In Memory of

Gerry Cullity

Greatest Theatre Director

www.desertstages.com

I will miss and love you always!

With much love, 

Sarah Kidd

Theater founder is dead

Kyle Lawson
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 13, 2005 12:00 AM

Gerry Cullity, founder and artistic director of Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, died Thursday of complications following a heart attack. He was 51.

Cullity wrote and directed numerous children's musicals for the company that he co-founded in 1995 with his wife, Laurie, and mother, Joan Thompson. He also taught classes that served more than 1,000 young people annually.

A self-described workaholic, Cullity supervised the move of the theater from a strip shopping mall into a two-stage complex north of Scottsdale Fashion Square last year.

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In recent months, Cullity had increased his workload to include a starring role as Mr. Howell in the theater's production of Gilligan's Island. Performances of the musical and a second production, Butterfly's Day, written and directed by Cullity, will continue through today and then close. There is a possibility that Gilligan's Island will resume at a later date, said Laura Kerrigan, the theater's marketing director.



Besides his wife and mother, Cullity is survived by his son, Ian, a member of the Las Vegas cast of Mamma Mia!; a brother; a niece; and two nephews.

Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. There will be a Mass of the Resurrection at 1 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 7655 E. Main St., Scottsdale A reception will follow at the theater, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road.

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The Story of Desert Stages Theatre

Would anyone come? On July 1, 1995 Desert Stages Theatre held auditions for its first production—The Ugly Duckling. Press releases sent young actors to a rehearsal space at Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard. But leasing plans changed and Theatre Founders Gerry and Laurie Cullity and Joan Thompson greeted auditioners in the mall’s parking lot. Thirteen came. A second day of auditions—this time at Scottsdale’s Mustang Library—yielded 85 young thespians. All were cast. With renovations underway to transform a dentist’s office into the original theatre site at 8473 East McDonald Drive, this inaugural group rehearsed first at the City of Scottsdale’s Cactus Park, and then at an empty Coomer’s location near the soon-to-open Desert Stages Theatre. Before even opening its first show, auditions were held for the Theatre’s second and third productions of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Cinderella.

The Ugly Duckling opened August 18, 1995. And thus the journey began—one that has culminated in over 200 productions that have entertained nearly 250,000 audience members. Seventeen original productions or musical adaptations by Artistic Director Gerry Cullity have premiered at Desert Stages Theatre. Four nationally-touring health musicals have been launched to award-winning success. A Mainstage Theatre that embraces performers of all ages has become a popular venue and a new professional theatre, operating under Actor’s Equity, recently made its debut. Our Academy of Theatrical Arts is firmly established and Desert Stages has since moved to an ideal location in downtown Scottsdale. In its relatively short 10-year history, Desert Stages Theatre has touched many lives, created many “moments”, with an impact that has been far-reaching.

The Cullitys did not come to Arizona with the thought of establishing one of the most successful theatres in the Valley. Together and separately, they have enjoyed successful careers in their respective fields. Gerry Cullity, a classically-trained musician, with a Masters in Fine Arts from the prestigious Mason Gross School of Fine Arts, had built an impressive list of credits as an actor, director, playwright, lyricist and musician, holding residency status with numerous companies, including the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, The Whole Theatre Company, La Mama and New Mercury Theatre Company. His prolific body of original work continues to impress audiences locally and nationally. Laurie Cullity, who holds a BA in Dance from Rutgers University, had spent 15 years owning and operating dance schools and building the foundation for the popular aerobic dance programs. With her impressive musical ability, she created many memorable female roles for the off-Broadway and regional theatre stages. And Joan Thompson—Gerry Cullity’s mother— enjoyed many years as a successful off-Broadway and early television actress. Together their wealth of experience and knowledge of the theatre helped them build a successful record of producing theatre at several East Coast venues, including Mystery Playhouse, William Carlos Williams Center, Lanark Dinner Theatre, City Stages and Actor’s Café.

But it was Joan’s decision to “retire” to warmer climates that brought the Cullitys to Scottsdale, Arizona and to their new venture.

Desert Stages Theatre began as a proscenium Children’s Theatre. In January 1997, it was converted to its familiar theatre-in-the-round style of seating to allow for a more personal and interactive experience for the actors and audience. In early 1998, Dr. Sue Sisley and her non-profit organization Ensuring Tomorrow, broached the Cullitys with the idea of using theatre to tackle the alarming trend in teenage pregnancy. “Think It Through Revue” was born and an effective means of encouraging a dialogue about issues facing our teens was forged. “Think” premiered at Phoenix’s Orpheum Theater in September, 1998 and has toured nationally, receiving our state’s and nation’s highest honors, including the President’s Daily Points of Light Award, the Hon Kachina Award for Volunteerism and the City of Phoenix PRIDE Award. Its successful outreach efforts have led the Cullitys and Dr. Sisley to address other critical youth health issues such as teen tobacco use and violence. In April 2000 Desert Stages Theatre premiered Tobacco: the Musical and in March, 2001, JUST STOP!. In December of 2002, Desert Stages Theatre and Hospice of the Valley unveiled Gerry Cullity’s newest outreach musical—A Symphony of Voices—which encourages a dialogue about end-of-life decisions and fosters an appreciation for the work of Hospice.

In October of 2001, Gerry Cullity was named Arts Advocate of the Year for his “positive influence on the health and lifestyle choices of our youth.” In January 2002, Cullity received the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Living the Dream Award for his thought-provoking musicals, which transcend cultural boundaries.

The strong family foundation, which is the hallmark of Desert Stages Theatre, continues to embrace and foster actors of all ages. In 1999, Desert Stages established its Mainstage Theatre to extend the creative experience to our teens, adults and seniors and, in January of 2000, it opened its Academy of Theatrical Arts to provide young would-be actors with the skills needed for performing. In May 2004, Desert Stages Theatre entered a new chapter in its exciting history by moving its theatre to downtown Scottsdale. The new Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre gives the Cullitys the opportunity to expand both the Children’s and Mainstage Theatres and the Academy, as well as open a third venue, called The Actor’s Café, for long-running, intimate professional productions. Its new association with Actors’ Equity completes the founders' dream of offering a creative platform for each stage of an actor’s development.

It is a far cry from that hot day in July in the parking lot where 13 actors marked the beginning of Desert Stages Theatre. Today, 200 to 300 young performers regularly bring their biggest smile and loudest voice for their opportunity to be in a Desert Stages' musical. In each production, over 100 young actors realize that dream. And they come back, audition after audition, show after show. They have been touched and nurtured by the creative talents of the Cullitys and in turn revel in producing a moment of magic for themselves and for their audience. They have found a place where they belong. They have discovered Desert Stages.