Chorale’s spring dinner theater coming up
“John Gregory’s Gold”
The Peak to Peak Chorale players are at it again. Just in time for Mother’s Day, they’ve put together their annual spring dinner theater musical production, “John Gregory’s Gold.” This will be the ninth play (she thinks, but who’s counting?) written by soprano Cora Jean Leenheer. She describes herself as “mainly a homemaker” (with a background in psychology and management) who likes to write and does a little bit of professional editing. “I’ve become quite a history buff,” she said, crediting the months of research she’s done while writing each original Chorale play. Each one delves into one or more local characters, bringing them back to life from historical newspaper accounts, personal letters and family stories. Cora Jean’s research means the story is historically accurate. The actors are allowed some elaborative license, infusing their characters with personality while performing the character vignettes between musical pieces. It’s an entertaining way of presenting Gilpin history with a personal touch.
This year’s performance, in honor of Gilpin’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, highlights John Gregory, the man who discovered gold in Mountain City one hundred and fifty years ago. He arrived on June 13th, 1859, in a snowstorm. Gregory later sold his claim for $7,500 (then wondered if it was enough). There were many more adventurers who came looking to get wealthy: William “Green”berry Russell (Russell Gulch), John Fletcher, General William Larimer, George Jackson (Jackson’s Diggings), Wilkes DeFrees and William Byers and hundreds whose names live on, not in the history books, but in the local phone directories. They braved many hardships to do so-the rough trail and miles of footsore walking, illnesses, bad weather, hunger, lack of shelter-but there was worse, as the actors will tell. As the miners reconnoitered at the foot of the Rockies, gathering their supplies (and fortitude) to enter the mountains, they encountered “man-devouring Platte River skeeters and gnats!” Some of these characters were scoundrels. Some, like Gregory, were “go-backs,” who came and went or weren’t here for long. Others stayed and built the foundation of our community today.
Strong voices and enthusiasm characterize the music of “John Gregory’s Gold.” The show is directed by Ann Wyss. Pianist Midge Norville provides the instrumental accompaniment. Numerous songs touch a variety of styles, including a rhythmic “Sit Down Miner” and the Rocky Mountain News round. Gilpinites may find the tunes familiar, but the lyrics are custom-made. As are the costumes. Each member creates his or her own stage presence via the selected dress, be it “formal or normal.” Hats are popular and no two are alike.
There are more than two dozen chorale members who rehearse weekly fall to spring to entertain their friends in Gilpin. Each December they perform several holiday concerts. Then, early in each new year, they begin preparing the spring musical. With its opening on Mother’s Day weekend, it’s a fun family-friendly “dinner and a show” that locals can count on. It’s also their main fundraiser (but they’ll accept donations anytime).
Performances are Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th on the theater floor of Doc Holliday’s Casino, Main Street, Central City. Cash bar at 6:30 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m. followed by the show. On Sunday, May 17th, there’s an afternoon performance at the United Center in Idaho Springs, at 3:00 p.m. (light refreshments included). Purchase tickets by May 1st from your friends and neighbors in the Chorale or call 303-582-5583. Seating is limited. Last year’s performances packed the house both nights.