Telluride Theatre Presents “High History” On Demand Now Through 5/2!

30 Mar Telluride Theatre Presents “High History” On Demand Now Through 5/2!

Telluride Theatre presents “High History,” a collaboration with the Telluride Museum. The show is for ages 17+.

“This is a great show for anyone who loves Telluride. Learn about the town you love and get to know its history,” said Sasha Sullivan, artistic director, Telluride Theatre.

Tickets: one viewer on one device – $20; two viewers on one device – $35; three viewers or more on one device – $55. The show is for ages 17+ only. Tickets are available at www.telluridetheatre.org.

And/or donate here.

Go here for more about Telluride Theatre. Coverage dates back to 2009.

Telluride Theatre is offering audiences a chance to watch their new, original, virtual show, “High History,” on demand now through May 2, 2021.

In collaboration with the Telluride Historical Museum, “High History” breathes new, hilarious life into Telluride’s vibrant, rich past as characters Betty and Chrissy get high and are guided by a special ghost who takes them back in time to revisit Telluride’s history including its most notable, notorious, unusual and wacky characters.

“We hope that ‘High History’ will allow audiences to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for Telluride’s rich history,” said Kiernan Lannon, executive director, Telluride Historical Museum. “Whether the audience ends up being folks who have some understanding of Telluride’s heritage or people who are new to these stories, or likely some mixture of both, we hope that the show will inspire people to learn more about the stories, characters and events of the past that have helped make us who we are today.”

The show features characters and influencers such as Lon Remine, LL Nunn, Alice Elliot, Big Billie and Franny Patricio.

“There are so many amazing characters throughout the years who have lived in Telluride,” said Sasha Sullivan, director for the show. “For this show we have a few special ones we feature. We have a few fun, made-up ones as well.”

Taking a trip back in time and writing a history-based show was both challenging, fun and enlightening, Sullivan explained.

“Colin and I have had so much fun writing and creating. Writing a history play is really hard because we have to keep going back to the books to fact check; 95% of what is in the play is historically accurate!”

Telluride Historical Museum has helped immensely to fact check the information and stories depicted in the show.

“We have absolutely loved collaborating on this show,” Lannon shared. “The Museum has always been committed to bringing Telluride’s history to life and what better way to do that than by helping out with a show that will almost literally do just that? We’re excited that folks will be able to experience the town’s history in this way.”

This isn’t the first play the Sullivans have written about Telluride’s vast history.

“In 2010, Colin and I wrote a history play in collaboration with the Telluride Historical Museum called ‘Inaccurate Reenactments.’ We read over 10 books, did a ton of research and just immersed ourselves in it over the course of a year,” Sullivan explained. “I became obsessed!

Sasha and Colin Sullivan have also written “Cops, Crimes and Criminals” and “Women in their Words,” both for the Telluride Historical Museum.

“The people who have lived here over the years have made Telluride what it is and it has always fascinated me,” Sullivan shared. “There is so much depth and character and story in this valley.”

This is the second virtual show written, filmed and produced by Telluride Theatre to help keep theatre, entertainment and genuine human connection alive during COVID-19.

“Filming has been a blast,” Sullivan said. “Our car is a mobile production unit filled with props, costumes and set stuff. And I get to work with one of my dearest friends in the world, Alexei Kaleina, who is Telluride Theatre’s resident filmmaker.”

Throughout the pandemic, Telluride Theatre has stood strong and continued to make art and bring shows to audiences in any way possible.

“As a small non-profit, we had a choice when COVID-19 hit; we could either roll over, give up and stop working, or we could innovate and continue,” Sullivan said. “We chose resilience and perseverance. We chose to show up and fight on and to create work. This has been the most challenging year of my professional career, but we know it is so important to create for our community and with our community. Our artists want to work, and it has helped all of us have a glimmer of hope, stay connected and provide some joy.”

“We’ve admired the work Sasha and Colin have done with Telluride Theatre; they’ve added so much to the culture of the community,” said Lannon. “How can you be anything less than thrilled to work with an organization you’ve admired for so long who are also interested in helping carry out your mission in the community in an incredibly creative way? The fact that we have helped in our small way bring their creative vision to reality. We just couldn’t be happier.”

In addition to buying tickets, audiences and Telluride residents can show their support by donating or becoming a Telluride Theatre member.

“Become a member. Or donating even $20 will help us survive and thrive beyond the pandemic,” Sullivan said. “We are always looking for new, great volunteers to get involved. And if you have anything to donate to our Gala auction (that’s my next big job) that is always a great way to give.”