CREEDE — Each year is a unique and inventive season for the Creede Repertory Theatre and this year, the organization is looking to rediscover what CRT is, what it means to the community and what it can be for anyone who has not discovered the theatrical company that sits above 8,000 feet of elevation.

Interim Artistic Director Kate Berry recently spoke with the Mineral County Miner about what the coming 59^th season at CRT will look like and what the theatre is hoping to share with theatregoers from all over the world.

“We are excited about the coming season. It will be a season of discovery, rediscovery and every play has that element of discovery. We are celebrating 50 years of Christy Brandt who has been an integral part of CRT, and we are really happy to celebrate her,” said Berry.

To kick the 59^th season at CRT off, the first production comes to the stage through a playful and innovative take on a classic character. Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is exactly what is great about CRT. Directed by Christy Montour Larson, this play is sure to captivate audiences and add that mysterious flare that CRT has become known for. This play opens May 25 and runs through Sept. 14.

“Mystery and mayhem…From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (“Sherwood”; “Dear Jack, Dear Louise”), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyone’s favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as five actors deftly portray more than 40 characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Get your deerstalker cap on — the play’s afoot!”

Next up is another well-known production that is sure to bring tears of laughter to anyone who sees it. Beginning on June 8 and running through Aug. 31 Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” hits the stage ready to make audiences laugh all summer long.

Directed by Amanda Berg Wilson with music and lyrics by Brooks and based on the book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, “A monstrously hilarious musical…The grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen') inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of his sidekick, Igor (pronounced ‘Eye-gore’), and sultry lab assistant, Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. Young Frankenstein has all of the panache of the classic film from Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks with a dose of theatrical flair, so you’ll be ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and having a monstrously good time!​”

The fun doesn’t stop there. Opening on June 28 and running through Sept. 8, this classic play offers the perfect setting for some intricate costume designs. Set in the Victorian Era, Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” will capture the creative essence of CRT and show off the artistic talent that comes to the stage every year.

Directed by Berry and starring Brandt and Annie Butler, this production will bring audiences through time. “A classic comedy of manners…The most renowned of Oscar Wilde’s comedies tells the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of Gwendolyn and Cecily, two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise, and misadventure. This classic comedy of manners pokes fun at Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved characters to be found on the modern stage. Our production features Christy Brandt as Lady Bracknell and Annie Butler as Miss Prism.”

Finally, the season rounds out with a play set in the San Luis Valley. “Prima's Guide to Funerals” by Leonard Madrid will run from July 12 through Sept. 14. This play is directed by Yesenia García Herrington, and this will be the play’s world premiere set in the San Luis Valley. The production will also be hitting the road and will be performed at the San Luis Valley Federal Bank Theatre at Adams State University for three performances in September.

“A comedy in one funeral…Three cousins (primas), an urn, and one really long day. It’s the day of her mother’s funeral and Arcie is losing her grip. But her cousins Nando and Clara are having none of it. A fast-paced and hilarious world premiere set along the waters of the Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado, ‘Prima’s Guide to Funerals’ tells the story of family, laughter, grief, love, and finding yourself alongside the ones who know you the best: your primas.”

More details about the Creede Musical Arts Collective, the annual KiD Show production and the Young Audience Outreach Tour will be announced soon.