Old western nostalgia is making a comeback in the form of musical theater thanks to the performing arts group ArcTisTics.
ArcTisTics is made up of actors with developmental disabilities, the only organization of its kind in Taos.
"It brings a fresher way of expression, and in the context of theater it is amazing," director Cristina Masoliver said. "If we did not work with them, our theater probably wouldn't be half as good."
"Old West" takes place Saturday at the KiMo Theatre at 7 p.m.
The play is made of vignettes depicting a humorous and heartfelt view of the wild frontier.
Masoliver said the group has been working on this performance for about eight to nine months.
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"This is the first time we are going to perform out of town. We've always performed in Taos," Masoliver said. "We filled the theater every time we performed. We've had to turn people away. We are very excited."
The Taos group began in 2004 as a program working with ARCA, a group dedicated to helping those in New Mexico who have mental disabilities.
"A lot of the artists that I know living in Taos - performers, musicians and welders - said, 'I would like to do this with you,'" Masoliver said.
Danny Costanza, who plays trumpet and guitar in "Old West," is part of the Sunshine Orchestra, and said the band has been working with ArcTisTics for about six years.
"It actually is really rewarding working with them," Costanza said. "It's really an amazing project."
Taos residents volunteer with props, setting up the stage and costumes.
"(In) a group, everyone has their role, and their role is where their strength is," Masoliver said.
The actors also help write the script.
"We start working by improvising on ideas each of us might have," she said. "In the long run we end up with a series of acts that work well together. We don't start out with a script, per se. It's truly a collaboration of work."
In Taos, the group performs for five nights once a year, and it always receives excellent reviews and standing ovations, she said.
"We work hard, but have a lot of fun. I think it translates to the audience a very good vibe. We have a very good energy," Masoliver said.
The group started out small but has grown to 59 people scheduled to set up and perform.
Masoliver said group members are anticipating their first out-of-town performance.
"The group is highly capable, regardless of disability," she said. "I think we'll do well. It's risky, but we take that risk. We think taking risks are part of life itself."
'Old West'
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Kimo Theatre
423 Central Ave. S.W.
$15
