What is most exciting about returning to the LDTC and Summit County? I am so very excited to be returning to LDTC after performing in La Cage Aux Folles in 2015 (one of the last shows done in the former theatre) I can’t wait to see the beautiful new space and perform again for the warm and responsive Summit County audiences. I am deeply honored and humbled to be asked to be a part of LDTC’s 25th Anniversary season, because the people who inhabit this company genuinely care about touching people’s lives through theatre and the art they make.
Can you tell us about your character? I see my character Victor Velasco as an eccentric, European (possibly immigrant?) denizen of NYC’s 1960’s bohemian W Village culture… he speaks unabashedly and freely and lives joyously and wholeheartedly with the spontaneous vigor of youth (which he’s trying desperately to hold onto),
What does Barefoot in the Park mean to you? I discovered Barefoot in the Park my sophomore year of high school when I was cast in one of Paul/Corie’s “fight scenes” we took to a high school thespian conference for adjudication. The way he writes, his gift for clever, natural (not to mention hilarious and quite often touching) dialogue is such a joy for actors. We received positive feedback on our scene, but the next year when I was cast as Felix in our fall production of The Odd Couple, I became smitten forever after with the genius that is Neil Simon. A couple of years later, doing a dinner theatre production of Brighton Beach Memoirs I was reconnected with the heart and humanity of his work, and now (30 yrs later) I am overjoyed to be reunited with this material from a completely different perspective.
What can audiences expect when they come to Barefoot in the Park? Audiences can expect to laugh (a lot) and be completely charmed by this infectious valentine to unlikely love in NYC.
What is the most challenging part of Barefoot in the Park? For me, the most challenging part about Barefoot in the Park (so far) is doing this kind of material without an audience. I can’t wait to have people laughing and responding, because their feedback is so informative and integral to shaping the rhythms and timing of a show like this.
What is the most exciting part of Barefoot in the Park? The most exciting part of Barefoot in the Park to me, is the small size of our cast. The immediate bond that’s forming with just the five of us is really special. Working with such an intimate group adds a special sense of teamwork and camaraderie that’s very different than working with say, a larger cast musical where there’s many more people and other elements like big musical numbers to aid in the storytelling. Here, we’ve just got each other (and the audience of course) and actually, a very small amount of singing.
Barefoot in the Park opens August 30th! We met with Sheryl McCallum to learn more about her character and her thoughts on the show!
Can you tell us about your character? My character is Ethel Banks, the mother of the free-spirited, Corie. Mrs. Banks seems to live a very mundane life in New Jersey. she has friends and does get out some, but like most women of her time, her focus mainly has been on her family and less on herself. She has a quick, very dry wit. Now that her daughter is married and out of the house, what does she do? How does she feel?
What does Barefoot in the Park mean to you? What does Barefoot in the Park mean to me? I’m going to answer this two ways. As a term”Barefoot in the park” means that you run free without a care in the world. A little oblivious. Which can be great…at times. The play itself is a great part of the timeless work of Neil Simon. It deals with love, differences, Breakdowns, communication, all the wonderful and complex experiences each of us has. And what I like most, it makes us face some facts that we may not want to face, but leads to living in the present and living much fuller!
What can audiences expect? I first hope audiences expect a great time at the theatre. I also hope that see some of themselves in one of the characters and may, possibly, want to make a little adjustment.
What is the most challenging & exciting part of Barefoot in the Park? The most challenging part is the short rehearsal time. Some theatre companies give 3 weeks for rehearsals. For me, this means to come in as “off book” as I can, and be ready to absorb like a good sponge. This is also the most exciting part. As an actor, you want to welcome new and exciting challenges. And it gives you a great sense of gratitude to meet and exceed that challenge.
What excites you about working with the LDTC for the first time? This is my first time at LDT!!!! I am thrilled to be working with Chris and the LDTC staff and crew. I had a chance to see Mama Mia and I was blown away at the production value and the space itself. It is also exciting to meet and work with new actors. Plus being surrounded by the gorgeous Colorado mountain ain’t bad either. And I hear there are outlet stores nearby!!
Barefoot in the Parkopens in 2 weeks! As we draw closer we are getting to know our cast. Wayne Shuker is returning to the Lake Dillon Theatre Company. We caught up with him for a chance to hear his thoughts on the show and his character Paul Bratter.
Can you tell us about your character? Paul Bratter is a rising young attorney. At least, that’s how he wants to be seen. He is a recent law school grad, just married to the woman of his dreams and all set to climb the ladder of success in New York City. Except, Paul doesn’t want to climb, he’d rather sprint; and he needs Corie to help him race to the ideal life that he has been working for. But Corie has ideals of her own, and as much as that frustrates and confuses Paul, she is exactly what he needs. Honestly, Paul is a lot like me. I moved to New York City with an idea of what life should look like, and thankfully I’ve had many people come in and out of my life who have helped me realize all the different ways it can go.
What does Barefoot in the Park mean to you? Barefoot in the Park is a reminder that sometimes we can get lost in our aspirations or our monotony. Routine, be it for progress or survival can blind us to the realities and possibilities all around. But when you make a connection with someone, your routines become altered and if you allow yourself, you become aware of a whole new world of possibilities.
What can audiences expect when they come to Barefoot in the Park?Barefoot in the Park is a romantic comedy. Predecessor to your favorite tear jerkers that make you laugh out loud, it is written with the care and finesse of a Great American Playwright, Neil Simon. It is filled with snark and wit, but just the right amount of sincerity to leave you feeling warm inside.
What is the most challenging part of Barefoot in the Park? Honestly, all that snark and wit can be tempting to run away with. While Paul is certainly a sarcastic piece of work, he truly loves Corie and wants what’s best for the both of them.
What is the most exciting part of Barefoot in the Park? Getting to bring Neil Simon’s words to life. I truly love this play and am honored that “going to work” means I get to play around with this cast of characters.
What is most exciting about returning to the LDTC and Summit County? LDTC is a community that I am thrilled to return to. The connections I’ve made here have stayed with me. It’s honestly exciting to walk into that audition room in NYC and see so many warm familiar faces. Plus, I have quite a few more 14ers to conquer.
Summer is far from over at the LDTC! Barefoot in the Parkopens Aug. 30. We caught up with Andrew Tebo who has been seen in several LDTC productions including 1940’s Radio Hour & You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Here’s a little about Andrew’s take on his character the Telephone Man and his thoughts about the show.
Can you tell us about your character? I play the telephone repairman. He goes up huffing and puffing, to Corie and Paul’s new apartment in an attempt to fix their phone. He’s a true New Yorker and a fly on the wall to their marital discord.
What does Barefoot in the Park mean to you?Barefoot in the Park is a show full of heart and laughs. One of Neil Simons most witful written pieces.
What can audiences expect when they come to Barefoot in the Park? The LDTC Audiences should be ready to smile from ear to ear watching a quirky newlywed couple settle into their new home, six stories up from the busy New York streets.
What is the most challenging part of Barefoot in the Park? The most challenging part of Barefoot in the Park is the expectations that come with being in a Neil Simon play. It’s a high standard of comedy that takes precision.
What is the most exciting part of Barefoot in the Park? The most exciting part about Barefoot in the Park is being in a Neil Simon play! He’s a literary genius. I’m so stoked to be bringing his words to life! This is a bucket list show for me and I’m excited to be part of it right here at LDTC.
What is most exciting about returning to the LDTC and Summit County? I’m so happy to be returning to my home away from home. Summit County warms my heart every time I’m there. So grateful for the work and opportunities that LDTC always offers me.
Summer is far from over at the LDTC Barefoot in the Park opens Aug. 30! We caught up with Andrea Fleming who was previously Sherrie in the LDTC’s production of Rock of Ages. Here’s a little about Andrea’s take on her character Corie Bratter and her thoughts about the show.
Can you tell us about your character? I see Corie as the burning spirit of the play. She has such zest for life and is the bright center at which the paths of all the other characters in the show converge. At times she can seem slightly contradictory but she isn’t a liar. It is because she takes each moment in life for exactly where and when it is … though through her own very colorful lens. She responds so truthfully with whatever emotions come up for her in any given instance, letting go of whatever feelings she might have had of one thing in the past, near or distant. She may seem like a lot, but no one you would want to live without because she fills each individuals space with such vibrance. As Mother would say, “She seems to get a terrific kick out of living. You’ve got to admire that…”
What does Barefoot in the Park mean to you? Barefoot in the Park means letting go of sensibility and living life in the raw; colorfully, emotionally, vividly.
What can audiences expect when they come to Barefoot in the Park? Expect to leave with a huge smile on your face and maybe a willingness to play in the wild parts of life. 😉
What is the most challenging part of Barefoot in the Park? What can be a challenge is not allowing the humanity of some of the characters to come through. Corie is a prime example. It might be easy to play her as this crazy, childish, oblivious caricature because she really wears her emotions on her sleeves. However, Corie is just a human who truly just says and does from her heart what most people would only keep in their heads.
What is the most exciting part of Barefoot in the Park? What’s exciting is experiencing the different personalities come together and influence one another. Each person in the play compliments each other so well. Paul’s sensibility and Corie’s wild authenticity make such a beautiful swirl of interactions. They are truly like peanut butter and jelly. And at some point, you start to see how each brings out the opposite flavors in the other. Delicious! 🙂
What is most exciting about returning to the LDTC and Summit County? I am too excited to be back in this community. The people here really welcome visitors with such warmth. It’s like a theatre home away from home!
Ice Cream, Kung Fu movies, laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose – as a mother battles chronic depression, a son creates a list of everything that makes life worth living. As time passes, the list grows. With equal parts humor and empathy, Every Brilliant Thing tells the story of a young man who has lived in the shadow of mental illness and examines the lengths we will go for those we love.
With Every Brilliant Thing opening on August 16th, the company at The Lake Dillon Theatre wanted to make a list of all of the ‘Brilliant Things’ that we thought make life worth living! Here are our Brilliant Things:
Full Time Staff Brilliant Things-
Chris Alleman (Executive Director): Having your child crawl into your bed in the middle of the night because he is scared.
Josh Blanchard (Executive Director): Family, laughter, running, sunrises and rainstorms.
Colt Neidhardt (Director of Education & Outreach):Soul Music! Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, Brittany Howard, Paul Janeway— voices that can raise you to your feet or bring you to your knees.
Anne Orban (Marketing & Sales Manager): Sitting in front of the camp fire.
Rachel Dilliplane (Production Manager): Quoting an obscure movie and someone responding with the next line.
Wendy Fellner (Bookkeeper & Office Manager): Getting out in nature to clear my mind – I love being in the woods for a hike with my dog & husband.
Casts Brilliant Things-
Mark Rubald (Mamma Mia!): The great good luck to be offered second chances, in a variety of fields.
Tony Melson (Mamma Mia!): My Buddhist practice keeps me centered and compassionate, it’s an amazingly brilliant thing in my life. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Adam Magnacca (Mamma Mia!): My brilliant thing is my amazing and supportive family!
Chrissy Schmidt (Mamma Mia!): The stunning Summit County!
Mark Woodard (Barefoot in the Park): Laughter.
Production Teams Brilliant Things-
Jillian Parzych (Costume Design): When Targets have a Starbucks inside them, just makes life a little easier.
Stefanie M. Senior (Sound Supervisor): Waking up to my cat fast asleep and snuggled into the crook of my knees.
Michael Meketa (Musician): The beauty of creation in summit county.
Melinda Pfundstein (Director of Every Brilliant Thing): When any of my three daughters takes my hand as we walk.
Apprentice Staff Brilliant Things-
Mo Labiaga (Company Management Apprentice): Being alive, my family, being able to see the mountains every morning and The Lake Dillon Theatre Company—having the opportunity to work and learn from them.
Shannon Midlin (Patron Services Apprentice): My sister sending me the most random pictures when she knows I’m under the weather. Or pictures of her cat, or my parents making a theme song for my sisters cat that they sing to her over FaceTime.
Nate Reid (Development Apprentice): Mist drifting through mountain valleys in the morning.
Emilia Anderson (Marketing Apprentice): Meeting new people from all over the world, spending time with family and friends, and hammocking in the mountains!
Liam Romano (Scenic/Carpentry Apprentice): Playing cards with people I love.
Alexa Hendrickson (Acting Apprentice): Long late-night phone calls with friends from home!
Sometimes in life, it is easy to overlook the ‘brilliant things’ and let our stressors take over our thoughts and cloud our judgment. If you’re reading this, we challenge YOU to pick a few things from your own life that you consider brilliant share them on Facebook and hashtag #LDTCBrilliantThings. Who knows maybe your brilliant thing will end up in the show!
The Lake Dillon Theatre Company is always excited to work with a variety of talented artists both on and off the stage. So we decided to hand over our Instagram account Stephanie Holms the Stage Manager of Mamma Mia!
The Lake Dillon Theatre Company’s Production of Every Brilliant Thingopens in a month! We are so excited we sat down with actor Colt Neidhardt to learn more about what he thinks is “Brilliant.”
What does Every Brilliant Thing mean to you?
To me, a ‘Brilliant Thing’ is something that we often take for granted- the little moments of beauty and simplicity that we sometimes miss while we are stuck thinking about the bigger concerns of life (health, bills, work, family, etc.)Every Brilliant Thing is a show that helps to remind us of the little wonders that anxiety and depression can rob us of; finding something you thought was lost, licking the beaters after Mom makes a cake, dusk settling in around Buffalo Mountain, etc.
Can you tell us about your character?
My character is the Narrator of a story that is all too common. As a young person, he finds himself trapped in the middle of the tension of having a mentally ill Mother and a distant Father that is struggling to cope with his wife’s illness. After his Mother’s suicide attempt, my character begins creating a list of everything brilliant in the world, everything worth living for. As my character grows up and begins to face the challenges of adulthood the list continues to grow- eventually reaching one million brilliant things.
What do you think will be the most challenging part of doing a one-person show?
The most challenging part of doing a one-person show is the isolation. It’s just me and the audience for 70 minutes straight. In a show with multiple performers, you can always rely on one of your scene partners to get you out of a jam if something were to happen. In this case, I have to fix my own problems, think a couple steps ahead, and still be present with the audience. Its a terrifying and thrilling challenge all at the same time!
What are some Brilliant Things that you think make life worth living?
1. Soul Music! Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, Brittany Howard, Paul Janeway— voices that can raise you to your feet or bring you to your knees.
2. The miracle of homemade bread & butter.
3. Hummingbirds- enough said.
4. Spending a lazy Sunday with someone you love.
5. The feeling of elation/relief/joy that happens after you accomplish something that you didn’t think you could do.
What excites you about doing Every Brilliant Thing?
As an actor, it’s always exciting to perform in a show that has a real opportunity to affect positive change. Suicide rates have increased by 24% nationally over the past 15 years and Colorado consistently has some of the highest suicide rates in the country. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24, second only to vehicular accidents, and those rates are even higher among People of Color and the LGBT population. This is a topic that is often approached with a great deal of stigma and Every Brilliant Thing allows us to create a space where mental health issues can be represented/discussed without fear of judgment. I am also very excited about Lake Dillon Theatre Company’s partnership with Building Hope and the Summit County Community Care Clinic, who will be providing their expertise to our panel discussion as well as providing mental health resources to everyone who comes to see the show.
What can audiences expect when they come to Every Brilliant Thing?
Audiences can expect a truly unique show going experience—When you come to see Every Brilliant Thing, you will receive a page or item from the list of ‘brilliant things’ that my character has created. As we work our way through the list together, you may be asked to shout out the item on the list when I mention the corresponding number or you might even be asked to perform in a brief scene with me (don’t worry- I will tell you exactly what to do/say!). Audiences can also expect to feel a sense of community connection- this show will be staged in the round in the Henry Studio Theatre which will help everyone to feel a part of the action. Last but not least, laughter! This is a serious topic, but it’s tempered with a healthy sense of humor that is going to be refreshing and relatable to everyone who comes.
If you want to be added to my list of brilliant things— then you better come see this show! 🙂
