Ronni (Stark) Gallup, actor: When my dad called to tell me this devastating news, I cried and told him I was so glad I was not in Denver to witness this happening. My heart hurts for those tremendously talented performers who are out of work so abruptly and so unfairly, for the crew and staff who have given their blood, sweat and tears to “the barn” for so many years, and for the Denver audiences who will no longer have this tremendous venue to escape the real world for a few hours. This was my home from the time I was 6 or 7 years old and I can’t believe it has gone dark for the final time. What a waste, what a loss! Thanks to you John, for allowing those of us who live far away to see these final moments. They are the final chapter of a lifetime of amazing memories.
Kimberly Tedder-Hernandez, Eva in Carousel Dinner Theatre’s recent “Evita” (Fort Collins): Although I was not a performer on that stage, my heart goes out to all those involved. I can’t imagine the shock, disappointment and loss the cast, crew and entire staff of CDP are feeling. I would have been devastated. As you know, this profession is both work and family. I can’t imagine having everything come to such an abrupt halt. My heart goes out to all but especially to Joannie Brosseau-Beyette (Eva), as I know first hand how much that role takes to perform and how much of yourself goes into it. I know she and others have sacrificed other contracts in order to perform there. Please let them know that their fellow actors up north at the Carousel are thinking of them and pulling for them.
Sara Seever, fomer CDP actor, currently star of Town Hall Arts Center’s “My Fair Lady”: I appreciate your candidness in sharing this story with us. With no passable excuse before, we were left in the dark about the closing of our beloved theater. I know others will be glad to know the truth, however infuriating it may be. My hope is that another union theater will take CDP’s place in the near future with owners who will treat the theater with the respect and dignity it deserves, and whose main itenerary will be to provide quality shows and a good place for local actors to work. I know that the theater community will recover and continue forward. In the meantime, we grieve what was lost. I am moved by the CDP family’s farewell performance in the rain. They were able to close “Evita” on their own terms, and with an enormous amount of grace. Brava! I am personally glad that these owners no longer have the privilege and honor of running a theater. To say they grossly mishandled CDP is an understatement.
Mark Devine, actor: My heart, too, goes out – and I send love – to all those affected … the actors, employees and those wonderful audiences. I can’t help but think of the brilliant performances I saw in that building by Marcus Waterman, Amy Board, Paul and Penny Dwyer, Bill Berry, Randy St. Pierre, Beth Malone, Heidi Morrow-Hahn, Thad Valdez, Gregg Price, fill-in-your-favorite-name here, so many. From Paul’s hysterical M.C.ing of the pre-show to the classic opening – heck even the name – “The Barnstormers”; from the rising stage to my favorite Bill McHale rehearsal line — “I KNOW this show!” — Sheesh, hearts are breakin’. That old barn is sacred. P.S. Thank you so much John for your slideshow of pictures.
Lowell Noel, actor: A sad day. I have a lot of nice memories from my short stint as an actor there. I’ll always be grateful to Bill McHale for giving me a job when I needed it. This is a pretty severe blow.
George and Jan Wehrstedt, readers: Let me add my name to the long list of those who will miss the CDP. We have attended many performances and have followed the careers of Paul Dwyer and his sister Annie through their performances and articles in The Denver Post. Such a shame to see it collapse the way it did.
Mathew Kepler, actor: I am SO proud of those people. I stayed for the whole show on Wednesday, and I could not believe their spirit. Even in the face of tragedy they sang and danced their hearts out. This is why we are in this business, for the love of what we do and the love of the art. I am so proud of them and the community for standing in the pouring rain getting soaked to show them love and support.
David H. Anderson, reader: Thank you for your article on Country Dinner Playhouse, it was most informative. I have missed my evenings at the playhouse since I moved to Maui a few years ago. As a former longtime season-ticket holder, I am saddened. I was a big fan of Sally Myers. I would like to keep up with her career, as she is a fine actress.
T David Rutherford, actor: I was fortunate enough to have performed on the Playhouse stage in several shows. Like others, I’m shocked by these events. I feel that the stage at CDP is in many ways, my home. The Barn will always hold a special place for me. Doing eight shows a week, I feel I learned my craft there. So many friends. So many memories. My best wishes to the cast, crew and employees of the Playhouse. Our prayers are with you.
Bill Daly, reader: So many wonderful shows, a warm theater through the years. I played Denver theater for 15 years and never worked at Country Dinner Playhouse, but I have four adult children who remember the shows as part of their youth and introductions to the magic of the musical stage.
Ginger Alderson Playford, reader: We moved here in 1969 and have been to CDP too many times to count. I had season tickets for many years and was waiting for the 2007-08 lineup to decide if I was going to subscribe. I hope the money can be raised for the CDP to survive. They COULD move to a new location. The Ascot space is big, empty, newer and has NEVER had smart owners. Don’t let CDP die!
Ron Hyman, reader: What a sad event, compounded by being so poorly handled. My heart goes out to these young folks who work so hard. I was lucky enough to attend “Evita” this past Saturday. The show was great! The singing, the staging, the choreagraphy — all excellent. The Barnstormers are always a delight. Watching these talented young men and women you know you are seeing the future stars of Denver. I’m hoping somehow CDP can be revived, hopefully with a new management that matches the quality these young folks deserve.
Bryan Bell, actor: John, thank you so much for your ongoing coverage of CDP. Today’s article was very informative. It is so sad that poor management and financial decisions killed a theatrical icon in Colorado. I also wanted to commend you for focusing so much on the actors and how much this will affect the talent in Denver. Many times, actually most of the time, the actors are overlooked, even though they are the heart of a production, and theaters could not be theaters without them. After living through the Pinnacle Dinner Theatre travesty, I can relate to the sadness and anger those folks are feeling. Thank you for keeping the community informed.
Clarissa Hope Stranske, actor: I just wanted to say thanks for all you’ve done for those of us who were quite literally thrown out into the cold this week. Your articles, the incredible slideshow, your getting the word out to the community, and your support have been so helpful in helping me grieve and start to come to terms with this whole thing. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.
