Aspen Community Theatre Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Concert

The Aspen District Theatre is about to fill up. Not with the usual summer crowd waiting for a play, but for a single night of musical nostalgia. On May 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the venue hosts the Aspen Community Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Concert, “Our Favorite Things.” It’s a one-night-only event, a snapshot of half a century of local talent, and frankly, a rare chance to see the community’s cultural backbone in action.

Since 1975, Aspen Community Theatre has produced more than 74 shows. That’s not just a number; it’s evidence of consistent effort in a town where keeping the lights on can be its own production challenge. The organization claims this history has gathered attendees from across the Roaring Fork Valley through the “transformative power of live theatre.” Let’s translate that: people from Glenwood Springs to Basita have been buying tickets, eating popcorn, and pretending they can hit the high notes.

The concert isn’t just a reunion; it’s a “love letter” to the community, according to the press release. It’s also a way to show that this theater isn’t an exclusive club for the wealthy elite. It’s for everyone.

“We are excited to bring our community together to celebrate 50 years of Aspen Community Theatre,” said board president Christy Garfield.

The sentiment is echoed by performer Nina Gabianelli, who joined the ranks in 2000. She notes that the appeal lies in the mix of backgrounds. You’re performing alongside professional musicians, dental hygienists, real estate agents, and mechanics. They aren’t just cast members; they’re the folks you see at the grocery store or on the highway.

“It’s people you see throughout the week and the years,” Gabianelli said. “That’s the cool part of it — that it truly is everybody in the community. It’s not just performers. It’s not elite. It’s not exclusive.”

That inclusivity is the point. The program features a lineup that spans generations. You’ve got Gerald Delisser singing “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Spamalot, and Jeff Schlepp tackling “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific. There’s a memorial section for those no longer here, honoring the legacy. And yes, there’s a special appearance by Aspen native Tammie Baar, who was in the original 1975 production of Wizard of Oz. That’s a 50-year span in a single spotlight.

Musical Director Bob Finnie has assembled a “wonderful live band” to back them up. The talent list includes Jeannie Walla, Jennifer Austin Hughes, Julia Whalen, Katrina Klawiter, Mike Monroney, Nikki Boxer, Travis Lane McDiffett, and others. Plus, a handful of local high school students are involved, ensuring the pipeline remains open.

If you miss the concert, there’s a follow-up. From 2 to 4 p.m. on May 31, there’s a special gathering at Home Team BBQ. It’s exclusively for past cast members, crew, and the ACT family. It’s a chance to reconnect, likely over barbecue and beer, away from the stage lights.

The bottom line? This is a celebration of stability in a volatile market. While housing prices fluctuate and tourism peaks and valleys shift, the ACT has persisted for five decades. It’s a reminder that culture here isn’t just a luxury; it’s a shared infrastructure. Tickets are on sale now. If you want to see who’s really running the show in Aspen, buy a ticket.