When Curious Theatre initiated its “Denver Stories” fundraiser four years ago, it seemed like an act of ego-stroking pandering. Now, in these tough economic times, it seems like nothing short of genius.
Curious pairs four local celebrities with local playwrights who turn their life stories into short plays that are staged by some of the best actors and directors in Denver. Wednesday’s honorees were former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers, singer Lannie Garrett, caterer Sandy Tenenbaum and Gov. Bill Ritter.
Between ticket sales, a silent and live auction, Curious raised more than $50,000 in one boggling night, attended by some of the most prominent philanthropists in town.
For a company like Curious, which operates on a $1 million annual budget, $50,000 is the equivalent of one show budget.
“What it means, in a year like this,” said founder Chip Walton, “is that we have a much better chance of finishing in the black, at a time when other theaters across the country are being forced to make some nasty cuts. We get to move forward as planned, and in this industry, to meet or exceed any financial goal right now, is just manna from heaven.”
The first short play was titled: “Another Little Piece of My Heart: The Reggie Rivers Story.” It was written by Steven Cole Hughes, directed by Christopher Leo and starred Cajardo Lindsey, Michael McNeill, Nathan Bock and Reggie Rivers.
“Essence of Lannie” was written by Josh Hartwell, directed by Christy Montour-Larson and starred Brian Landis Folkins, Karen Slack, Erica DeShay, Kent Randall, Jim Hunt and Lannie Garrett. Accompaniment by Scott McLean.
“Miracles By Sandy” was written by Dee Covington, directed by Kate Roselle, and starred Megan Van De Hey, Scott Rathbun, Rhonda Lee Brown and Sandy Tenenbaum.
“Ritter: The Rise to Forty-One,” was written by Jennifer Fawcett, directed by Mare Trevathan, and starred Glen Moore, Erik Sandvold, Martha Harmon Pardee, John Jurcheck, Melanie Owen-Padilla and Bill Ritter.
The master of ceremonies was Paul Borrillo.
John Moore: 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com
More photos to come
Check back over the next several days as we add an entire slideshow of photos from “Denver Stories.”
