In recent years, the show-biz mantra "The show must go on" has faced reevaluation. While the show doesn't always have to go on when the safety of audiences or artists is at risk, for some actors, the stage becomes a lifeline. Annie Dwyer and Traci Kern Piper, local actors with a combined 55 years of stage experience, are prime examples of this. Their stories showcase the power of perseverance in the face of hardship.

Denver's Acting Powerhouses: Annie and Traci's Journey

Annie Dwyer: A Comedy Legend with a Battle

Annie Dwyer, a Denver-born actress, has built a massive following over 23 years at Golden's Heritage Square Music Hall. She has entertained audiences with her wise-cracking and high-stepping performances, totaling over 6,700 shows. However, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis decades ago, a progressive autoimmune disease that has contorted her feet and required annual bone-shaving surgeries. But she continues to perform, even crawling off the stage when in pain. In 2024, her husband Jerry passed away, adding to her hardships. Yet, she didn't miss a single performance of "The Full Monty." Her director, Nick Sugar, describes her as a consummate professional who shows up for every audience member. She was trained by Fr. Dennis Dwyer to believe that the show must go on, and she lives by that mantra.Annie Dwyer in full Heritage Square regalia for "One Enchanted Evening" in 2013. This image captures her essence as a performer.John Moore/Denver GazetteIn March 2024, just before "The Full Monty" rehearsals began, Annie took a fall. Despite being in a back brace, with oxygen and a swollen knee, she still attended rehearsal. Her dedication is truly remarkable.

Traci Kern Piper: Overcoming 9/11 and Heartache

Traci Kern Piper is an accomplished Denver stage performer and vocal instructor. In 2001, she worked at One Liberty Plaza near the World Trade Center, where the facade crumbled during the 9/11 explosion. For years, she couldn't leave the house on September 11. But in 2019, she started a relationship with local firefighter Billy Piper. After he completed a grueling stair climb in 2019, they got married. However, in 2024, Billy suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away. Traci licked her wounds and returned to teaching voice at her Denver studio. Two months later, she performed at a cabaret benefit for the Denver Actors Fund, showing her resilience. In October, she took on the role of Magenta in "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Denver Comedy Improv. Her producer, Jalyn Webb, describes her as resilient and graceful. Director Bryan Bell praised her professionalism and passion. She spent her first wedding anniversary at a "Rocky" rehearsal, demonstrating her ability to face tragedy and continue performing.Traci Kern Piper appears as Magenta in Beehive Productions’ “The Rocky Horror Show” at the Denver Improv in Northfield.John Moore/Denver GazetteAnnie Dwyer and Traci Kern Piper are inspiring examples of how actors can overcome adversity and continue to shine on the stage. Their stories remind us of the power of the arts and the human spirit.