Performer Spotlight:
Daniel Connell
In three decades in Denver community theatre, Daniel Connell has run the gamut from actor, company founder, co-president, board member and running the concessions stand—often juggling more than one role at a time.
Connell, who enjoyed theatre and performed as a youngster, got involved again as an adult when a co-worker told him about auditions forThe White Sheep of the Family, produced by South Suburban Theatre Company. Connell won the part of Peter Winter, the “white sheep” of the title and was off on a thirty-year love affair.
Over time, Connell discovered he had an affinity for comedies, farces and “cozy” mysteries. “It changes your perspective,” he says. “If things are weighing you down, you can go to the theatre and laugh. Problems become more manageable.”
One of his favorite roles was as Sheridan Whiteside, the lead role inThe Man Who Came to Dinner.
In 2008, Connell co-founded the Spotlight theatre company. Like many community theatre companies, Spotlight was perennially in search of affordable space.
Spotlight managed to share space with other theatre companies in the area, such as the Edge project, each alternating schedules for mounting productions, making it more financially feasible for both companies.
Spotlight’s last location was in the Lowry neighborhood of Denver, where they became the Lowry Spotlight Theatre and shared space with the Firehouse theatre company. Connell is proud of the company’s financial performance. “We actually made a profit,” he enthuses. “The proceeds from one show helped mount the next. We were able to pay actors for their work.”
The Lowry Spotlight Theatre dissolved in 2018, closing out with a production of You Can’t Take It With You. Connell played “Grandpa,” another favorite role. The City of Denver proclaimed “Lowry Spotlight Theatre Day” and honored Connell with a certificate for his contributions to local theatre.
“It was bittersweet,” Connell recalls. “We had a big party, which was nice, but it was sad to see it come to an end.”
In September, 2025, Connell led the cast assembled at St. Thomas More parish in Charles (Cathal) Gallagher’s play, When Malcolm Muggeridge Met Mother Teresa. His portrayal of the famous 20thcentury convert skillfully blended Muggeridge’s deep respect for Mother Teresa with his independent streak as a journalist.
Connell has a passion for theatre as an expression of faith and looks forward to continued performances in faith-based venues. “The Church is renowned for its beautiful paintings, sculpture, architecture and writings/teachings, but the dramatic arts seem like they have been left out,” he observes. “So, I’m grateful to play a part in addressing this.”