Annaleigh Ashford (Swanson), Country Dinner Playhouse alumna now playing Margot on Broadway’s “Legally Blonde”: What a loss to the Denver theater community and Denver history. Last night, Paul and Penny Dwyer came to the “Legally Blonde” and I told everyone that the man who gave me my Equity card was watching the show. So many actors were able to work professionally because of CDP. It was so good to see Paul and Pen, and I know they are going to be taken care of, along with of our friends, actors, and musicians. It has just been a shocking loss. Losing a theater like that is like losing a loved one. I am so grateful it’s getting all of the well-deserved coverage. Here’s to a magical theater for the future!
Andy Kelso, Country Dinner Playhouse alum now starring as Sky on Broadway’s “Mamma Mia”: Wow. This is so shocking. I knew that CDP had been struggling a bit, but to close so abruptly and leave so many people without a job or a clue? Seems like things could have been handled a lot better. My heart goes out to Paul Dwyer, the staff, the crew, and the actors. Hopefully Paul or someone can develop something that will fill that void. Geez – one of the three major Equity houses is no longer. That’s rough.
Debbie Persoff, actor: Having heard, as we all have, on Tuesday, I felt like the magic carpet had been pulled from under everyone’s feet. Driving to Fort Collins, I had time to reflect on all the memories and delicious moments that occur during long and friendship-filled shows. The pictures you have run inspire and fill all of us with nostalgia and events shared. I feel so saddened and shocked, as does the entire theater community. Like a profound loss, we are all diminished. The lights and creativity of so many performers will never be dimmed. Thank you for the slideshow of these luminous faces from Wednesday night’s performance. They expressed the hope, sadness and devotion of all. You have kept us aware of details so painful and necessary for us all to know “why.” Many, many thanks always.
Matthew Campbell, production stage manager: I assume you’ve received more than a few thank-yous from the extended CDP family for your excellent coverage revolving the demise of “the barn.” I wanted you to know my wife (Christine) and I greatly appreciated seeing you there Wednesday night, and for staying until the cold and wet bitter end.
The evening was more than I expected. I’m very proud of the “Evita” company for putting together a “wouldn’t it be cool if?” experience, when most ideas of that nature never get far beyond the idealistic planning stages. Certainly no comment on how I value all of the performers I’ve worked with in the past, but after consideration, I cannot think of any other company in my four-and-a-half years at the Playhouse that would have the motivation, heart and desire to pull off such an event. Many who would, but weren’t part of the “Evita” company, came and made up a good portion of the soggy audience, willing to stand in the rain for hours for one last hurrah.
Short of having Paul Dwyer there to share in the experience, perhaps it really was a fitting final performance for the Playhouse: A gathering of friends and family sharing in some song and dance in the cold, bitter rain. I guarantee those memories will stay with us longer than any sunny afternoon farewell would have.
Beth Flynn, actor: I feel so bad for the actors, Barnstormers, crew, staff, busboys, chefs, musicians, patrons … it’s just terrible. And just like the Ascot, the owners have stranded their people — those who work the hardest and make the least amount of money. These are people with families — stiffed and lost. We’ve all seen this heartbreak over and over again — what are these employees going to do, and their families?
I hate seeing this again and again throughout our working lives. Theaters close all the time — it’s a great sadness always, a tragedy. However, this didn’t “just happen.” While it may appear abrupt to the public, the owners knew it was coming, and they kept it from the employees they are responsible for and had contracts with, people whose constant hard work, dedication, talent and trust sustained them this long.
Shame on the owners. The fish always and only rots from the head. We live in a day when there is no accountability whatsoever — from our reprehensible administration on down. It makes me sick.
Neil Haverstick, musician: I was playing guitar for “Evita,” so I am now out of a job, along with a bunch of other folks who I believe deserved much better from the owners of the Playhouse. And, as I write this, I’m not actually very angry; I’m gonna be OK. I have my students and miscellaneous gigs. But other folks may not have much to fall back on at all. If the owners had let people know about this well in advance, perhaps they could have been looking for other work, or not turning down other job offers. The Playhouse also was auditioning actors for the next play, and actually hired a friend of mine to play the show. He turned down another job to take “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
So, in my opinion, these bozos are no different than Joe Nacchio or Ken Lay. They led many people to believe that things were going well, when they knew full well they were soon closing the doors. And if that isn’t illegal in our society, it is certainly dishonorable and unethical behavior. Of course, you can form your own conclusions about this, but I hope you will speak out in your columns about this, and don’t let the owners off the hook. The actors, stagehands, kitchen help, Barnstormers, managers, musicians…we’re all trying to make a living in a difficult profession, at best. The owners need to be held responsible for a lot of financial and emotional damage to many people.
Helen Taylor, drama teacher, Sagewood Middle School: How sad for Denver. My daughter was a Barnstormer for almost two years and loved every minute of it. She was especially grateful to Mitch Samu, who was an extraordinary mentor, coach, friend and surrogate parent. Betsy was in the current production of “Evita,” and was enthralled every day to get to go to work … How many of us can say that? She is heartbroken (and broke) at the closing. How many jobs are both work and family? The people responsible for this gross injustice should be ashamed of themselves.
Linda Suttle, actor: Wow, it’s just enough to make you weep! I’m so glad I was lucky enough to work out there twice. It was such an honor to be able to work with the real pros in this town, and Bill McHale as the director to boot.
Rob Riney, actor: I found out from a friend who went to the Playhouse to pick up a paycheck minutes before I left to pick up mine. I just signed a year lease to an apartment right by the Playhouse. And I was just told I was just cast as a brother in the upcoming show, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” I am completely devastated and don’t know where to turn now. Thanks for caring, John Moore. I knew you would. Thanks for supporting us for so long!
Josh Robinson, actor: Thanks, John for your coverage of CDP and its shameful, horrible end. I listened to the podcast of the rainy closing, and I appreciated the way you steered people to find a silver lining by being there. I think about Matthew Campbell, who is still injured from the fall from above, and of course about Paul Dwyer. Where will they land? How many great musical-theater performers will leave town because of a lack of steady work? What theater will fill CDP’s role? It was the first place many people here ever saw theater. I never had anything other than good experiences in my three shows with them. Theater there wasn’t some temple of high art or cult of personality; it was a job and there was no better way to make this actor feel good about his career choice than to be able to say I’m going to work at the Barn.
Lyndsay Giraldi-Palmer, actor: Your slideshow brought tears to my eyes.
Amy Board, actor: Aw, I cried at that slideshow… I wish I could have been there.
Bill Smith, acting coach: One of my actors is out of work, and many other colleagues who perform or do tech have lost a place of employment. The second biggest Equity house in Colorado…. gone! My gosh, Country Dinner, for 37 years a mainstay for local theater at the professional level we expect…. is now dark.
Leddy Center for the Performing Arts in Epping, N.H.: It is unbelievable that the cast was put in that position, but it was inspiring that they ran with it rather than letting it run them down. Blessings to all!
