---

It is the first show of the 2012 season at The Depot Theatre in Westport and the first show for the theatre's new managing director, Angel Wuellner.

But Depot traditions remain intact. For instance, over the past few years the managing director has begun the evening by making the curtain speech. Angel Wuellner upholds that tradition with enthusiasm and is beaming as she steps out to introduce herself to the packed opening-night crowd of theatergoers. She invites us all to stay for the reception after the show in the lobby of the Depot theatre/train station and closes with the classic Depot line, "where you can take a journey without leaving the station."

This is a night of firsts, as the play itself, Careless Love, is making its world premiere right here along the shore of Lake Champlain in Westport, NY.

The playwright and music director are both in the cast along with seven other talented musicians who surprise the audience with their versatility on any number of string instruments. The songs are reminiscent of the Hank Williams: Lost Highway musical that The Depot produced a few years back.

Another first that I learn in the course of the evening is that one of the cast members (Ross Taylor) will go on to perform across the county in Pendragon Theatre's production of The 39 Steps in Saranac Lake.

Tonight is a high-energy evening with plenty of hand-clapping, toe-tapping, foot-stomping music--from the first beat of the evening until well after the show ends. As I make my way to the lobby after the final applause, I find the cast hasn't missed a beat and is making music once again as I squeeze through the door. The lobby is packed, but there is a couple who has managed to carve out dance floor space in a corner of the crowded room.

There is another opening night Depot tradition: Shami McCormick's amazing cake! The artistic director continues to outdo herself and tonight's cake is both a beautiful homage as well as delicious.

Careless Love runs through July 8. If you like down-home, bluegrass music you won't want to miss it.

Other main stage shows this season include: The Hound of the Baskervilles (July 13 through July 29), The Marvelous Wonderettes (August 3 through August 19), and Real Women Have Curves (August 24 through September 9). If you want to share in the post-show celebration and sample Shami's cake, try to catch one of the opening night performances.

There are also unique Tonight Only entertainments on The Depot calendar that you won't want to miss if you're in the area. To find out what else is happening or to make your reservations click through to The Depot web site.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years. Her son, Sam Balzac, (also a performer and musician) has the honor of hosting a Tonight Only on August 15 at The Depot Theatre. The title is Sam Balzac's Anti-Student Loan Cabaret. It will be an evening of music, comedy and drama with guest artists including High Peaks Opera's George Cordes and Liz Cordes.