Summer Melodrama returns to the Durango Arts Center for eight shows, with opening night July 10. “The Notorious Nugget,” crafted by Mark and Lauren Arnest of Colorado Springs, is a fresh musical offering of the beloved Western melodrama genre.
The scene is set high in the Colorado Rockies, circa 1914, as Buck Worthington ventures into Goldville with dreams of wealth. He crosses paths with the unscrupulous Crook Robberson, and weary prospectors, blossoming romance and shadowy antagonists. Check showtimes and tickets at www.durangoarts.org or in person at the gallery desk, noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Cast and crew include: Atlee Beam, Nathan Van Arsdale, Emma Vogel, Isa Rosales, Tyler Wiseman, Tabatha Bettin, Riki Tsethlikai and Jeni Hartmann. Monica DiBiasio directs, with musical direction by Kathryn Canale. The play closes July 19, so go online and grab your tickets.
Creative energy flourishes both on our stage and in the Barbara Conrad Gallery – and right now, Colorado 150 has opened, and the exhibit is stunning. Artists range in age from 15 to over 80. Thank you to juror Miki Harder for making the selections around the theme of Colorado 150. It’s not all historical, either – there are many creative nods to the far future. Visitors to the exhibit will see familiar names alongside new ones through Aug. 15. All works are for sale, with proceeds supporting the artists and DAC’s scholarship programs.
We knew we had a big goal when we announced $60,000 in 60 Days – but guess what? We’ve raised $40,000 in 60 days, and we’re going to keep going until we raise the final $20,000. Sixty is an auspicious number, because the DAC is 60 years old this year. Celebrate with us!
This is the best membership performance in years. Within our giving pyramid, we’re incredibly grateful for every gift from $120 on up, and especially for the recent lead gift of $10,000 from the Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation.
There’s room for your investment in the final $20,000, whether you become a Creative Member at $120, a Standing Ovation Member at $1,000 or somewhere in between.
DAC fun fact: Did you know that Pearce Joza – known to many as a luminary in the Disney ZOMBIES films and a rising star of 2026 – began his journey not in Hollywood, but on the DAC stage? At the tender age of 5, he debuted as a seagull in “The Little Mermaid,” a performance he fondly recalls as “a role for the ages.”
That initial spark offered lessons beyond the reach of any typical classroom. It cultivated an ability to adapt, mastering blocking and the art of improv amid the wonderful unpredictability of live production.
“There’s nothing like live theater to teach you improvisation,” Pearce said. “It was a great way to have an open mind.”
Currently, he is finishing work on two cinematic projects slated for release this year, including “Under the Lights,” while also exploring writing and producing. Yet even as his career expands, he remains mindful of his Durango roots.
“DAC not only provides for children in numerous ways, even outside of performance art, but for the rest of the community as well,” Pearce said. “In many ways, it serves as a cathartic organization for anyone.”
Beth Lamberson Warren is executive director of Durango Arts Center.