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!
@depotbackstage
@depottheatre 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
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.
THANK
SEASON SPONSOR
Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
ANALOG AND VINYL
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Mountain Lake PBS
PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES
Chazy and Westport Communications
PREVIEW NIGHT SPONSOR
Emerging Blue
DIGITAL MARKETING SPONSOR
Arts Spark
EXCLUSIVE AND EXTRAORDINARY CRAFT BEER SPONSOR
Ledge Hill Brewing Company
CONCESSIONS SPONSOR
Adirondack Popcorn Co.
DEPOT ACADEMY THEATRE PROGRAM SPONSORS
UNDERWRITER
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
SUMMER PROGRAM SPONSOR - Spelling Bee
The Mill
SUMMER PROGRAM SPONSOR - Shrek Jr.
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.
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.
DEPOT MAIN STAGE 2024
ANALOG AND VINYL
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon Book by Paul Gordon & Michael Berresse
June 27- July 14
SPONSOR:
The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
The delicious, devilish tale of Harrison, a young record shop owner in danger of losing his family’s store, Rodeo Girl, the seemingly spacey—yet weirdlywise—hipster obsessed with him, and a mysterious stranger who rocks their world with an offer they might not be able to refuse—and it’s not for vintage vinyl. With its refreshing funny take on what we’ll do for love, this smart eccentric musical blends a Nora Ephron sensibility with the Faustian legend.
A musical rom-com romp featuring a memorable score infused with the influences of Elvis Costello, the Beatles, and Brian Wilson!
RATED: PG-13 (Language)
Every Brilliant Thing
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
By
Duncan Macmillan With Jonny Donahoe
July 18 - August 4
SPONSOR: Mountain Lake PBS
A hilarious, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming play about the efforts of a young boy to will his mother to live by creating a list of all the best things in the world; everything worth living for. As both he and the list grow, he comes to recognize the deep significance it’s had on his own actions and how it helped shape his life.
Charming and delightful, EVERY BRILLIANT THING is a transcendent and tender coming-of-age journey that reminds us to pay attention to life’s smallest joys—and to each other.
RATED: PG-13
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon Book by Paul Gordon & Michael Berresse
WRITTEN BY DUNCAN MACMILLAN WITH JONNY DONAHOE
PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES
Book, Lyrics, and Music by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann
August 8 – 25
SPONSOR: Chazy Westport Communications
This crowd-pleasing boot-stomping country-western musical features Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, the generous gals from the Double Cupp Diner, singing and performing along with those talented guys from the gas station ‘cross the road.
While the Depot can’t offer the blue plate special or an oil change, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES is guaranteed to have audiences bustin’ at the seams with down-home good feelings and fun. Don’t miss this rollicking downhome entertainment featuring such touching numbers as “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine,” “Fisherman’s Prayer,” and “Be Good or Be Gone” performed on guitars, piano, bass, and even random kitchen utensils. PUMP BOYS received unanimous raves on and off Broadway, (including on the Depot Theatre stage in 1997!).
RATED: PG
TICKETS
Order online or call!
TICKET SALES BEGIN MAY 15, 2024*
ADULT $40 SENIOR $37 UNDER 30 $34 PREVIEWS $25
GROUP SALES
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. Must call to reserve (rate not available online). Tickets: $32
SEASON PASS PACKAGE
Sales begin April 15, 2024
Adult $120 Senior/Under 30 $100
Season Pass - Member Benefits:
• First choice of seats
• Free exchanges
• Buy additional single tickets BEFORE May 15! Tickets are non-refundable. All titles, dates and showtimes are subject to change.
*To help us maintain our historical buildings and support ongoing outreach programs, all ticket prices include a $2 facility and education fee. A convenience fee will be added to tickets purchased online.
JOHN FOLEY, MARK HARDWICK, DEBRA MONK,
BOOK, LYRICS, AND MUSIC BY CASS MORGAN, JOHN SCHIMMEL AND JIM WANN
All titles and dates subject to change.
** Depot Dialogue, a moderated discussion with cast and crew following the performance.
^ Preview Performance, a fully rehearsed and staged performance, although some directorial decisions may be changed for future performances.
Letter from the President of the Board
Depot Theatre Guest,
I am very happy to welcome you to the Depot Theatre as we proudly celebrate our 46th season!
This year, we are thrilled to present a lineup that promises to uplift, engage, and bring joy to our audiences. From the heartfelt stories of ANALOG AND VINYL and EVERY BRILLIANT THING to the rollicking fun of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, there’s something here for everyone.
We were especially delighted to kick off the season with the inaugural Depot Academy performance on our main stage, marking a milestone in our commitment to fostering talent and creativity in our community. This summer, the Academy will continue to inspire us with an additional production to be performed at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall: SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.
The Depot’s dedicated staff, crew, and volunteers, along with the incredible creative team and casts, have been hard at work crafting a memorable season for our audiences.
Please join us as we celebrate the magic of live theatre and embark on a season filled with memorable moments, laughter, and the shared experience of storytelling. Thank you for supporting the Depot Theatre, where every seat is an invitation to be inspired and entertained.
With gratitude,
Scott Gibree President, Board of Trustees
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 Kim Rielly, Executive Director, at krielly@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 Academy presents
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig Book and Lyrics by Music by David Lindsay-Abaire Jeanine Tesori
Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions
Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford
“I’m A Believer” by Neil Diamond
Director - Gigi Mason
Music Director - Gerald Steichen
Costume Designer - Amy Fitts
Lighting Designer?Projections - Bonnie B. Brewer
Choreographer - Gigi Mason
Assistant Director - Phoebe Davis
Stage Manager - Chavon Patterson
Errand Boy/Spot Operator - Cooper Halloran
Assistant to the Costumer - Sadie Burgess
Backstage Assistant - Alayna Kivelyn
Shrek the Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com
Finale……. Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, Mama Bear, Pinocchio, The Company
I’m a Believer……The Company
THE CAST
Chloe Allen (Wicked Witch, Lead Duloc Performer, Deer) is 12 years old and entering 8th grade at Moriah Central School. Her previous shows include THE WIZARD OF OZ, MATILDA JR, and 13 WAYS TO SCREW UP A COLLEGE INTERVIEW. She likes food and dislikes alarm clocks. She has no clue what her future may hold. Chloe would like to thank her fingers because she can count on them, and her parents and grandparents. The Depot Academy has taught her that 3 weeks can go by faster with friends by your side.
Hanna Bailey (Shrek) is 17 years old and attending Genesee Community College. Her previous shows include GOOD QUEEN BESS, INTO THE WOODS JR, and MATILDA JR. She enjoys drawing, fiction, writing, singing, acting, and indie rock music. In the future she plans to publish books and become an actor. Hanna would like to thank her parents for their support, Otis for biking to rehearsals with her, and the cast for being the best group of people to live in a swamp with. The Depot Academy has taught her that you can create amazing things with very few materials and how to sing harmony.
Magnolia Brankman Gibbs (Pied Piper, Duloc Citizen) is 8 years old and entering 4th grade. She has previously been in EVERYONE LOVES CAMPING. She likes wildlife and art. She doesn’t like mean people. In the future she plans to go to the Caribbean. Maggie would like to thank her family, her cast, and her crew. The Depot Academy has taught her proper stage etiquette.
Sabine Brearton (Pig 3, Knight 3, Rat, Duloc Performer) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. Her previous shows include PETER PAN JR, and MATILDA JR. She is interested in adventures and likes camping and puppies. She doesn’t like when puppies are locked in cages. Her future plans are camping. Sabine would like to thank her family, her cast and crew, and Maple’s family. The Depot Academy has taught her how to be a better actor.
Tatum Brearton (Storyteller 3, Ugly Duckling, Gingy) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She was previously in MATILDA JR. She is interested in zoology and likes animals and reading. She dislikes being away from home. In the future she plans to study animals. Tatum would like to thank Diana Mcguigan George, her family, her puppy, and her friends. The Depot Academy has taught her that being able to speak in a high squeaky Gingy voice can come in handy.
Anna Conley (Rat, Queen of Hearts, Duloc Citizen) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Willsboro Central School. She has previously been in BIG BAD. She likes to draw, play soccer, and play with her brother. In the future she plans to own her mom’s store. Anna would like to thank her family and the Grange. The Depot Academy has taught her about teamwork and how to sing in harmony.
Sarah DeFelice (Mama Ogre, Dragon, Mother Goose, Duloc Performer) is 18 years old and entering her senior year at Moriah Central School. Her previous shows include 13 WAYS TO SCREW UP A COLLEGE INTERVIEW, and CRUMPLED CLASSICS. She loves to sing and dance and, in the future, plans to be on Broadway. Sarah would like to thank her parents for being supportive, and to thank the cast and crew. The Depot Academy has taught her to control her breathing.
Anna Duso (Captain of the Guards, Ugly Duckling) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. Her previous shows include PETER PAN JR, and MATILDA JR. She enjoys sports, food, theater, hanging out with her friends, her dog, swimming, Taylor Swift, the USWNT, the NWST, and going to watch sports games and concerts. In the future she plans to play for the NWSL and the USWNT. Anna would like to thank her friends, her family, and Gigi Mason. The Depot Academy has taught her that she enjoys acting and to take any opportunity she can.
Calen Duso (Big Bad Wolf, Knight 4, Guard) is 12 years old entering 7th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. His previous shows include MATILDA JR, and PETER PAN JR. His interests include art, the culinary arts, and sports. He likes food, his dog, friends, and Throne of Glass. He does not like his brother. In the future he plans to go to Paul Smith’s College to get a culinary degree. Calen would like to thank the cast, his parents, and his dog Cinder for keeping him sane. The Depot Academy has taught him how to act and stay in character.
Keenan Duso (Puss in Boots, Duloc Citizen, Tree) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. His previous shows include PETER PAN JR, and MATILDA JR. He likes swimming and dislikes people. He does not like his brother. When asked about his future plans he responded “Who knows?” Keenan would like to thank Gigi, his family (except Calen), Adam, and his friends. The Depot Academy has helped him make new friends.
Jianna Giovacco (Donkey) is a 13 year old attending AuSable Valley Central School. Her previous shows include ANNIE, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, GUYS AND DOLLS, PETER PAN JR, GREASE, MATILDA JR, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and TREASURE ISLAND. She likes theatre and soccer. She plans to be on Broadway. Jianna would like to thank Gigi Mason for giving her the opportunity to play the role of Donkey. The Depot Academy has taught her to get out of her comfort zone. It has also taught her to take the opportunities she has at hand.
Juliet Giovacco (Young Fiona, Alice, Bird, Duloc Citizen) is 9 years old entering 5th grade at Ausable Forks Elementary School. This is her first role in a show. She likes art, sports, food, friends, and Olivia Rodrigo. She doesn’t like sushi, tennis, or honeydew. In the future she plans to go to concerts and the Great Escape. Juliet would like to thank her friends, her mom and dad, Gigi Mason, Jianna, her family, and Aubrey Shumway. The Depot Academy has taught her that she has to work hard to accomplish her goals.
Aliyah Gleason (Wicked Stepsister, Deer, Guard) is 14 years old and entering 9th grade at North Warren Central School. Her previous shows include INTO THE WOODS JR, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE JR, and MATILDA JR. She likes playing softball and barrel racing in rodeos. Aliyah would like to thank the Lipa and Pogorzelski families. The Depot Academy has taught her how to work well with her friends.
Attalie Gleason (Wicked Stepsister, Deer, Guard) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at North Warren Central School. She has previously been in PIRATE SHOW, and MATILDA JR. She likes ice skating, theater, and pitching/softball. In the future she plans to be a professional softball pitcher or an actor. Attalie would like to thank the Lipa and Pogorzelski families, her mom, her dad, her grandparents, all the new friends from the Academy, Gigi, Amy, Phoebe, Jerry, Cooper, and Sadie.
Claudia Halloran-Donaldson (Pinocchio, Storyteller 1, Duloc Performer) is 11 years old and entering her 6th grade year at Minerva Central School. Her previous shows include MATILDA JR (twice), and PETER PAN JR. She hates tomatoes and loves all art. She is interested in art and in the future wants to be an artist. Claudia would like to thank her aunt Mary for letting her stay at her house. The Depot Academy has taught her to work as a team to make this show happen.
Lewis Henderson (Dwarf, Baby Bear, Guard, Deer) is 9 years old and entering 4th grade at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. His previous shows include PETER PAN JR, MATILDA JR. and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He likes swimming, card games, biking, skiing, shows, and four square. In the future he plans to travel with his family. Lewis would like to thank the Depot Theatre directors. The Depot Academy has taught him how to experience being a character not like himself.
Maple Judd (Peter Pan, Duloc Performer, Tree) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Keene Central School. Her previous shows include LITTLE WOMEN, INTO THE WOODS JR, PETER PAN JR, and MATILDA JR, and EVERYONE LOVES CAMPING. She likes basketball, acting, and math. In the future she plans to become a teacher. Maple would like to thank her parents for supporting her, Tim Brearton for car pooling, and, of course, Gigi, Cooper, Amy, Phoebe, Sadie, and Jerry for a wonderful show. The Depot Academy has taught her to be herself and how to work with a cast.
Kalyn Kivelyn (Storyteller 2, Teen Fiona, Mama Bear, Duloc Performer) is 12 and a half years old and entering 7th grade at Stafford Middle School. Her previous shows include ALADDIN, MARY POPPINS, THE ARISTOCATS, SCHOOL OF ROCK, STORYVILLE, NEWSIES, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, GREASE, THE LITTLE MERMAID, BYE BYE BIRDIE, and MATILDA. She loves acting, singing, and dancing. In the future she plans to be an actress on Broadway. Kalyn would like to thank her friends, family, directors, and cast. The Depot Academy has taught her that we are all a big part of the show no matter your part.
Ava Kurak (Tinkerbell, Bird, Duloc Citizen) is 8 years old and entering 3rd grade at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Her previous shows include THE GOLDEN GOOSE, and ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK. She likes theater and farming. Her future plans are to continue farming and acting. Ava would like to thank everyone! The Depot Academy has taught her dancing, singing, lighting, and has helped her find new friends.
Ava Leibeck (Pig 2, Knight 2, Rat, Duloc Performer) is 10 years old and entering 5th grade at Willsboro Central School. Her previous shows include BIG BAD, DAMN YANKEES, CINDERELLA, and SEUSSICAL. She likes soccer, basketball, horses, and dogs. She doesn’t like tests. In the future she plans to be a teacher. Ava would like to thank everybody in her family and the cast. The Depot Academy has taught her to respect others.
Finley Lipa (Fiona) is a 14 year old entering her freshman year at Queensbury High School. Her previous shows include FROZEN JR, INTO THE WOODS JR, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE JR, and MATILDA JR. She loves softball, basketball, hanging out with friends, and singing. In the future she plans to be a nurse. Finley would like to thank the Gleason family and her family for driving her back and forth. The Depot Academy has taught her that if you try hard you can get a good role.
Jay McDaniel (Farquaad) is an 11 year old going into his 6th grade year at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. His previous shows include INTO THE WOODS JR, PETER PAN JR, AND MATILDA JR. He loves theater. His favorite food is sushi, and his favorite play is Willy Wonka. In the future he hopes to continue acting. Jay would like to thank Gigi, Cooper, Amy, Sadie, and Jerry. The Depot Academy has taught him how much he loves theatre.
Louisa Scott (Little Ogre, Wendy, Bird, Duloc Citizen) is 8 years old and entering 3rd grade at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Her previous shows include THE GOLDEN GOOSE, and ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK. She is interested in history. She plans to spend her future in North Carolina. Louisa would like to thank her mom, dad, granma, and grandpa. The Depot Academy has taught her to sing in harmony.
Aubrey Shumway (Pig 1, Deer, Guard) is 13 years old and entering 8th grade at Adirondack Christian School. She has previously been in THE WIZARD OF OZ, CHRISTY, MOANA, and a ballet show. She likes theater, ice skating, volleyball, going to concerts, reading, going to the Great Escape, hanging out with friends, food, and traveling. In the future she wants to go to Juilliard and be on Broadway. Aubrey would like to thank her mom and nana for getting her into this amazing program. She would also like to thank all of her new friends from the Academy. Finally, she would like to thank Gigi, Amy, Phoebe, Jerry, Cooper, and Sadie. The Depot Academy has taught her many good techniques and much more about theater.
Lilliana Soto (Snow White, Bird, Duloc Citizen) is 8 years old and entering 3rd grade at Keene Central School. This is her first show. She likes singing, dancing, and getting tired when dancing. In the future she plans to be a singer and a dancer. Lilliana would like to thank Gigi and
Amy. The Depot Academy has taught her to be patient.
Otis VanDeusen (Papa Ogre, Bishop, Papa Bear, Duloc Performer) is 14 years old and entering 9th grade at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. His previous shows include JULIUS CAESAR, FINDING NEVERLAND, INTO THE WOODS JR, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS, and ANANSI THE SPIDER. He loves singing and his two cats Remy and Marquee. Otis would like to thank the supportive and fun cast! The Depot Academy has taught him that he makes friends fast and has helped him get better at singing in front of a crowd.
Adelynn VanRijsewijk (Rat, Cinderella, Duloc Citizen) is 12 years old and entering 7th grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously performed on stage tap dancing. She likes popcorn, snacks, and the color pink. She doesn’t like bugs, broccoli, and horror/murder movies or shows. In the future she plans to be an inventor or a singer. Adelynn would like to thank her sister, her grandad, her parents, and her parents’ friends. The Depot Academy has taught her about lighting, singing high and low, and cool dances.
Felicity VanRijsewijk (Rooster, Dorothy, Duloc Citizen) is 8 years old and entering 3rd grade at Boquet Valley CSD. She has previously been in ANNIE. She likes basketball and doesn’t like tech. In the future she plans to be a basketball player. Felicity would like to thank Gigi for doing this program. The Depot Academy has taught her how to put on a play, sing, and dance.
ACADEMY STAFF
RACHEL
BUDIN
(WORKSHOP
PRESENTER)
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 Off-Broadway, 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 15 year collaboration with the Lake George Dinner Theatre and has recently been working with Artistry Community Theatre here in the North Country.
SADIE BURGESS (ASSISTANT TO THE
COSTUMER) is 16 and going into 10th grade at Boquet Valley Central School. Previous shows are PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, LITTLE WOMEN, TREASURE ISLAND, and EVERYONE LOVES CAMPING. Sadie loves writing, reading, sewing, and Amy Fitts. Sadie would like to thank Amy, Cooper, Phoebe, and Gigi for being such amazing people to work with.
P HOEBE DAVIS (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is thrilled to be working with the Depot Academy for her third summer! Some of her fondest memories come from participating in the Boquet River Theater Festival shows which she started doing when she was just 7 years old. Her favorite roles included Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Trix the Aviatrix in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and Tinker Bell in PETER PAN. She grew up in New York City where she graduated from the Spence School. It was there that her love for theater and music flourished as she participated in various
theatrical productions, sang in the choir, and led our prestigious acapella club, Triple Trio. She currently attends Hunter College in NYC where she is pursuing her B.A. in music with a focus on education and composition. She is especially thankful to the other academy directors and staff for their endless support and laughs.
ALISA ENDSLEY (WORKSHOP PRESENTER) has worked with some of the biggest names on Broadway including composer, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, director, Trevor Nunn, and Tonywinning actors, Patti Lupone, George Hearn, and Betty Buckley. She has portrayed numerous leading ladies of the musical stage from Eva Peron in EVITA to Sandy and Rizzo in GREASE, and Norma Desmond in the original company of SUNSET BOULEVARD in London’s West End as well as on Broadway.
As a lead vocalist Alisa has sung with the BBC Orchestra, recorded in the famous Abbey Road Studios, and been the featured guest on many radio and television shows in the United Kingdom as well as here in the United States.
As a classical actress she has portrayed several of Shakespeare’s leading ladies including Juliet, Cleopatra, TAMING OF THE SHREW’s Kate and HENRY VI’s Queen Margaret to mention a few.
As a teaching artist Alisa has worked with Camp Broadway, US Performing Arts Camp, The Johnny Mercer Foundation’s Accentuate the Positive program, teaching song and lyric-writing workshops in schools throughout America, as well as creating a theater camp for young performers in Manhattan’s Turtle Bay Music School.
Alisa has been featured on several Mountain Lakes PBS segments covering aspects of her work as a Broadway and West End performer, as an expert panelist for America’s Hamilton, and for her work with regional organizations and productions such as Book & Blanket Players, the Russell Ames tribute, Thank You Mister Ames, and her public speaking workshops for Girl Scouts of America.
Alisa is thrilled to serve as Co-Chair of the Depot Theatre Academy’s Education Committee and she
is devoted to the students of her private vocal studio, Sing for the Stage. During the course of her professional performance career Alisa has always felt it important to work with youth. She has found enormous joy and sense of purpose in mentorship, while passing along the craft and giving young people the tools to not only create effective, healthy vocal, audition, and performance skills, but also to thrive as human beings in the theatrical profession, and to have a balanced, positive perspective about themselves and the unique talents they have to share as artists. (singforthestage.com)
AMY FITTS (COSTUME DESIGN) is thrilled to be involved in the Depot Theatre Youth Academy. A proud member of Actor’s Equity since 2001, Amy has been involved with youth education for over 20 years. She earned her Master’s degree in Applied Theatre Education from CUNY and has been a drama teacher at Riverdale Country School in NYC for the past 11 years. Prior to that she taught at Hunter College Elementary and Grace Church School. Amy seeks out the education department of any theatre that hires her onstage and has been lucky enough to do outreach with Texas Shakespeare Festival, Weston Playhouse, People’s Light and Theatre Company, Peterborough Players, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, and more. She’s been a teaching artist with Manhattan Theatre Club and Theatre Development Fund in NYC. (Truthfully, Amy is just really immature for her age and loves hanging out with people who still laugh at her jokes).
COOPER HALLORAN (FOLLOWSPOT/ ASSISTANT TO EVERYONE) is 17 and a senior at Bouquet Valley Central School. Previous shows include PETER PAN, JR., LITTLE MERMAID JR., SEUSSICAL JR., MADAGASCAR JR., WILLIE WONKA JR., LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE BOYFRIEND, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, LITTLE WOMEN, TREASURE ISLAND, DEPOT ACADEMY’S CABARET. Cooper
enjoys his dog Skipper, writing, being humble, and being the coolest person ever. Cooper dislikes his dog Skipper, and learning his lines. His future plans include something fun (hopefully). He would like to thank Amy and Gigi for being such wonderful directors and friends.
AARON JODOIN (WORKSHOP PRESENTER) is the founder of SaveMYAudition (savemyaudition. com), a company whose mission is to partner with the top casting offices and theatre in NYC to provide affordable classes to actors. Since 2005, he has worked as an audition pianist, vocal coach, music director, orchestrator, and has been a substitute musician on 14 broadway shows. He is fortunate enough to be married to Amy Fitts, who is currently writing this bio while he sleeps.
JERRY STEICHEN (MUSIC DIRECTOR) made his Depot Academy debut with last summer’s MATILDA JR. Steichen has appeared on THE TODAY SHOW and GOOD MORNING AMERICA. Broadway/National tours include THE KING AND I, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THE SECRET GARDEN, PETER PAN, CATS and MASTER CLASS with Dixie Carter. He most recently conducted the Cape Cod and Phoenix Symphonies, led LEGALLY BLONDE for the University of Central Oklahoma, and played keyboard for MARY POPPINS at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma.
For 16 years, Steichen served as Principal Pops Conductor of the Utah and New Haven Symphonies; Boston Pops, Grant Park (Chicago), New Jersey, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. He also held posts with the Ridgefield (Connecticut) and Longview (Texas) Symphonies.
Upcoming: CINDERELLA - Blue Hill Troupe in New York City.
Originally from Tonkawa, Oklahoma, Jerry received degrees from Northern Oklahoma College, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Southern California. He currently divides his time between Oklahoma and New York City.
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.
DEPOT THEATRE STAFF
KIM RIELLY (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR) is thrilled to be at the helm for her 7th season! As ED, she provides comprehensive theatre management and oversight of staff, budget, programs, marketing, audience development and community relations.
Rielly’s experience includes more than 20 years of marketing and communications. A native of Westport, she is no stranger to the Depot, having lived in the region for the majority of her life, and volunteered for several terms as a board trustee, including one year as president. As a trustee, she was directly involved in the development of the strategic plan to grow the organization’s artistic and educational offerings within the scale of the rural market it serves.
Rielly is committed to the continuing to expand the Depot’s impact on the economic vitality of the region and the community, and grateful for the tremendous support and generosity of the organization’s Trustees, Advisory Council, staff, donors, grantors, volunteers, and organizational partners.
BETH GLOVER* (ARTISTIC PRODUCTION
MANAGER - SHE/HER) Her passion for theatre began with a Southern upbringing that valued storytelling. Acting credits: 6 Broadway National Tours, Off-Broadway, Goodspeed Opera House, Papermill Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre Co. of DC, etc. Favorite roles: Blanche, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Big&Lil Edie, GREY GARDENS (BACC Award Best Actress). Directing credits: 9 TO 5 at SUNY Plattsburgh, BAKERSFIELD MIST for ALCA & ASR, WICKED CITY & HEROES for Depot Theatre and more for Adirondack Stage Rats, cofounded with her wife, Karen Lewis. Complete credits: www.Beth-Glover.com
KAREN L. LEWIS (ARTISTIC PRODUCTION
MANAGER - SHE/HER) is a writer/producer whose plays have been performed around the country as well as off B’way. GEORGE SAND, A PASSIONATE CANTATA commissioned by Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake, NY and produced at the Invisible Eye in AZ. A Mary Roberts Rinehart Grant to complete a work in progress for EZILI. SAFE HARBOR produced by Pendragon Theatre. Readings (staged and un-) of various plays various places of varying distinction. THE PERFECT WIFE won The Stanley Drama Award, was a semi-finalist for both the Eugene O’Neill Theatre’s National Playwrights Conference and the Actors Theatre of Charlotte’s nuVoices for a nuGeneration Playwriting Festival. SHADES OF VALOR was a finalist at Panndora’s [sic] Box New Works Festival and, as a winner of the AACT NewPlayFest, was premiered at Twin City Stage in Winston-Salem, NC and is published by Dramatic Publishing. (Years of television writing resulted in 5 Emmys and 4 WGA awards. Member of The Writers Guild of America and The Dramatists’ Guild.)
BONNIE B. BREWER (OPERATIONS MANAGER/ LIGHT/SET DESIGN/PROPS) has been working the professional theatre circuit for over 36 years now. Directing projects include: KISS ME KATE, DAMN YANKEES!, SANTALAND DIARIES, KIMBERLY AKIMBO, URINETOWN, ANNIE, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 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: CHESAPEAKE, MOUNTAINTOP, LADY DAY, ADDAMS FAMILY, ACT OF GOD, WORLD GOES ROUND, FOREVER PLAID, URINETOWN, ANNIE, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, THE LITTLE MERMAID, AMADEUS, 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 :)
LYDYA FELIX (PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
STAGE MANAGER) has been in many theatrical productions most recently, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, THE CAKE, and last season she played the debator in the Depot Theatre’s production of WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME. Even though she loves to act, Lydya is now pursuing a career in technical theatre and plans to graduate in 2025 with a BA in theatre and a certificate in theatrical production.
SUSAN GRANFORS (HOUSE MANAGER) became a full-time resident of Westport this past October and is thrilled to be able to see each and every Depot Production 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 (GINENE)
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, increasing offerings in the Academy to allow students ages 5 and up to perform in three different programs. Mason, a retired school administrator with
over 30 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, and Advisory Board member and Education Committee member. gmason@depottheatre.org
CHAVON
PATTERSON (COMPANY MANAGER/ STAGE MANAGER ACADEMY) is is a graduate of Skidmore College with a degree in Theater as well as a minor in Arts Administration. She has worked as the front-of-house manager in the Skidmore College theater department and as the general manager last fall. This is Chavon’s second time in Westport, and she is glad to be back to enjoy the Adirondacks and its nature.
KATIE
SHEPARD (BOX
OFFICE & PAYROLL 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 more administrative responsibilities as the Payroll 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).
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
THANKS TO:
Parents, Mary-Nell Bockman and the Whallonsburg Grange, Pendragon Theatre, Mitchel AielloLindsay Pontius, Jennifer Allred, Mary Longey, Betsy Bacot, Jennifer Moore, Stites McDaniel and all of the lovely folks at Whitcombs, Morgan and Tom Conley at River and Rails, Scott Gibree
Alex LaPlante, and Emma Gibbs, Morgan Gibson, Elissa Duso,Dava Clement and Nellie Halloran for coordinating the cast party
MANY THANKS TO OUR ACADEMY WORKSHOP ARTISTS
Alisa Endsley, Aaron Jodoin, Rachel Budin
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
As a professional theatre and educational organization, the Depot Theatre staff and Board of Trustees are committed to ensuring that the Theatre fosters an environment where all are invited to work, train, study, create, perform, and thrive, and in which everyone feels respected and valued.
The Depot Theatre Board of Trustees and staff are committed to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.
This statement is a living document that will evolve as necessary as the Depot Theatre continues to learn new and better ways to adopt equitable practices.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
ADMINISTRATION
Executive Director: Kim Rielly
Academy Outreach and Education Director: Ginene Mason
Box Office/ Payroll Manager: Katie Shepard
Operations Manager/Graphic Designer: Bonnie B. Brewer
Company Manager: Chavon Patterson
House Manager: Susan Granfors
Box Office Associate: Matthieu Baillargeon
Bookkeeper: Teresa Cummings
Auditor: Joseph P. Lafiura, CPA P.C.
MAIN STAGE PRODUCTION TEAM
Artistic Production Management Team: Beth Glover and Karen Lewis
Set/Light Design/Properties:
Bonnie B. Brewer
Master Electrician/Lighting Designer: Margaret Swick
Sound Technician/Designer: Jack Schoonover
Production Assistant Stage Manager: Lydya Felix
DEPOT THEATRE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Scott Gibree (President)
Maureen Carlo (Vice President)
Alexandra Henderson (Treasurer)
Lindy Flanagan (Secretary)
Betsy Bacot
Jim Carroll
Catherine Conover Covert
Alisa Endsley
Jen Kelly
Lawrence Masle
Bill McColgan
Cheri Phillips
Kathy Recchia
Liz Spitler
DEPOT THEATRE
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Dee Carroll
George Davis
Melissa Davis
Amy Guglielmo
Jonathan Hadley
Daniel Keegan
Amy McNamara
Jennifer Moore
Mary Ellen O’Loughlin
Jane Preston
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.
16th Annual Spirit of Place Art Exhibit
Westport Heritage House
July 1-September 2 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. Sunday Closed on Tuesday
Meet the Artists Reception
July 11, 2024, from 5:00—7:00 p.m.
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. Contact Lora Langston at 518-962-4421 for more information.
The Westport Heritage House
Visitor & Community Center is your iconic introduction to the Town of Westport.
The Heritage House is a product of the history, culture, and people of the area, and is home to:
• Westport Visitor Center
• Art Exhibit
• A Community Center available for use by neighbors and friends
• Events throughout the year
6459 Main Street Westport, NY 12993
https://www.gowestportny.com/heritagehouse
Westport Heritage House
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, 2023, through July 17, 2024.
Archangel ($5,000+)
Elizabeth Bacot
New York State Council on the Arts
Charles R. Wood Foundation
The Brooks and Joan Fortune
Family Foundation
Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
Cheri Phillips
Emerging Blue
J.M. McDonald Foundation Inc.
Angel ($3,000 - $4,999)
Catherine Conover Covert
Greg & Kathleen Harper
Barbara Howson
Magnate ($1,500 - $2,999)
Anonymous(1)
Nancy Decker
Lindy & David Flanagan
Lyn & Terry Flynn
Scott Gibree
Arlene Ida
Amy & David McNamara
John & Antje Munroe
Jonathan Prime
Steelcase Foundation†
Shipstore*
David & Candace Weir Foundation
Benefactor ($1,000 - $1,499)
Anonymous(1)
Susan Bacot-Davis & George Davis
Cerf-Dunbar Fund
Barry & Sharon Cook
Peter Gow
Daphne Hallowell
Howard & Paula Trienens Fund
Wild Orchard Farm Fund
at Adirondack Foundation
Philip P. Puschel
Christopher I. Rice &
Tomlin P. Coggeshall
Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant
Steve Van Nort
Patron ($500 - $999)
Stephanie Ames
Bobbi Atz
Linda M. Beane
Maureen Carlo
Christine Decker Marquis
Jenifer Hale Deming
Essex County Arts Council
Rolling Hills Estate Winery
Richard Fenimore & Libby Bolster
Mary & Steve Halloran
Wesley Kevelson
George Maffey
Lawrence Masle & Astrid Boer
Drs. David & Pearila Namerow
Amy & Steve Neidig
Kevin F O’Keefe DMD & Alisa
Endsley
Christine O’Shea
Deborah & Thomas Pastore
in Memory of Jeremy Jones
Jane Preston & Alan Hipps
Priscilla Reidinger
Steve & Sharon Sassaman
Annie Scavo & Rob Farkas
Joel Shapiro
Joan Simon & Alan Kennedy
Adirondack Foundation - J.C.
Steiniger & M.E. McDonald
Charitable Fund
Marlene & Gary Super
Craig & Penny Treggett
Ann & Bill Westervelt
Denise Wilson-Davis
Engineer ($250 - $499)
Anonymous (2)
Catherine Baer & Heather
Whitefield in Honor of Catherine
Conover
Eleanor Garrell Berger
Sandy & Chip Bissell
Mike Bosworth
Bradamant Real Estate
Bob & Lee Brewer
Mary Duncan Brust
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Davey
Devinney-Woodard Fund
Tracey & Andrew Dolan
Ellen & Paul Dulberger
Peter & Chappie Flanagan
John & Julie Fraino
Keith & Kathleen Giles
Steven Hecht
Alex Henderson
Virginia & Andrew Hood
Tom & Kathie LaBombard
Valerie Longwood
Debra Gastler & Andrew Malloy
Peter & Lynne McKee
Stephanie Olmsted
Linda Rielly
Douglas & Joan Smith
Richard & Beverly Van Duyne
Sarah Woodin
Conductor ($100 - $249)
Anonymous (4)
Anonymous In Loving Memory of Patricia Davey
McCutchen & Ellen Few Anderson
Janné Abreo & Dan Keegan
Pam & Todd August
Mary Lou Baker
Matt & Beth Bakes
Claire Barnett
Ellen & Jeff Birch
The Bjorklund’s
Bob & Gerry Bradley
Wendy Brauer
Jean Brennan
Thomas Burleigh
Peter & Susan Cadieux
Doreen & Regis Canning
David & Penny Carr
Keely & J.T. Compton
Paul & Ann Marie Conolly
Anonymous In Honor of Catherine Conover Covert
Nancy & John Cowen
Craig & Teresa Cummings
Dekkers & Barbara Davidson
Gordon & Melissa Davis
Drs. James C. &
Caroline W. Dawson
Art & Peggy deGrandpré
Donald & Jane DeMaio
Kevin & Kim Devins in Memory of Patricia Davey
Joe & Brenda Domer
Ellie Eldredge
Scottie Emery-Ginn
Jo-Anna McCort & Steve Fischman
Mason & Joan Forrence
Amy Griffin
Harmon Family Charitable Fund
Linda Haynes
Amy Heffner
Alix Heuston
Matthew Hinge & Hillary Hollister-Hinge
Sandy & Susan Jacobs
William Johnston
Jenda Jones Trowbridge
Marilyn Jordan
Marc & Suzanne Joslow
Kathy Kelley
Terrance & Lynne Kemp
Donna Schlegel & Greg Knowles
Joel & Sara Kremer
Richard & Cynthia Lacki
Ernie & Alta Lapine
Virginia LaPointe
Anne Laumont
Lisa D. Lewis
Steve Malone
Mark & Lisa Mastrean
Carol Matos in Memory of Sally Pendleton
Francis Mayle
Mimi & Jon McBride
Scott &Tracy McClelland
Judith McCusker
Candice McKeon
Kevin Meegan In Honor of Patricia Davey
Wendy Meguid
Elizabeth & Thomas Metz
Miles Moody in Memory of Pat
Davey
Robert & Phyllis Mooso
Dennis & Diane Mullen
Kim Nesmith
Ralph Ocker
Nancy Page
Cynthia Palen
Jocelyn Patnode in Memory of Pat Davey
Jay Frank & Ann Pember
Richard Pendleton
Bill & Nancy Persell
Mark & Judith Pohlman
Pride of Ticonderoga
Renee Ralston
Rich & Lois Rawson
Peter & Lynne Reale
Sue & Clay Reaser
Kathy Recchia & Fred Balzac
Mr. & Mrs. P.H. Rice
Kim Rielly & Kevin Boyle
Judy Ross & Scott Abrahamson
William & Marcia Russell
Betty Schoen-Rene
Charles Schoonover
Vincent Shanley
Nancy Simington
Jenni & Pete Sowizdrzal
David & Adele Spiegel
Liz Spitler
Ann & Richard Stanton
Simone S. Stephens
Sally Struthers
Richard & Bethany Teitelbaum
Betsy & David Tisdale
Harry & Marie Tobiassen
Michael Tyler
Linda Bechard & Diana Wardell
In Memory of Patricia Davey
Carolyn Ware
Stephanie West
Donald K. White
Malcolm Willison
David & Robin Wright
Switchman ($1 - $99)
Anonymous (12)
Linda Alexander
Susan & Perry Babcock
Winifred Balz
Chris & Bill Barnes
Dr. & Mrs. Adrian Bernagozzi
Margaret Bolster
J. & E. Bottiroli
Mary Ellen Boynton
Naomi Bradshaw
Skip & Dari Brennan
Tom & Sheera Broderick
Rachel Budin
Betsy & Kevin Byrne
Chic & Carol Canas
Jim Carroll & Mimi Lane
Dr. Nancy J. Church in Honor of Maureen Carlo
Nolan Cool
Ellen & Pete Croto
Alice Cullina
Sue & Glenn De Forge
Jessica Deeb
Terri Dumas
Jeffrey English
Susanne Evans
Kathy & Lonnie Ford
Dana & Marge Thiesing
Sydney Garrant In Memory of
Patricia I. Davey
Laura Gilkes
Joe Haedrich
John Harney In Memory
of Patricia Davey
Catherine Hearn
Nancy Kullman
David & Lora Langston
Sandy Lashua
Beverly & Eric Lawson
Elizabeth Lee
Linda & Steven Leighton
Bill & Brenda McColgan
Connie Meng
Bruce Moore
Paul Moriarty
Prudy Nelson
Paula Nieman & David Marshall
Patrick O’Shea
Lisa Papp
Kay Pauquette
John & Betsy Penrose
Tena Perrelli
Megan Price
Randy & Mariann Rapple
Alison Rielly
Katherine R. Rogers
Nietta & Mark Rogers
Dolly & Ron Scauri
Cynthia Schira
Robert Schnarch
John Doyle & Laura Sells-Doyle
Ransom & Carlotta Shaw
Mary & Marty Shubert
Stanley Simons
Peter Slocum & Ann Sayers
James & Enzina Stevenson
Peter Stone
Susan Storch
Barbara Strowger
Joyce Thyrring
Alice C. Van Tuyl
Vendetti Family
Judy Walker
Linda Warner
Michael & Connie Wayne
Cynthia Wesson
Ed Wheeler
Patience Whitman
Pat & Ken Wiley
Jo Ann Wood
SPECIAL THANKS
Adirondack Foundation
Adirondack Stage Rats
Stephanie Ames
Ampersound
AMTRAK
Ausable Central School
Judy Bertsche
Bessboro Builders
Kevin Boyle
Jim Carroll
Champlain National Bank
Cloudsplitter Foundation
Coakley’s Home & Hardware
Compass Printing Plus
Mary Rothwell Davis & Evan Davis
The Deer’s Head Inn
Essex County Arts Council
Valerie Gebert
Beth Glover
Bob Granfors
Greg Harper
David Howson
Dave and Cynthia Johnston/
DaCy Meadow Farm
William Johnston
Debbie Kanze
Karen Lewis
Gigi and Ed Mason
Michael McDonald
J.M. McDonald Foundation
Amy & David McNamara
The Mill
Jennifer Moore
Steve Neidig
New York State Council on the Arts
Melissa Otis
Glenn & Carol Pearsall
Pendragon Theatre
Cheri Phillips
Kevin Raines & Katie Hearn
Don Rusch
Saranac Lake High School
Saranac Village at Will Rogers
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
Steve Van Nort
Westport Chamber of Commerce
Willsboro Central School
Whallonsburg Grange Hall
Steve Whitford
ADK A&E is donation driven, meaning that there is no charge to post in, or subscribe to, the newsletter. Those wishing to receive the free e-News can sign up on the website at adirondackaande.com as well as explore both the Directory and Events Calendar.
SHREK THE MUSICAL JR
August 2 at 7 pm, August 3 at 7 pm, and August 4 at 3 pm at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall. Performance details available at www.DepotTheatre.org/academy-main
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 only 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.”
Depot Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation. P.O. Box 414 ▪ 6705 Main Street
Westport, New York 12993 www.DepotTheatre.org
Restauranteurs Scott Brankman and Emily Farnsworth-Brankman are excited to welcome
Please Support Our Advertisers
The organizations who have purchased ads in our program are supporters of the Arts. We encourage you to utilize their services. If you would like to advertise in future programs or sponsor a future production, please contact the theatre.
