Correction: We had the wrong Tarot Kiki listed, in fact they are Gabrielle Bailes.
Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) will host its annual New Year fundraising gala on Friday, Dec. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 30. Titled “House of Venus,” this immersive and interactive experience, directed by Carbondale Arts legend and TRTC board president Amy Kimberly, will feature mind-bending illusions, fortune telling, burlesque performances, aerial silks, spoken word and so much more. Additionally, the name is an ode to the divine feminine spirit that can be found in the programming cultivated by TRTC.
Originally called “House of Voodoo,” the name was changed due to TRTC not wanting to misrepresent the real-life religion. In a statement provided to The Sopris Sun by Artistic Director Missy Moore she explains, “[TRTC] strives to create and honor authentic voices in our programming, and as we have been developing our end-of-the-year show from the ground up with a variety of freelance artists and incredible minds, we came to realize that we were not holding that ideology at the forefront of our creative decisions. Voodoo is, in fact, a very real religion with very real practitioners, and it would be uncouth for TRTC to attempt to fully realize this world without that authentic voice in the room.”
Venus, the alternate namesake, refers to a goddess of love, sex, fertility and prosperity in Roman mythology, representing elements that are central in the world of theater.
“My love of immersive theater has shown throughout the years,” Kimberly told The Sopris Sun. “Since I ‘rewired’ [leaving Carbondale Arts] last year, I have had time to do something like this,” she continued. “I see the importance of this theater and want to help create something to bring in new audiences to learn about what’s happening here and to experience something great. Also, to hopefully raise a little money for the theater to keep this great thing going.”
In addition to Stacey Everson and Carrie Vickers of Mt. Cirque bringing their aerial silks skills to the stage, acclaimed magician Professor Phelyx will be joined by burlesque artist Allison Gale, local drag queen Thelma Thunderthighs and fortune teller Tarot Kiki (Gabrielle Bailes) Kiki Dombrowski. Performer Nina Gabianelli will emcee as “The Madame.”
“We’re going to have a myriad of artists that are bringing forth their own brilliant talent,” Moore confirmed.
According to TRTC Executive Director Sean Jeffries, the seed for this gala was planted in 2020. During fundraising at the height of COVID-19, a collection of videos from performers was streamed, including from Mt. Cirque (Sopris Soarers).
Traditionally, the gala consisted of cabaret performances. Although these have always been a hit with TRTC’s audiences, Moore and Jeffries relayed that the annual gala is one of many things at TRTC being reimagined through a more collaborative lens.
“Sean and I started discussing what would happen if we started activating other not-for-profit art experiences and bringing them together in one place,” Moore explained. “Ultimately, we have the space for that, we have the black box. The lobby is going to be transformed, and the promenade is going to be activated. It’s going to be full-scale.”
Kimberly said that she and TRTC are working to ensure they honor and recognize the collaborative efforts of all performers involved.
“The scope of the evening will be filled with joy, sexiness, laughter and empowerment,” Kimberly teased. “It is collaborative, and part of the magic and fun of creating something like this is seeing everybody come back together. My job is to create this connecting theme and feel through the night.”
Another topic that the theater hopes to emphasize is learning from past wisdom. TRTC will highlight its historic accomplishments during the gala in order to put its best foot forward in 2024.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve been producing here at TRTC for the past couple of years,” Jeffries stated. “I want to continue that trajectory, because I think the town deserves it. They crave and support it, because we’re a reflection of the arts that the town wants to see. Continuing to show up for the community, challenging them and giving them new lenses to see the world, [that] is our goal.”
“House of Venus” is intended for mature audiences. Tickets are on sale starting at $50 for general admission, $75 for premium and $400 for a table of four (including a bottle of champagne and other sweet treats). To purchase tickets, visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com