20 minute read
In Memory
Thousands of people from all around the world have been part of the creation and performance of hundreds of productions over our astonishing fifty-six-year history. Creede has welcomed us all and left a distinct impression that stays with us until our last days. On top of a year that encompassed indescribable struggle and loss, we continue to honor their passion and vigor for theatre, its importance in society, and in life.
In Memory of our CRT Company Members, with their years at CRT
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David “Duke” Arnold, 1976 Riley Austin, 1972 Cheryl Burnet, 1967 Jim Busby, 1983 Cary Bush, 1974-79 Jeff Carey, 2003-09, 2013-14 Rachel Corday, 1984-85 Elsie-Ann Brink Crist, 1974-79 Tammis Day, 1982 Valerie Ruth Dickenson, 1980 Bill Evans, 1971-73, 1975-79 Dave Froman, 1973 Carl Helfin, 1966-88 Lawrence P. Henderson, 2007 Lance Hewett, 1966-67 Mark Houston, 1976-82 Mark Hunter, 2007 Beverly Jensen, 1976 Kirby Kemble, 1969 Jimmy Lamb, 1976 John David Lentz, 1992 Michael Lueders, 1979 Monica Miller, 1999-2000 Bob Neches 1971 Casey Nichols, 2015-17 Gerald Rabkin, 1974 David Richards, 1975 Art Sloan, 1970 Roy Sorrels, 1970 Al Srnka, 1975 Paul Stone, 1972-73, 75-77, 1983, 2002-03 Mary Thom, 1966-1978 Anne Thompson, 1974 Earl Trussell, 1966-67, 74-75 Stuart Vaughn, 1974 Nancy Vunovich, 1986, 1990-92 Kenneth Washington, 1984-85, 1987-91 Doug Wasson, 1969, 71-72 Cheryl Payne Wilson, 1971
Cheryl Burnet 1948-2019 CRT Company Member 1967, Legacy Donor
Cheryl was one of the thirteen members of the Creede Repertory Theatre’s second season in 1967. She had just finished her freshman year at the University of Kansas and was cast that summer as Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker, Grace in Bus Stop, Elaine in The Seven Year Itch, and Mrs. Kirby in You Can’t Take It with You. Every time I pass the canned vegetable section in the grocery store and see a can of cream corn, I remember the final dress rehearsal of The Miracle Worker when Earl Trussell bought a can of cream corn instead of whole kernel corn for us to use at the dinner scene. As Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, we (Cheryl and I) were covered in cream corn and slipping and sliding on the stage. We both had smashed corn on our faces, hair, costumes, props, scenery. Steve Grossman stopped the rehearsal of the fight scene and said, "What is going on up there? Stay in character!" I swear there was ground-in corn on the stage floor for years...It was about 2am by the time we walked back to our trailer across from the theatre near the flume with dried cream corn all over us. Cheryl washed her costume in the kitchen sink, and I washed mine in the bathroom sink. We would iron them on the trailer kitchen table in the afternoon. Yup, we both ended up taking cold showers that evening in the trailer where six CRT company members lived back in 1967. There was laughter--for decades. –Kay Habenstein Lancaster I remember the night Cheryl filled in for Kay Habenstein who was too ill to perform one night. Kay played Olga Katrina in a brief scene in You Can’t Take It with You. All of the actors in the company were in this play so for a while we thought we might have to cancel the performance. Cheryl came to the rescue that evening by playing not only Mrs. Kirby but also Olga Katrina. I’ll never forget Cheryl’s entrance as Olga. I looked down, as I always did when Kay appeared since she was quite tiny but found myself looking at Cheryl’s midsection. Cheryl was a towering Olga Katrina compared to Kay. And then Olga spoke, not with a gravelly Russian accent that we were used to hearing from Kay but with a lovely Irish lilt that Cheryl used while playing Annie Sullivan. We all managed to stay in character (I think), but Olga was transformed, and the play went on. –Gary Mitchell I remember Cheryl as the quietest among us that year. She worked her craft tirelessly and practiced "ensemble" better than most of us. She was one of those actors that directors always hope for...an actor who did the job and kept the drama on the stage. When Annie Sullivan's speech pattern required a subtle Irish lilt, she just put it in during the first read through without a moment's hesitation or mention. Her Grace in Bus Stop was as weary and world wise as her Mrs. Kirby was patrician and distant. And, though Cheryl was the quietest among us, her Annie Sullivan was a warrior...and her Grace possessed...such grace. And she is gone too soon. – Phillip Grecian
Marilyn Wintz 1940-2020 Member of the 1966 Creede Jaycee-ettes
This past year CRT said goodbye to a wonderful friend, advocate, and dedicated supporter. Marilyn was a founding member of the Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes, an organization that helped bring the Creede Repertory Theatre into being. She was born in Aspen, Colorado on Valentine’s Day in 1940. She was known for sending perfectly cut out pink hearts that would fall out of an envelope like confetti. Marilyn graduated high school in Monte Vista, Colorado and loved keeping up with her classmates who called her “Cookie.” La Garita Ranch in Creede is where Marilyn spent her summers working between college semesters at Colorado State University and U.N.C., where she studied to become a teacher. A handsome young cowboy, Rod Wintz, home from the National Guard visiting his parents George and Dorothy Wintz at La Garita Ranch, captured her heart. Rod and Marilyn were married in Colorado Springs and returned to Creede to manage Wason Ranch for over 30 years. There they raised their family and met many lifelong friends. In the summer of 1966 Rod and Marilyn worked tirelessly to help the young students who came to Creede at the request of the Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes to begin a theatre company. It was a joy for them to attend shows and watch as the small company grew, changed, and received more and more accolades over the years. In her early teaching years, Marilyn began a preschool in the reception room at Wason Ranch. She initially taught first and second grade as well as music at Lamb Elementary School in Creede. One of her greatest joys was keeping up with her past students, and she referred to them all as “her kids.” She also spent time as the elementary school principal and after retirement went on to earn her PHD from the University of Denver. Rod and Marilyn retired to “Rel Rio” along the Rio Grande River where they loved seeing and hearing the river daily. She treasured the view of the river and enjoyed having a cup of tea with friends in the beautiful and peaceful place. –Shirrae Fazio
Steve Scott and Doug Wasson in The Lion in Winter (1972)
Doug Wasson 1946-2021 Triple Tribute to Doug Wasson: CRT Company Member 1969, 71, 72
Doug was a multi-talented University of Kansas theatre major. Doug wrote Soap, a satire for CRT in 1972. During his three seasons with CRT (1969, 1971-72) he directed Glass Menagerie, Dracula, and Room Service, and had major roles that displayed his versatility: Taming of the Shrew (Baptista), The Lion in Winter (Henry II), Rainmaker(H.C. Curry), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Lycus) and Sunday in New York (Adam Taylor). He and I comanaged the 1972 season, but it was actually more Doug’s insightful, assured management than mine. – Gary Mitchell
Doug was brilliant as the old actor in the 1969 CRT production of Fantasticks and a delight to direct in Everybody Loves Opal. –Kay Lancaster
In 1971 while in Vietnam I was invited to co-manage Creede Repertory Theatre with Doug Wasson who was stationed nearby. Having shared that Army experience, Doug and I were perfect partners. We never had a disagreement; we complemented each other. He was unique in the ease with which he approached challenges: “It is what it is; let’s move on.” Whatever the situation, Doug always made the best of it whether stuck on a hot wretched Army base in Vietnam or on a cold, cramped stage in Creede with less than a week to rehearse a show. –Wes Payne
Roy Sorrels 1938-2020 CRT Artistic Director in 1970
Roy, along with Managing Director BJ Myers, successfully steered the Creede Theatre through one of its most traumatic early seasons. In the spring of 1970, just a month before the first play was to open, the theatre building was severely damaged by a fire — the whole interior was gutted, and the entire season was in jeopardy. Roy and BJ rallied the rest of the company — and, together with much volunteer help from the Creede community, they rebuilt the theatre, rehearsed the first play, and opened the season on schedule. That amazing achievement was in no small part due to the leadership of Roy and BJ. CRT owes Roy a tremendous debt of thanks, even in memoriam. The story of the 1970 season is told in three stories in the CRT 50th Anniversary Book, Chapter 2, and there is a wonderful photo of Roy and BJ on p.57. After CRT, Roy continued his theatre career, mainly as an actor in NYC and various regional theatres. He then turned to writing, with several published novels to his credit, as well as becoming an award-winning playwright and a much-admired writing coach. He spent many years living in Mexico and eventually settled in Santa Fe, where he and I reconnected. My wife, Carolyn, and I spent many delightful evenings with Roy and his wife, Sarah. Then, as Roy’s health began to fail, we moved from evening visits to early afternoon lunches, which Roy found more accommodating. He often reminisced about that unforgettable summer of 1970. –Steve Reed
When I first met Elsie in 1977, she was a teenager wise beyond her years. I am not certain how much of that had to do with her Creede upbringing or her early introduction to the CRT, but I do know I will never forget her enthusiasm, her expression of exasperation at the never-ending tasks of feeding our hungry company who placed such a burden of expectations on both her and Cary Bush, her exhalation of a breath that seemed to set in motion a whisk of red hair that brushed her eye, and, always, a smile on a beautiful, freckled face that made you know you had found a friend. We made numerous trips together to Safeway in Monte Vista over the summers to bring back station wagon loads of groceries and supplies designed to last a week. It was truly amazing to see how well fed we could be on such a small budget. Elsie and Cary's planning, along with BJ Myers’ careful supervision, created no small number of
Both photos: (left) Elsie-Ann Brink Crist (right) Cary Bush
culinary miracles. Even though we frequently complained, I am still amazed at how much our cooks did with so little! There were notable exceptions (does anyone remember lettuce soup?), but their work was herculean and so much appreciated. Both demonstrated a tremendous work ethic that matched or exceeded the rest of the company. Over the years, our paths crossed many times in Mineral County: at Marge Deacon's for the 25th Anniversary, at Cary's home for the 50th Anniversary, and several other times just due to happy coincidence. Each visit we were able to catch up on the intervening years and enjoy each other's company as though time had not carried us in such different directions. Thanks, Elsie. We are all so blessed that you were part of our lives. You will always be remembered with dear fondness and a grateful appreciation for the many acts of kindness, friendship, love, and the great enthusiasm for life you showed to us all. –Gary Yawn
Cary Jean Bush - wife, mother, best friend, and longtime supporter of CRT and Creede - passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021. Cary has been an integral part of CRT and the City of Creede for over forty years. Cary's history with CRT started in the mid-1970s where, starting at the age of 12, she and her friend Elsie Brink cooked for the company for several years back when the theatre provided meals for its company. At the age of 14, she was also a member of the Creede Philharmonic with her stepfather Steve Little, Jimmy Lamb, Mark Houston, and others. She graduated from Creede High School, valedictorian, in 1981. I was blessed to meet Cary in 1988, we married in 1995, and Lyric was born in 1996. Cary introduced Lyric and me to the theatre and to Creede. When the theatre began having a fall season and wanted to hold a benefit fall dinner to kick it off, Cary immediately volunteered us to organize those events and lent her culinary talents to cook for over 100 people, with us donating the food as well so that it was a true fundraising event for the theatre. We did that for 7 or 8 years. Later on, Cary opened our house in Creede and took in a half dozen children attending the kids camps every summer for many years, serving as both den mother and surrogate mother. One of my fondest memories was a night that Cary was acting as director with our daughter and the others staying at the house, rehearsing a musical number from Damn Yankees in our living room until 3am the night before their performance to make sure they had it down. In 2006, Cary founded Recycle-Creede in an effort to bring recycling and green living to Creede and other parts of the valley; initially in our garage and finally opening a drop off center in town. Over the last 40 years, Cary has given of herself unselfishly to CRT and the City of Creede. We are confident that today she is flying with her hummingbirds. – Randy and Lyric Nicholson
I don’t actually remember when I first met Elise Backinger, because it feels like she’s always been here. It was likely in the lobby of the Mainstage or Ruth, after a show, sharing with us her enthusiasm and passion for the show she’d just seen. I can still see her short bob haircut and lean frame springing over to me like an eager puppy. This happened countless times. That spring in her step. She seemed ageless. Elise was always busy. With purpose. Serving her home community of Salida, she once participated in the local high school’s Career Day by giving an indepth presentation on “The Many Careers in Theatre.” CRT was extensively featured. Elise would make an annual plea for us to send her all the brochures and programs we could spare so that she could thrust them into the hands of often unsuspecting Salida-folk. She served on the CRT Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2015 and was a constant source of ideas. During one meeting, a fellow board member was purported to have said, “Elise has a lot of ideas, and some of them are even good!” She took this as a compliment. After company members Graham Ward and Bethany Talley had their first child, she sent me a letter asking to make sure the donation check she’d enclosed was used to honor the birth of their daughter, but not to tell them because she wanted it to be a surprise when they read that year’s program. She did this again for John DiAntonio and Caitlin Wise, and again for my husband and myself, when our children were born. Along with her husband Kent Strickland, she was adamant about attending our baby showers in order to celebrate these new chapters in our lives. She championed love, life, and art. Her kindness and support knew no bounds. Her presence felt essential. It felt right. Because of this, the world is just a little less bright without her. Or maybe a lot. – Kate Berry
Larry Basky 1943-2021 Artist, Educator, Football Player, Coach, Family Man, Lover of Life
Creative, pensive, spiritual, and charming. A raconteur at its finest, Larry Basky was the quintessential “Renaissance Man”. A renowned serigrapher, he found inspiration in diverse landscapes from Creede to Maine. He and his wife, Jo Ann, opened Basky Gallery in Creede in 1992. This inviting haven is where he displayed his intricate and expressive silkscreens, monotypes, etchings, oil paintings and watercolors. He was the founder of the National Small Print Show which brought together printmakers from around the country, now in its 20th season. In 2002, he moved his family, gallery and studio to Plymouth, Wisconsin where he continued to flourish artistically. Larry created thriving high school art programs in Wichita and Alamosa. He also held many printmaking workshops throughout the country, making the complex process of printmaking more attainable to those he taught. Known as a fierce competitor and a natural as a defensive lineman, Larry was a two-time AllAmerican football player at Pittsburg State University in Kansas and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. He coached at New Mexico Highlands University, Bishop Carroll in Wichita, Alamosa High School, and at Adams State University. A beloved and thoughtful man with a gift for storytelling, he infused his adventurous tales with his passionate nature. At times I said, “Dad, did that really happen?!” And yes, all of his stories were true and were relived over and over, due to his entertaining narration. Larry had a passion for cooking and nurtured us all. His music and book collections were vast and his flair for catching fish, canoeing, and being one amongst nature, unrivaled. He loved all sports but more importantly, he loved a good game. Next time you and your loved ones are remarking about the beauty of a sunset, grab a glass of wine, and cheers to our dad, husband, and friend. We will always remember him with a twinkle in his eye, his magical way of just “being,” and his big bear hugs full of love and comfort. –Holly Basky
Bob Carrel 1933-2020 CRT Donor, Super Fan
Kay and I were fortunate to know Bob and Kay Carrel. We were close neighbors, so we got to know them well. Importantly, Bob and Kay were strong supporters of the CRT. They were one of the main reasons we became CRT supporters as well. We knew Bob from the Creede Community Church, where he and Kay sang in the choir. Most people don’t know that they were the lead contributors to the Fellowship Hall at the Church, which is now used extensively by the Creede community. After Church, we frequently went to the Creede Hotel to share lunch with them. Bob was a self-made man. He was educated at Purdue and founded an aviation electronics company with a few friends. They were bought out by Hughes Aircraft/Chrysler. I will always remember the fun times we had with Bob – golfing, eating at the 4UR, and many other great experiences. Bob will be sorely missed by the Creede community. We extend our sympathy and best wishes to Kay and the Carrel family. –Chuck Harbert
Dixie Slater 1942-2020 CRT Donor, Super Fan
Dixie loved her early years on the farm and worked it along with family. Corn, cattle, pigs, chickens, mud, fences, etc. Dirt under her fingernails. Life perspective and values shaped here. Met Bob in college and they spent the next 58 years together, 48 years in Texas and Creede for 28 years. Special times. Dixie was President of the Arlington Girls Club Board, devoting significant time to working with girls from low-income families in need of further education and employment. Held fundraisers and counseled young girls. She became involved along with Bob in the Creede Repertory Theatre; Cornell College; assisted with Cure JM, founded by daughter Shari, which morphed from a lemonade stand to a National Foundation for a rare disease affecting grandson Parker; and an enthusiastic Girl Scout Troop leader and “Cookie Captain” which at times meant every room in the house was full of cookies. We still have some left in the closets. Dixie found comfort in CRT: the plays, the laughter and joy of it all, the love of a phrase or a lyric, the spark, personal relationships, taking the family to a play and sharing afterwards. For a few moments you’re transferred to another place. Yes. Theatre created the inner warmth and awareness of life from so many different perspectives which we all need. For Dix, theatre was kindness, laughter, and staying positive on life through good times and hard times. It was wood in the fireplace, a cup of coffee in the morning, conversation. “Focus on the family, be a part of your community and let’s move on." 58 years with Bob, two children (Scott & Shari), seven grandchildren. Missed by all of us, dearly. –Bob Slater
John “J” Preston Seamster, Jr. 1943-2020 CRT Board President 1983
June 2020 brought the loss of long time CRT supporter and past board member John “J” Seamster, Jr. J passed away very unexpectedly from a massive heart attack. I’m not exactly sure when our dad became such a strong supporter of the tiny little theatre in a tiny little town most people had never heard of. But for as long as I can remember every summer meant going to Creede, sitting in seats C 1-4, and seeing every play a minimum of 3 times. Those summers are now a treasured memory. J served on the Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1983. His leadership skills were recognized and put to work as Vice-President of the Board in 1982 and President in 1983. During that time, J and Geraldine would host the members of the theatre group at our cabin for a wine and cheese party. It was a chance for the summer employees to get to know each other and our family. J was also the guy who would dig a huge pit, make a bonfire, and let it burn down to coals. Once the coals were just right, he would place a whole pig into the pit, cover it with wet burlap sacks and dirt, and let it cook all day. Some of you may remember having some of that wonderful pork at Cabaret. He was also a vital part of creating the burlap sack ceiling in the refreshment area. The building was very primitive at that time and the burlap sacks really classed the place up! Dad was vital in putting on the Meet the Cast parties every year and helping to ensure everyone had a good time. Losing our dad/husband so unexpectedly has been very difficult, but we will forever be grateful to him for the wonderful memories of summers at CRT. His dedication to that tiny little theatre gave us all a love of the Arts. We would like to thank CRT for honoring him, he would be humbled by the recognition. – The Seamsters (Geraldine, Shawna & Rene)
Bob Neches 1951-2020 CRT Company Member 1971
Robert Neches was born on August 4th, 1951. He spent one season at CRT in 1971, appearing in Harvey, Dracula, Sunday in New York, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. On screen, he appeared in the films Innerspace, Hitmen: Blood Money, and About Last Night. In 1983, he was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Musical for They’re Play Our Song in Chicago, IL.
CRT company member Wes Payne remembers: “I have many fond memories of him during our 1971 Creede season together. During the Spring of that year, I found that we were in need of a young male actor to complete the company. Mandy suggested Bob, and that turned out to be a great choice. I recall that Bob played a wonderful romantic lead in Sunday in New York. He was also very good as Jonathan Harker in Dracula and in a smaller role as the young doctor in Harvey. Bob was always a pleasure to work with. He provided one of my favorite stage bloopers while playing Jonathan Harker in Dracula. Transposing his nouns, Bob reacted with amazement to the magical disappearance of the Count by exclaiming, ‘Up the bat as a chimney!’”
