Theatre Aspen Completes Capital Campaign

Theatre Aspen today announced the completion of their two-year, $2MM capital campaign, which supported the building of the new Hurst Theatre and lobby, and significant upgrades to the grounds. This work was undertaken in partnership with the Aspen City Parks Department, as part of a larger renovation to the John Denver Sanctuary in the Rio Grande Park, within which the theatre resides.

The campaign closed with a significant gift from the Goldrich Family Foundation, led by Theatre Aspen board member Melinda Goldrich, as well as significant gifts by Soledad and Robert Hurst, Melanie Sturm and Marc Zachary and ANB Bank, Jessica and John Fullerton, Darlynn and Tom Fellman, Kimberly and Brad Schlosser, Alex Kaufman and Terri and Tony Caine. Major campaign donors also include Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson, Betty and Bob Gates, Mandy Gray and Randy Work, Maureen and Dan Holman, Lexie and Robert Potamkin and Jamie Alexander Tisch. Additional closing gifts were made by Norelle and Brian Becker, and Jim and Brenda Grusecki. Charles Cunniffe Architects and Silich Construction also donated all of the architectural and building fees for the project.

Artistic Director Paige Price said, "We are thrilled to finish this project, especially with such big plans to celebrate our 30th Anniversary this year. LES MISERABLES is a huge, expensive undertaking, and we are launching new programs this year, so now we need to focus on what lies ahead."

This month the theatre received the Non Profit of the Year Award and also began a year-long celebration of the organization's 30th Anniversary. The theatre originated in 1983, as the Theatre Under the Jerome (Hotel), by actor Kent Reed, who still resides in Aspen and who also directs his company, the Hudson Reed Ensemble.
The new Hurst Theatre is the setting for the 30th Anniversary season, which opens with the Tony Award-winning epic musical LES MISERABLES on June 25th. The season also includes You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, based on the beloved comic strip "Peanuts," by Charles M. Schulz, (July 10th - Aug 18th) and the one-man comedy Fully Committed (July 5th - Aug 16th).

LES MISERABLES will be directed by Carbonell Award-winner Mark Martino. Multiple Emmy Award-winner Jay Sandrich will direct Fully Committed, by Becky Mode and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown will be directed by Artistic Director Paige Price, with choreography by Broadway veteran JoAnn M. Hunter.

Productions take place in the new Hurst Theatre in Rio Grande Park and will be underwritten by season sponsor ANB Bank, with the generous support of The City of Aspen, Darlynn and Tom Fellman, Jim and Brenda Grusecki, Charles and Nancy Wall, Mandy Gray and Randy Work, Dan and Maureen Holman, Betsy Fifield, Jackie and Jerry Kehle, Kristin Nelson, The Aspen Club and Spa and Les Dames d'Aspen.

For further information contact Theatre Aspen at 970-925-9313 x200. www.theatreaspen.org.