Leaving A Trace – The Radio Play

This radio play is a special adaptation of Leaving A Trace, a musical written and directed by Ash Hanson of PlaceBase Productions and the Moab Theater Project. The original, site-specific show debuted in the Sand Flats Recreation Area in Moab in September. 

Music for Leaving A Trace was written by Brian Laidlaw, Jen Thomas, Ash Hanson, and Rachel Toups, with musical performances by Brian Laidlaw, Jen Thomas, Ash Hanson, Rachel Toups, Josie Kovash, Jack Hanley, Grizel Williams, Anna Weimholt, Jon Kovash, and Ed Oak. The audio for this radio play was recorded and edited by Rob Walker. 

Special thanks to stage manager Joanne Savoie, assistant director Malcolm Campbell-Taylor, set, puppet, and prop designers Sam Van Wetter, Molly Gurney, and Alex Barreto Hathaway, and costume designer, Emily Arntsen. And of course, thanks to all 75 cast and crew members who helped bring this show to life.

This production was made possible with support from the Moab Arts and Recreation Center, the Bureau of Land Management, the Sand Flats Recreation Area, KiKiBouba Press, the Grand County High School, Moab Music Festival, Moab Community Theater, Eagle River Designs, PlaceBase Productions, and the Center for Performance and Civic Practice.

Show Notes:

Moab Theater Project

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Full Cast List:

Opening Scene: Leave No Trace

Ranger Rio Josie Loner

Ranger Tara Rachel Fixsen

Ranger Gale August Granath

Ranger Ray Mattie Jaureguy

Crypto Ian Buchsbaum / Malcolm Campbell-Taylor

Tardigrade Sam Van Wetter

Song: Move Along by Ash Hanson

Thicker Than Water

River Liz Ballenger

Brooke Grizel Willaims

Sea Lorna Rios

Waves Molly Gurney

Anna Weimholt

Song: Make Your Mark by Grizel Williams

The Heat is On

Fairy Shrimp Jen Thomas

Heritage Cow Sean Roberts

Sun Kimberly Bridges

Raven Diana Snarr

Song: If Only You Could See by Jen Thomas

Winds of Change

Crypto Ian Buchsbaum / Malcolm Campbell-Taylor

Cottonwood Clint Metzler

Juniper Alex Burbidge

Rabbitbrush Alex Veilleux

Paintbrush Scott Brunmeier

Sagebrush Mary McGann

Russian Thistle Gabe Woytek

Skunkbrush Daniel Johnson

Evening Primrose Pippa Thomas

Pinyon Pine Andy Pitas

Promiscuous Oak Ellen Meyer

Yucca Claire Core

Prickley Pear Hazel Core

Verdell Mead

Claret Cup Emmalyne Smith

Sunflower Nona Hadler

Winds of Change Developer Serah Mead

Songs: Seen It All by Brian Laidlaw & adaptation of Wind of Change by the Scorpions 

Salt of the Earth

Paradox Kevin Fitzgerald

Edward Abbey Brett Bentley

Sylvestre Escalante Juan Carlos Jarquin

Charlie Steen Ed Oak

Terry Tempest Williams Misha Fuller

Amy Irvine Leanna Usher

Ellen Malloy Ivy Nunvar

Katie Lee Molly Quinn

Songs: Grain of Salt and Something’s Gotta Give by Brian Laidlaw

Closing Scene: Leaving a Trace

Entrada Rock Witch Rachel Toups

Navajo Rock Witch *originally played by Nicole Milavetz

Kayenta Rock Witch Jonny Jew

Wingate Rock Witch Tasia Wu

Sam Metzner

Chinle Rock Witch Mary Langworthy

Moenkopi Rock Witch Haley Hawes

White Rim Rock Witch Alison Anders

Organ Rock Rock Witch Pete “PiMo” Apicella

Cedar Mesa Rock Witch Hannah McBride  

Marina Ramoz-Pezzotti

Song: The Terrain by Brain Laidlaw

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Director Ash Hanson discusses Leaving A Trace

Today we hear an interview with director Ash Hanson of PlaceBase Productions and the Moab Theater Project. Her musical, Leaving A Trace, debuted in Moab in September. The original, site-specific production took place in the Sand Flats Recreation Area and involved more than 75 local cast and crew members. In the interview, Hanson discusses her inspiration for the musical and the power of theater to build community.