The Road to Lethe
By Jeffrey Neuman
Directed by Benchmark Theatre Guest Director Betty Hart
April 26 - May 18, 2024
Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with additional Sunday
matinees at 2pm.
Industry Night Performance - Monday, May 6th at 8pm
(No performance on Friday, May 3rd due to the First Friday art celebration along the 40West corridor.)
Three white women. A black man. An unexpected package that holds a
blessing, a curse, or the ghost of something in between.
The Road to Lethe is a theatrical retelling of “The Judgement of Paris,” also known as “The Golden Apple,” one of the most infamous stories of Greek mythology in which petty rivalry between three goddesses—Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—leads to an unprecedented path of human destruction. In this full-length dramatic interpretation of the story, a black handyman is hired by three aging white women after they receive a mysterious parcel from Amazon, a package to which they all lay claim. The play explores issues of systemic racism and white saviorism through a slightly distorted funhouse mirror of Greek mythology.
*****This play contains adult content including gunshots, themes of death and racial violence. Strobe lighting effects occur in the performance. No children under the age of 13 will be permitted without a parent or guardian.*****
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: Benchmark Theatre is an ADA-compliant facility. We have a ramp to our front door however it can be difficult to open the front door without assistance. Please contact us at info@benchmarktheatre.com to let us know how we may be of assistance for your visit and we will be sure to have our friendly box office staff available to assist or answer any questions you may have.
The Road to lethe
By Jeffrey Neuman
CAST
Kal: Arthur McFarlane III
Arthur is a versatile and passionate actor with a deep love for the art of theater, content creation and Film. With a diverse background in both classical and contemporary theater, he brings a unique blend of talent, dedication, and creativity to every role. Arthur discovered his passion for acting at a young age and pursued it through college. Although he has honed his skills through various genres, mediums and platforms, he has always loved theater and the rich artistry it holds. Even after a 10 year hiatus from the stage. Equipped with a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and a deep understanding of storytelling, Arthur is always eager to take on new challenges and explore different facets of the theatrical world. Whether it's portraying complex characters, tackling ambitious productions, or engaging in experimental theater, he is dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries and creating memorable experiences for audiences. With a passion for storytelling, a commitment to excellence, and a love for the stage, Arthur is honored to take on the role of Kal in The Road to Lethe.
P: eden origin
eden origin (She/He) is a Henry and BroadwayWorld Denver nominee for her performances as the Emcee in Cabaret and Benny in In The Heights at Vintage Theatre, as well as Millie in the CO Premiere of Toni Stone at the Aurora Fox! eden shares her gratitude for her family and ancestors, and is incredibly excited to bring you this phenomenal, brand new story, that rings ever so familiar everywhere we look. Asé! @afro_eden
Clovis: Jennifer Condreay
Jennifer is thrilled to join this capable cast under Betty Hart’s direction in Jeffrey Neuman’s captivating play for her debut performance at The Benchmark. Jennifer spent a career as a high school theatre director in Cherry Creek and enjoys watching her former students thrive in professional theatres all over the country. Her recent performances include Polly in Other Desert Cities, Kate in All My Sons, Sister Aloysius in Doubt, Natalie in Rabbit Hole, Nancy in Seascape, Madeline in The Women of Locherbie, and Mother Superior in Agnes of God. You might see Jennifer on television or in catalogs for Viking Cruise advertisements!
June: Barbara Porreca
Barbara Porrea is pleased to be back at Benchmark. Recent roles include Martha in Stonewall for Benchmark, Hannah in Spitfire Grill with Phamaly, Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret in Evergreen and Longmont, Jeanette in The Fully Monty and Sister Mary Martin in Sister Act, both in Parker, Frau Brucher in Young Frankenstein at Vintage Theatre. She performs her one woman show, A Conversation With Gracie Horton, nationally. Other roles she has enjoyed playing include Martha in Virginia Woolf, Ouiser and Clariee in Steel Magnolias, Mother Superior in Nunsense and Miss Hannigan in Annie. Over her 50+ years in theatre she has produced, directed, designed lights and sound and has taken a production of Crimes of the Heart to Waterford, Ireland and looks to the future for her next role.
Millie: Christine Kahane
Christine’s Denver credits include for Benchmark Theatre: Abby – A Great Wilderness. For Vintage Theatre: Robyn – The Roommate, Frau Blucher – Young Frankenstein (2021 Marlowe Award – Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), Melissa – Love Letters, Miss Bates – Emma, The Language Teacher – The Language Archive, Miss Shingle – A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. For Firehouse Theater: Annie – Calendar Girls. For Ovation West: Rosie Brice - Funny Girl, Mrs. Wilkinson – Billy Elliot, Mrs. Pearce – My Fair Lady (2018 Broadway World -Best Colorado Debut). Regional theatre credits include Mrs. Saunders/Betty - Cloud Nine, Joyce - And A Nightingale Sang, Arizona Theatre Company, Kate – The Taming of The Shrew, Regan – King Lear, New York Renaissance Festival, An Evening of One Acts, McCarter Theatre. Denver directing credits: Shakespeare in Love and Eleanor—Vintage Theatre, Company – Ovation West. Awards: Irene Ryan National Winner – Best Scene Partner, Best Director – Brigham Young University, National Academy of Arts & Letters—National Finalist.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director - Betty Hart
Scenic Design - Tina Anderson
Light Design - Neil Truglio
Costume Design - Susan Rahsmdorff-Terry
Sound Design - Marc Stith
Prop Design - Colby Bleicher & Haley Johnson
Jeffrey Neuman (Playwright):
Jeffrey Neuman is an award-winning playwright whose work has been performed at theaters, festivals, and universities across the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. His plays have been produced and/or developed by Emerging Artists, Denver Center Theatre Company, LaMaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Kennedy Center, National Public Radio, Stage Left, FUSION Theatre Company, Edinburgh Fringe, and the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Festival, among many others. He is a Woodward/Newman Award Finalist (2022), O'Neill Finalist (2021), Heideman Award Finalist (2012), cofounder of Colorado’s Rough Draught Playwrights, and Colorado’s Regional Ambassador for the Dramatists Guild of America. Jeffrey is also the host and creative director of The Denver Post’s esteemed Pen & Podium literary series and a three-time True West Award winner. His play, What You Will, was produced as a world premiere production at Benchmark Theatre in 2018. www.theaterbyjeff.com.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Stage Management - Ashleigh Davis
Lead Carpenter - Jeff Jesmer
Scenic Builders - Marc Stith & Neil Truglio
Charge Artist - Megan Davis
Rehearsal Photography - Johnathan Underwood
Production Photography - McLeod9 Creative
Producer & Front of House Management - Haley Johnson
Front of House Volunteers - Carol Bloom, Dante Finley, Alicia & Tim Horn, Heidi Markley, Pat Salas and Lee Ann Scherlong
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
April Alsup, Rachel Clark
Haley Johnson & Gloria Shanstrom
BENCHMARK EXECUTIVE TEAM
Executive Director - Haley Johnson
Artistic Director - Neil Truglio
Strategic & Marketing Director - Marc Stith
SPECIAL THANKS
40West Arts, And Toto Too Theatre Company, Aurora Fox, The E Project Board of Directors, Feldman Mortuary, Firehouse Theater Company, Kent Denver, Lakewood BID, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, Vintage Theatre; Beck, Brit & Chantelle, Carol Bloom, Dante Finley, Helen Hand, John Hauser, Alicia & Tim Horn, Jack Johnson, Madison Kuebler, Susan Lyles, Marcus & Mason, Bill Marino, Heidi Markley, Caleb O’Brien, Rory Pierce, Joseph & Mary Pirozzoli, Pat Salas, Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, Phillip Sauers, Biz Schaugaard, Jonathan Scott-McKean, Becky Toma and Glenn & Kathy Truglio