The Sunflower Theatre is gearing up for its 10th anniversary, with galas and live performances Friday and Saturday that will bookend the KSJD Fund Drive, which runs until Friday.
The Sunflower Theatre said the galas are a testament to the “unity, connection and diversity” in Cortez and the surrounding community.
For 10 years, the Sunflower Theatre has brought together volunteers, artists, administrator, and audiences who connect through comedy, dance, music, singing, film, theater and spoken word.
“The Sunflower Theatre wouldn’t be possible without the community that surrounds it,” said theater Director Sarah Syverson. “Live performance makes us feel more alive, more human and more connected to one another.”
Festivities kick off Friday with an Informal Variety Show Gala, where attendees are encouraged to pay homage to sunflowers or wear their favorite jean jacket. The following evening, the theater will host the Formal Variety Show Gala in honor of founding theater director Kim Welty.
“She did everything from managing construction of the theater, making sure the bar got built and the stage got built and seats got bought … all those sorts of things, not to mention booking talent and marketing for the theater and developing systems from the ground up,” Syverson said. “These are all really powerful things, and she tends to be a quieter individual. She’s often behind the scenes making it happen.”
The night will also recognize Volunteer of the Year Carol Stout for her contributions. The formal gala will feature catering by Kelly’s Kitchen and drinks at the bar.
Both nights promise an eclectic lineup of performances that highlight the talent featured at the Sunflower Theatre. Marilyn Kroeker, the first musician to perform on the Sunflower stage, will return with her (mostly) a cappella trio, featuring Chris Rasmussen and Jen Paschal. Poets Kirbie Bennett and L.K., both featured in the Four Corners Voices Anthology, will share poetry from their personal experiences.
The Sunflower Theatre Troupe, including Josie Loner, Cap Allen, Heidi Brugger and Elizabeth Dickey, will perform a radio play scene, while Cruz Hernandez and LP McKay share true stories from their lives through “Raven Narratives.” Young poets Athena Cabauatan and Elijah American Horse, eighth-graders who have performed at the theater in the past, will perform their spoken word poetry.
Comedy fans will have their moment with Laura Ripple’s stand-up set, filled with self-deprecating humor and quirky anecdotes inspired by her husband, Martin. Ripple will also team up with Jenn Morris for improv. The evening will open and close with Geneva Toland and Rebecca Favarro leading the audience in song.
Sunflower Theatre film shorts will also offer a sneak peek into creative projects involving cellos, the Delbert Anderson Trio’s 2016 Tiny Desk performance and the moon. Tom Yoder will be the emcee, and could possibly be sporting a few quirky outfits.
Tickets and more information are available online at www.sunflowertheatre.org.
