The Thingamajig Theater Company’s 2021 summer crown jewel is the return of Sylvia, the touching dog comedy about a dog and her new owner, a middle-aged man who brings her home to live in his New York City apartment . much to the chagrin of his wife.
To increase interest in “Sylvia”, the theater is holding a photo competition to find the perfect dog that best represents the character of the show’s star dog. “We’re looking for a photo that’s cute, hilarious, cheeky or heartbreaking, one that pulls the strings,” says Laura Moore, co-founder of the theater with her husband Tim. “Send us a picture of your beloved pooch by June 18th and you have the chance to win two free tickets to see ‘Sylvia’. In addition, the winning photo will be shown on the set of the piece. “
The winner of the dog photo competition will be chosen by the cast of “Sylvia”. Photos must be high resolution to be suitable for printing, meaning your smartphone should be set to the largest file size available. Email your entry to thingamajigbox@gmail.com by June 18th.
Rescue dog Blue is examining baby EllyAna Perez in a photo submitted to the Thingamajig Theater Company competition to find a dog that best represents the character of the charming canine comedy “Sylvia” on June 25th. Simon Fuger and Chris Pike are Blues family and EllyAna is the daughter of Stephanie and Domingo Perez, all from Pagosa Springs. EllyAna’s brother Estevan attended the Thingamajig children’s summer camp. Photo courtesy Chris Pike.
Returning by popular demand, “Sylvia” was the climax of Thingamajig’s first season in 2011, when Laura played the role of “Sylvia” to great acclaim. Now she will repeat the role – from Friday, June 25th to Sunday, August 29th – on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the theater. Tim, the theater’s producing artistic director, will lead the production. AR Gurney’s “Sylvia,” a multiple Drama Desk Award nominee, has been produced thousands of times on Broadway and in regional theaters. “And for good reason,” said Laura. “It’s comedy gold with a canine touch. I am very happy to play Sylvia again for our Pagosa audience. “
You can find out the dates and times of “Sylvia” and order tickets for the show on the theater’s website at pagosacenter.org or by calling 970-731-SHOW (7469). Tickets are $ 35.
Tickets for Dennis Elkins’ two one-man shows are also available in a limited special edition on Wednesday, July 7th and Friday, July 9th at 7pm. Tickets to the Elkins shows are $ 35 each, available at pagosacenter.org or by calling 970-731-SHOW (7469).
Thingamajig celebrates its 10th anniversary with this summer season. “We can’t think of a better way to commemorate this milestone than to reopen the theater with inspiring productions and entertaining events after the long COVID shutdown,” said Tim. Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic required Thingamajig – like theaters around the world – to go dark on March 15, 2020. This resulted in a 15 month closure of Pagosa’s prestigious local professional theater.
Elkins with special commitment
Dennis Elkins, one of Thingamajig’s most admired artists, will return to Pagosa to appear in the first two pieces of the autobiographical trilogy that he wrote, produced and performed as a one-man show.
The first is “box.” Which was originally performed in Pagosa to a standing ovation and rave reviews from the audience at the Thingamaigig Playwrights Festival in 2018. Among the reactions: “Brilliant.” “Deeply incisive.” “Alternately very funny and very sad.” “A special pleasure to see such a first-class spectacle in our little mountain town.” It focuses on the psychological tests in our lives that are connected with packing and unpacking boxes – literally and figuratively. We follow Elkins through key events in his adult life including his mother’s death, his son overdose, stepping out of the closet, and quitting science at Fort Lewis College. It’s a very moving and intimate performance, sometimes even comedic.
After the break, the audience is spoiled with “bag—”, the second part of Elkin’s personal trilogy. “Bag—” is based on Elkin’s trip to India in the winter of 2017 shortly before his 60th birthday. In this poignant travel and identity comedy, Elkins traverses India in buses, tuk-tuks, and taxis in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of life and the Middle Ages, and brings with him a three-part to-do list: Finding Someone’s Guidance and Wisdom appropriate mind, scatter some of his son’s ashes in a convenient place and see the Taj Mahal – not necessarily in that order. The story shows Elkins’ writing and acting skills, as well as his naive worldview, as he seeks to find his future through a culture so different from his own. His insightful storytelling offers astonishment and humor balanced against cynicism and fear of the “other” – and at the same time gives tips for travelers who change their own expectations of the changing world around us.
Two donation galas
Thingamajig’s annual fundraising galas have become a must on our community’s festive summer calendar due to exciting live performances and auctions for unique private follow-up events with the actors. This year’s Gala Concerts are getting even more special because there are two of them and they will bring back some of the most popular performers who have appeared at Thingamajig over the past decade.
The first gala concert on Saturday, July 31st, has the motto “The last 10 years”, during which the audience will be spoiled with the best numbers from previous Thingamajig musicals. The theme of the second on Thursday 5th August is “The Next 10 Years”, which features musical performances from some great Broadway shows that the Moors will hopefully produce in the future – “sort of off our wish-list or bucket list” how Tim Leg it.
Former season ticket holders were given the opportunity to purchase gala tickets for the first time, although only a very limited number is available as part of the season ticket package. To purchase this package, which also includes a ticket for “Sylvia” and other benefits, please call 970-731-SHOW (7469). They are not available on the theater’s website.
COVID guidelines in black box
All summer events take place in the black box of the theater in accordance with the applicable COVID health guidelines. The Moores remain flexible and maneuverable in terms of various seating configurations and other requirements in the face of the ever-changing COVID environment. The actors will not wear masks, but they will all be vaccinated.
The Thingamajig Theater Company is an award-winning, professional, non-profit 501 (c) (3) Theater in Residence at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. The talented actors, directors and designers come from the US and around the world to produce musicals, comedies and dramas all year round – provided that COVID allows it, of course.
