Almost Heaven

Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Director, Development & Marketing, Arts Mid-Hudson

One of my favorite aspects of the Hudson Valley are the little towns that fly under the radar but offer so much to explore. In Ulster County, Ellenville is one of those towns. With a rich 200 year old history, it provides visitors with beautiful architecture, delicious dining options and phenomenal entertainment. Shadowland Stages, was originally a vaudeville and moviehouse in the 1920s and since 1984 has been the home to an inspiring live theater that promotes the undeniable talent of our area while bringing works tied to big names, like Tom Hanks, to its patrons. Currently running through September 11, audiences can relish in the popular, Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver.

Throughout the 1970s, Denver was one of the top selling performers as well as a spirited activist for the environment and human rights. Almost Heaven celebrates Denver’s songbook and life featuring his well known songs, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and many more. The arrangements for this production are by Jeff Waxman and the original concept is by Harold Thau.

The songs are introduced through a background of stories of Denver’s life from the early 1960’s until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1997. Bringing Denver’s story to life is a cast of six talented performers, all a part of Actors Equity Association. Chris Blisset, who has worked in TV as well as Off-Broadway, is on triple duty as Director and Musical Director of the production as well as a performer. Blisset was previously in Ellenville when he directed and musically directed Woody Guthrie’s American Song as well as Ring of Fire. Carrie Lyn Brandon makes her debut at Shadowland Stages, and not only brings her glowing vocals to our area but also plays numerous instruments throughout the production. Also making their Shadowland Stages debuts are Victoria Chaieb, Patrick Dinnsen, John Fitzpatrick, and Amanda Ryan Paige.

Chaieb, a true quadruple threat (actor, singer, dancer and musician), is originally from Westchester County and has performed in venues including Carnegie Hall. Dinnsen, who’s musicianship has been greatly influenced by John Denver, hails from Indianapolis, Indiana. Fitzpatrick, who is an NYU graduate, teaches guitar and voice in his studio in Connecticut, and has received a Big Easy Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Play in New Orleans regional theater. Paige, who comes from a family of performers, is a graduate of The Hartt School where she studied musical theatre and improv.

This truly talented cast brings a heartfelt tribute to Denver’s legacy. This musical revue creates a uniquely theatrical narrative that commemorates, and chronicles his impact as entertainer, environmentalist, philanthropist, actor, and humanitarian.

If you go:
Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver.
157 Canal Street, Ellenville, NY 12428
Open through September 11, 2022
Every Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Box Office: (845) 647-5511
shadowlandstages.org