Louise Montague was born in Portales NM. She grew up and married in the same city where she was born. She has three sons and two daughters, five grandsons and two granddaughters. When her children were young, Louise directed them in acting out Bible stories. During that time Louise developed strengths for directing that she has put to good use for Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT).
When a date took Louise to see Man of La Mancha, she thought, “Well, I could do that.” She also thought she might “do that” a little better than most. It turns out she was right. Louise auditioned and got a role in one of RCLT’s productions. Louise has been with RCLT as an actress for 25 years and she has been directing plays since 2002.
The first play Louise directed was an Evening of Culture. The play went off well, so well she turned her attentions to directing. When she directed George’s Suitcase, everyone knew their lines three weeks before opening night. That play, like most of Louise’s endeavors, was a great success.
As an experienced director and actress, Louise is favored for roles that require skill. Louise delights in the challenge of getting into her part, complete with appropriate accents and props, often supplying her own costumes.
Cast and crew find Louise a pleasure to work with. She is early to learn her lines and dedicated to getting in character. She always has a word of encouragement for fellow actors. Loise feels at home in RCLT. She clearly enjoys the theatre. It is a passion she has held close to her heart from the time she was a little girl.
Louise has a starring role in the upcoming production for Four Old Broads. She plays Imogene Fletcher, the newest resident at Magnolia Place Assisted Living. Four Old Broads opens Feb. 25 at 7:30 in the theatre. For more information go to: https://roswelltheatre.com/events/four-old-broads/
Deona Anderson grew up in Lubbock, Texas and moved to the Pecos Valley when she was in eighth grade. Living in Hagerman, Deona began working in theatre at Hagerman High School. She studied there under Denise Dawson. After graduating she joined the Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) as a freshman in college.
Prioritizing her family, Deona took a 10-year sabbatical from theatre to home schooled her four children, before returning to RCLT.
Deona enjoys the chance to portray others and fully climb into a different life. As the Gardener in Spider’s Web, she remained in character at home, delighting in her own garden tending her snapdragons and hollyhocks.
Deona’s favorite memories stem from working with her children in the theatre. At one point she had two children on stage with her and the time was precious.
Deona’s experience and delight pay off on stage. In her role of the gardener in Spider’s Web, Deona’s timing and understanding of the character made for a fabulous performance.
Deona also has a great understanding of set and props. Just as she gets her lines down well in advance, she also gets her blocking and props managed for the greatest effect.
Directors are pleased to cast Deona in their plays, not only because she auditions well but she also rehearses well. She easily lends a hand to more novice actors, assisting with lines and catching the odd misstep in a way that doesn’t mock her fellow actors, but is corrective rather than critical.
Deona’s next performance is in Four Old Broads. She is cast as Eaddy Mae Clayton a former nurse who is a “religious lady” and one of the four old broads. Deona, Tricia Hart, and Louise Montague are the stars of the show. Deona and Tricia probably have the most stage time with Louise fast on their heels. Their combined experience and hard work will pay off with a must see performance.
Deona confesses to feeling “butterflies” in her stomach on opening night just before she steps on stage, but they don’t stop her and soon her characters shine for the audience to enjoy.
Catch Deona’s next performance in Four Old Broads which opens on Feb. 25 at 7:30p.m. in the Roswell Community Little Theatre.
For more information go to: https://roswelltheatre.com/events/four-old-broads/
Dan Coleman’s hearty laugh and engaging presence cannot be ignored. He is a REALTOR® and corporate sales manager for Berkshire Hathaway HomesServices Enchanted Lands REALTORS® in Roswell, NM. Working with Dan in real estate, band boosters, theatre, or even planning a trip to a nearby performance is a delight. From his larger than life personality, to his way of welcoming everyone, he truly has a gift for enjoying life.
Dan has lived in Roswell since he was nine and is active in many areas of the community. In high school he participated in drama, and as an adult Dan’s mother took him to performances for every theatrical company in Roswell. He has supported theatre financially and been active behind the scenes for much of his adult life. Dan finally threw his hat in the ring at Roswell Community Little Theatre. Dan tried out for and gained the the role of Arthur Jarvis in Francine’s Will.
Dan enjoys bringing a character to life for an audience. The study in character and artistry in bringing the character forth keep Dan coming back for more.
Dan tells of his first time stepping on stage in a live performance. He was thrilled and hooked. He played the Abominable Snowman in Santa’s Talent search and tells of losing himself in the super hero part.
Dan is a joy to work with on or off stage. As a stage manager his talent for organization and understanding of the theatre are put to perfect use. Often, before a director can even ask, Dan has identified the need and provided the solution.
Dan Coleman as the Abominable Snowman
Dan’s study of character and diligence in bringing out a role, make him a frequent pick for directors. Dan creates a sense of family on and off stage. If you are in a play with Dan, you are in his pack and he will make things go as well for the pack as he can.
Dan is the stage manager for the comedy Four Old Broads and a talented improv actor for Mission Improvable.
Catch Dan Coleman in Mission Improvable at 7:00 P.M. Jan. 28, 2022, in the Theatre.
Don’t forget to see Dan’s behind the scenes work as Stage Manager for Four Old Broads opening Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre.
Tricia Hart wears many hats. She is married with one adopted son. She is a REALTOR® for Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Enchanted Lands REALTORS®. She is also a Chaves County Representative and Field Deputy Medical Investigator for the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Tricia Hart is also an actress, board member, Improv cast member and organizer of the Immersive Dinner program at the Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT).
Tricia’s love of Theatre began in high school. She not only performed in the school productions but joined RCLT. She had to quit RCLT to get her degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration for medicolegal death investigation. After graduating she did autopsies in Lubbock before returning to Roswell and the Little Theatre.
With a mischievous smile she tells people that she met her husband at three in the morning over a dead body. Her characteristic wit and dedication shine through in her performances. Her joy and mischievousness displayed at the Theatre makes her and easy choice for casting directors.
Tricia starred in Del Valle Divas and, in her words, a “slew of other plays”. She usually lands major roles requiring concentration and true professionalism. When asked how she manages to put so much into her acting, she replied, “Theatre is my happy place.” It clearly shows if you’ve had the opportunity to catch any of her performances.
Tricia Hart and Denise Samuels
In Del Valle Divas, Tricia and co-star Denise Samuels had to “look alike” for their roles. Tricia recalls her excitement when both she and Denise appeared on stage at the same time. Tricia said there was an audible gasp from the audience, which let her know that she and Denise had pulled off the “look alike” part of the script.
Tricia recalls her scariest and most vulnerable role as playing Clarissa in Spider’s Web. She had to really delve into the character. It was one of her first major roles, requiring more stage time than anything she had done previously. Until opening night Tricia wasn’t certain she could get the performance right. After a successful opening night, she had every reason for confidence in her talent.
Catch Tricia Hart in her next performance on improv night, Mission Improvable, at RCLT.
The performance date is Jan. 28, 2022, at 7:30 pm MST. For more information go to: https://roswelltheatre.com/events/improv-night/
Tricia is also starring as the very ornery and slightly bawdy Beatrice Shelton in Four Old Broads. The play is a fun mystery set in a nursing home. Needless to say, Tricia is cast as one of the four old broads. For more information go to https://roswelltheatre.com/events/four-old-broads/
Graphics by Squirrel Graphics
We hope to see you at Roswell Community Little Theatre, one of the oldest and best community Theatres in New Mexico.
Her beautiful smile grows even bigger when Denise Samuels speaks of the Roswell Community Little Theater, (RCLT).
Denise describes herself as someone who loves to make people happy. She is someone who spreads joy and shares love with the people around her. She’s been doing exactly that since she was a youngster performing on a makeshift stage otherwise known as the front porch of her family’s home in Tennessee.
Denise is married to Chris Samuels who is also active in RCLT. Her children, Keith Lucero and Alice Samuels have both acted in RCLT productions. Her family is an integral part of the theater in Roswell. Denise works for Roswell Independent School District in the special education division but makes time for community theater to serve on the board and on the play selection committee. She is also an actress and director for RCLT. Denise is the directing RCLT’s next play, Four Old Broads.
Last spring, Denise directed the play, Dearly Beloved starring several seasoned actors and a few brand-new performers. It was the first play she directed, and she really enjoyed it. The performance shined with Denise’s characteristic joy, and the cast fairly glows when speaking of working with Denise. Roswell can expect some of the same qualities in the next performance. It is funny and light and even a bit bawdy. The characters are endearing, and the plot ends with a twist that will keep the audience guessing.
When speaking of her years in the theater, Denise describes performing and directing with family members in the production. These “family affairs” have formed lasting memories. In Dearly Beloved, both her daughter and her husband had major roles that enlivened the performance and unified the cast.
Denise tells of her early years as a script writer in grade school. She and a friend created a puppet skit that detailed the need for, and effect of, baptism. They performed it in their local church with the permission and oversight of the pastor. Later in high school, Denise not only sang in the choir but participated in the high school theater ensemble. Her interest and dedication to live performance culminated in her participation and leadership in RCLT. In 2012 Denise was in the premier performance of Small Talk in the new theater at Union and Hobbs.
Not long after Denise began at RCLT she experienced an impromptu adventure in a play. The play called for Denise and another actress to be embroiled in a heated argument. Performing live one evening, Denise had just gotten to the argument when one of the pictures on the stage wall crashed to the floor. Adlibbing, Denise said, “Now see what you’ve done?” and walked off stage to collect herself and laugh. Remaining in character, Denise returned immediately to the stage and her partner said, “Are you through?” She answered, “Yes.” They finished the scene according to the script.
From this on stage set-failure-adventure, Denise learned that she could rise to the occasion and make things better using her own creativity. She learned also that the cast was a team who held each other up as they worked towards the best outcome for the live performance.
Despite her wealth of experience in the theater, Denise admits to butterflies on opening night and wishes for greater confidence. However, her cast members have shared that she is a great listener who is judicious in making changes. Denise can certainly trust her decisions.
I am a mother, author, engineer, farmer, occasional actress, and incurable dog-sap. I think things and write things and embarrass myself often.