This Week’s Theater: Cabaret & Climate Change?!

In JANUARY 2019, Magazine by Katherine PeachLeave a Comment

 Performer Sonya Meyer

Thunder River Theatre Company’s Diva Cabaret presents an engaging performance, “A Day of Sky: A Cabaret for Climate Change”

By Sonya Meyer, this performance is in an intimate cabaret-style—blending personal storytelling about her deep connection to Colorado’s wilderness and lineage of environmental stewardship with beloved songs of resistance, revolution & inspiration by the Beatles, Paul Simon, Queen, Joni Mitchell and more. “A Day of Sky” combines Meyer’s passions for the outdoors and musical theatre as both an artist and ski instructor at Aspen Snowmass. Performances at the state-of-the-art black box theatre in the heart of the Carbondale Creative District are Monday, January 21 and Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 PM.

In a story many locals can relate to, Meyer moved to the Roaring Fork Valley permanently four years ago after what was supposed to be just a six-month stay. She also grew up in a family of conservation researchers and scientists who ingrained the importance of energy management and creating sustainable spaces for the future. Previously having worked and performed in Seattle and NYC, Meyer embraced the year-round outdoor lifestyle while landing opportunities to perform, direct and teach at a multitude of theatres in the area.

Sonya Meyer (left) as Debra in TRTC’s production of “Kimberly Akimbo”; Photo, TRTC

At Thunder River Theater (TRTC), Meyer is part of the resident Consensual Improv! comedy troupe, and most recently, she played the hilarious ex-con Debra in the production of “Kimberly Akimbo.” Meyer is now using the stage as a catalyst for preservation and answers the question of how to get involved locally as a parting gift for the audience.

“For me, even as someone who cares about climate change and wants to help and support these organizations, it’s hard to know what is actually being done and what I can actually do to get involved,” said Sonya Meyer about her motivation to combine cabaret with the timely topic of climate change. “I’ve been fortunate to be on such an amazing journey and am so passionate about music. I’m trying to use my voice and story to reach audiences beyond what I’d normally be able to, and hopefully, inspire others throughout the valley to take action.”

Sonya explains that a cabaret allows for a deeper dive into a theme and the opportunity to create a personal connection with the audience. In addition to the format often tackling issues through satire and humor, the “Cabaret for Climate Change” combines her two passions—environmental conservation and performing arts. She purposefully chose music that said, “let’s start a revolution, rise up and do something about it.”

“A Day of Sky: A Cabaret for Climate Change” is directed by the incredible Nina Gabianelli with musical direction and piano by David Dyer, who will be taking the audience through an exciting journey of light-hearted wit, song, and stories.


TICKET INFORMATION

General Admission tickets are $25 each. Groups of four are able to reserve a Premium Cabaret Table, which includes a complimentary bottle of wine or champagne for $140. Doors and Concessions open at 7 p.m., featuring some of the best drink prices in Carbondale.

Reserve tickets online at thunderivertheatre.com or call (970) 963-8200.

ABOUT SONYA MEYER

Sonya made her TRTC debut in last season’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Jean) and performs regularly with TRTC’s Consensual Improv! comedy troupe. She has also appeared locally with Lake Dillon Theatre, the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, ACT and the Aspen Fringe Festival. Sonya will direct TRTC’s Theatre for Young Audiences production of “Bluenose” this April. She also works as a director and teacher for Theatre Aspen School and as a ski instructor at Snowmass. She has performed with theaters in New York, Washington, Oklahoma and around the world on Celebrity Cruises.

ABOUT THUNDER RIVER THEATRE COMPANY

Providing inspired theatre and innovative artistry since 1995, Thunder River Theatre Company offers an award-winning, year-round theatre season, Theatre for Young Audiences, professional cabaret, improv comedy, youth and adult theatre classes, student matinee performances, Latino outreach, and new work development. Thunder River Theatre Company is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Carbondale, Colo.


Upcoming at Thunder River Theatre Company:

Of Mice and Men | Feb. 21 – Mar. 9, 2019 

by John Steinbeck – Directed by Lon Winston 

Cabaret Class Showcase | March 25-26

by David Lindsay-Abaire  – Directed by Sue Lavin  

Tribes | June 13 – 29, 2019

by Nina Raine – Directed by Corey Simpson 

Diva Cabaret | July 22-23

New Show by Nina Gabianelli

Contact: Katherine Peach of Peach Ink, [email protected], 517.294.1008