Show pix

After a month in rehearsal, we've finally launched ALBERT PORTER: BOY EXPLORER. Here are some mediocre pix from Day 1 of the tour. Note that we hope to do most of the shows in the round, but this first day was in a proscenium theatre. Anyway, they should give you a flavor of the show.

Opening Day!

A fantastic opening performance of ALBERT PORTER: BOY EXPLORER at Creede Repertory Theatre. School tour starts bright and early Monday morning, but now, it's time to celebrate!

The horse, of course, we call El Caballo

The ferruginous hawk... and Melissa

A friendly bear

We all get in on the action, with Natalie (stage manager/sound) in the bear hat, Melissa (director) as the hawk, Rachel (actor) in the Rockies cap and Claudio (actor) in part of the cow costume.

Learning about the Four Corners

ALBERT PORTER: BOY EXPLORER is all about the history and culture of the Four Corners. We had our own adventures, learning about the southwest. First, at Chimney Rock, the park ranger taught us to use an atlatl to throw an arrow. This was the way the Ancient Puebloans hunted.

If I were responsible for the hunt, we would have starved, 

but John had more success, hitting the bullseye dead-on.

Charlotte took a turn grinding corn using a mano and a metate, just like the Puebloans did.

In Creede, we rented an ATV to do some off-roading. 

The trip included a tour of the Last Chance silver mine, off the Bachelor Loop.

Hannah took a turn driving. She also found her footing on the Rio Grande.

Visitors Arrive!

ALBERT PORTER: BOY EXPLORER premieres in two days, and family has arrived for the event. Sightseeing is on the agenda first, though. Our first stop was Chimney Rock National Monument, a sacred place for the Native Americans.

The Ancient Puebloans lived here hundreds of years ago. The park includes dozens of pit houses, great kivas and other archeological sites. Chimney Rock was the northernmost area for Ancient Pueblo dwellings, and a site for ceremonies with astrological significance. 

It was a beautiful day to climb to the summit.

After hiking, we picnicked and then soaked in Pagosa Springs mineral baths. 

No pix tho -- too wet! 

Finally, check out this amazing photo Hannah took of Seepage Lake.
I love it so much I made it my background on my computer screen.

Sunshine hits Creede

After some long hours in the rehearsal room, it's nourishing to get out in the sunshine. Here are a couple of pix from just up the road at East Willow Creek.

ALBERT PORTER rehearsal continues

We're starting to incorporate costume pieces and movement as we refine text and music for the Young Audience Outreach Tour, which opens in two weeks.

Rachel dons her hawk mask as Albert sings about wanting to fly.

Ian coaches Claudio on the rap. We're totally channeling Hamilton. I'm really proud.

While Claudio studies his music, Melissa and Natalie look very serious. Don't let them fool you, though; it's all actually a lot of fun.

More stunning Creede scenery

ALBERT PORTER: BOY EXPLORER in rehearsal

Rehearsals have begun in Creede for the Young Audience Outreach Tour that opens at the end of August. Our first week, under the guidance of director Melissa Firlit, has consisted mostly of music work with composer/music director Ian LeRoy, as well as reading through the play around the table. I've done some rewriting, while the costume shop has been busy with fittings. 

Here actor Rachel Irwin is fitted for her hawk mask.

Here's Rachel with part of her Delores the Cow costume, with designer Claudia Boddy in the background. Rachel plays multiple characters in the play, which demands rapid costume changes without a dresser -- creating an exciting challenge for Claudia.

Melissa and stage manager/sound designer Natalie Mayo work at the table, while Rachel and actor Claudio Venancio sing through the music with Ian at the keyboard.

Johamy Morales designed our set from aspen branches and tree trunks to create a story circle. Entrances and exits will resonate with the four directions. A "costume tree" and trunk will live outside the circle, creating a second playing space. 

Director Melissa Firlit in action...

...as Rachel and Claudio re-set for the first scene.

More pix to come as we get the play on its feet.

Creede: Week 1

This is Creede...

... once a silver mining town high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. We're here for a gig at Creede Repertory Theatre, but already, living here for a month feels like a gift. Fresh, cool, clean mountain air. Stunning scenery. Myriad trails for hiking and mountain biking. Clear lakes and rivers. Sunny mornings on the back porch with coffee in hand and birds singing, rabbits nibbling on wildflowers and grasses below, and this view (above) of the town, where we've met only the nicest people. Week 1 of our month here has been, well, pretty close to perfect. 

Our truck and teardrop parked outside our house -- actually Chere Waters' house. Chere owns Waters Gallery in town, where she showcases some beautiful and exceptional art created in Colorado and New Mexico. Chere is a wonderful, friendly, big-spirited human, and her house has that artsy, Laguna Beach vibe, which makes us feel right at home.

These pix (above and below) were taken on a hike above town called the Up and Over, which is a rite of passage for Creede Rep company members. It's challenging because of the elevation and altitude, but so worth losing your breath because of its stunning 360 degree beauty.

Creede's headwaters flow into the Rio Grande River, which defines the valley that heads in and out of town. We drove along the river for about 25 miles yesterday,, stopping here and there to get a closer look. Haven't broken out the fishing gear yet, but John's contemplating catching some trout.

He's mostly enjoying his free time exploring the valley on foot and on bike. 

One of his favorite spots so far: Seepage Lake (above). 

Stay tuned for week 2 and rehearsal pix.