The beauty of the Adirondacks has inspired artists of every discipline for hundreds of years, and continues to attract painters, writers, photographers and performers today.
During the summer, there is a musical or dramatic performance almost every night of the week throughout the region. And every summer, I make the same commitment to attend at least a couple of shows at the nearby Depot Theatre in Westport. Admittedly, entire summers go by and I neglect to visit even once. This year, I decided to take the bull by the horn (or the train by the rail?) by attending the very first night of the first show of the season.
The professionally staffed Depot Theatre was founded in 1979 as a Westport Historical Society project, and according to my program, was originally financed via Wednesday Night Bingo.
I remember attending shows at the Depot as a kid in the 1980's. It was sometimes uncomfortably hot in the now-air-conditioned building, and it was a treat to be in the audience when the train arrived at the station during a performance.
The Depot never disappoints; talented performers, amazing tap dancing routines, interesting storyline - that's my subjective impression of "What a Glorious Feeling." I'm not going to critique the show - I'm not qualified. But it's important for us to appreciate these treasures that contribute so much to the visitor experience to the Lake Champlain region, and the community of Westport itself.
This little theatre, housed in the historic Westport Train Depot - the stop for Amtrak travelers to this part of the Adirondacks- has been an important part of the fabric of the Champlain Region's summer experience. The managing director and staff are there year-round, the Amtrak passengers will find local visitor information and an art gallery in the station.
Bingo is apparently no longer on the schedule, but performance information and tickets can be found on their website: depottheatre.org.
-submitted by Kim Rielly