Actor, Director to Fulfill Final Dream of Directing Last Play

Sixty-six-year-old Stephen Broker will have his final Dream fulfilled by Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting program for terminally-ill adults, when he brings to life Samuel Beckett's two-act play Happy Days for three nights in Denver, Colo. later this week.

Broker, who spent his career acting and directing in New York, was diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1980's and this past March, was told he had AIDS with a life expectancy of six months to one year. Now in hospice care at The Denver Hospice, Broker says he feels his days growing fewer yet he has a growing desire to direct one more play. "Doing so would allow me and the patrons of the show to process the end of life and the small deaths that occur along the way", said Broker.

Thanks to Dream Foundation, Broker's Dream will be fulfilled when he directs Happy Days at The Bakery in Denver. The play, which Broker says "Speaks to how we humans deal when time is running out", will be presented at 7:30 PM on November 25, 26, and 27.

While directing the play is certain to create beautiful memories for Broker, an additional thrill will be directing his friend Ellen Gauthier as the female lead. Broker directed Gauthier in New York and she was instrumental in bringing Broker to Denver when his health began to decline. Additional cast members and production team members include Mark Gauthier, Julie Rada,DR. Martin McGovern, Brynn Gauthier, Chris Wamsley, Lia Presnell, and Cindy Haas.

Tickets are not available but a donation table will be set up to benefit Dream Foundation, the organization that was able to bring Stephen Broker's final Dream to life.

Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 25,000 final Dreams over the past two decades and has never turned down a qualified applicant. Dream Foundation does not receive any federal or state funding and relies solely on individual donations and corporate partnerships to fund its programs. The Foundation is proud to maintain Charity Navigator's four-star rating-its highest-for sound fiscal management ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. For more information, please visit DreamFoundation.org.

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