Reading: The Heartbeat of the Sun
A reading of a new play by Melissa Lucero McCarl
Bea and Althea are professional actors who met early in their careers and remain steadfast friends for 50 years. Now in their 80s, they are making good on a promise to spend their twilight years together at the Casa Verdi Home for Retired Artists using wit and humor to adjust to senior living. The play pulls back the curtain on the hardships, absurdities, and glories of being a performing artist and celebrates the act of bearing witness to each other’s lives. Starring Billie McBride and Anne Oberbroeckling.
Co-presented by CCT and the Mizel Arts & Culture Center
All proceeds benefit the Denver Actors Fund
The Denver Actors Fund is a source of immediate assistance when members of the Colorado theater community find themselves in situational medical need. The Denver Actors Fund offers both financial and practical volunteer assistance.

When I found out what I was going to need, I began saving money wherever I could, but I knew I was in for a very expensive procedure. Then COVID hit, my work dried up – and along came The Denver Actors Fund and Dr. Brian Kelly. I paid for the surgery, but the next part was taken care of by The DAF. I will be eternally grateful to Dr. Kelly and The Denver Actors Fund.
Billie McBride Denver Actors Fund beneficiary

Melissa Lucero McCarl
Playwright (2022)
Painted Bread, Melissa’s full-length play about the life of Frida Kahlo, was voted “Best New Play” by The Denver Post. She was commissioned by the Jewish Community Center to write…

Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski
Director
Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski’s on-going collaboration with Melissa Lucero McCarl and her works is the most current of his work within the fields of dramaturgy and direction. He is delighted (and humbled)…

Troy Lakey
Troy started his career as a high school drama teacher and is now in corporate learning and development. He always keeps theater in his life. He is currently performing as…

Billie McBride
Althea
Billie McBride spent 20 years in NYC prior to moving to Colorado doing theatre and Television. Her NY stage credits include Torch Song Trilogy (Helen Hayes), Safe Sex (Lyceum) and…

Anne Oberbroeckling
Bea
What a lovely way to return to the Cherry Creek stage: with a reading of this beautiful play by Melissa McCarl! Previously, I have had the opportunity to perform in…

Jessica Robblee
Jessica Robblee is very happy whenever she can work with this group of humans. Her credits include: Sylvia, The Moors, Electric Baby, and Drowning Girls (Arvada Center Black Box); Midsummer…

Ryan Omar Stack
Ryan Omar Stack is returning to Cherry Creek Theatre after last performing as Dr. Rosen in Jest A Second! Ryan is currently performing in The Queen’s Ball, A Bridgerton Experience…

Maggy Stacy
Maggy Stacy is a Henry Award-winning* actor who started onstage in a high school improvisation troupe and continued training Chicago at the Theatre Conservatory of Roosevelt University and Act One…