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Forest serves as backdrop for Depot Theatre Academy’s INTO THE WOODS, JR.

UPDATE: Performing an outdoor production requires a lot of challenges, and of course, the weather is unpredictable. This weekend it looks like it is going to rain, with a probable thunder/lightning storm Thursday night. Considering this, the Depot Theatre has made the decision to move our performances of INTO THE WOODS, JR. indoors at the Whallonsburg Grange.

As the CDC has now placed Essex County in a “High Transmission” zone – the audience will be limited to vaccinated members of the immediate household of participants. Masks will still be required for both the audience and cast/crew. 
 
Performances will be recorded so that the families can enjoy the wonderful work these artists have done!

 

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Whallonsburg, NY — All are invited to attend the performances of the Depot Theatre Academy production of INTO THE WOODS, JR., which will be held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall on August 20 at 7pm, August 21 at 7pm, and August 22 at 2pm. 

The Depot Theatre Academy is an education and outreach program for artists ages 8 and older, led by theatre professionals from the only professional Equity theatre in the Adirondack Park.

The Depot Theatre Academy summer 2021 program features both junior and senior participants, and included workshops led by Actors’ Equity Association professionals in acting, voice, and dance, culminating this year’s production.

The senior participants ages 13 and older, will also be performing alongside Depot Theatre professionals in a special Academy Cabaret on Friday, August 27 at 8pm inside the Whallonsburg Grange.

Donations are welcomed for tickets for both programs, which will be available on site only for each performance.

The Depot Theatre Academy summer youth program is generously sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation. The Depot Theatre Academy is underwritten by The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

For more information or to donate online, visit depot.polaredgedesigns.com/. Contact the Depot Theatre box office with any questions at 518.962.4449 or tickets@depottheatre.org.

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DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY 2021 PERFORMANCE DATES:

INTO THE WOODS JR.

  • Friday, August 20 at 7pm 
  • Saturday, August 21 at 7pm 
  • Sunday, August 22 at 2pm

DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY CABARET

  • August 27, at 8pm

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ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council.

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.

2021 Season Culminates with LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL

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The Depot Theatre In Westport, NY closes the 2021 main stage season on a high note with its final main stage production of 2021, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL, with performances from August 12-29.

The production recounts the heartbreaking, beautiful, and haunting story of Billie Holiday’s life through the songs that made her one of the most famous icons of the era. A “play with music,” performances include the singer’s “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “God Bless The Child,” and “Strange Fruit.”

“This play highlights the contrast between the amazing heights to which our heroes can soar, and the heartbreak that occurs when they fall,” said Kenney Green, Depot Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. “Audiences should expect to experience a roller coaster ride of story and song.”

Anna Anderson returns to the Depot Theatre to play the role of Billie Holiday. Anna last embodied the soulful Holiday in Arizona Theatre Company’s Production of LADY DAY, a role for which Anderson was honored with a MAC award nomination (Manhattan Association of Cabarets). Ms. Anderson also received a second MAC nomination for her outstanding performances at Don’t Tell Mama cabaret in NYC. Other credits include the off-Broadway productions of GRAB AND GRACE, THE GREAT PIE ROBBERY, and the Depot Theatre’s 2018 production of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN.’

Darnell White makes his Depot Theatre debut as Jimmy Powers, who is more than an accompanist for Ms. Holiday. A native of the historical neighborhood of Harlem in New York City, Darnell White is a graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and The Juilliard School. A noted staple in New York City’s music scene, Darnell has developed a pristine reputation as a performer, composer, and musical director.  As a musical director he has collaborated with a number of noted artists including Melba Moore, Brian McKnight, Blaine Krauss, Amma Ossei, Willis White, Angela Birchett, David LaMarr, Carlton Jumel Smith, and many more. Both as a performer and resident artist, Darnell recently served as Musical Director for the off-Broadway show REVELATION, THE MUSICAL as well as the film adaptation of GOSPEL AT COLUNUS. He is currently the musical director for a few churches in the New York area and the chorus master for Trilogy: An Opera Company in Newark, NJ.

The Depot Theatre’s production of LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL runs from August 12-29 and is sponsored by Mountain Lake PBS. The Depot Theatre’s 2021 Season Sponsor is Casella. The show is rated PG-13. (Content includes adult themes and language, including issues of race, substance abuse, and abusive relationships.)

As a professional Actors’ Equity and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society-affiliated theatre, the Depot must adhere to both government and union health and safety guidelines. As such, audience members are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets and information updates are available by calling the box office at 518.962.4449 or visiting depot.polaredgedesigns.com/.

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The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council.

 

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WORKING: A MUSICAL features 6 vocal powerhouses

Depot Theatre’s second 2021 main stage production celebrates everyday heroes

Westport, NY — The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce the cast of its second 2021 main stage production, WORKING: A MUSICAL, with performances from July 22 – August 8.

Nominated for six Tony Awards, WORKING: A MUSICAL features vibrant portrayals of 26 real-life American workers – including a schoolteacher, trucker, housewife, fireman, and millworker – played by 6 actors. The show conveys how people’s relationships to their work reveal key aspects of their humanity. The musical includes songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda and favorite numbers by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, and James Taylor.

Six vocal powerhouses comprise the cast, including Broadway and Depot Theatre alumni, along with some artists making their Depot debut. 

The Depot’s own Producing Artistic Director, Kenney M. Green, will take the stage as Man #1 for this production. Along with being a seasoned director, choreographer, dancer, and musician, Green’s acting credits include:  Off-Broadway: FINKS! (Ensemble Studio Theatre) and GROWING UP 70’s starring Barry Williams (Luther).  National/European Tours: SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ starring Gladys Knight (Victor/Dance Capt.), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, and THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (Ensemble). 

Broadway alum Brandi Chavonne Massey will play the role of Woman #2. Her credits include: West End Nala in Disney’s THE LION KING. Broadway and National Tours include roles such as Nettie/Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE; Elphaba in WICKED; The Radio in CAROLINE OR CHANGE; and Lucy in JEKYLL AND HYDE. New York projects include Ghetto Superstar singing background for Billy Porter as well as Sam Smith; Kira in BARE; Pam in BABY; Myrt in CARMEN JONES at the York Theater; Muse in the Nike workshop of Ball with L.L. Cool Jay and Savion Glover; Linda Eder’s Christmas Concert; and Dionne in HAIR in the Encore Series. She also has several T.V and film credits.

Amy Fitts is thrilled to be back at the Depot in the role of Woman #3. She’s worn many a wig and dress on the Depot stage, playing Philia in FORUM, Woman 2 in I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, Yum Yum in MIKADO, and more. In NYC she’s performed in shows at The Mint, Lucille Lortel, Joe’s Pub, and other downtown venues. She traveled Japan singing Disney songs with the Tokyo Philharmonic and performed closer to home at Peterborough Players (Laura, GLASS MENAGERIE), Weston Playhouse (HAIRSPRAY/AS YOU LIKE IT), and Cohoes Music Hall (Gooch, MAME).  

Xavier Reyes plays the role of Man #2. Reyes is a storyteller from Puerto Rico and a graduate of upstate New York’s Ithaca College. Some favorite credits include Broadway’s National Tour of KINKY BOOTS in the USA, Japan, and Canada; Roy/Mark/Peter in FUN HOME at American Stage; Angel in HAIR at the Titusville Playhouse; Graffiti Pete in IN THE HEIGHTS at Geva Theatre/Melissa Rain Anderson; and Lynn Nottage’s SWEAT at Pioneer Theatre Company.

Terry Lewis and Thani Brant will be making their Depot Theatre debuts in WORKING. Lewis plays the role of Man #3. Favorite roles include: Frank-n-Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Selma Arts Center, Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in INTO THE WOODS, and Black Stache in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Stageworks Fresno. 

Thani Brant will play the role of Woman #1. A 2021 graduate of the University of Michigan, with a BFA in Musical Theatre, recent credits include Touchstone in U of M’s AS YOU LIKE IT and Anna in SPRING AWAKENING with Exit Left Theatre Co.

The show is directed by Julie Lucido, an associate member of the Stage Directors & Choreography Society and a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz in Theatre Arts. Lucido is thrilled to be making her Depot directing debut. “Celebrating the ‘every’ person, the worker, as the backbone of what makes the world go around is particularly important in this time,” said Lucido. “As we have been reminded, we should honor the essential workers, and how interconnected we are; the stories we will weave, share, and sing are so very important.”

The Depot Theatre’s production of WORKING: A MUSICAL runs Thursdays-Sundays from July 22 through August 8, 2021, and is sponsored by Chazy Westport Communications/Westelcom. The 2021 Season sponsor is Casella.

As a professional Actors’ Equity- and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society-affiliated theatre, the Depot must adhere to both government and union health and safety guidelines. As such, audience members are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets and information are available by calling the box office at 518.962.4449 or visiting depot.polaredgedesigns.com/.

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About The Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by Essex County Arts Council. www.DepotTheatre.org

Depot Theatre Announces Cast of THE MOUNTAINTOP

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Broadway alum and Depot Theatre favorite to take the stage on July 1

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The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce the cast of THE MOUNTAINTOP, the first of the theatre’s 2021 main stage lineup.

THE MOUNTAINTOP is a reflective, often funny, touching, and gripping reimagining of the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he examines his achievements, his failures, and his unfinished dreams. THE MOUNTAINTOP will run from July 1 through July 18. This play’s Broadway run in 2011 starred Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett.

THE MOUNTAINTOP is written by Katori Hall, two-time Tony award nominee and winner of the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

“The Depot Theatre is very proud and blessed to have two extremely diverse and intense actors kick off our season in THE MOUNTAINTOP,” said Kenney Green, Depot Theatre Producing Artistic Director. “These two powerhouses perfectly embody the essence of Katori Hall’s beautiful words!”

Curtis Wiley, Jr

Curtis Wiley, Jr.

The role of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be played by CURTIS WILEY, JR. Wiley comes to the Depot Theatre direct from his Broadway debut in the production of AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS

Prior to joining the Tony Award winning production, Curtis was seen in NYC at Lincoln Center in the “American Songbook” concert series with Stew + Heidi. Curtis first worked with Stew + Heidi in the world premier of THE TOTAL BENT at NYC’s Public Theater. Other NY credits: ATTACK OF THE ELVIS IMPERSONATORS (Lion Theatre); ROTHSCHILd & SONS (York Theatre Co.); THE ARTIST & THE SCIENTIST (Cap21); STRAIGHT FACED LIES (Fringe NYC); PAGEANT: THE MUSICAL (Off B’way Revival); THE GREAT SOCIETY (York Shakespeare Co); TUT (NYMF); KING LEAR (Exit, Pursued by a Bear); THE WILD PARTY (Columbia Stages). Big musical credits include: DINER THE MUSICAL;  JERSEY BOYS; THE LION KING; and a really cool gig with MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. Curtis is an alumni of the Sundance Theatre Institute, WIG OUT (playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney). Curtis had the distinct pleasure of working with Negro Ensemble Co., MARTIN: BEFORE THE DREAM, and has been featured in the “Future Classics Series” at Classical Theatre of Harlem.

Yvette Monique Clark

Yvette Monique Clark

Depot Theatre alum and favorite YVETTE MONIQUE CLARK returns in the role of Camae. Yvette is ecstatic to be back at The Depot where she debuted her cabaret LET’S GIVE ‘EM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, and she has performed in productions of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Nell) and SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE (BJ). Other credits include GUN AND POWDER (Sissy), THE WIZ (Aunt Em, Evillene, Glinda), and UNiSON (Momma, Terror #7). During the past year she has kept herself busy producing her own virtual cabarets entitled “DIVA OF THE ‘DEMIC.”

The Depot Theatre’s production of THE MOUNTAINTOP runs from July 1-18 and is sponsored by The Galley Restaurant and Bar at Westport Marina. The Depot Theatre’s 2021 Season Sponsor is Casella.

As a professional Actors’ Equity and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society-affiliated theatre, the Depot must adhere to both government and union health and safety guidelines. As such, audience members are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets and information are available by calling the box office at 518.962.4449 or visiting depot.polaredgedesigns.com/.

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About The Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council.

 

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Depot Theatre awarded grants for facility and technology improvements

The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY has been awarded several grants in support of facility and technology improvements.

The Charles R. Wood Foundation has awarded the Depot a grant of $16,000, and the J.M. McDonald Foundation awarded a grant of $5,000 toward the Depot Theatre Historic Property Exterior Painting Project.

This grant funding will be used toward painting the exterior of the historic Depot Theatre train station, which is owned by the Town of Westport and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Depot Theatre building is not only home to the Adirondacks’ only professional Equity theatre, but it serves as an information hub for travelers and residents, and a working train station that, in non-pandemic times, welcomes Amtrak passengers traveling to and from the Lake Champlain and High Peaks regions year round.

”We’re grateful to the Depot Theatre for being dedicated stewards and securing funding for this iconic structure,” said Ike Tyler, Town of Westport Supervisor. “It is important that we maintain and preserve this vital facility, which has such a direct cultural and economic impact on the community and greater Adirondack region.”

The Depot was also awarded a grant of $2,000 for the Depot Theatre’s Virtual Streaming Technology Initiative from the Adirondack Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs Fund.

The Adirondack Foundation grant funding will be used toward the purchase of vital, updated camera equipment for archiving main stage performances and producing educational resources for the Depot Theatre Academy outreach and education program.

“Preservation and improvement of the train station and updated technological equipment are both integral parts of the theatre’s strategic master facilities and technology plan,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “We are grateful to these Foundations for their vital support of these initiatives.”

The Depot Theatre’s 2021 main stage season begins on July 1. Tickets and more information about the organization are available online at www.DepotTheatre.org.

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About Charles R. Wood Foundation
The Charles R. Wood Foundation was founded in 1978 with its mission to provide assistance to areas of special need in the Lake George Region and surrounding areas. Not-for-profit organizations with an emphasis on programs for children, healthcare and the arts are the beneficiaries of Mr. Wood’s generosity. A Board of Trustees oversees the Foundation with a goal to preserve the mission established by Charles R. Wood. http://charlesrwoodfoundation.com

About J.M. McDonald Foundation
In the spring of 1952, J.M. McDonald established the J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. This is a trust whose income is to be used as donations to deserving charities. Primary interests of the Foundation are education, humanities, health, and a variety of social and human services.

As of the year 2014, 62 years after its inception, the J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. has grown many times over and is active in awarding grants primarily in upstate New York. Thanks to the foresight of J.M. McDonald, Sr., the Foundation will continue the charitable example he modeled years ago. https://www.jmmcdonaldfoundation.org/

About Adirondack Foundation
Support for this work is from Adirondack Foundation – the community foundation serving the Adirondack Region working to enhance the lives of the people in the Adirondacks through philanthropy. Adirondack Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs Fund (SUN) is a responsive granting resource that can be deployed to assist Adirondack communities and nonprofits during times of crisis. It can also be deployed to help organizations leverage additional resources to help them rise to the next level, deepen partnerships, or take advantage of extraordinary opportunities or trainings that fall outside of your budget and would otherwise be out of reach.To learn more, visit adirondackfoundation.org.

About The Depot Theatre
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by Essex County Arts Council. www.DepotTheatre.org

Depot Theatre announces increased capacity for 2021 season

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New York State mandates for theatres have been updated to allow full capacity for a fully-vaccinated audience.

However, like Broadway and other professional Equity theatres, the Depot Theatre is subject to both State government AND Actors’ Equity Association health and safety guidelines.*

THE BOTTOM LINE:
New protocols will allow the Depot to increase capacity for performances this summer!

 

PROTOCOL as of 8/18/2021

  • NOTICE: Based on CDC recommendations due to the increased level of community transmission of the Delta variant in Essex County, ALL AUDIENCE MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING WHILE IN THE THEATRE.
  • All patrons must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon arrival at the theatre. Please provide one of the following:
    Original, paper copy or digital copy of vaccination card and/or NYS Excelsior Pass
    (Tip: take a photo of your vaccination card so that it is on your phone!)
    Patrons unable to receive the vaccine can provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of showtime.
 
As policies evolve, updates will be posted online at depot.polaredgedesigns.com/ and outside the theatre.

 

We thank our patrons for adhering to these guidelines in order to enjoy live performances at the Depot this summer!

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Update: Ticket sales will be conducted by phone and online.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 518.962.4449.

BOX OFFICE HOURS:

JUNE: 1pm – 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
JULY-AUGUST: 1pm – 5pm every day. 1pm-Showtime on performance days. (Closed Tuesdays.)

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Back on Track: 2021 Season Brochure

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Read all about it!

(Click lower right to view in full screen mode).

 

 

Want a printed copy? CONTACT US!

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Depot Theatre Back on Track in 2021

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Westport, N.Y. — The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY is pleased to announce a return to live performances in 2021, with three main stage productions originally planned for 2020, featuring iconic figures and everyday heroes.

The only professional Equity theatre in the Adirondacks, the Depot will adhere to both government and Actors’ Equity health and safety guidelines, which will require a number of protocol changes that include limited audience capacity, required face coverings, and ticket sales conducted entirely by phone.

“We are committed to our mission to ‘entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts,’ and the Depot staff is prepared to optimize the experience while meeting this year’s strict protocols,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “Though the audience capacity will look dramatically different this summer, the professional performances on stage will be the high quality experience that our patrons have come to expect!”

The season will open with THE MOUNTAINTOP, a reflective, often funny, touching, and gripping reimagining of the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he examines his achievements, his failures, and his unfinished dreams. In 2011, this poignant play’s Broadway run starred Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett. THE MOUNTAINTOP will run from July 1 through July 18.

Next up on the main stage is WORKING: A MUSICAL beginning July 22 through August 8, 2021. Nominated for six Tony Awards, WORKING: A MUSICAL features vibrant portrayals of 26 real-life American workers – including a schoolteacher, trucker, housewife, fireman, and millworker – played by 6 actors. The show conveys how people’s relationships to their work reveal key aspects of their humanity. The musical includes songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, and favorite numbers by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, and James Taylor.

The season closes on a big note with LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL from August 12-29. This “play with music” recounts the heartbreaking, beautiful, and haunting story of Billie Holiday’s life through the songs that made her one of the most famous icons of the era, including “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “God Bless The Child,” and “Strange Fruit.”

“We’re excited to be able to produce live theatre again on our intimate stage, especially this particular lineup, which exemplifies our vision statement that promises to promote diversity in all that we do,” said Kenney Green, the Depot’s Producing Artistic Director. “These productions represent a range of experiences that will resonate with our audiences, from thought-provoking storytelling that illustrates how some decades-old struggles are still relevant today to pure entertainment.”

Among the changes in protocol this year, ticket sales will be conducted entirely by phone. Tickets will go on sale on June 2, and can be purchased by calling the box office at 518.962.4449. As policies evolve, updates will be posted online and at the Depot. More details, additional events and news updates can be found online at depot.polaredgedesigns.com/.

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DEPOT THEATRE 2021 MAIN STAGE SEASON

The Depot Theatre 2021 Main Stage Season is generously sponsored by Casella.

THE MOUNTAINTOP
July 2-18, 2021
$25 preview on July 1
By: Katori Hall
RATED: PG-13 (Includes some adult language.)
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: The Galley Restaurant and Bar at Westport Marina

WORKING: A MUSICAL
July 23- August 8, 2021
$25 preview on July 22
From the book by Studs Terkel
Adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso with additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg
Songs by Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz, and James Taylor
Orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire
RATED: PG
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: Chazy Westport Communications/Westelcom

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL
August 13-29, 2021
$25 preview on August 12
BY: Lanie Robertson
RATED: PG-13 (Content includes adult themes and language, including issues of race, substance abuse, and abusive relationships.)
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: Mountain Lake PBS

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ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 Season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

VISION STATEMENT
The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.

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Depot Theatre awarded support for Academy outreach and education program

Above: Depot Theatre Academy participants rehearse dance steps during the 2020 Physically-Distant, Artistically Connected 2020 program. 
 
The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation to support the Depot Theatre Academy theatre outreach and education program.
 
The 2021 summer Depot Theatre Academy program, held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall August 9-22, encompasses a junior program for young artists ages 8-12, and an enhanced senior program for participants ages 13 and older who are enrolled in school, home school, or college.
 
The Bailey Foundation grant funding will allow the Depot to promote and run its enhanced program, with all necessary PPE measures in place. Funding will be used for overall program support to help underwrite artist fees, necessary equipment upgrades due to the pandemic, and student tuition assistance.
 
“Our intention is to provide a robust educational experience for all of our area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation for providing significant resources toward fulfilling one of our most important strategic goals: to offer the best educational youth theatre program possible to this rural, underserved area of northern New York.”
 
The 2021 Academy summer program will include workshops led by Equity professionals in acting, voice, and dance, culminating in three performances of this year’s production: INTO THE WOODS, JR. Senior Academy participants will also have the option to perform in a Cabaret. 2021 Depot Theatre Academy plans also include an accompaniment workshop and adult rep class.
 
“Despite the challenges of 2020, we’re proud to have successfully conducted a physically-distant and artistically-connected Academy program last summer,” said Kenney Green, Depot Theatre Producing Artistic Director. “We’re pleased that in 2021, we’ll introduce new workshops, and in addition to professional Equity instruction, our summer program will also include live performances as a culmination of the artists’ learning experience.” 
 
Registration for the summer academy program is available beginning April 1. Information about the program and other regional youth theatre opportunities can be found at www.DepotTheatre.org. 
 
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Depot Theatre Academy is made possible in part with a generous sponsorship from the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation and by Depot Theatre Academy underwriter, the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, with special thanks to the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.  
 
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ABOUT THE CORNELIA T BAiLEY FOUNDATION
 
The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation is a Florida-based private foundation focused on making grants to promote the arts, education and initiatives that seek to better our world utilizing nature and the sciences.The Foundation’s mission is to utilize its assets to assist any organization which seeks to promote the arts or create programs that not only inspire and engage but also teach. https://ctbfoundation.org/
 
ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE
 
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2021 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by Essex County Arts Council. www.DepotTheatre.org

Regional Summer Youth Theatre Opportunities Announced

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Westport, NY – Theatres throughout the Adirondack North Country are collaborating to promote youth theatre educational opportunities and live theatre programming for the 2021 summer season.

In an effort to provide interested youth with a full menu of this summer’s theatre education options, area theatre producers have curated a current list of programs for youth, and they will continue to update events as new details evolve.

Current programs include:

  • Adirondack Regional Theatre: FROZEN JR. – July 8-11
  • Book & Blanket Players Youth Musical-In-A-Week: Jane Austen’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE an original musical – July 11-18
  • Artistry Community Theatre: PROOF (with student roles) July 14-18 and INTO THE WOODS (with student roles) July 23-31
  • Depot Theatre Academy Summer 2021: In-person theatre education program culminating in a production of INTO THE WOODS, JR – August 9-22

This information has been compiled by a new collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Depot Theatre Academy and their Board of Trustees’ Education and Outreach Committee.

“We’re pleased to participate in promoting our regional partners’ youth programs collectively, to assist parents and students as they organize their summer calendars,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre executive director. “And although we’re still in the planning stages for our main stage season, it benefits us, and our patrons, to work together as we navigate a new, challenging theatre production landscape.”

Although in some cases, plans for summer 2021 live productions are not yet finalized, the group is committed to sharing resources and information as the region emerges from the pandemic lockdown.

Collaborating organizations include the Adirondack Regional Theatre in Plattsburgh, Artistry Community Theatre in Willsboro, Adirondack Stage Rats based in Saranac Lake, Book & Blanket Players in Keene, Depot Theatre in Westport, Essex Theatre Company, and Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake.

Regional youth program details can be found online at www.DepotTheatre.org.

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Our Mission & Vision

Mission: The Depot Theatre is to entertain, enrich, and educate through professional theatrical arts and related programs based in a historic train station.

Vision: The Depot Theatre will have a robust, regional, and year-round presence by creating the highest of quality programs, building strong partnerships, and enhancing community engagement while promoting diversity in all that we do.

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The Depot Theatre receives funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

With special thanks to the following for their support of the Depot’s ongoing strategic objectives: Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, Cloudsplitter Foundation, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Adirondack Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Rogers Carroll Family Foundation, Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation.

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