We all know that Manitou Springs has had its ups and downs, its unique adventures and memorable characters throughout the city’s 150-year history.
Now, you can see that history come to life with “Merriments and Mystery,” the THEATREdART-Manitou Springs Heritage Center production coming to City Hall this month.
Local historian Deborah Harrison contributed information about each decade of Manitou’s life. It took three TdA members to write the script: Chad Orr, who’s also a producer, technical director and sound tech for the play; Jonathan Andujar, a producer and the director; and Laura Andujar, the stage manager.
“We then took each decade and decided which stories we would tell from the era. We did further individual research into those time periods and characters to write our scenes,” Jonathan Andujar said.
He used the Heritage Center’s website as his main resource, while Laura Andujar researched public records and Orr looked up specific details online. All strove to present Manitou’s history as accurately as possible.
That took a few months, along with writing a preliminary script and outline for how they wanted the cast to create each scene.
Then, the writing team explained the historical context of each scene to the cast; improvising during rehearsals was encouraged and incorporated into the “official” script.
It’s all framed by the imaginings of Lucy, a Manitou Springs Elementary student who put off doing her assignment to write about the city’s history. She explains that to her teacher, Mr. Reginald Figglebottom, as the other actors perform the action.
“Any facts that are spoken aloud are true. Everything else is a stylistic choice to tell the story in a condensed period of a few minutes,” Andujar said.
“You have to remember that these scenes are also from the perspective of a fifth-grader who wants to have fun with her project.”
Emily Newton, who plays Lucy, appeared in TdA’s inaugural Ghost Tours for the Heritage Center. In that, she played a Texan who froze to death trying to hike up Pikes Peak.
Fortunately, with “Merriments and Mystery,” she has a much livelier role to play.
“We were thrilled when Emily auditioned. She has such an incredible energy that is unmatched. And contagious,” Andujar said.
Newton plays several other characters, as do the other actors.
They are: Sam Driscoll, who Andujar said is great to work with; Reynette Kruger, “who brings a level of experience and professionalism to the ensemble”; Ray Kaiser, who “really knows how to create a mood”; and Ben Rosko, who “was hilarious during the scene improvisation settings.”
The actors will wear “base costumes” that will be augmented with coats, hats and accessories appropriate for the decade they’re depicting. They’ll have physical props such as signs, drums, letters and paintings, but will also pantomime some.
“For instance, in the 1940s, when they transition from a battlefield to a bar, the weapons and cups are pantomimed,” Andujar explained.
He’s excited about doing this production for Manitou’s sesquicentennial, and happy it will be indoors — they won’t have to shoo deer away during a performance, as has happened during the Ghost Tours.
“It is a great honor to be able to create a performance in celebrating Manitou’s 150th anniversary. To be able to do the show in a place that is steeped in art and natural beauty is amazing,” he said.
“It’s also fun for the community to honor its city by sharing laughs about how it turned into what it is today.”
They’d all love it if audience members cheer and jeer during the performance.
“And remember, in order to raise Lucy’s grade for the assignment, Mr. Figglebottom accepts bribes! The bribe money will be distributed to all actors as tips for the performance,” Andujar said.