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/
Keaton Hartwell has been in the dramatic arts since he was a child. He began in KAPS (Kids Arts Programs) when it was located at the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell prior to 2013. As Mayor of Munchkin City with his first role at Roswell Community Little Theatre, Hartwell took the reins of acting and stage presence, and he never looked back. Hartwell is a natural on stage. His comedic timing is spot-on and his awareness of and interaction with the audience makes his performances shine. Hartwell began working with the Improv Ensemble at Roswell Community Little Theatre (RCLT) in 2021. Hartwell's mother, Alethea Hartwell, is the Improvisation troupe leader and Keaton's first and best teacher on and off stage. RCLT owes her a debt of gratitude not only for her tireless work but for encouraging her son and her daughter to perform with RCLT.
Hartwell has been around the theater so much that is a talent off stage and on stage. You may find him in the sound booth managing sound and lights or assisting with a set strike or set build. In 2021, Hartwell joined RCLT’s Improv troupe and add another talent for physical comedy to a strong suite of actors.
Hartwell enjoys delighting the audience. He is well suited to it. Between his timing and line delivery, his athletic talents and understanding of all aspects of the stage, Hartwell is a joy to work with and a favorite of audiences in Roswell.
Hartwell's next role is in Every Christmas Story Ever Told, a comedy by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, John K. Alvarez. Hartwell performs alongside Michael Bozeman and Jacob Sanders. They make for a fabulous team in this crazy whirlwind of Christmas stories. All three actors are gifted in physical comedy as well as timing and delivery. As the threesome decide not to yet again perform the Charles Dickens' 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 of the stage. The Liberty is once again hosting RCLT 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.
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.
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.