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Dodge City's Depot Theater Company celebrates 25 amazing seasonsBy Susen Foster By 1870, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway was stretching its way into Dodge City, America's iconic Wild West town, where toward the end of the century, famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed the city's train depot. Opened in 1898, the "Richardson Romanesque" brick edifice became one of the famous Harvey Houses, part of a chain of restaurants, lunchrooms, and hotels in train depots that were opened by Fred Harvey during the late 1800s. El Vaquero, as the Dodge City Depot was named, served passengers and crew for over 40 years until late 1940s when the railroad relocated its offices. When the City of Dodge decided to raze the building in the '70s, the town folk revolted, saving the historical beauty from destruction. In 1993 performers from the Long Branch Saloon Theater in Boot Hill were searching for a new home and decided to make an all out effort to become owners of the old depot. Don Steele, a man with more theater expertise than Peter O'Toole and a dreamer extraordinaire, became the battle leader. Everyone agrees that Don's unflinching tenacity, in concert with generous donations of time and funds, plus millions of dollars in grant money, most of which came from the Kansas Department of Transportation, was the catalyst that led to the building being lovingly restored to its former luxury. El Vaquero, on both the state and national historic registers, is now an elegant dinner theater venue with state-of-the-art sound, lights and backstage accouterments. It is also the proud home of The Depot Theater Company, an adjunct to the original Boot Hill Repertory Theater group whose roots go back to 1982. Last fall, a reunion was held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this celebrated collection of troubadours. Past participants came from literally around the globe to meet old friends and rehash memories of an experience that unquestionably left an indelible impact on those lucky enough to have been involved. To close their 25th anniversary season, DTC will be performing "The Nerd", one of the smartest and funniest modern American comedies and a revival for the seasoned theater troupe who performed this play to full and happy houses in the winter of '96. Attending a concert, play or other special event at The Depot Theater is a guaranteed pleasure. The Harvey Hotel lobby opens early so guests can enjoy the art on display or partake in a cocktail before curtain. The food and service is incomparable; it would even make ol' Fred Harvey proud. "The Nerd" opens April 4. For ticket information and to get on the mailing list, call 620-225-1001. Editor's note: Susen Foster is the owner of Greater Success Advertising. She is the author of numerous travel books. Susen can be reached at www.greatersuccess.com or call 580-622-5408. 3/17/08 Date: 3/10/08
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