Charles Lathrop grew up in the Pecos Valley. He has long been involved in the communities of Dexter, Hagerman, and Roswell. Patrons of Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) will remember his performances. As Professor Moriarity in a Sherlock Holmes play, Charles became known for his talent in portraying the criminal mastermind.
In 2008, Charles attended “Acting for the Camera,” summer acting camp with the US Performing Arts. The camp was inspiring and helped Charles to become the talented actor that he is today. Those who have seen him on stage know that he has a gift for comedic timing and a powerful stage presence. He also has an understanding of working with cast and crew to make the whole performance shine.
The stage suits Charles. He likes to be out of the box and plays the audience best for the lines that surprise and the characters that are most rambunctious. One of his favorite performances was “The 39 Steps.” Charles said that the cast a crew worked well together and there were no weak links. The costumes and set were fabulous, and it was a delight to be a part of the production.
Charles plays the unflappable Phileas Fogg in Mark Brown’s adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. You won’t want to miss this fast and fabulous trip around the world, compliments of the Roswell Community Little Theatre. Opening night is February 8th at 7:30 p.m. in the Roswell Community Little Theatre and runs for two weekends. For more information and to buy tickets go to Roswell Community Little Theatre https://roswelltheatre.com/. Tickets will also be available at the door each night. Thank you for supporting the performing arts.
Deona will be starring in the upcoming Jones Hope Wooten play, Savannah Sipping Society. Many of you know Deona’s mad skills on stage. She is great to have in the cast because she is a fabulous actress but also a considerate and compassionate cast member. Deona deftly draws the cast and crew together to make a seamless performance.
Deona moved to Hagerman and developed an interest in all things acting and stage in high school. She studied under Denise Dawson whose efforts have paid off for Roswell Community Little Theatre.
Deona’s favorite memories in theater are from working with her children in performances. At one point, she had two children on stage with her and the time was precious. If you go backstage during rehearsal, you will most likely find one of her children supporting the cast with costume changes or props. It is clear they have learned well from their mother and enjoy the performing arts.
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.
Audience members may remember Deona in both Four Old Broads, and Four Old Broads on the High Seas. Deona played the “church lady’ in both productions. Most recently, Deona taught our KAPS (Kids in Arts Program) and directed Aesop’s (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables which had audience members laughing and cheering and even participating. The set was simple for Aesop’s play, and it showed off the charming costumes Deona put together for the cast.
In the upcoming performance of Savannah Sipping Society, four unique women put together an impromptu happy hour. Over the course of six months, they inspire one another and lift each other up to love life once again. This comedy will refresh audience members with the love of life and will help renew spirits.
Savannah Sipping Society opens on Friday January 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Roswell Community Little Theatre. It will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two weekends. For more information and to buy tickets go to: https://roswelltheatre.com/events/the-savannah-sipping-society/
Jacob Sanders has been in theater for over 13 years, and it’s a good thing. It’s definitely good for Sanders. He needs a creative outlet. It’s also definitely good Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT.) We need his creative talent. There’s no shortage of talent where Sanders is concerned. Sanders combines wit, quick thinking, and a genuine fondness for people. He truly delights in being on stage and making people laugh. A natural comedian, Sanders has a sharp wit, creative vision and knowledge that has grown steadily since his early days in Missoula Children's Theater. In short, he's a natural for theater and an exceptional talent at improvisation.
Since Jacob learned the dramatic arts at an early age, he speaks of the joy it has given him to be on stage and learn with his siblings. He particularly enjoyed performing in The Odyssey with his younger and older brother.
Recently, he was cast in a lead role in the short comedy version of 39 Steps, performed in partnership between Roswell Community Little Theatre and The Liberty The production was smart, funny, and it gave the audience a great evening. Jacob played his role masterfully and his love of theater showed through in every scene.
Jacob's enjoyment of drama and the dramatic arts is rooted in his love for people. He wants to make people happy. He says that if he can make people laugh and enjoy themselves while he is on stage then he has done his job. Jacob is charming in person, but once he is on-stage, that charm is magnified. He is a delightful performer and a great addition to any cast. He has a fabulous team spirit and is fearless in enacting improv games.
Sanders’ next role is in Every Christmas Story Ever Told, a comedy by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, John K. Alvarez. Sanders performs alongside Michael Bozeman and Keaton Hartwell. They make for a fabulous team in this crazy whirlwind of Christmas stories. All three actors are gifted in physical comedy and in timing and delivery. As the threesome decide not to yet again perform the Charles Dicken’s classic, they storm through every Christmas story they can think of and throw a few international Christmas traditions into the mix.
You won’t want to miss this funny look at our holiday madness through the eyes the stage. The Liberty is once again hosting Roswell Community Little Theatre for this production. Tickets are available through The Liberty’s website. Come join us for a great evening of Christmas fun on December 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Ray Aragon, a native of New Mexico, went to college in Kansas on a football scholarship and remained in Kansas to raise his family. Aragon returned to New Mexico and the Roswell Community Little Theatre, (RCLT) is glad he did.
In August of this year, Aragon played O’Shaughnessy in the modernized adaptation of Mark Twain’s Is He Dead. Aragon picked up an Irish accent and a jig to go with it, taking to the role with gusto and leaving the audience laughing because of his antics and performance delivery. In an interview for this article, Aragon revealed that he tells a silly Irish joke in character at least once a year. When he was cast as O’Shaughnessy, he watched tutorials and practiced diction. But he also states that it doesn’t have to be perfect to work well.
Aragon said that he enjoys the teamwork of theater where the people involved work together to make the performance a success and make everyone shine. For him, theater is a creative outlet. In each rehearsal, he tries to tease out a little more of the character and make way for the entire cast to enjoy the experience and do their best. He hopes the audience will enjoy the performance as much as he does.
Aragon felt at home quickly in the RCLT community. He is supportive of the stage crew as well as the cast. Ray is also a huge help during set building and set strike. He is quick to learn his lines so that he has ample time to polish and add details that raise the standards for the entire cast and crew.
Aragon is able to transfer much of what he learned on the football field to the stage. He said that performing live is like “game day” because some nervousness sharpens your effort, but being prepared takes over when the curtain goes up.
Aragon is pleased to be cast in the upcoming RCLT play, Farce of Habit. This play is a comedy and Aragon’s talents both on stage and behind the scenes will help make the show something you won’t want to miss.
Farce of Habit is a James Hope and Wooten comedy set at the Reel ‘Em Inn fishing lodge. Ray plays the villainous Jock McNair who is a relationship guru with an ego the size of Texas. This comedy is perfect for RCLT, with a fabulous cast and crew. It is directed by one of our greatest directors, Louise Montague, and opens on Friday October the 13th. For a great “laugh out loud” evening, don’t miss Farce of Habit.
Michael Bozeman has been in theater most of his life. He began acting for a Christian drama group out of the First Church of the Nazarene. His face lights up recalling his first line as one of the lions in Daniel and the Lion’s Den. “You can say that again.”
Fans of the Roswell Community Little Theatre will recall Michael's impressive Improv skill. He is quick-witted and a strong physical comedian and a great troupe leader for Mission Improvable.
Michael’s talent extends far beyond stage work. His murals for scenery and set design have delighted audiences. For RCLT’s 65th season opener, “Is He Dead?” audiences will get to see a taste of Paris rising above the set thanks to Michael.
His talent and curiosity drive Michael to study theatrical arts. In his very limited spare time, he tunes in to older television shows that feature physical comedy, sharp timing and great set management.
Michael is great at performing on stage, whether it's in an Improv or a scripted play. He can become any character required for the performance and enjoys the element of surprise in live theater.
Michael stars RCLT’s Curtain’s Rising fund raiser, at the Liberty this year. Come see Michael in, I Love You to Deatha Speakeasy dinner theater, this Saturday. See his mural at the theater inIs He Dead?
Shaylee O’Dwyer has been participating in Kids Arts Program (KAPS) since she was eight years old. She enjoys theater and is pleased to be cast in the lead role in Roswell Community Little Theatre's and KAPS' next production, opening May 12th.
Shaylee will star as Mary Call in the dramatic adaptation of "Where the Lilies Bloom," a young adult novel by Bill and Vera Cleaver. The story takes place in rural Appalachia, and Shaylee has risen to the challenge of dialect immersion. Shaylee is particularly excited to learn how to act as a different character - as Mary Call, she is absolutely learning a new persona.
Shaylee recently hammed it up in the KAPS improv troupe. She recalls being the 'two headed expert,' live on stage. The point of the game is to think and listen on your feet; two people are the two-heads of an expert being interviewed. Each person can only say one word at a time as the interview moves forward. Laughing at the memory, Shaylee recalls the interview going something like, "Well… we… wake… and… we… cry." The audience laughed themselves hoarse on that occasion.
Another of Shaylee’s favorite memories is her earlier role in "Crisis Incorporated." She playacted as one of the people who get to panic for hire. It was great fun.
The more Shaylee performs in new roles, the greater the empathy and compassion she develops for daily life. She also says that theater helps her listen to others and step outside of herself.
You won’t want to miss Shaylee in "Where the Lilies Bloom." Opening on May 12th at the Roswell Community Little theatre. The play will run for two weekends, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights and a Sunday matinee. For more information, or tickets, go to Roswell Community Little Theatre.
Charles Lathrop grew up in the Pecos Valley. He has long been involved in the communities of Dexter, Hagerman, and Roswell. Patrons of Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) will remember his performances. As Professor Moriarity in a Sherlock Holmes play, Charles became known for his talent in portraying the criminal mastermind.
I am a mother, author, engineer, farmer, occasional actress, and incurable dog-sap. I think things and write things and embarrass myself often.