Randy West, who co-produced the Elitch Theatre’s 100th anniversary production in 1991, died June 17, the day he turned 57.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at his home, 441 Acoma St.
West co-produced the Elitch production of “The Robber Bridegroom,” starring Leo Burmeister and Patrick Cassidy, with a cast that included top local names like Rachel de Benedet, Marcus and Jan Waterman, Maurice LaMee and Melissa McCarl.
In the program for that show, West described spending much of his youth at the old northwest Denver amusement park and botanic gardens.
“I have picnicked on Frier Hill, watched my parents dance at the Troc, and rode my first roller coaster at the ripe old age of 6,” he wrote. The first live play he ever saw was at Elitch’s.
West is survived by his life partner of 32 years, Gary Giem, who co-produced “Bridegroom” with him.”
“Randy was an incredibly sweet, open, loving man,” said de Benedet, whose portrayal of Salome was her first role in Denver. She has since gone on to play several roles on Broadway.
“I owe him and Gary so much, because they were the first people to hire me in Colorado. They took a huge chance – casting me completely against type, but seeing something in my audition that made them believe I could do it. I will never forget his generosity and warmth. Or the many lavish dinners and Christmas parties at their house.”
West dedicated “The Robber Bridegroom” to his grandmother, Lydia Caroline Schlepp, who taught him his love for flowers and gardens while wandering the grounds as a boy.
“I thought Gary and Randy produced ‘The Robber Bridegroom’ as well as it could be produced,” said LaMee, who played the caller/preacher and is now artistic director of the Creede Repertory Theatre.
“It was done beautifully. I have great respect for their deep investment in producing a show in Denver of the highest quality. It was an amazing cast. I am glad I had the privilege of working alongside some people who were way above my skill level. I learned a lot in that show watching excellent actors work.”
West and Giem once lived in the same Manhattan apartment as Tennessee Williams.
“He was most colorful. Literally,” Giem once wrote in an email to The Post. “The last time I saw him, he was wearing a full-length, bright, yellow overcoat. I thought he was Salvador Dali.Maybe he thought so too.”
Giem, West and Burmeister go back to the University of Denver, whose theater department was considered world-class at the time.
“There are amazing stories there. A blaze of light so bright one thought it would never go out,” Giem said. “It is gone now. Forgotten.”
In recent years, Giem and West became involved with the foundation to restore and revive the long-shuttered Elitch Theatre.
The two were a pair of historic-home restoration specialists who lived in their own 1885 abode known for its numerous themed garlands, collectible German nutcrackers, toys and ornaments.
West is also survived by his father, Robert, and sister, Lori. Contributions may be made to the Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption, The Gabriel Foundation or Best Friends Animal Society.
John Moore: 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com
