Nancy Ellis
Contributor
The Chronicle-News
Last Friday night, lights were blazing at the Main Street Live theater in downtown Trinidad, as folks poured through the front door for a fundraising event and to get a sneak peek at MSL’s 2025 season lineup.
Admission — just $10 — included free tickets for refreshments and a bingo card game that could win you free show tickets, or, at the final draw, a free pass to the entire 2025 theater season.
Upstairs was a lively silent auction and a delicious array of hors de oeuvres from Egg & Bacon Acres catering.
Onstage, multiple community performers provided musical entertainment throughout the evening.
Eric Shephard, executive director of Main Street Live since Aug. 1, was very pleased with the strong show of community support, and with the obvious good times being shared at this event.
Shephard came here from Texas, where he served for the previous 11 years as director of the Waco Civic Theater, and he sees this time as a transition point for Trinidad’s community theater.
“It is a leap of faith for us, as it is for most artistic organizations around the country, to make it all the way back to pre-pandemic times, when the house was usually full for every event,” Shephard said. “We have designed our 2025 season to appeal to the broadest audience possible, and we think it’s going to be spectacular.”
Shephard ticked off titles of the upcoming schedule: Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery in February; Little Women, the musical, in March/April; The Old Cookie Shop/Pony Expresso in June; Annie, the musical, in July/August; Dracula in October, and Miracle on 34th Street in December.
“We invite audiences from across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico to join us for this incredible season of theater,” said Shephard. “Our 2025 season promises to be unforgettable, with something special for every theatergoer.”
Other events planned at the Main Street Live theater include the Dec. 7 Garbage Glam fundraiser, a trash-to-fashion runway show to benefit the Somebody Cares Project/ EM Food Pantry, and a show (with details to be announced later in the new year) celebrating the city and state’s concurrent 150th anniversary – to be a collaboration with the City, Trinidad History Museum and the A.R. Mitchell Museum, among others.
Main Street Live is available for rent to other nonprofits, and for private concerts and other community events.
Season lineup
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Kick off the season with a side-splitting comedic spin on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic. Join Holmes and Watson as they unravel the mystery of the legendary Baskerville curse in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud production.
Little Women: The Broadway Musical
Experience the beloved story of the March sisters as they navigate love, loss, and family during the Civil War. This heartwarming musical adaptation brings Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale to life with powerful songs and a touching narrative.
Pony Expresso and The Old Cookie Shop
Take a trip back in time with two exciting melodramas set in the Old West. Cheer for the hero, boo the villain, and enjoy the antics of colorful characters in these interactive, family-friendly productions that will have you laughing and applauding.
Annie: The Musical
Join us for the timeless story of little orphan Annie as she searches for her forever family. With classic songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” this feel-good musical is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Dracula
Prepare for chills and thrills as we bring the classic horror tale of Dracula to the stage. Witness the battle between the infamous vampire and his determined foes in a suspenseful, gothic adaptation that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Miracle on 34th Street
Celebrate the holiday season with this heartwarming classic. When a man named Kris Kringle steps in as a department store Santa, he brings joy and the true spirit of Christmas to everyone around him. Is he the real Santa Claus? Come see this magical story unfold.
Secure your seats at the box office, or call 719-846-4765.
