past shows

Written and Directed by Melissa Lucero McCarl

starring
Jeffrey Atherton • R. Matthew Deans • Lori Duncan • Alex Ryder • Karen Slack • Jeffrey Tarr • Ricardo Salazar Vega

assistant director / stage manager: Steven Neale
set design: Tina Anderson
musical score: Jeff Jenkins
dialect coach: Loraine Masterton
sound design: Steve Stevens
light design: Steven Tangedal
stage crew: Lorrin C. Dyer
sound technician: George Pulver
house manager: Shelly Bordas

tina anderson (Set Design) Recent set designs include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Once Upon A Mattress and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, all for this season’s JCC summer series at Mizel’s Shwayder Theatre. Most recent sets for the Theatre Group were Ruthless! The Musical, Cabaret and Lonely Planet. Tina feels fortunate to have the opportunity to do the sets for these original plays Painted Bread and Reaching for Comfort. She is also honored to be asked to assist in other areas for Painted Bread. MM you are amazing! All your hard work, talent and dedication has paid off.

jeffrey atherton (Diego Rivera) has been working in the performing arts for over 30 years. He and his wife, Natalie Oliver–Atherton, live a charmed existence by making a living doing only the things they LOVE to do, which include acting, singing, teaching and sharing the secret to life, love, happiness and abundance! His favorite and most memorable role is “DAD” to Justin, Rachael and Serea. NAMASTE!

shelly bordas (Office and House Manager) has enjoyed eight wonderful years with Theatre Group. When not serving patrons at the box office, she can be seen on stage. Theatre Group credits include Psycho Beach Party, SubUrbia, Tony and Tina’s Wedding, Beautiful Thing, Parallel Lives, and Cell Block Sirens of 1953 just to name a few. She is also a proud playwright and director of Tee Vee or Not Tee Vee, which recently premiered at the Phoenix Theatre.

r. matthew deans (Herr Kahlo/Doctor/Reporter 3/Priest/Trotsky/Critic 1) This is Matt’s first show with Theatre Group. He wishes to thank Melissa for this wonderful opportunity! Matt has performed with Hunger Artists, The Civic Theater, HorseChart Theater, The Bonfils Theater, and The Changing Scene (among others) in roles that vary from “Orgon” in Tartuffe to “The Scarecrow” in The Wizard of Oz. Thanks for coming tonight and for supporting live theatre!

lori duncan (Rita/Rosa/Fanny) was most recently seen reprising her whorish role as “Fritzie” in Theatre Group’s production of Cabaret. Painted Bread marks Lori’s fourth show at Theatre On Broadway, and she is proud to be a part of this original play. Past shows include: The Laramie Project, Into the Woods, The EIGHT: Reindeer Monologues, Little Shop of Horrors, and Hello Dolly. She has also toured the Orient, performing for troops stationed overseas. Lori thanks Melissa, Tina and Steve N. for making this production a success…and, as always, her husband, Chris.

lorrin c. dyer (Stage Crew) wishes to thank Nick, Steve and Melissa for allowing her the opportunity to work with a top–notch cast and crew. Previous theatrical jobs include: stage managing the New Playwrights Festival at the Bug Theatre for six very cool directors, Spring Love (ASM), Lost in Yonkers (SM), Phantom (AD), Snakebit (stage crew) and Stop Kiss (stage crew). Her next gig will be stage managing Theatre Group’s production of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove at the Phoenix Theatre. Way to go, Melissa!!

lamecia landrum has done tons of costumes for over 10 years, primarily for the Theatre Group, but she does occasionally wander off somewhere else. That might be due to age.

loraine masterton (Dialect Coach) An honours graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Theatre, an inaugural member of the DCTC, Loraine spent 19 years away from Colorado, following a Sundance nomination and “doing the two coasts” she happy to be back in the Rockies for a while, with a regional playwright and director for whom she has great respect and affection.

melissa lucero mcCarl (Writer/Director) Recent performances include “Judy/Ginger” in Theatre On Broadway’s production of Ruthless! The Musical and “Lulu” in Cabaret; “Carlotta” in Phantom of the Opera at Littleton Town Hall; and Swingtime Canteen for Denver Center Attractions. Melissa teaches, directs and choreographs for programs all over Denver, including Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Program. She has also written a one-act, Carlene Yakkin’, which was recently produced by Colorado Dramatists. She wishes to thank Steve and Nick for this golden opportunity, her family and friends for their never ending support, and most especially Tina for her remarkable ingenuity.

steven neale (Stage Manager) has served as stage manager for the Theatre On Broadway for over six years for such shows as Ruthless! The Musical, The Laramie Project, Cabaret, Never the Sinner, Whyde Awake, Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, Corpus Christi, and Poor Super Man. Steven also is the designer of the Theatre Group’s programs and newsletters, as well as serving as Webmaster for the Theatre Group Web site. Thanks to Steve and Nick for the creative freedom, and all my great friends who have wandered into my life.

george pulver (Sound Design) feels privileged to do technical work for Theatre Group in this production, as well as for past productions, including: Ruthless! The Musical, The Laramie Project, Never the Sinner, Whyde Awake, A Question of Mercy, Execution of Justice and Poor Super Man. Also, he appeared on stage in Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, Party! and Howard Crabtree’s Whoop Dee Doo!

alex ryer (Tour Guide/Nurse) originated the role of “Tour Guide” in the flagship production of Painted Bread at Denver’s Civic Theatre. A few months before, the author and I were attending a class on playwrighting together. Painted Bread and this really goofy science fiction piece were written as a result of the class. Need I say more? The opportunity I have been given here is so extraordinary. Alex is grateful to be continuing this magical creative journey.

karen slack (Frida Kahlo) is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She spent several years exploring the craft in all of its media in NYC and the surrounding tri-state area. Since returning to Denver (she is a native), her theatre credits include: Theatre Group’s productions of Twelfth Night and The EIGHT: Reindeer Monologues (for which she was nominated by the Denver Post Ovation Awards for best supporting actress in a comedy), The Bug Theatre’s productions of Alchemy of Desire and Spring Love, and children’s theatre with Imagination Makers, The Mizel Center, and Walden Family Playhouse. She is thrilled to be working with such a remarkable director, cast and crew. She is honored and humbled by this opportunity that Melissa was so generous to give her. She is very grateful to give voice to one of the strongest and most talented women of the 20th century. She extends love to her family and friends – and to her beloved Mitch. “Viva la Vida.”

nicholas sugar (Artistic Director) recently starred in Theatre Group’s award–winning production of Cabaret as the Emcee, and won a best actor award in 2002. Nicholas has also directed Ruthless! The Musical, Never the Sinner, A Question of Mercy, Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, The Blue Room, and the award–winning Shakespeare’s R&J. Other directing projects include: The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, The Dying Gaul, Party!, Love! Valour! Compassion!, subUrbia, Psycho Beach Party, Howard Crabtree’s Whoop Dee Doo!, and Poor Super Man. Nicholas has been seen on stage in the critically acclaimedproductions of Corpus Christi, The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and A Perfect Ganesh. He has worked as a director, choreographer with numerous theatres. Most recently choreographing theregional production of 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s. Nicholas serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Theatre Guild.

steven neale (Executive Director, Light Design) started with Theatre Group in 1979, and has directed a wide variety of shows including the dramas Tracers, Burn This and Six Degrees of Separation; the musicals Cabaret, A…My Name is Alice, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Closer Than Ever; the comedies Jeffrey, The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) and Tony ’n Tina’s Wedding – and the recent hits Parallel Lives, Beautiful Thing, Emma’s Child and The Boys in the Band. Steve hold a Music Education Degree and serves as the Executive Director for the Theatre Group.

jeffrey tarr (Andrew/Reporter 2/Critic 2/Arturo) is proud to be back in Denver after spending the past two years in New York City training at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Painted Bread is his Theatre Group debut. Denver audiences might recognize him from Country Dinner Playhouse, Town Hall Arts Center and the Denver Center Theatre Company.

richard salazar vega (Alex/Reporter 1/Critic 3/Garcia) is one of the newest additions to the theatre community in Colorado. A native of Peru, and a Denver resident for many years, Ricardo has attended advanced study programs at the Denver Center Theatre Academy. He is pleased to make his Denver debut in Painted Bread.

david williams has stage–managed several productions at the Phoenix Theatre, including The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), Lonely Planet, The EIGHT: Reindeer Monologues, Twelfth Night, Snakebit, Parallel Lives, Gertrude Stein and a Companion, Blue Room, and Food Chain. David has also been involved with productions at Theatre On Broadway, including Cabaret, A Question Of Mercy, and Porcelain. David’s worked with other local theatres, such as with The Avenue on Sylvia, and his most ambitious project to date was producing The Last Session at The Shop for Act Out Theatre Company.

posted by theatre group at 1:17 AM  

Written by Josh Hartwell

Directed by Jim Hunt

starring
Rance Baker • Cini Bow • Jeff Bull • Rosie Goodman • Bryan Marshall • Trina O’Neill

assistant director: Kevin Wenning
stage manager: Steven Neale
set design: Tina Anderson
costume design: Rebecca Shepard
sound design: George Pulver
light design: Steven Tangedal
fight director: Jeff Bull
house manager: Shelly Bordas

tina anderson (Set Design) Recent set designs include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Once Upon A Mattress and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, all for this season’s JCC summer series at Mizel’s Shwayder Theatre. Most recent sets for the Theatre Group were Ruthless! The Musical, Cabaret and Lonely Planet. Tina feels fortunate to have the opportunity to do the sets for these original plays Painted Bread and Reaching for Comfort. She is also honored to be asked to assist in other areas for Painted Bread. MM you are amazing! All your hard work, talent and dedication has paid off.

rance baker (Geoff Jeffries) has spent most of his acting career in Denver on camera. Rance started out doing commercials in Denver, and then did appearances on “Perry Mason” and “Father Dowling,” and roles in several films shot in Colorado. He was also the leading man in the very campy, very funny Robo CHIC. “It was a take–off on RoboCop, and great fun to make. Of course, it was definitely a B–movie, but I heard it did very well in Asia…who knows, maybe one day it will be a cult classic.” Since then, Rance has continued to pursue his love of acting with commercials and TV shows. Rance was recently seen on stage as “Nightingale” in Tennessee Williams’ play, Vieux Carré.

shelly bordas (Office and House Manager) has enjoyed eight wonderful years with Theatre Group. When not serving patrons at the box office, she can be seen on stage. Theatre Group credits include Psycho Beach Party, SubUrbia, Tony and Tina’s Wedding, Beautiful Thing, Parallel Lives, and Cell Block Sirens of 1953 just to name a few. She is also a proud playwright and director of Tee Vee or Not Tee Vee, which recently premiered at the Phoenix Theatre.

cini bow (Pam Lynch) is back at Theatre On Broadway as a battering wife after her appearance as the first lesbian on Earth in The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. In the meantime, she has been working primarily in film and television. She also has started her own event video company, specializing in equine videography. P.S. She has never hit another person or animal before this show. She is really very nice.

jeff bull (Miles Lynch) started his acting career at the age of eight, portraying “Tiny Tim” in A Christmas Carol. Since then, he has appeared in local sketch and improvisation shows, as “Renfield” in Dracula, and as “Edmund” in King Lear. He also appeared in the independent film, True or False.

rosie goodman (Teresa Gomez) has spent most of her acting career in front of the camera. Now she’s discovering the joys of the stage, and is happy to make her first experience at Theatre On Broadway. she wishes to thank Jim and Josh for the opportunity to use her second language with such beautifully written words. She has a special thanks for her parents for forging the way by teaching her both Spanish and English.

josh hartwell (Playwright) could not be happier with the talent assembled to bring Reaching for Comfort to life. As a Denver actor, he was first seen portraying “Babysan” in Theatre On Broadway’s production of Tracers. Most recently, Josh played “Tex Watson” in Manson Family Values, and “The Monster” in The War Plays. He also writes the “Theatre Greek” column for Diverse City magazine.

jim hunt (Director) is delighted and honored to be directing Josh Hartwell’s exciting new play here at Theatre On Broadway. As an actor or director, Jim has participated in at least a dozen new play projects – most notably the works of Coleen Hubbard – and never tires of the process. As an actor, Jim was most recently seen on the Theatre On Broadway stage as Herr Schultz in Cabaret and Clarence Darrow in Never the Sinner.

lamecia landrum has done tons of costumes for over 10 years, primarily for the Theatre Group, but she does occasionally wander off somewhere else. That might be due to age.

bryan marshall (Frank Lynch) most recently appeared in the Bug Theatre’s New Playwright Festival. He has also appeared in Buntport Theatre’s The Odyssey and Comic Potential at the Aurora Fox. Bryan works as a teaching artist at the Denver Center Theatre Academy. Thanks to Jessica and Pablo.

steven neale (Stage Manager) has served as stage manager for the Theatre On Broadway for over six years for such shows as Ruthless! The Musical, The Laramie Project, Cabaret, Never the Sinner, Whyde Awake, Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, Corpus Christi, and Poor Super Man. Steven also is the designer of the Theatre Group’s programs and newsletters, as well as serving as Webmaster for the Theatre Group Web site. Thanks to Steve and Nick for the creative freedom, and all my great friends who have wandered into my life.

trina o’Neill (Karen Lynch) was most recently seen in last year’s Wit at Nomad Theatre. Favorite productions include Poor Super Man, Pride’s Crossing, Private Eyes, and Playboy of the Western World. Look for Trina in Theatre Group’s upcoming production of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove this fall.

george pulver (Sound Design) feels privileged to do technical work for Theatre Group in this production, as well as for past productions, including: Ruthless! The Musical, The Laramie Project, Never the Sinner, Whyde Awake, A Question of Mercy, Execution of Justice and Poor Super Man. Also, he appeared on stage in Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, Party! and Howard Crabtree’s Whoop Dee Doo!

rebecca shepard (Costume Design) is excited to be involved with the Theatre On Broadway! She earned her B.F.A. in theatre design from Syracuse University and is currently the resident property master at the Arvada Center for the Arts. Most recently, her costume designs were featured in the Arvada Center’s children’s theatre production of Under the Beanstalk.

nicholas sugar (Artistic Director) recently starred in Theatre Group’s award–winning production of Cabaret as the Emcee, and won a best actor award in 2002. Nicholas has also directed Ruthless! The Musical, Never the Sinner, A Question of Mercy, Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, The Blue Room, and the award–winning Shakespeare’s R&J. Other directing projects include: The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, The Dying Gaul, Party!, Love! Valour! Compassion!, subUrbia, Psycho Beach Party, Howard Crabtree’s Whoop Dee Doo!, and Poor Super Man. Nicholas has been seen on stage in the critically acclaimedproductions of Corpus Christi, The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and A Perfect Ganesh. He has worked as a director, choreographer with numerous theatres. Most recently choreographing theregional production of 8–Track: The Sounds of the 70s. Nicholas serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Theatre Guild.

steven tangedal (Executive Director, Light Design) started with Theatre Group in 1979, and has directed a wide variety of shows including the dramas Tracers, Burn This and Six Degrees of Separation; the musicals Cabaret, A…My Name is Alice, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Closer Than Ever; the comedies Jeffrey, The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) and Tony ’n Tina’s Wedding – and the recent hits Parallel Lives, Beautiful Thing, Emma’s Child and The Boys in the Band. Steve hold a Music Education Degree and serves as the Executive Director for the Theatre Group.

kevin wenning (Assistant Director) greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate with the premiere of this new work. Thank you to Josh Hartwell for writing this bold new show, and to Theatre Group for bringing it to the stage. He would like to thank Steve and Nick for the access to continue working with such wonderful people and great shows.

david williams has stage–managed several productions at the Phoenix Theatre, including The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), Lonely Planet, The EIGHT: Reindeer Monologues, Twelfth Night, Snakebit, Parallel Lives, Gertrude Stein and a Companion, Blue Room, and Food Chain. David has also been involved with productions at Theatre On Broadway, including Cabaret, A Question Of Mercy, and Porcelain. David’s worked with other local theatres, such as with The Avenue on Sylvia, and his most ambitious project to date was producing The Last Session at The Shop for Act Out Theatre Company.

posted by theatre group at 1:04 AM