WESTON, Vt. – Weston Theater Company takes audiences on a nostalgic and heartfelt journey in “Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America,” playing at Weston’s Walker Farm venue, from June 11 – July 6.
Echoing from the Rocky Mountain highs to the Green Mountains of Vermont, John Denver’s timeless music celebrates nature, love, and the story of America’s communal spirit. From “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” to “Annie’s Song,” to “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” this uplifting story of Denver’s life and art brings his iconic music to life with heart and harmony, in a celebration of the melodies that inspire us to dream of new roads and new destinations.
Weston’s production of this tribute to heart and home is directed and musically staged by Sherry Stregack-Lutken. Stregack-Lutken was last in Weston for her direction and coauthorship of the 2024 production of “The Porch on Windy Hill,” a new work, which received the Critics’ Circle Best New Play and Best Director nominations. Her off-Broadway credits include “The Bourgeois Gentleman”, “The Million Dollar Quartet,” and “Lost Highway,” among many others.
Says Lutken, “‘Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America’ is a collection of music and memories through the eyes and the heart of one of the world’s most popular singer-songwriters. An activist, an advocate, a romantic, and an undeniable talent, he lived his life in a major key, brimming with love for the natural world and hope for the future.”
The show introduces Jack Gerhard – the actor-musician playing John Denver – to the Weston Stage. His past credits include the National Tour and Maltz Jupiter production of “Once,” The Rev’s “Almost Heaven,” and a body of original music that can be found across streaming platforms. He is joined by an immensely talented ensemble of actor-musicians: Tora Alexander, Katy Cotten, Margaret Dudasik, David Finch, Maggie Hollinbeck, David M. Lutken, Ana Marcu, Morgan Morse, and Kris Saint-Louis.
On the creative team, Morse and Lutken double as the music director and music supervisor. They are joined by scenic designer Luke Cantarella, costume designer Aidan Griffiths, lighting designer Kenton Yeager, projection designer Joe Payne, and sound designer Sun Hee Kil.
Discounts are available for Vermont residents. Tickets are available online at www.westontheater.org, and by calling the Weston box office at 802-824-5288.
Following “Almost Heaven,” board the flap-tastic musical ride in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus,” enjoy summertime holiday festivities in Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” straddle identities and borders in “A Distinct Society,” and laugh along to a modern twist on Shakespeare in “The Twelfth Night Show.”