My first experience with the UCDT was when I auditioned for "Fiddler on the Roof" in March of 2007. I remember thinking what a quaint little space that was, nestled in downtown Greeley. My audition went well. These were season auditions, and Fiddler was the last show of the season, so I had to wait awhile. Callbacks were held a few months later and around the beginning of June, I found out that I was cast as Fruma Sarah! Now to wait...the show wasn't going up until May 2008!
My first show that I saw there was "Oklahoma!", right around the time I was cast in Fiddler. Fantastic show! I was (and still am) fascinated with how normally large scale productions could be made to work on that small stage. It was just magic, I guess!
My wait continued. About 3 weeks before rehearsals were to begin for Fiddler, I received a phone call from the new director, Seth Caikowski, whom I had known since we went to high school together. He offered me the part of the oldest daughter, Tzeitel! I was shocked at first, thinking I was too old. But he assured me that I was not, and I happily accepted!
What came next was one of the best experiences I have had in a show EVER. This production is definitely in my top 2 favorite and best shows I've ever done! We had an amazing 10 weekend run and I was thrilled to be a part of it!
I didn't return to the UCDT stage for 4 years. (Not from lack of trying, mind you...I did audition several times!) My next show was "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." This was the last show under Cathy & Raja's ownership. This show is my favorite movie musical, and the show, while not QUITE as good as the movie, it still a wonderful show! I played Mrs. Sander, one of the mothers. I got a fun solo and I got to act silly. (Hey, those are my main requirements for having a good time in a show!) We had a great time with this show. There was so much incredible talent on that stage, especially with the dancing...and there's a lot of dancing in that show. I was VERY glad that I didn't have to dance!
With the departure of Cathy & Raja, Brandon Bill took over management of the theater. I was in the first show under his reign, "Titanic: The Musical".
Now, I mentioned earlier that Fiddler was in my top 2 of favorite shows I've ever done. The first production of Titanic is my number 1. This made it a little difficult for me as we embarked on this journey. (Pun intended.) I am desperately in love with that show, especially the show we did with Front Range Music Theatre in 2003. Once I let go of some of that, I had a great time in this new production! I played the role of 1st Class Passenger Marion Thayer. I was very happy to get an upgrade from last time, plus I got a great solo right at the beginning of the lifeboat scene. This show was so beautiful. So much depth and wonderful tribute to those who were on that ill-fated voyage.
And now, just a few short months later, the theatre will close forever. I am so sad that I will never again be able to perform on that stage. So many great memories there. I've only touched on a small number of them. So I'll just close with this: Fare thee well, UCDT. There will forever be a UCDT shaped hole in my heart. I will love you forever!
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