evergreenplayers.org

Down The Road

A drama by Lee Blessing.

Directed by Scott Ogle.

This is the Players' entry to the Colorado Community Theater Coalition competition in 2005, in Fort Morgan.

The story centers on a convicted serial killer, and the husband and wife writing team hired to help him write an account of his crimes. The killer, Bill Reach, has admitted to the murders of nineteen woman, but there may have been more. Over many weeks of interviews, the couple - Dan and Iris Henniman - grow more and more uncertain of the ethics of what they are doing. Are they simply relating terrifying events, or are they helping readers to consume rape, murder and mutilation as if they are consuming any other product of out society? Are they, in fact, helping to turn Bill Reach into a celebrity?

ADULT CONTENT. FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.

Details of the Colorado Community Theater Coalition competition can be found here.

Director's Notes

Down the Road is a show that leaves its audience grasping for answers and asking each other a lot of questions. It is a show that challenges its audience. In it, we take a complex ride with three characters who are so human yet so far outside our own experiences. How do you effectively portray these people and what they go through? Why is our country the home to more serial killers than anywhere else in the world? Do we create them? Do we encourage it with our pursuit of various Hannibal Lectors in books and on the big screen? Are we simply adding another name to that list, Bill Reach, with this show? Society's answers ultimately are your own thoughts and discussions on the subject. I sometimes wonder if my own life is worthy of memory. I find it ironic that the memory of individuals that have committed unthinkable atrocities will live on well past my simple deeds and actions in this world. Have we helped lay the foundation in our society for the mainstream, good people of the world to become eminently forgettable? Where is the justice in that? Is there any justice in what we are doing with this show? I personally challenge you to help us answer these questions both in seeing the show and with what you take with you when you leave the theatre and go back to our world of good, evil and all those shades of gray.

- Scott Ogle

Cast

Len Matheo Dan Henniman

Len is honored to be working with this incredibly talented ensemble cast. Len comes to Colorado via Taos, New Mexico, via New York City, where he started his acting career playing in many off Broadway and off-off Broadway productions. Some of Len’s favorite roles include: Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker; Greg in Sylvia; Cliff in Cabaret; Joe Sharp in the U.S. Premiere of The Hired Man at New York’s 47th Street Theater; Felix in Horton Foote’s Blind Date at the T. Schreiber Studio Theater; as well as many other roles in regional theater. Len dedicates his performance to the love of his life, Lisa DeCaro, who makes everything in his life joyous and a whole lot better.

Bruce Montgomery William Reach

Bruce received his BFA in Theater from The College of Santa Fe, after which he moved to New York to pursue a professional acting career. Bruce was seen in numerous off-Broadway productions and national tours before "retiring" from the business after 7 years. He and his wife, Gail, moved to Evergreen, CO and are active members of the Evergreen Chorale and their musical productions. Recently, he has been seen as Fred/Petruchio in Kiss Me Kate and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Not one to completely lose his professional touch, Bruce is represented by the Mirage Talent Agency and has done several industrials and TV work around town. He is excited to be yet again playing opposite his wife, especially in a role that is not her love interest, as is usually the case.

Gail Montgomery Iris Henniman

After Gail received her BFA in Music Theatre from The College of Santa Fe, in New Mexico, she spent 7 years in NYC as a professional equity actress. Spending a good portion of that 7 years working in children's theatre, musicals, and industrial work was enjoyable, but it became apparent after the birth of her first child, that macaroni and cheese wouldn't cut it. She and her husband left the business and moved to Evergreen, CO, where they now reside. Now a full time stay-at-home mom, Gail is active with The Evergreen Chorale both as a singer and Board Member, and has started The Dandy Lion Theatre Company, a children's theatre group of adults performing for children. This is her first production with The Evergreen Players, and she's thrilled to be a part of such a great show. Thanks to Scott for the opportunity!

Scott Ogle Director

Scott is proud to be directing his third show for the Evergreen Players. Scott also serves as the Chatfield Senior High Theatre Director by day and has enjoyed working with students on plays and competition pieces over the past 6 years there. He is also excited to begin working on his Masters in Directing at the Univeristy of Roosevelt in Chicago this summer. Past favorite shows include Sylvia, The Diviners, Dearly Departed, Marvin's Room and A Christmas Carol. Scott and his wife Mandi have made their home in Evergreen the past 6 years.

Production Crew

Images from Down The Road

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Bill Reach (Bruce Montgomery) intrudes in the domestic affairs of Dan and Iris (Len Matheo and Gail Montgomery)

Director Scott Ogle sharing a less serious moment with the cast.

Cast and Crew of 'Down the Road' at the CCTC festival.

Gail Montgomery receiving her Best Acting award from Brad Moore at CCTC.

Scott Ogle receiving the Best Director award from Richard Kuebler at CCTC.