael Dunsmore
Bruce Eickhoff
Diego Fellows
Lonnie & Kathy Ford
Mason & Joan Forrence
William & Lynn Fox
Jennifer Gardner
Scott Gibree
Peter Greenwald
Linda Haynes
Amy Heffner
Alix Heuston
Ernest & Linda Hudziec
Robert C. Hunsicker, MD
Valerie & Elton Jodoin
Vanessa Johnson
Debra Kelley
Lynne & Terrance Kemp
Karen King
Kivelyn Family
Richard Lacki
David & Lora Langston
Sandra Lashua
Linda & Steve Leighton
Beth & Max Longware
Elizabeth Maffey
Nell Matthews
Michael Mcgivney
Mary McGowan
Schelling McKinley
Beth Meese
William Mierse
Paul Moriarty
Gregory Owens
Alexander Peck
Phyllis Perna & Richard Arndt
Mark & Karen Perreault
Tena Perrelli
Scott Perry
Roger & Lorraine Phinney
Paul Raso
Sharon Ratner
Kathy Recchia
Ora Rielly
Cafe Trigo
Nietta & Mark Rogers
Michelle Sahai
Rozanne Sandy
Ron & Dolly Scauri
Robert Schnarch
Mary & Marty Shubert
Sarah Granquist
Matt & Jess Storey
Ellen Stroessner
Heidi Sweet
Georgette Gestely & Hermann
Teifer
Kathryn Tinsley
Betsy & David Tisdale
Alice C. Van Tuyl
Vaughan’s Custom Sawing*
The Vendettis
Sandra Vest
Judy Walker
Diana Wardell
Carolyn Ware
Linda Warner
Michael & Connie Wayne
Cynthia S. Wesson
Robert Whitaker
Jonathan Williams
*Gift In-Kind †Matching Gift
W I S H I N G
T H E D E P O T
T H E A T R E
A N O T H E R
G R E A T
Y E A R !
Y o u r H o m e t o w n
B a n k S i n c e 1 9 0 9
c h a m p l a i n b a n k . c o m
SPECIAL THANKS
Adirondack Foundation
Adirondack Regional Theatre
Adirondack Stage Rats
Stephanie Ames
AMTRAK
Artistry Community Theatre
AuSable Valley Players
Bessboro Builders
Mary Nell Bockman
Anna Bonelli
Kevin Boyle
Alyssa Carroll
Jim Carroll
Kelsey Carroll
Champlain National Bank
Damian Charkiewicz
Amberly Christensen
Cloudsplitter Foundation
Coakley’s Home & Hardware
Mark Coleman
Compass Printing Plus
Elizabeth Cordes
Mary Rothwell Davis & Evan Davis
The Deer’s Head Inn
Essex County Arts Council
Bob Granfors
Greg Harper
Heritage House
David Howson
Dave and Cynthia Johnston/
DaCy Meadow Farm
Derrick Hopkins
William Johnston
Debbie Kanze
Nicole Kivlehan
Megan Land
Carlinda LaPierre
Gigi and Ed Mason
J.M. McDonald Foundation
Amy & David McNamara
The Mill
Jennifer Moore
Steve Neidig
New York State Council on the Arts
Overtime Photobooth.
Melissa Otis
Kathy Reinhardt
Parents of Actors
Debbie Pastore
Glenn & Carol Pearsall
Pendragon Theatre
Cheri Phillips
Rivertrail Beerworks
Don Rusch
Saranac Lake High School
Alfred Z. Solomon Trust
Justin Stearns, Mac’s Safe & Lock
Stewart’s Foundation
Carolyn Vanderhoof at Ledge Hill Studio
Town of Westport
Susan Weinrich, NYCON
Charles R. Wood Foundation
Westport Chamber of Commerce
Willsboro Central School
Whallonsburg Grange Hall
Welcome to Westport, NY
And the Depot Theatre
Westport. The earliest record of Westport as a location occurs on 18th Century French maps. Though the bay on which Westport sits was known as Northwest Bay, a 1779 map by French Surveyor and cartographer, Claude Joseph Sauthier, lists it as “Baie des Rocher Fendus” or Bay of the Split Rocks after a geological feature along the lakeshore between Westport and Essex. Essex County’s early settler William Gilliland, christened the area Bessboro, in honor of his wife, Elizabeth. The town was not settled again until 1804 when Charles Hatch made his way to North West Bay from Elizabethtown. It took four men two days to hack their way through the eight miles of forest between Elizabethtown and the bay. The town was officially named Westport in 1815 when it separated from Elizabethtown. The early character of the town is evidenced by a vote at the first town meeting “to raise double the sum allowed by the State for the support of common schools” and “to raise twenty dollars for the support of the poor”. By then, there existed a considerable settlement, with grist, saw and pulp mills, as well as stores, taverns, a tannery and a cloth factory.
Westport’s early iron industry was based on three beds of ore, the Campbell bed, the Merriam bed and the Jackson bed. Francis Jackson built the Sisco furnace, at a cost of $100,000, which in 1846 was one of the most expensive and technologically advanced furnaces of its day. Furnace Point Road, Merriam Forge Road, and Sisco Street memorialize this early industry in Westport.
Beginning in 1906, Westport was accessed on Lake Champlain by passage on the steamboat Ticonderoga, which docked every night in Westport meeting the train from New York City to transport passengers, farm produce, livestock, and dry goods up the lake to other towns. The Ticonderoga ended service in the 1950’s but it lives on today as one of only two remaining side-paddle-wheel passenger steamers, and is a feature of the Shelburne Museum in VT.
Westport is a charming lakeside community with year-round and seasonal residents, vacationers, and a growing farm-to-table agricultural industry. It is home to outdoor recreation enthusiasts, artists, musicians, actors, and business owners. It is also home to one of the few remaining hand-wound town clocks in America, at the Westport Library. Champlain Area Trails (CATS), headquartered in Westport, creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley. CATS has developed 42 miles of trails and is working to create trails that make it possible for people to “Hike the Lake” by walking from hamlet-to-hamlet.
Nearby Camp Dudley is the oldest, continuously run camp in America. For over 130 years Camp Dudley & Kiniya have provided boys and girls (ages 10 to 15) with the opportunity to develop as individuals through a balanced program of arts, athletics, outdoor exploration, and spirituality.
Wadhams! (It deserves an exclamation point) Nearby Wadhams, also part of the Westport Township, was formerly known as Wadhams Mills. It takes its name from the Wadhams family who, as early as 1825, began constructing mills at this location. “The Falls” as they continue to be known, supplied the waterpower that was the incentive for the settlement. That waterpower continues to be
utilized today, producing electricity sold to power companies. Just below the falls is an area known locally as the “Old Indian Burying Ground” for the number of arrowheads found there. Long before the settlers’ rafts, ferries, canal boats and steamships travelled the lake and streams; the Native Americans used the waterways as a thoroughfare.
The Depot Theatre. IT ALL STARTED WITH THE BUILDING. Nestled between the shores of Lake Champlain and the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, The Depot Theatre originated out of a community-wide effort in 1978 to save the historic Westport train station (circa 1876) from demolition. Initially, the Westport Historical Society maintained stewardship over the historic station. The Historical Society saw the potential for cultural activity in the partially renovated station and they decided to begin presenting theatre in the space.
They turned to a unique funding solution to accomplish that goal: Wednesday Night Bingo. Initially this venture raised the tidy sum of nearly $3,000. In 1985, The Depot Theatre stepped out from under the Historical Society’s umbrella to become its own separate not-for-profit entity. In 1988, it became a professional theatre company operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
Today, The Depot Theatre is the oldest professional Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) affiliated theatre company in the Adirondack Park, a 6 million-acre publicly and privately held natural resource, that includes many small communities like Westport.
We are grateful to the minds and energy of people like Carol Buchanan and Shami McCormick, who were catalysts for the creation and evolution of a high-quality, live professional theatre in a historic train depot.
About the Historic Train Station. The Delaware and Hudson Railway built this historic train station in 1876. It was expanded twice in 1891 and in 1908. D&H sold the building to the Town of Westport in 1974. Though Delaware and Hudson is no longer in operation, this historic train depot serves Amtrak passengers between New York City and Montreal providing important gateway access for travelers coming to the Adirondack region. The Town of Westport, Canadian Pacific Railway, Amtrak and the Depot Theatre have developed a unique partnership to keep this historical space actively used and maintained.
Today, the entire Depot Theatre community embraces that metaphor, and invites all to… “Take a journey without leaving the station.”
Lovingly hand-prepared, locally-sourced food served with a gorgeous lakeside view.
Restauranteurs Scott Brankman and Emily Farnsworth-Brankman are excited to welcome all to Westport Yacht Club for an 8th season!
DINNER: T TUESDAY-SUNDAY AT 5:00 PM OYSTER HOUR THURSDAY 4 - 5PM "TWO BUCKS A
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation is a charitable organization formed in 1988 to support education and the arts.
Initially incorporated in Indiana, the foundation has had a major impact throughout the country. Brooks and Joan met in 1939 when he was a young research scientist and she was a medical laboratory technician. Together, they worked on novel products that would allow diabetic patients to check glucose levels at home to better control insulin dosing. Eventually, these would evolve into the basis of all bedside medical testing available today. Their happy marriage of 49 years produced three successful children and a myriad of wonderful memories. Brooks rapidly rose through the leadership ranks of the Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company to eventually become an Executive Vice-president and member of the Board until his retirement in 1971. After that, Brooks and Joan travelled the world and graciously shared their homes in Florida and Indiana with friends and family. Always the philanthropists, they supported a myriad of projects in museums, colleges, and churches located near their home. The incorporation of the Foundation was an opportunity to expand the boundaries of their generosity to other areas of the country. Both Brooks and Joan are gone now, but their family legacy lives on through the Foundation which remains under the leadership of their children and grandchildren.
The Depot Theatre is grateful to the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation for their generous support of the Depot Theatre Main Stage and Academy outreach and education program.
