First News Spring 2001

Cover Story:
Live from La Veta - It's the Spanish Peaks Players!
 

        Recently, the all-new Spanish Peaks Players entertained audiences with seven sold out performances of the classic comedy Harvey. The creative force behind the newly-formed Players are Penny Leigh and Tony Tedaldi, new arrivals to La Veta from Miami Beach, Florida. Five years ago the couple purchased land on Majors Ranch with intentions of some day retiring and spending summers here. Besides the allure of the Spanish Peaks and the awesome views, they were drawn to La Veta's history of live theater. Penny, a professional actress, and Tony, who was involved with the Miami Film Festival, felt it would be exciting to some day participate in La Veta's local theater scene. Like many Colorado transplants, they became increasingly dissatisfied with the routine problems of big city life. "Don't get me wrong," says Penny. "Living on the ocean was wonderful, but the traffic, crowds, pollution and sweltering summer heat took its toll on us. Then, an opportunity came along for us to sell our condo and the time seemed right to move here."
        Born in Connecticut, Penny attended high school in Englewood, Colorado, later majored in Theater Arts at CU in Boulder, and was a runner-up in the Miss USA Pageant. A modeling career sent her to Chicago where she remained for 20 years, modeling, acting, traveling as a product narrator, marrying, and raising two children.
         Eight years ago, she left Illinois to pursue new film opportunities in South Beach. After appearing in numerous commercials, films, voice-overs, and constant auditioning, Penny began to contemplate a simpler life. Then she met Tony who was born in New York but moved to Coral Gables, Florida as a child. Eventually, Tony began a career in the auction business where the couple met since they shared a common passion for antiques and collectibles.
        Last August, after getting settled in, they were disappointed to discover the local theater group had folded. A newspaper notice brought them to a theater gathering in hopes of signing up for auditions and meeting other actors. Within an hour, Penny and Tony became president and vice president of the newly formed Spanish Peaks Players and were immediately responsible for their first production - Harvey. The play opened last March to sold out audiences, due to popular demand the show was held over for two additional performances. Penny points out that "auditions for upcoming productions are truly open to all interested parties for on-stage and back-stage duties. Just recently an 82-year-old woman approached me in the library to confess she'd always wanted to act on stage and could she please audition. Later, after a Sunday matinee performance, a charming 12-year old came up to me and said, "I want to be in your next play."
        They do, however, have a few rules. To be a member of the Spanish Peaks Players you are expected to be enthusiastic, learn your lines, or your technical support job, make a commitment to attend all rehearsals and scheduled events. And finally, realize the show must go on!
        It's all about creativity, ambition, commitment, and teamwork, but most importantly, have fun. The theater implicitly teaches many life skills, and oftentimes, can be a life-changing experience for both young and old. In the old west, story telling was a common form of entertainment and a good story was treasured. Today, we hope to continue that rich, enduring tradition. Come join us!