OpenStage Theatre & Company is thrilled to present The Minutes, opening this Saturday at The Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre in Fort Collins. This fast-paced and darkly comedic play by Tracy Letts explores the inner workings of a small-town city council meeting, uncovering long-held secrets and the true cost of democracy. OpenStage is proud to introduce the outstanding cast bringing this riveting story to life.
Jozeph Mykaels (Mr. Peel) – A native of Denver, Jozeph studied theatre at William Carey University. His recent credits include JQA with BETC, Memphis, Raisin, The Prom, and Cannibal: The Musical at Town Hall Arts Center. He most recently appeared as Leland in Blues for an Alabama Sky at Firehouse Theater. This production marks his OpenStage debut.
Christopher Gausselin (Mayor Superba) – Originally from Chicago, Christopher trained at The National Theatre School of Ireland and the University of Illinois at Chicago. His stage credits include Anna Karenina, Hedda Gabler, and Othello, with performances in Dublin and Chicago, as well as numerous film and television projects. The Minutes is his Colorado debut.
Brenna Freestone-Gilbert (Ms. Johnson) – A Fort Collins native, Brenna has an extensive history with OpenStage as both an actor and director, with past directing credits including Boy Gets Girl, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Bug, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Her acting credits include The Book of Liz, An Ideal Husband, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and Noises Off, as well as productions at Bas Bleu Theatre.
Jysten Atom (Mr. Blake) – Jysten is an alum of Kent State University’s Musical Theatre program and has worked with companies such as Hangar Theatre Lab and Gorilla Tango Theatre. Their recent performances include Blues for an Alabama Sky (Firehouse Theatre), Scrooge in Rouge (Wheat Ridge Theatre), and The Little Mermaid (Miners Alley Playhouse). They are also a songwriter and game designer. The Minutes marks their OpenStage debut.
Andrew Cole (Mr. Breeding/Fight Captain) – Andrew has been with OpenStage since 2012 and received the Shela Jennings Award for Theatre Excellence in 2021. His past performances include Cool Hand Luke and many other OpenStage productions.
Dan Tschirhart (Mr. Hanratty) – A graduate of Colorado State University, Dan has been a frequent performer with OpenStage, earning a Colorado Theatre Guild Henry Award nomination for The Flick. His credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Avenue Q, Spamalot, Romeo and Juliet, and Stage Kiss, as well as performances with Bas Bleu Theatre.
Steven P. Sickles (Mr. Assalone) – Since his OpenStage debut in Communicating Doors (2003), Steven has received the Colorado Theatre Guild Outstanding Actor Award and two OpenStage OPUS Awards. Notable roles include Sherwood, Much Ado About Nothing, La Bête, The Three Musketeers, and The Christians.
Louise Thornton (Ms. Innes) – Louise has played a wide range of roles, from Native Gardens and Cabaret to Oklahoma and South Pacific. She adapted and directed Requiem for a Heavyweight for her master’s degree at CSU.
Molly McGuire (Ms. Matz) – Molly first performed with OpenStage in 2004 and has since appeared in The Servant of Two Masters, Stage Kiss, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Much Ado About Nothing, and Sense and Sensibility.
David Siever (Mr. Oldfield) – David’s past OpenStage credits include Cabaret, The Foreigner, Noises Off, Harvey, and The Fantasticks. He has also performed extensively with Bas Bleu Theatre and worked as director of The Lincoln Center from 1979 to 2003.
Shannon Parr (Mr. Carp) – Shannon has over 20 years of experience in Chicago theatre, including productions at Goodman Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, and Oak Park Festival Theatre. His film and television credits include Mercury Rising, Chi-Girl, and Chicago Med. He was last seen with OpenStage in August: Osage County.
Don’t miss this gripping and thought-provoking production! The Minutes plays March 22 through April 19. All performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday start at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinee performances start at 2:00 pm. Visit openstage.com/minutes for a complete list of performances, including a free student/educator performance (March 21), a pay-what-you-can performance (March 27), and FAB Friday (March 28), which includes a free beer compliments of Odell Brewing Company.
Tickets for The Minutes are $15-$39. Tickets are available online at openstage.com/minutes or by calling The Lincoln Center Box Office at 970.221.6730. The box office is open 1pm–6 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
CONTENT WARNING: Adult language. Adult Themes. Questions or concerns about content? Contact OpenStage at 970-567-7387
OpenStage’s Red Carpet Sponsors are KRFC 88.9 FM, Odell Brewing Co, and Warren & Zoann Little Dusenbury Charitable Trust. Season Sponsors are Avogadro’s Number, John & Anne Blair, FoCo Food Trucks, LPG Financial Advisors, Mike & Marsha Marberry, Organic Alternatives, and Ken & Carol Severson. The Producing Sponsor for The Minutes is Nerdy Mind and Steve Finnestead Photography. The Supporting Sponsor for The Minutes is Steve Vertucci Law. Grant support is provided by Downtown Development Authority, City of Fort Collins Fort Fund, Art Works, Colorado Creative Industries, OTTERCARES Dollars for Doers Grant Recipient, and AWE Fund. Free Student/Educator performances are made possible thanks to the Thornton Charitable Foundation.