The Sala Project: Echoes of Curtis Park
May 8-18, 2025
Savoy Denver
Join Alma on a tour of the historic Savoy Denver — until a mysterious radio crackles to life and a cosmic Radio DJ takes control, guiding Alma through decades of songs, memories, and true stories that celebrate the Latine and Chicano/a history of Denver’s Curtis Park neighborhood. From Abuela’s kitchen to Sacred Heart Church, and to the beating heart of Mestizo-Curtis Park, experience this journey of culture and belonging.
Echoes of Curtis Park was created through recorded interviews, written correspondence, story circles with former and longtime residents, dance socials at the Savoy, and archival research. Led by Lisa Hori-Garcia, Debra Gallegos and Theatre Artibus, the core artistic team shaped these collected narratives into a script that blends actual transcripts, personal stories, and a touch of theatrical magic. Supported by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Health Foundation, Denver Theatre District, and RiNo Arts District, the production features an ensemble of local Latine actors—some with family roots in Curtis Park—who bring these histories to life. The creative team and cast hope audiences will find joy in honoring the past and building a future that, in their words, “truly honors everyone!”
Theatre Artibus is offering complimentary tickets to community members who generously shared their stories for this project, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Audiences can support this gesture by purchasing a Great Neighbor Ticket, which sponsors a seat for a storyteller and strengthens the circle of community around this endeavor.
DIGITaL PROGRAM:
Director’s Note
Lisa Hori-Garcia
Peter Brook, the legendary theater director, once said the only question that really matters after a night at the theater is: “Were you touched?” That simple question gets right to the heart of what we’re trying to do with the Sala Project. Echoes of Curtis Park isn’t just a performance- it’s a space where real stories come alive, where personal memories become shared experiences, and where the past reaches out to connect with us in the present.
Over the past four months, I’ve had the honor of working alongside our amazing artistic core team: Debra, Meghan, and Buba, and connecting with longtime and former residents of this neighborhood. Together, we’ve gathered memories through interviews, letters, photographs, keepsakes, and story circles. These stories, so full of heart and history, have been carefully woven together to bring Curtis Park’s past to life in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
In a time when our society feels more divided than ever, and in this political climate that seeks to separate us, Echoes of Curtis Park is a way to honor the Latine voices and histories that have shaped this community- voices that remind us how much we all need connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging. By sharing these stories, we hope not only to reflect on what’s come before, but also to hold space for the possibility of a future where everyone feels valued and included.
Even if these aren’t your own memories, we hope something in tonight’s performance speaks to you. Echoes of Curtis Park is about remembering, yes- but it’s also about celebrating community, creating shared understanding, and reminding us that we all have a place. So as you watch, I come back to Peter Brook’s question: “Were you touched?” My hope is that something you see or hear tonight stays with you- opens your heart, stirs a memory, or simply reminds you that we all belong.
Thanks so much for being here with us.
Phil Luna
(Voice of Curtis Park D) would like to thank Meghan, Lisa, and Buba for the opportunity to participate in this “historic” production. Phil is an award-winning actor and director. Recent acting credits include The Adventures of Juan Bobo, Guadalupe in the Guestroom, Charity, Dot, and Red. Recent directing credits include Cuauhtemoczin and the award-winning Cheyenne. Phil is a member of SAG-AFTRA and a Fox Fellowship Recipient: Artist of Distinction.
Stephanie Saltis
(Alma) is excited to make her debut with Theatre Artibus. Other credits include Shakespeare in the Parking Lot (DCPA), Local Lab 12 & 14, Denver Children’s Theatre, Bailey Theatre Company, Charlotte’s Web (U/S Wilbur – performed), Belmira in The River Bride at the Arvada Center, Countess Andrenyi in Murder on the Orient Express, Georgia in Blackademics at Vintage Theatre, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest (Breckenridge Backstage/BETC/Clover and Bee), as well as the CSF Education Tour and roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Odyssey, and Pericles at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. She holds a BFA in Acting. stephaniesaltis.com
Debra Gallegos
(Voice of Curtis Park B) has been performing music and theatre in Colorado and the Southwest for nearly 50 years. She is best known for her dramatic and comedic performances, as well as her directorial work with Su Teatro. Recently, Debra has joyfully performed with a variety of local theatre companies, including Theatre Artibus, Firehouse Theatre Company, Wheat Ridge Theatre Company, Aurora Fox, and Powered Off Center (DCPA). She is also an accomplished musician and vocalist. Debra is part of the core team of this project, helping from the very beginning to gather stories and shape the script.
Lucinda Lazo
(Voice of Curtis Park A) is a Denver-based actor and educator. Originally from Pueblo, Colorado, she has an extensive background in traditional Baile Folklórico dance. Lucinda recently earned her BFA in Acting from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her recent professional credits include performances in the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s main season and Shakespeare & Violence Prevention Tour, as well as work with Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, Su Teatro, and Miners Alley Playhouse.
Mitch Marquez
(Voice of Curtis Park C) was born and raised in Denver. He has worked professionally in film and commercials for 15 years, and in theater for 12. Mitch has enjoyed collaborating with Theatre Artibus, Mirror Image Arts, The Catamounts, and many others.
Magally Luna
(DJ Echo) is thrilled to join Theatre Artibus in the debut of Echoes of Curtis Park. A passionate Salsera, Magally also sings with the local salsa and Afro-Caribbean band Kizumba. She recently received the True West Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Cheyenne, written by Cipriano Ortega and directed by Phil Luna. Audiences may have also seen her in Firehouse Theater’s Guadalupe in the Guest Room. When not on stage, Magally can be found in her classroom with 26 adorable soon-to-be fourth-graders at the Denver Waldorf School.
Echoes of Curtis Park is an oral history project developed from story circles, interviews, written testimonials, and archival research with Eastside residents. Developed by a core team, the script was written by Lisa Hori-Garcia in collaboration with Debra Gallegos, Meghan Frank, and Buba Basishvili. Blending real-life stories and transcripts with a touch of magical realism, the play explores the Latine and Chicano/a experiences in Curtis Park over the past decades.
Recorded Eastside voices you will hear: Jackie Annunziata, BJ Brooks, Manuel Roybal, Bob Vasquez, Teresa Quintana-Muniz, Mary Miera, Phil Miera, Emanuel Martinez, Gail Gonzales, Rito Ramirez, Joe Torrez, Rudy Torrez, Larry Torrez, and Esperanza Torrez.
Supported by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Health Foundation, Denver Theatre District, and the RiNo Arts District.
Directed by Lisa Hori-Garcia in collaboration with Meghan Frank & Buba Basishvili
CAST
Stephanie Saltis: Alma
Magally Luna: DJ Echo
Lucinda Lazo: Voice of Curtis Park A
Debra Gallegos: Voice of Curtis Park B
Mitch Marquez: Voice of Curtis Park C
Phil Luna: Voice of Curtis Park D
Buba Basishvili & Meghan Frank: Odds and Ends
Swing: Claylish Coldiron
Core Team: Lisa-Hori Garcia, Debra Gallegos, Meghan Frank, Buba Basishvili
Recorded Eastside voices you will hear: Jackie Annunziata, BJ Brooks, Manuel Roybal, Bob Vasquez, Teresa Quintana-Muniz, Mary Miera, Phil Miera, Emanuel Martinez, Gail Gonzales, Rito Ramirez, Joe Torrez, Rudy Torrez, Larry Torrez, and Esperanza Torrez.
Thank you to Debra Gallegos and Tanya Mote for leading the January 2025 story circle with Eastside residents, their families, and community members (pictured above). We are also deeply grateful to everyone who shared their time, stories, and perspectives on the project.
Thank you Phil Miera, Teresa Quintana-Muniz, BJ Brooks, Robert (Bob) Vasquez, Rito Ramirez, Chris Martinez, Celina Benavidez, Cecilia Garcia, Emanuel Martinez, Tanya Mote, Ricky O (Olguin) Jr., Debra Gallegos, Darold Vigil (Pocho Joe), Veronica Benavidez, Angelina Milan, Diego Florez Arroyo, Alicia Trujillo, Gail Gonzales, Mary Meira, Lisa Padilla, and Linda Ruiz, Jackie Annunziata, Manuel Roybal, Richard Olguin Sr., Erma (Miera) Zamora, and Ruth (Miera) Santistevan.
Core Team Bios:
Theatre Artibus is a physical theatre company in residence at the Savoy Denver, dedicated to strengthening community through the experience of live performance. More info at theartibus.com
Lisa Hori-Garcia is an actress, director, writer, and teaching artist who spent 22 years as a company member with the Tony-award winning, political theater company, The San Francisco Mime Troupe. She has worked locally with Denver’s Curious Theater company, Denver Center for the Arts, and nationally with Magic Theatre, California Shakespeare Theater, and the American Conservatory Theater.
Debra Gallegos has performed music and theatre in Colorado and the Southwest for over 50 years. Debra is best known for her work with Su Teatro, Denver’s Chicano Theatre company, since 1974. She continues to be part of the arts community and volunteers with KUVO Public Radio Station. Debra is an accomplished musician and vocalist who was inducted into the Su Teatro Chicano Music Hall of Fame.
Theatre Artibus is in residence at the Savoy Denver. Built in 1889, The Savoy Denver has long been a gathering place for performers, community members, and businesses. Situated at the crossroads of RiNo and historic Five Points/Curtis Park, The Savoy is committed to honoring the neighborhood’s cultural legacy. Recently renovated to preserve its charm and enhance amenities, The Savoy remains a welcoming social hall and artistic hub.
Featured Poem: “Let There Be Music When I Go’’ By Margie Domingo
Stage Manager/Board Op: Cipriano Ortega
Scenic Design: Cipriano Ortega — Featuring a Savoy mural by Tony Ortega
Set /Props Build:
Buba Basishvili, Cipriano Ortega, Meghan Frank
Lighting Design: Sean Mallary
Assistant Lighting Designer: Carlos Gonzalez
Light Board Op: Abby Watts
Head Electrician: Todd Morton
Sound Design: Ricky O (Olguin)
Sound Assistance: Meghan Frank, Debra Gallegos, Lisa Hori-Garcia, Kenny Storms
Dance Choreography: Magally Luna and Lucinda Lazo
Costume Designer: Brynn Starr Sater
Community Coordinator: Debra Gallegos
Projection Mapping and Design: Travis Powel of DSDI, Meghan Frank
You will see images contributed by Bob Vasquez, Ricky O, Debra Gallegos, Teresa Quintana-Muniz, BJ Brooks,
and from historic archives.
Interactive Lobby Map: Amber Blais & Tom Varani (Starry Night Productions)
Front of House: Maddie Heikken, Jeanenne Bragg
Assistant to the Director: Fiona Gorrie
Social Media & Trailer: SJ Gray
Photography: Martha Wirth Photography