Dorothy’s Dictionary by E.M. Lewis
Season 16
June 9-Aug. 7 at outdoor venues across Colorado
About the Play
What words could possibly bring us together?
High school student Zan is putting in his community service hours when he meets Dorothy, a book-lover who’s losing her eyesight. Each of them might just have what the other needs… if they can only find the words. Powerful, heartwarming, and timely, this new play by award-winning playwright E.M. Lewis is perfect for older and younger adults.
Dorothy’s Dictionary has been developed with the support of LineStorm Playwrights, The Public Theater of San Antonio, and Theatre 33 at Willamette University. A developmental workshop was produced by The Dramaworkshop at Palm Beach Dramaworks, January 2021—William Hayes, Producing Artistic Director; Sue Ellen Beryl, Managing Director. Dorothy’s Dictionary was the winner of the Portland Civic Theater Guild New Play Award, and received a virtual staged reading produced by the PCTG as part of the 2022 Fertile Ground Festival of New Works in Portland, Oregon.
Content Warnings
Please note, this performance addresses issues around death and dying.
CAST
Ghandia Johnson (Dorothy Ross) is elated and proud to be a part of this year’s BETC summer production of “Dorothy’s Dictionary”! Ghandia has appeared in previous BETC productions of “Doubt” and “This”; she also participated in BETC’s “CO2020” project in 2021. Ghandia dedicates this show to her two “Zans”: her sons Samson & Savion.
Nate Cushing (Zan Hardt) is an emerging young actor native to Denver, and he is thrilled to be in his first show with BETC. Nate was named the Best Male Performer at the 2018 Colorado Thespian Conference. While his previous work spans from Irish Plays to Shakespeare to playing Albert Einstein, he is making his professional theatre debut with “Dorothy’s Dictionary.” He is a third-year student at the University of Denver where he is studying both Theatre and Psychology. He wants to thank Candace for taking a chance on him, his parents for their support, and his girlfriend Hannah for the betterment and inspiration in his life. His favorite book is “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck.
E. M. Lewis (Playwright) is an award-winning playwright and opera librettist. Her work has been produced around the world, and published by Samuel French. Lewis received the Steinberg Award for “How the Light Gets In” and “Song of Extinction” and the Primus Prize for “Heads” from the American Theater Critics Association, the Ted Schmitt Award from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, a Hodder Fellowship from Princeton University, a playwriting fellowship from New Jersey State Arts Commission, the 2016 Oregon Literary Fellowship in Drama, and an Edgerton Award for “Magellanica.” Other plays include “Apple Season” (National New Play Network rolling world premiere), “The Gun Show,” “Dorothy’s Dictionary,” and “You Can See All the Stars” (Kennedy Center commission). Operas include “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Fallen Giant” with composer Evan Meier, and “Town Hall” with composer Theo Popov. Lewis is mid-way through a Mellon Foundation National Playwright Residency, based at Artists Repertory Theater (ART). She is currently working on “The Great Divide” — a big new play co-commissioned by ART and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for the American Revolutions program — and her first musical. Lewis is a member of LineStorm Playwrights and the Dramatists Guild. She lives on her family’s farm in Oregon
Candace Orrino(Director / Ensemble Member) is an actor, audiobook narrator, and director. In Colorado, she has worked with BETC, Curious Theatre, The Catamounts, Miners Alley Playhouse, and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, to name a few. A few favorite roles include Michelle in “Amerikin,” Eddie Van Halen in “Eddie and Dave,” Gloria and Nan in “Gloria,” Siobhan in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” Lizzy in “Pride and Prejudice,” Portia in “District Merchants” (Henry award nominee, best actress), Mother in “The Oldest Boy,” and Abby in “Belleville.” She has also played Shakespeare’s Malcolm, Olivia, Celia, Emilia, Perdita, Helena, Thaisa, and Bawd. Candace directed BETC’s “JQA” and “Dorothy’s Dictionary.” She is always up for a good story. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. www.candacejoice.com
DESIGN TEAM
Set Design: Tina Anderson
Sound Design: Brian Freeland
Costume Design: Erika Daun
Lighting Design: Erik Frederiksen
Props Design: Katie Hopwood
Dramaturg: Heather Beasley
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production/Touring Manager: Michael Morgan
Stage Manager: Adara Balthazar
Asst. Stage Manager: Katie Hopwood
Sound Crew: Rowan Livengood
Producing Artistic Director: Stephen Weitz
