September 26^th marks the opening of our ninth season. I can’t believe that it’s been nine years since we started Stories on Stage, and when we began we never dreamed that we would continue this many years. It’s pretty thrilling to know that a vision that we had would be enjoyed so by many people over an extended period of time.

When I look back over these years there are so many moments and people and experiences that have been especially meaningful to me. If I close my eyes and reach into my memories, here are just a few that I pull out:

• Our very first performance when Elliot Gould came to read John Sayles’ “At the Anarchist’s Convention.” What a character! And of course, he completely filled the house, giving us a very auspicious start.

• Harold Gould (The Sting, The Golden Girls) reading Tim Gautreaux’s “Good for the Soul” in which he created an entire town of distinct people and personalities. I had never before experienced being so completely “inside” a story. It was magical.

• “No Way Out”, Susan Shear’s adaptation of letters sent among her parents, aunts, uncles and cousins as they tried to escape Nazi Germany

• “The Slave Narratives” in which Hattie Mae Winston took us all on a long and brutal journey through a part of American history expressed with stunning storytelling by incredibly gifted actors. It was an experience that changed me profoundly.

• Esai Morales (NYPD Blue) performing to a full house with the front rows filled with sighing single women.

• Denver Center company members Kathleen Brady, Randy Moore and John Hutton consistently being willing to lend their enormous talents to us on Sundays – the only day they don’t have to be at the theater day and night.

• The fabulous homemade cookies and the generous audience members who keep bringing them.

Many of you have been coming for several years. What are some of your favorite moments?