Henry Strater Theatre Manager Sophie Hoyt Parrott

The Diamond Circle had housed the Melodrama since 1961, when Earl and Jentra Barker transformed an old garage into a theater that would complement their adjoining Victorian themed hotel. Though the theater is notably “tired,” Parrott’s fresh, perspective and energetic attitude promises to be the impetus behind not only a new life for the venue, but also a bit of a different direction.

“Once I get into my rhythm, I want to make this a locals’ venue,” said Parrott, acknowledging that the summer will still be geared predominantly for tourists. “It’s such a beautiful venue, imagine seeing one of our great local bands there. I think there’s still a void when catering to locals – some place to hang out rather than only the bars.”

Sophie Hoyt Parrott has been performing professionally since age 4. A graduate of West Kent College, England, with a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, she was then accepted at the Sir Paul McCartney and HRH Queen Elizabeth II, world renowned Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. There she majored in acting, though a significant portion of her degree included directing, dance, voice, singing, design and management. In addition to her degree, she received a Liverpool Institute Actors Recognition award.

Parrott came to Durango via Hollywood where she had, looking to take better care of actors, been a casting director and assistant producer for companies including National Geographic, Discovery, Fox and MTV. Meeting and ultimately marrying sculptor Preston Parrott brought her to town. The community got a glimpse of her personality when she shared the stage with Kriss Larsen emceeing the 2007 Spotlight to Stardom at the Community Concert Hall, and she was in charge of feature films for the 2008 Durango Independent Film Festival. She also works with performers young and seasoned through her consulting practice, Acting Professional.

Parrott started on the job at the Henry Strater Theatre on March 17, and though Barker had laid the groundwork for many changes at the venue, Parrott has a full plate as she looks toward coordinating the summer season. A new logo will be completed soon, with advertising materials, web site and awning on Main Ave. to follow shortly.

“We’re remodeling a little bit inside,” said Parrott, referencing new carpet and paint – maintaining the reds and golds consistent with the Strater’s overall theme. “I’ve already got a brand new sound system coming in, including a new sound board, because the sound in there has been rubbish over the past few years. Doug Eagle, of Eagle Sound, has come in and advised us on things we can do.”

Backstage, the men’s and women’s dressing rooms have been repainted and await further upgrades – all with an eye for attracting high caliber performers. The theater will continue to offer cabaret seating for approximately 200, and include the refreshment bar in the rear.

Going into the summer season, the featured show will be the off-Broadway hit musical “Forever Plaid,” directed by local favorite Mona Wood-Patterson. Billed “A Heavenly Musical Hit,” “Forever Plaid” is the story of four young men – a vocal group in the same vein as The Four Freshman – who are killed in an automobile accident, and then through a chain of bizarre events, are given one last opportunity to perform. The production is lauded as an entertaining musical mix of ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n' roll, popular show and dance tunes, blended with witty comedy.

Bob Harrington of the New York Post declared the show "Screamingly funny. Entirely enchanting, utterly entertaining, awesome! You won't find a more hilarious and captivating show either on or off-Broadway. 'Forever Plaid' will put a smile on your face, a hum in your throat and a tap to your feet. It should go on forever."

“That’s going to be really great,” said Parrott. “We’re going to go all out. In addition to it being a great show, Mona has her own following.”

Wood-Patterson oversees the theater program at Durango High School, and continues to bring critically-acclaimed shows to the DHS stage. A favorite with students and parents – and revered by reputation throughout Durango – Wood-Patterson has been honored as local teacher of the year on several occasions, with the DHS drama program named one of four outstanding high school theatres in the country in 1995 by the International Thespian Society.

“I’m so excited to finally work with her,” said Parrott, who, through her consulting practice has coached some of Wood-Patterson’s students. “We had been trying to figure out how we could work together, and this is perfect.”         

Though the specific dates have not been firmed up, Parrott anticipates “Forever Plaid” to run essentially from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday through Sunday. And while, the musical will be the evening show, “magic” will fill the theater’s stage as the Henry Strater Theater offers a matinee performance geared to Durango’s visiting families.

“We’re working on that right now. Kids will love it,” said Parrott.

Additional shows already in the proverbial hopper but awaiting final scheduling, include Daryl Kuntz, patriarch of the very talented performing family that regularly sells out a popular annual Christmas show, and nationally renowned ragtime pianist Johnny Maddox.

"People have already been phoning up and scheduling their trips (to Durango) based on when Johnny Maddox is going to be here,” said Parrott. “Which is pretty cool.”

Parrott is also looking ahead to a Cowboy Poetry night that would include an entertaining history lesson with song and poetry, and held in conjunction with the annual Cowboy Gathering.

“A lot of people, including me,” said Parrott, who was born and raised in England, “don’t know a lot about the real history here. Everything from the farmers, the railroad workers, miners. With workers like that comes song and poetry.”

Realizing that Durango always loves a good party, Parrott looks forward to hosting a grand opening for the theater in the coming months. Locally, the buzz is already circulating, with the Henry Strater Theatre blessed with a nickname that just may stick (at least with locals): “The Hank.”

Though final plans at the Henry Strater Theatre, or The Hank, continue to be fluid, details are finalized daily. The soon to be live web site, www.henrystratertheatre.com will offer news and ticket sale information, and Parrott urges folks to stay tuned.

“I really want to make it a happy theater now,” said Parrott. “It had lost its sparkle. It’s tired, and I want to get it back to its original vibrancy.”

indiana@durangodowntown.com

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