Category: Meet the Cast

Meet The Cast! Tiny Beautiful Things: Sanam Hashemi

Tiny Beautiful Things is the LDTC’s final theatre production in our 25th Anniversary season entitled “To Be Connected…”

In this provocative, poignant and rich (NY Times) production, we explore what it means to be connected to strangers in today’s world. Now is your chance to connect with our cast of new and returning artists.

Introducing Sanam Hashemi, This is Sanam’s LDTC debut.

Can you tell us about your character(s)? 

I play a lot of them and they are all so different. It’s great to jump into a 70-year-old married man and then to an opinionated blogger. But above all, the characters are all grappling with something. That’s why we hear from them in the play. So it’s neat to see how everyone is questioning or struggling or re-evaluating something in their lives.

What does Tiny Beautiful Things mean to you? 
Celebrating being a human.

What excites you about working on Tiny Beautiful Things
I think the most exciting part of this play is that everyone is real. Just real people trying to get through their day and dealing with real human questions and roadblocks in life. Nothing glamorous, but extremely relatable.

What do you think will be challenging about Tiny Beautiful Things?
I think Nia Vardalos did an incredible job of shaping these letters into a narrative. She takes the audience and Sugar through hilarious, tragic, touching, and hopeful moments. As an actor, I think it’s just technically going to challenging to remember the sequencing of all of the amazing letters, but I have faith in the process and our team.

You play letter writers are there any particular questions you connect with the most? 
One of the characters I portray lends advice as part of the greater “Sugar community” on what advice they would give their younger selves. So, it’s not really a question, but more of a reminder to focus on your life and not your career. I just love it. “The useless days will add up to something.”

We are so excited to have you join the LDTC family! What excites you about coming to the Lake Dillon Theatre for the first time? 
It’s always great to work with a new group of people to create something. So that’s extremely exciting. But also, I’ve never been to Colorado, and wow! What a beautiful place this theatre calls home. I feel really lucky to be a part of it.

Meet the Cast! Tiny Beautiful Things: Kevin Minor

Tiny Beautiful Things is the LDTC’s final theatre production in our 25th Anniversary season entitled “To Be Connected…”

In this provocative, poignant and rich (NY Times) production, we explore what it means to be connected to strangers in today’s world. Now is your chance to connect with our cast of new and returning artists.

Introducing Kevin Minor, This is Kevin’s LDTC debut.

Can you tell us about your character(s)? 
What’s up! So I’m Letter Writer #3 which allows me the awesome task of playing people that are all different and unique in their own way. Each of my “letters” (I hope) have their own cadence and their own form and way they take up space in the world which is both fun and challenging all at the same time.

What does Tiny Beautiful Things mean to you? 
From the moment I was sent this script the first word that came to mind was “empathy”. Nia Vardalos’ script is so beautiful in that she is daring us as actors (and as the audience as well) to have fierce and unapologetic empathy for the experience of our fellow person. What I think is so beautiful about it artistically, and the statement it made to me, is that we aren’t all that different from each other. We’re all wondering what’s next, we’re all searching for love, we’re all wondering WTF (you’ll get that reference when you see the show), and we all just want to belong. It’s a show that isn’t going to wow you with a bunch of lights and jumping around and dancing but is instead about the thing that unites us all and that’s being human and figuring out what the hell this thing called Life is all about. I love that about this show. It’s soulful and funny and gut-wrenching and it offers something that I truly believe each and every audience member will be able to look at and say to at least one letter or part of the show: “that’s me”.

What excites you about working on Tiny Beautiful Things
Bringing all of these letters to life. Each of them is so unique and they each have a life entirely of their own so to be able to play and create each of these is an honor. Of course, with any show, building a family with your castmates is one of the most rewarding parts so I’m looking forward to getting into the room and getting to know them and building our version of this world together.

What do you think will be challenging about Tiny Beautiful Things?
The actor’s burden with any show is to play a set of circumstances that are different than your own and make them feel real and true. Now oftentimes we are cast because we somehow fit the character naturally but this show is different because each letter offers something totally different than the rest. Our challenge, as letter writers, is to fully embody the reality and depth of each characters’ circumstances which is scary and challenging yet rewarding. My hope is for each of these letters, and the experiences of those who wrote them, I do justice to the experience to which they are speaking.

You play letter writers are there any particular questions you connect with the most? 
It’s not necessarily a question but the statement that I couldn’t get out of my head from my first read of the script is “I chose Van Gogh”. It’s simple yet deep and it touches on the choice we make every day in how we view the world. Of course, there are things out of our control and each of our lives is significantly different. We all experience our own adversities and difficulties but it’s our perspective and how we choose to approach the world that ultimately defines our character. So the phrase “I chose Van Gogh” encapsulates that to me.

We are so excited to have you join the LDTC family! What excites you about coming to the Lake Dillon Theatre for the first time? 
I’m excited about being in Colorado! I visited with my family for a summer when I was in college and by the end of the trip I was no joke looking to try to transfer to DU (I was playing soccer so, of course, I couldn’t). Colorado is a really beautiful place and I’m excited about going outside and seeing mountains….but also, to be fully transparent, not so sure I’m excited about the snow but this isn’t an outdoor theater, right?

Meet the Cast! Tiny Beautiful Things: Sheryl McCallum

Tiny Beautiful Things is the LDTC’s final theatre production in our 25th Anniversary season entitled “To Be Connected…”

In this provocative, poignant and rich (NY Times) production, we explore what it means to be connected to strangers in today’s world. Now is your chance to connect with our cast of new and returning artists.

This is Sheryl McCallum‘s second time on the LDTC Stage. You may recognize her from her role as Mrs. Banks in Barefoot in the Park earlier this season.

Can you tell us about your character?

My character is named Sugar. The is an author, mother, and wife who says yes to a request to take over an online advice column.

What does Tiny Beautiful Things mean to you? 

Tiny beautiful things to me means that no matter what we go through in life, the highs and especially the lows, We must remember to recognize, appreciate, and accept all the small beautiful gifts that come our way.

What excites you about working on Tiny Beautiful Things?

What excites me about Tiny, is diving into the character of Sugar. What made her say yes to the request? How she answers her column in her own voice. She shows her pain, her joy, and her humor. It excites me that these are real letters. I’m excited to lift these words off the page and use my voice.

What do you think will be challenging about Tiny Beautiful Things?

What will be challenging is that there is a lot of dialogue and a short rehearsal time. Also, some of the letters are weighty. The challenge will be to let the responses to the letters, feel genuine and not presentational. But that’s why Chris is there.

You play the character Sugar. In what ways do you feel you connect with her? 

I connect most with Sugar in how she speaks about her mother who passed away. The love she has for her. I also connect with her saying, she doesn’t know it all. Odd for an advice columnist.

You Recently played Mrs. Banks in Barefoot in the Park and we are so excited to have you back, what excites you about coming back to Summit County and the LDTC? 

I am looking forward to spending some of the Holidays in Dillon. Also, it’s great to come back to a place where you were treated so well. I absolutely loved being at LDTC and look forward to a great time again. This time in the snow!!

Meet The Cast! Tiny Beautiful Things: Hugh Hysell

Tiny Beautiful Things is the LDTC’s final theatre production in our 25th Anniversary season entitled “To Be Connected…”

In this provocative, poignant and rich (NY Times) production, we explore what it means to be connected to strangers in today’s world. Now is your chance to connect with our cast of new and returning artists.

Introducing Hugh Hysell, This is Hugh’s LDTC debut.

Can you tell us about your character(s)? 

I play a lot of real-life middle-age people who ask Sugar for advice. They need help with all kinds of problems ranging from work woes to romance gone weird to parental advice. While some of the other characters in the play are quite moving, all of mine are pretty funny and I get to provide a lot of comic moments for the show until near the end of the play when there is a huge surprise.  I think this twist will be one of the most memorable theatrical moments of the show. I’m excited to take the audience on this unexpected turn.

What does Tiny Beautiful Things mean to you? 

Tiny Beautiful Things is a beautiful play which speaks to everyone. While each of us have our own individual problems, the play shows us that we have much in common with the letter writers. Everyone has issues in our lives that we have to face (some funny, some touching, some tragic), and yet, we all could use some help to get to the other side of our problems. The play reminds that if we are brave enough to ask for advice, our roads might be a little (or a lot) less rough. We are all in this together, and if we reach out to others, most things will work out for the better.

 

What excites you about working on Tiny Beautiful Things

I’m excited to work on this play for a lot of reasons. Many of my lines are funny (which is right in my wheelhouse), and I love crafting my delivery of a joke to get the biggest response from an audience. I also get to play multiple characters, all quite different (which is always exciting as an actor).

 

What do you think will be challenging about Tiny Beautiful Things?

All of the letters my characters write to Sugar’s advice column are real letters from real-life people, and each is intimate in its own way. Therefore, my portrayal of each letter writer has to be honest, vulnerable and extremely believable. Plus, one of my character’s letters is quite long (3 pages in the script) – which is a challenge to any actor. Whenever I have worked on a show where I have long monologues, I personally find that I need a good deal of time to learn those lines. Lucky for me, I was cast in this show months ago, and so I started working on memorizing that speech right away. It took me about a month to learn it. I think you’ll love it – I do!

 

You play letter writers who are sending their questions to Sugar. Are there any particular questions you connect with the most? 

I relate with all of the letter writers, but I especially connect to a letter about a father and son. While I don’t have a son, I feel deeply connected to this letter through the memory of my dad (who left us far too early). I feel his presence in those beautiful words.

 

We are so excited to have you join the LDTC family! What excites you about coming to the Lake Dillon Theatre for the first time? 

I have been really looking forward to spending time here in Lake Dillon. The theatre has a terrific reputation and I am excited to be working with this fine company. Plus, this town is beautiful and the views of the lake and mountains are so stunning, they seem almost magical. It feels like an adventure awaits me here.

A Weekend of Story and Song

The Lake Dillon Theatre Company (LDTC) continues its 25th Anniversary Season with a one-of-a-kind Signature Concert entitled Divas and Duets on Nov. 8 and 9 at 7:30 PM in the Henry Studio Theater featuring Summit County favorite Kelly Renoux.

The LDTC is dedicated to bringing a diverse season including a unique music series of concerts and musical revues. The Signature Concert Series features performers from around the country for one-weekend only events. Divas and Duets will feature a collection of songs curated by Renoux from different music genres including Broadway, rock and roll, country, and pop.  Special guests will join Renoux for surprise duets throughout the evening of story and song.

A professionally trained actor and singer, Renoux has lived in Summit County for more than twenty years and has been a featured performer with the LDTC for more than two decades. Her credits at the LDTC include Rita from Lucky Stiff and Patsy in Always Patsy Cline, among more than a dozen others.

Renoux as Rita in “Lucky Stiff”

Renoux holds a position on the executive team at Copper Mountain and feels fortunate the LDTC provides opportunities for her to perform.

“I am so fortunate to have a career on the executive team with Copper Mountain Resort, but also I get to regularly indulge in my passion for theatre.” Renoux says, “The one thing that kept me from going into theatre full-time was the dread of having to find a new job after each show closed; but I truly have the best of both worlds – I’ve been with Copper for over 20 years now, and I’ve been performing with LDTC and around the county for the same period of time!”

Renoux will be joined by music director and accompanist Wayne Shuker. A New York-based performer and musician, Shuker returns to Summit County after several appearances with the LDTC, including most recently having performed the role of “Paul” in Barefoot in the Park.

Shucker as Paul Bratter in “Barefoot in the Park”

“I’ve always had a passion for making music which even led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music education. I’ve been lucky enough to get to play on stage but when I’m in between gigs I spend a lot of my time teaching voice lessons and accompanying in New York. I’m thrilled to get the chance to make my professional music directing debut in a place that always makes me feel welcome.” Shucker says.

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Behind the Scenes of Barefoot in The Park!

Yes, summer is coming to a close, but the LDTC can’t say goodbye to summer without a zany comedy. From the master of oneliners, the LDTC is proud to present Barefoot in the Park. As the show has been running for a week now we wanted to show a behind the scenes look at the rehearsal process and the work that the cast put into the show before opening!

 

Tickets are still available!

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Meet the Cast of Barefoot in the Park: Mark Woodard

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 ParkAudiences 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.

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Meet The Cast of Barefoot in the Park: Sheryl McCallum

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!!

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Meet the Cast of Barefoot in the Park: Wayne Shuker

Barefoot in the Park opens 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.

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