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.
BECOME A DEPOT VOLUNTEER!
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
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 Academy presents
Youth Edition
By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by
Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
Adaptation and support materials developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald
Directors and Choreographers - GIGI MASON AND AMY FITTS
Munchkin......................................................................................................................Samantha Stone
JITTERBUGS:
Anna Duso, Lucas LaPage, Ava Kurak, Ava Leibeck, Eloise Eaton, Hielhy Birch Allen, Juliet Giovacco, Layla Jacques, Lilliana Soto, Louisa Scott, Zoey Kingzack, Aubrey Shumway, Jay McDaniel
CROW: Felicity van Rijsewijk, Juliet Giovacco, Chief Henderson, Layla Jacques, Ava Leibeck
APPLE TREES:
Rowboat 1 and 2.....................................................................................Keenan Duso, Chief Henderson
Lady Cooking Stew.................................................................................................................Chloe Allen Cow..................................................................................................................................Etta Saltamach
INTRO TO THEATRE CAST (MUNCHKIN CAMP) - MUNCHKINS AND WINGED MONKEYS:
Harper Baumann, Harriet Brooks, Carolyn Castelli, Fran Castelli, Nora Dorney, Scout Eaton, Jordana Giovacco, Lovett Henderson, Rowan Holland, Cali Kingzack, Grace Robinson, Mae Scott
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: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
THE CAST
Chloe Allen (CROW, APPLE TREE #3, OZIAN, WINKIE GUARD) is 13 years old and entering 9th grade at Moriah Central School. She has previously performed in 13 WAYS, ALMOST MAINE, THE WIZARD OF OZ, SHREK JR., and MATILDA JR. Chloe likes dad jokes. She would like to thank her family. The Depot Academy has taught Chloe that you don’t always have to wear earplugs.
Harper Baumann (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 6 years old and entering 2nd grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She likes swimming, playing at the park, and riding her bike. She dislikes it when it is too hot to play. Harper would like to thank her mom, her dad, her brother, her sisters, and all the nice people who help her.
Hielhy Birch Allen (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at North Country School. She has previously performed in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, THE NUTCRACKER for two years, and THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE. Hielhy is interested in horseback riding and acting. She likes horses and dragons. And she dislikes people being mean. In the future, Hielhy plans to be a trick rider. She would like to thank Amy for teaching her amazing acting skills, Emily for teaching her about horses, and her friends and parents for supporting her. The Depot Academy has taught her to show her feelings through acting and to project her voice.
Sabine Brearton (TOTO) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in PETER PAN JR., MATILDA JR., and SHREK JR. Sabine likes acting, singing, gymnastics, and sports. She dislikes squash and crocodiles. In the future, Sabine plans to get another dog. She would like to thank Etta, Breezy, Bo, her mom, her dad, Tatum, Jude, Gigi, and Amy. The Depot Academy has taught Sabine that there is no such thing as a small part.
Tatum Brearton (GLINDA, WINKIE, OZIAN) is 13 years old and entering 8th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in MATILDA JR., SHREK JR., MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, and NARNIA. Tatum is interested in reading, theatre, and soccer. She likes pink, cats, WICKED, Totoro, Glinda, her friends, her family, Ariana Grande, art, music, nature, dresses, theatre, and nice people. She dislikes spiders, mean people, sadness, and mangoes. In the future, Tatum plans to go to college for theatre,
nature, or something else (she doesn’t know). She would like to thank her family, her friends, Breezy, Bobo, Ms. George, the crew, and the cast. The Depot Academy has taught Tatum that hard work always pays off.
Harriet Brooks (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 8 years old and is entering 2nd grade at Keene Central School. She likes cats but doesn’t like cleaning the litterbox. Her other interests include mountain biking, swimming, and fashion. Her favorite color is PINK! Harriet would like to thank and say hi to Olivia Rodrigo.
Carolyn Castelli (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 7 years old and entering 2nd grade. She likes making art, listening to music and audiobooks, reading, knitting, and kindness. She dislikes loud, crowded spaces and rumors and gossip. Carolyn would like to thank Mommy, Daddy, Fran, and Grace.
Fran Castelli (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 5 years old and entering 1st grade. She likes making art, kindness, playing fun games (pretending games with her sister), going on walks on sunny days on streets, and eating. She dislikes being talked about, mean-spirited behaviors, and being yelled at.
Nora Dorney (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 7 years old and entering 2nd grade. She loves swimming, bike riding, soccer, and going on boat rides. Nora wants to thank her parents, her sister, her grandparents, and Gigi and Papa!
Anna Duso (AUNT EM, JITTERBUG, WINGED MONKEY) is 13 years old and entering 8th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in PETER PAN JR., MATILDA JR., and SHREK JR. Anna is interested in soccer/sports and the Savannah Bananas. She likes her friends, theatre, Alex Morgan, and Jackson Olson. She dislikes school, mangoes, and people who diss on sports and her favorite people. In the future, Anna plans to play in the NWSL and USWNT. She would like to thank her family, Gigi, Aubrey, Tatum, Ella, Eloise, everyone for supporting her, and her cousin and her family for taking her to a Savannah Bananas game in Boston.
Take
Calen Duso (TIN MAN/ HICKORY) is 13 years old and entering 8th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. He has previously performed in PETER PAN JR., MATILDA JR., SHREK JR., and NARNIA. Calen is interested in cooking, theatre, reading, music, and art. He likes PRINCESS MONONOKE and his dog, and he dislikes people who don’t read and mangoes. In the future, Calen plans to take Paul Smith’s culinary course. He would like to thank his doggo for listening to his rants. The Depot Academy has taught Calen to be dramatic.
Keenan Duso (ROWBOAT MAN, WINKIE, BACKSTAGE ASSISTANT) is 11 years old and entering 6th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. He has previously performed in PETER PAN JR. and SHREK JR. Keenan likes drawing and card games, and he dislikes cats and Calen. In the future, he plans to live and eventually die. He would like to thank his friends and family. The Depot Academy has taught Keenan to project his voice.
Eloise Eaton (TOT, JITTERBUG, WINGED MONKEY) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Keene Central School. She has performed in THE NUTCRACKER for three years with the LPCA. Eloise likes dogs, soft serve ice cream, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé music, ballet, and her friends. She dislikes when the boys in her class say, “School is prison!” In the future, Eloise plans to help teach ballet in the summer. She would like to thank Amy, Gigi, Eloise W., her parents, her friends, her sister, and her cousin. The Depot Academy has taught Eloise how different theater is from ballet.
Scout Eaton (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 6 years old and entering 2nd grade at Keene Central School. She likes the color yellow, dancing, making s’mores, BLTs, drawing, cats, macaroni and cheese, camping in Maine, hiking, and swimming. She dislikes olives and dogs that jump on her. Scout would like to say hi to Fiona, Julie, Lina, Lev, June, Hera, Emmi, Nora, Owen, Weston, Colden, Camden, and Grandma and Grandpa.
Jianna Giovacco (MISS GULCH/WICKED WITCH) is 15 years old and entering 10th grade at Ausable Valley Central School. She has previously performed in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, ANNIE, PETER PAN JR., TREASURE ISLAND, GUYS AND DOLLS, SHREK JR., GREASE, and MATILDA JR. Jianna dislikes school and likes track, soccer, and the color pink. In the future, she plans to become a successful actor. Jianna would like to thank her family, her friends, and Margaret Hamilton. The Depot Academy has taught her to be more authentically herself. The people she met here are the most genuine and kind people she knows. “We met for a reason, either you’re a blessing or a lesson” —Frank Ocean
Jojo Giovacco (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 7 years old and attends Ausable Elementary School. She likes gymnastics and musicals. She doesn’t like chickens. Jojo would like to thank Amy and Gigi for being the best directors!
Juliet Giovacco (TOT, CROW, JITTERBUG, OZIAN) is 10 years old and entering 6th grade at Ausable Forks Elementary School. She is experienced in ballet and has previously performed in SHREK JR. Juliet is interested in baking, art, music, and sports. She likes hanging out with her family and friends and having fun. In the future, Juliet plans to go to university for a master’s in teaching or to become a pediatrician. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, Gigi, Amy, and her family and friends. The Depot Academy has taught Juliet that working hard always pays off.
Claudia Halloran-Donaldson (HUNK/SCARECROW) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at Minerva Central School. She has previously performed in PETER PAN JR., MATILDA JR. (twice), and SHREK JR. Claudia loves biking and dislikes it when she is told that she can’t ride her bike. She is interested in art. In the future, Claudia plans to be an artist and to be in more shows when she gets the chance. She would like to thank Mary and Steve for letting her stay at their house, her parents for letting her perform in the show, and Cooper for driving her to and from camp every day. The Depot Academy has taught Claudia to be a better singer and taught her new dances.
Lewis Henderson (MAYOR OF MUNCHKINLAND, CROW, OZIAN, NIKKO) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. He has previously performed in PETER PAN JR., MATILDA JR., SHREK JR., THE BREMENTOWN MUSICIANS, IDUNN’S APPLES, and ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK. He likes biking, skiing, soccer, plays, acting, and playing. Lewis dislikes being carsick. In the future, Lewis plans to be a professional soccer player. He would like to thank his papa for supporting him in biking. The Depot Academy has taught Lewis how to make a tiny pom-pom with a fork and how to act better!
Lovett Henderson (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 7 years old and will be entering second grade at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Lovett likes play practice! She doesn’t like wasting my money. She is interested in what will happen in the play. She has made new friends at play practice. Lovett wants to say thank you to Gigi and Amy. She wants to say hi to Jay and Carolyn and Fran.
Layla Jacques (BARRISTER, CROW, JITTERBUG, SELECT GIRLS CHORUS, OZIAN SOLOIST) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at Willsboro CSD. She has previously performed in BIG BAD and FROZEN JR. Layla likes singing, dancing, soccer, basketball, and riding horses. She dislikes celery and golf. In the future, Layla plans to work in the medical field. She would like to thank her mom, Aubrey, Anna, and her welcome peeps (all of whom she loves). The Depot Academy has taught Layla breath control and a lot of acting skills.
Cali Kingzack (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 5 years old and entering 1st grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She likes dragons, slime, and Christmas trees. She dislikes leeches, mosquitoes, lice, and ticks. Cali would like to thank her sister Zoey, Mama, Papa, and Pookie Bear.
Zoey Kingzack (TOUCH KID, SKIPPER, JITTERBUG, CAT, WINGED MONKEYS) is 8 years old and entering 3rd grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in ANNIE and GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE. Zoey likes cats, puppies, art, and parties. She dislikes sisters and bedtime. In the future, Zoey plans to be a lifeguard. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, her nana, Charlie (he is a dog), her aunt, and her friends. The Depot Academy has taught her how to sing in harmony and make friends.
Kalyn Kivlehan (DOROTHY GALE) is 13 years old and entering 8th grade at Stafford Middle School. She has previously performed in ALADDIN, MARY POPPINS, ARISTOCATS, SCHOOL OF ROCK, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, STORYVILLE, GREASE, THE LITTLE MERMAID, SHREK JR., SEUSSICAL, NEWSIES JR., MATILDA, NEWSIES, and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Kalyn likes acting, singing, and playing soccer and flag football. She dislikes the musical CATS. In the future, Kalyn plans to become and Broadway actress and a lawyer. She would like to thank her family for supporting her, Mr. Verity for being her singing coach, and her sister for running lines. The Depot Academy has taught Kalyn that theater is her favorite thing.
Ava Kurak (CITY FATHER, JITTERBUG, WINGED MONKEY) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. She has previously performed in JOSEPH, ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK, GOLDEN GOOSE, and SHREK JR., and a circus performance. Ava likes horses, cats, swimming, and reading books. She would like to thank Gigi, Amy, Cooper, Ella, Eloise, Aaron, all her friends, and her parents. The Depot Academy has taught Ava to work together and make the expressions possible.
Lucas LaPage (UNCLE HENRY, JITTERBUG, APPLE TREE, WINKIE GUARD) is 12 years old and entering 8th grade at Stafford Middle School. He has previously performed in MARY POPPINS, SCHOOL OF ROCK, GREASE, SEUSSICAL, and NEWSIES. Lucas is interested in astrophysics, math, singing, and acting. He dislikes doing homework. In the future, Lucas plans to become an astrophysicist. He would like the thank his parents and Kalyn’s parents for driving him to rehearsal and supporting him, Mr. Verity for vocal lessons, and anyone who helped make the show awesome. The Depot Academy has taught Lucas the definition of blocking, how to project his voice, how to use facial expressions, and has boosted his confidence.
Ava Leibeck (CORONER, JITTERBUG, CROW, SELECT GIRLS CHORUS, OZIAN SOLOIST, DOORMAN/GUARD) is 11 years old and going into 6th grade at Willsboro CSD. She has previously performed in BIG BAD, FROZEN, SHREK JR., DAMN YANKEES, CINDERELLA, and SEUSSICAL. Ava likes sports, singing, dancing, talking, journaling, talking to Nancy on the beach, and going to Rochester. She dislikes tests. In the future, Ava plans to go to college for teaching. She would like to thank her mom and dad, her grandma and grandpa, her brothers, and all of the Depot crew. The Depot Academy has taught Ava to be confident in her ability to sing.
Jay McDaniel (PROFESSOR MARVEL, OZ VOICE, OZ) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. He has previously performed in INTO THE WOODS JR., PETER PAN JR., MATILDA JR., and SHREK JR. Some things Jay likes are as follows: theater, books, reading, drawing, and chilling with friends and family. In the future, Jay plans to be on Broadway and/or in Hollywood. He would like to thank the cast and crew, his friends, his family for making this possible, his cat, and, of course, his dog. The Depot Academy has taught Jay to always speak out for what is right.
Grace Robinson (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 7 years old and entering 2nd grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She likes singing, horseback riding, and playing with her friends. Grace would like to say hi to Wen-wen!
Rowan Rene Ruzow Holland (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 6 years old and entering 1st grade at Willsboro Central School. He likes sailing, horseback riding, skiing, tennis, gardening, cooking, swimming, John Denver singalongs, and several highly questionable feats of backyard engineering. Rowan would like to thank his nana, pop, and little brother Henry for always cheering him on the loudest.
Etta Saltamach (COW, TOUGH KID, WINGED MONKEY) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in PETER PAN. Etta likes dogs and dislikes brothers. In the future, Etta plans on getting a dog, a cat, a fish, and a bunny. She would like to thank Sabine, her mom, her dad, her cat, her dog, and her fish. The Depot Academy has been a great experience for Etta to get to know people.
Louisa Scott (TOT, JITTERBUG, WINGED MONKEY) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. She has previously performed in AMANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK, THE GOLDEN GOOSE, SHREK JR., JOSEPH, and a circus performance. Louisa likes swimming, drawing, ice skating, and reading. She dislikes loud noises. Louisa wants to thank her mom, her dad, and The Depot Academy. The Depot Academy has taught her to do good choreography.
Mae Scott (MUNCHKIN, FLYING MONKEY) is 6 years old and will be entering Kindergarten at the Lakeside School in the fall. Mae loves to dress up and put on plays with her friends. She loves dancing and singing and listening to soundtracks of musicals. Mae also enjoys adventuring in the forest, making potions, and leaving gifts for the fairies. She is very excited to be a munchkin in the WIZARD OF OZ! Mae would like to thank her cat Shirley for her enduring support and encouragement, and for being such a willing participant and audience member for Mae’s many evening performances at home.
Aubrey Shumway (CYCLONE, JITTERBUG, SELECT GIRLS CHORUS, OZIAN SOLOIST, HEAD WINKIE GUARD) is 14 years old and entering 9th grade at Ausable Valley Central School. She has previously performed in THE WIZARD OF OZ, CHRISTY, and SHREK JR. Aubrey likes theatre, reading, music, and writing. She dislikes mangoes and people who don’t appreciate theatre. In the future, Aubrey plans to either be an English teacher or on Broadway. She would like to thank her mom, her nana, her cat, Gigi and Amy, Aaron, Ella, Cooper, Eloise, Hanna, Calen, Anna, Otis, Juliet, Jianna, Jay, Tatum, and all of her other friends here. The Depot Academy has taught Aubrey that hard work always pays off.
Lilliana Soto (CITY FATHER, JITTERBUG, WINGED MONKEY) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at Keene Central School. She has previously performed in SHREK JR. and SOLSTICE STARS. Lilliana is interested in acting, dancing, and singing. She likes desserts, singing, acting, and reading. In the future, Lilliana plans to be a singer and songwriter or to be an actor on Broadway. She
would like to thank Gigi and Amy. The Depot Academy has taught Lilliana how to dance better.
Samantha Stone (MUNCHKIN, WINGED MONKEY) is 8 years old and entering 3rd grade. She has previously performed GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE. Samantha likes theater, art, swimming, and more. She doesn’t dislike anything that she knows of. The Depot Academy has taught Samantha theater.
Otis Van Deusen (COWARDLY LION, ZEKE) is 15 years old and entering 10th grade at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. He has previously performed in INTO THE WOODS, JULIUS CAESAR, SHREK JR., and FROZEN. Otis likes gaming, cooking, veganism, and the suburbs. He dislikes the country. In the future, Otis plans to be as successful as he can. He would like to thank L. Frank Baum, Bert Lahr, and himself. The Depot Academy has helped Otis get over his stage fright.
Felicity Van Rijsewijk (MUNCHKIN, CROW, OZIAN) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in SHREK JR. Felicity likes tacos and is interested in theatre. She dislikes Nate. She does not know what the future holds for her. The Depot Academy has taught Felicity to be louder when she sings.
THE CREW
Sadie Burgess (COSTUME ASSISTANT) is 17 years old and entering 11th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, LITTLE WOMEN, TREASURE ISLAND, EVERYONE LOVES CAMPING, GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE, and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. She has worked backstage for MATILDA JR., SHREK JR., GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE, SOLSTICE STARS, and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. She looks forward to working with the Depot Academy in the future. Sadie enjoys reading, performing music, writing, hiking, and seeing friends. She would like to thank Cooper for typing out bios and Gigi and Amy for being incredible directors.
Hanna Bailey (PROPS MISTRESS) Acting in Depot Academy since 2021, Hanna is delighted to return this year as a director’s assistant and wrangler of small actors. Previously in INTO THE WOODS JR. (Cinderella’s Mother), MATILDA JR. (Mr. Wormwood), SHREK JR. (Shrek) and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Gangster #2), she continues her work with Depot backstage, unleashing her creative craziness on the props and set. Hanna plans to study theatre in Poland and become a published author, although her plans seem to change every Tuesday and her ambitions continue to grow like particularly stubborn dandelions. A great thank you goes out to the cast and crew, for making the journey on this yellow brick road all the funner and more entertaining.
Cooper Halloran (SPOTLIGHT OPERATOR) No longer in the spotlight, now stuck behind it, Cooper still sees himself as star of the show—a guiding light for the actors to follow. At 19 years old and entering his second year as a writing major at Ithaca College, this marks Cooper’s 11th summer of theatre at the Grange Hall. He most recently performed as Man in Chair on the Depot mainstage in The Depot Academy’s production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. In the future, Cooper hopes to keep having fun and using his creativity wherever he goes. He would like to thank Gigi and Amy, Aaron, his best friend Ella, Hanna, Sadie, Eloise, the cast, the Depot, and his friends and family. The Depot Academy, he says, is responsible for so much of who he is today.
Alayna Kivlehan (STAGE MANAGER) is 11 years old and entering 6th grade at Stafford Middle School. She has previously worked in MARY POPPINS, SCHOOL OF ROCK, GREASE, SHREK JR., SEUSSICAL, THE LITTLE MERMAID, NEWSIES JR., and MATILDA. Alayna likes working backstage, video games, hanging with friends, etc. And she dislikes nothing! In the future, Alayna plans to go to college for technology and continue working backstage for shows. She would like to thank her sister Kalyn, her mom, her dad, her friends, her teacher, her family, and her directors. The Depot Academy has taught Alayna to be the best her and not to be anyone else!
Ella Lobdell (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is 18 years old and is currently taking a gap year before returning for her second year at Utica University. Ella grew up performing in BRTF, later The Depot Academy, and this marks her 11th summer of theatre at the Grange Hall. She enjoys college basketball, traveling, theatre, and working with the kids. As the year marches on, Ella plans to enjoy her gap year and volunteer at a school in Cape Town, South Africa, as a PE teacher for a month. She would like to thank Gigi, Amy, her best friend Cooper, and her lovely grandparents Irwin and Sheila. In her 11 years of theatre with The Depot Academy, Ella’s love for the arts has grown along with her appreciation of all the work it takes to make a show a great one.
Eloise Woolf (BACKSTAGE ASSISTANT) is 14 years old and entering 9th grade at Laguardia High School. She has previously performed in WILLY WONKA JR., THE LION KING JR., THE DEPOT ACADEMY CABARET 2020, INTO THE WOODS JR., PETER PAN JR., and MATILDA JR. Eloise likes figure skating, playing and listening to music, and cooking and baking. In the future, she plans to be happy and live in LA. Eloise would like to thank her parents for putting up with her, her cat Trucker for being adorable, and the amazing Depot cast and crew! The Depot Academy has taught her how to truly be herself and to embrace her inner, nerdy theater kid. The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance, Inc. PO Box 394
NY 12993 The mission of The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance is to nurture collaborations among public and private entities and support economic growth, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability in the Westport-Wadhams community.
ACT I
Scene 1, Outside on the Gale Farm
Over the Rainbow…………………………………………..Dorothy
Scene 2, The Roadside Encampment of Professor Marvel
We’re Off to See the Wizard Duet…..Dorothy, Scarecrow, Toto, Crows
Scene 6, The Apple Orchard
If I Only Had a Heart….Tin Man, Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Apple Trees
We’re Off to See the Wizard Trio…Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Toto
Scene 7, Dark and Creepy Forest
If I Only Had the Nerve…Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Toto Jitterbug…Wicked Witch, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Toto, Jitterbugs Optimistic Voices…Girl’s Chorus
15 Minute Intermission
ACT II
Scene 8, The Gates of the Emerald City
Merry Old Land of Oz…Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Toto, Doorman/Guard, Ozians If I Were King of the Forest…Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Toto
Scene 9, The Wizard’s Chamber
Scene 10, The Haunted Forest
Scene 11, Inside the Witch’s Castle
Scene 12, The Haunted Forest Winkies March…Winkie Guards
Scene 13, Inside the Witch’s Castle Winkies March (Reprise)...Winkies Guards, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead…Dorothy, Toto, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Winkie Guards, Flying Monkeys
Scene 14, The Wizard’s Chamber/Oz
Scene 15, Dorothy’s Bedroom
50/50 RAFFLE PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE BACKPACK PROGRAM
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.
Locally sourced Made with love •
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!
44 Old Arsenal Rd. Westport, NY www.westportyachtclubny.com
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.”
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
KAREN L. LEWIS (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) is a writer/producer whose plays have been performed around the country (including Off, 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.
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/ LIGHT/SET/PROPS) 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 :)
RACHEL BUDIN (OZ LIGHTING DESIGNER)
has been a long-time summer resident of Willsboro and recently became a year-round member of the community. She taught technical theatre classes, specializing in lighting and lighting design, at Ramapo College of NJ for 25 years. Her professional work has been seen OffBroadway, Off-Off Broadway, internationally, and at many colleges in the United States. Her regional theater work includes The Denver Center Theatre, The Alabama Shakespeare Theater, Capital Rep, Studio Arena Theater, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Oregon Shakespeare Theatre, The Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Delaware Theatre Company, StageWest, The Cleveland Playhouse, GeVa Theatre, Weston Playhouse, The Goodman Theater Company, and The Whole Theatre Company. Currently she continues a 16-year collaboration with the Lake George Dinner Theatre and has designed CABARET, JEKYLL AND HYDE, and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF For Artistry Community Theatre at the Strand Theatre in Plattsburgh.
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 Coffee House, Mont Vernon, NH; Riverbend Theatre, Milford, NH.
GIGI MASON (ACADEMY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR)
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).
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
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.
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.”
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.
