By Shayla Brinkerhoff
Headline: “Theater Family Shies Away From Spotlight!” An enigma, yes, but such describes the Litton family. Ron and Jo Ellen Litton became involved in the Outlaw Trail Theater in the early 90’s, their role growing as the theater took on progressively more ambitious performances. Since the year 1999, when Outlaw Trail presented its first Broadway show, the couple have been the engine underneath the hood of every production.
Their four children—Brian, Brooke, Brandt, and Brad—were destined to join the family endeavor. Ron explains, “Some people go boating, some people go hunting, some people play softball. Everybody has a hobby. This is what we’ve done for all these years…We felt like we could do it if we were involved as a family. It’s always been multiple members of the family, even up to every member of the family.” For the Littons, it was never a matter of standing out or receiving recognition. They were simply doing what they loved, with the people they loved.
When Ron produced
Oklahoma
in 2003, several of his children were cast as leads, as well as his granddaughter and son-in-law. Ron was hesitant. He did not want it to be “The Litton Show,” but their talent could not be denied. Each of the children developed additional backstage skills: Brooke, Brandt, and Brad lent support by learning sound, lighting, and program design. Brian has a long history of helping with the music and has been the musical director for every show since 2005, sometimes recording his own tracks and some years serving as general director as well.
As the Litton children became adults and moved away for periods of time, Ron and Jo Ellen became proficient at the various roles left vacant. “I can do everything except dance,” he says. When asked about his wife’s role, Ron falls silent and struggles to regain his composure. He simply says she is “just always there.” She “will do anything.” Jo Ellen embraces the family hobby and jestfully refers to the amphitheater as her “summer home.”
Ron is eager to point out the remarkable contributions of the many volunteers who make possible such large productions. Peruse the program for
Pirates of Penzance
, and you will find far more names in the Production Staff column than the Cast List. Many recent shows require just as many backstage contributors as actors.
Penzance
features a pirate crew with all the accoutrements of swords, boots, hats, etc.; a flock of gloved, lacey, bonnetted maidens; and a band of mustachioed police officers. It is staggering to consider the costume and makeup requirements of such ensembles, to say nothing of the props. Major General’s uniform, created by Trisha Sorenson, is a standout piece with medals, pocketwatch, sash, and epaulettes. Whether the accompanying facial hair is genuine or applied, it deserves its own ovation.
Outlaw Trail regulars will note some changes to the set this season. Jim Munford and his crew have masterfully transformed the stage into a pirate’s ship, a rocky seaside, and a grand estate, by turns. Because each scene takes place outdoors, the amphitheater lends further credibility to the set. Actors enter the arena from all directions, and pirates swing across the stage directly in front of the audience. It is an absolutely immersive experience.
Given the nearly 30 years that Ron and Jo Ellen Litton have been involved with the Outlaw Trail Theater, some might wonder if their recent productions lack freshness or innovation. And while
The Pirates of Penzance
harks from two centuries ago, it is anything but staid. Though the show won’t keep you up too late, I highly recommend a nap before you go. Maybe even an energy drink. I don’t know how the cast kept up the pace. I barely could.
Director Jen Curtis tells the performers every night, “If you’re not exhausted by the end of the show, you didn’t put enough energy into it.” The Pirate King (Joel Benedicto) infuses the show with larger-than-life pirate swagger. Like the similarly-styled Jack Sparrow, he carries a jocular vein throughout the play. Ruth (Andrea Wardle) arcs from a scorned woman of middle age to a lady pirate who gleefully controls her own destiny. (I’m probably not supposed to have a favorite character. She’s mine.) Earnest, idealistic Frederic (Mike Sorenson) plays a foil to his pirate master. The stamina required by his role is impressive; he scarcely leaves the stage from start to finish, singing all the way. Amy Lemon as Mabel again astounds with her voice, trilling operatically at a pitch almost beyond the human ear. Kenzy Anderson, Sergeant of the bobbies, leads his comically incompetent crew of cowards through a series of quivering drills. Major General (Jon Stearmer) presents as the oldest, frailest character, then delivers the show’s trademark song—“I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General”—an act of superhuman linguistic acrobatics. Between the staging and choreography of director Jen Curtis with Jera Haslem and Dakota Mecham, the cast remains in constant motion with flying swords, backflips, and fights. The entire performance is a test of endurance: vocally, mentally, and aerobically.
Pirates of Penzance
begins its second run July 1st, followed by performances July 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th. Gates open at 7:00 PM, and the show begins at 8:00.
Photo Credit: Ron Litton, Amy Lemon, Jon Stearmer, and production shots by Joie Madison Photography
http://www.outlawtrailtheater.com
