Torch Song

Vintage Theatre: May 30- June 29

Not to be missed!

In 1983 Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy” won Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play.  It was comprised of three one-act plays penned by Fierstein: “International Stud,” “Fugue in a Nursery,” and “Widows and Children First.”  When I saw the tour in the early 80s it was very LONG! Having read the work, I couldn’t wait to see it and purchased a seat in the nose bleed section of The Auditorium Theatre (Now the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.) I loved the show, and working long days at the time, had to literally hold my eyes open during the fourth hour. (I wasn’t going to miss anything!)

Now, Fierstein has revisited the show and condensed it so that it comes in well under three hours. 

     In as much as a gay playwright had to fight to get a show on Broadway at the time, Fierstein finally did it.

     At its core, Torch Song is about the human desire to connect, to find community and to belong. A trailblazer at the time, this play even involves mention of adoption and gay marriage.

      The current production at Vintage Theatre at 14^th and Dayton is superb! 

     Director Tom Bruett is new to town. Most of the cast is new to this reviewer as well. Usually these are a couple of red flags. However, both director and cast prove to be sensational. Bruett delivers the honesty and wit prevalent in Fierstein’s play with great casting and a fluid pacing that makes this humorous and heart-breaking work appear seamless.

    Star Ilalaole’s performance in the central role of Jewish drag queen Arnold Beckoff, is a tour de force.

The supporting cast is exceptional.

Arnold’s on again off again love, Ed, is played by Austin Jensen with just the right mix of confusion and self-doubt.

As Alan, a young model who Arnold embraces, and who is the victim of homophobic violence, Jack Bucher enchants.

Laurel, Ed’s fiancée, is affectionately played by Kimberly Colisch.

Kai Andrews is delightful in the role of David, Arnold’s soon to be adopted son.

     Special mention must be made of the outstanding performance of Diane Wziontka in the role of Ma, Arnold’s strict Jewish mother. One of Denver’s premiere actors, Ms. Wziontka’s work is worth the price of admission all on its own. Brava!

Ryan Glaser’ s excellent scenic design self-transforms from a gay bar to a backstage dressing room to Arnold’s apartment with fluidity and ease.

Cole Emarine’s costume design is, as usual, the stuff of dreams.

The short bursts of song that bridge the scenes in Abdul Karim Islam’s sound design are very well chosen.

Todd Morton’s lighting of the first scene gives us a gay bar with overhanging strings of Christmas lights and the requisite rotating disco ball reflecting everywhere to the pounding disco beat of the time. Although the lighting was quite well thought out, the execution thereof had a few glitches due to technical problems. These were quickly resolved, and the cast ignored them gallantly.

The show does come with a content advisory: Torch Song contains mature content including discussions of suicide, depictions of violence and portrayals of sexual acts. Viewer discretion advised.

With this in mind…

                Run to get tickets!

 

 

For tickets call 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org

 

 

 

 “THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER!"

Arvada Center: March 28 – May 11

             

L-R: Marco Alberto Robinson and  Sharon Kay White (photo credit: Amanda Tipton Photography)
                

Geoffrey Kent- the director - is a man for all stages!  Whether as a Shakespearean actor, fight choreographer or director of serious drama or musical theatre, the quality of Geoff Kent’s work is always of the highest and best! 

Kent’s direction of Arvada Center’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” was breathtaking! The astute choreography of every aspect of every scene was thrilling and mesmerizing. His overseeing of all the technical aspects of that production allowed the viewer to be magically transported to a European train station in the thirties. I was lucky to see it upon opening. Sadly, covid shuttered the production before the greater theatre community could experience its magnificence.

Kent’s direction of “The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is outstanding! His impeccable casting and pacing of the show as well as his overseeing of the technical aspects of the production, make it clear that one is in the presence of one of Denver’s premiere directors.

     In the realm of the actor Kent was a fiery, unforgettable Hotspur in CSF’s “Henry IV, part one,” a Paris so well-acted in the DCTC “Romeo and Juliet” that one wished he would win Juliet’s hand. In the DCTC production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” Kent was utterly brilliant! 

     In addition to all this a great many Colorado plays have been blessed with the genius of Kent’s award-winning fight choreography.

But I digress.

Under the direction of maestro Kent in this current production of “The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” Matthew S. Crane delivers an eye-pleasing scenic design, aided in no small part by the genius of Shannon McKinney in the lighting department and Topher Blair on projections.     

     Blair’s projections add a hilarious cinematic element to the show that includes delightful animation.

     It’s thrilling to see Adriane Leigh Robinson in the role of Sibella Hallward.  Katie Jackson’s portrayal of Phoebe D’Ysquith is enchanting. Singing out their rivalry for the heart of Monty in “I’ve Decided to Marry You,” both women prove to have voices that are delicious auditory champagne.  

      Marco Alberto Robinson is terrific as the poker-faced, socially upward-climbing Monty Navarro. His “Foolish to Think” and “Poison in My Pocket” make one wish to search out his name in every musical theatre program from now on!

     Shabazz Green is a hoot in multiple roles in the D’Ysquith family lineage.

      What a treat to get to see-and hear- Sharon Kay White in her devastatingly well-acted and sung Miss Shingle! Her performance of “You’re a D’Ysquith” sets the tone for this hysterical farce. 

     The talented ensemble includes such Denver favorites as Liz Brooks and Jeremy Rill.

     The Music Direction by Alec Steinhorn is excellent. Kevin Copenhaver’s costume design is, as always, the stuff of dreams. The sumptuous gowns for the ladies in the cast sparkle and shimmer, having a life all their own. 

     With music by Steven Lutvak and lyrics and book by Robert L. Freedman, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is a musical comedy based upon Roy Horniman’s novel, “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal.”  In 1949 Horniman’s novel was the source of the British film, “Kind Hearts and Coronets.”

     In 2014 “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” received Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book for a Musical, Best Director and Best Costumes.

                           NOT TO BE MISSED! 

For tickets call 720-898-7200 or go online at arvadacenter.org

 

GRAND HORIZONS

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: 

MARCH 21 - APRIL 27

                         Left to right: Linda Suttle and Deborah Persoff

In “Grand Horizons “Deborah Persoff delivers a brilliant performance of extraordinary nuance as a woman who values herself beyond the social roles of mother and wife. She makes Vintage’s production of Bess Wohl’s feminist comedy unmissable!

 

Bess Wohl’s “Grand Horizons” opens with a couple who have been married for half a century who are having dinner in their home in a community for the elderly. It’s quiet and feels like a ritual whose repetitive nature has been steeped in long-term boredom. She reads a book. He doodles. As she starts to clean up, Nancy breaks the silence with, “I think I’d like a divorce.” Bill says, “All right.”

        This brief agreement is followed immediately by the explosive entry of their adult children, who are intensely committed to keeping their aging parents together. 

        Uncertain as to whether this is the onset of dementia or something beyond their awareness, they struggle to amend their parents’ decision.

     Verl Hite delivers a hilarious, gravel-voiced performance as Nancy’s grouchy husband, Bill.

     As Brian, the gay son who teaches theatre, a very funny Mark Pergola winces and squirms as his mother describes a sexual encounter with deliciously articulated, clear-headed honesty.

     Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry delivers a fiery performance as their furious son, Ben.

    An amiable Jonathan Underwood portrays Brian’s animated potential boyfriend.

     Ben’s wife, Jess, is played with longsuffering compassion by Jennifer So. A marriage counselor who is soon to give birth, So’s character carries the voice of reason as well as a good dose of reality therapy into the mix.

     At the top of Act Two, Linda Suttle sparkles in an awkward moment as Carla, one of Bill’s friends from the comedy club. 

    Near final curtain, as Persoff starts to re-evaluate her life with Bill, you may, like myself, internally hear Sondheim’s anthem, “Being Alive” from “Company.”

     Bernie Cardell directs.

 

For tickets call  303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org

 

                      GUYS AND DOLLS

Vintage Theatre: February 14 to March 23

                L-R: Jessica Sotwick and Nicole Cherecwich

It may be cold outside, but Vintage Theatre's production of GUYS AND DOLLS is the HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!!! It's the perfect antidote to the doldrums created by the evening news.

Let it be known from the outset that this review is going to be a flood of accolades!

    Carter Edward Smith's direction of this superbly entertaining show is sensationally well done. His casting is phenomenal! All four leads are outstanding, and the talented ensemble fills the stage with turbo-charged dancing and singing. 

     With book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling and Music by Frank Loesser, the musical "Guys and Dolls" is based upon two short stories by Damon Runyon. In 1950 this musical won the Tony for Best Musical, and was adapted for the screen in 1955 starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons.   The show is chock-full of great old songs, that have long been considered golden standards. "Luck Be a Lady," "A Bushel and a Peck" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" are just a few of these. Runyan's stories all take place in the twenties and thirties in New York City.  The characters are for the most part, gamblers and gangsters. Well, except for the pious folk who run the Save-a-Soul Mission on Broadway.

     Nicole Cherecwich is enchanting as Sarah Brown, the Mission Doll. It's obvious that Ms. Cherecwich has had operatic vocal training. With her singing of"I've Never Been in Love Before" and "If I Were a Bell I'd Be Ringing," this actor unspools a voice that's a ribbon of musical delight. 

    Justin Milner delivers Sky Masterson's vocals with power! His singing of "My Time of Day" is magnificent!

    Jessica Sotwick's acting and singing in the role of Miss Adelaide is exceptionally well delivered. This actor has a natural comic flair. Her singing of "Take Back Your Mink" and "Adelaide's Lament" are musical theatre ice cream.

    Scotty Shaffer's acting in the part of Nathan Detroit is a comic delight. "Sue me," the duet he has with Ms. Sotwick, is hysterical.

  Brian Trampler gives us Arvide's "More I Can Not Wish You," with heart-opening tenderness.

     David Kincannon knocks it out of the park with his outrageously fun delivery of "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat!"   

The talents of Cooper Kaminsky (Benny Southstreet), Patrick Brownson(Harry the Horse) and Eliot Clough(Lieutenant Brannigan) spice things up considerably.

 Transporting us to New York City in the 1930s, Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry's costume design is spot-on. 

Dallas Slankard's choreography exhilarates.

Tanner Kelly's music direction is ear-pleasing indeed!  

     Brendan T. Cochran's sun-splashed urban set design conspires with Emily Maddox's lighting design to create a visually delightful evening.

for tickets call 303-856- 7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org

MORNING AFTER GRACE

MINERS ALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

January 24 - March 2

 L-R: Kevin Hart, Tammy Meneghini and Dwayne Carrington (photo credit:McLeod 9 Creative)

Morning After Grace by Carey Crim is a little gem of a play now on view at the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. (If you haven’t experienced a play at this venue, you need to. Lisa DeCaro and Len Matheo have co-created a magnificent new facility.) 

 

     In this play, a one-night stand following a random meeting at a funeral provides the set-up. 

     Shortly after meeting Abigail (Tammy Meneghini) and Angus (Kevin Hart), we as audience learn that the deceased was Angus’s wife. Grief is compounded by guilt when it is made evident that their marriage was unraveling, and his late wife was having an ongoing affair. 

     Abigail’s gift is of the therapeutic variety, and she sets about attempting to begin the healing process. 

       Ollie, a longtime friend and neighbor of Angus, played brilliantly by Dwayne Carrington, provides warmth and laughter in his portrayal of a man who, late in life, has still not come to terms with his being gay. Struggling with his inability to tell his father, Ollie provides another opportunity for Abigail to extend a helping hand. 

      This play is a tragicomedy of the reality therapy variety, and it merits your attendance!!! We all must deal with grief and anxiety in our lives, and this play delves into the subject with compassion and clarity. 

     Director Abby Apple Boes paces the play in such a way as to keep us as audience engaged throughout. The director’s casting is impeccable. 

           Kevin Hart has been a Colorado favorite for many years. His performance in Christopher Durang’s “The Actor’s Nightmare” still resonates. His Willy Loman in The Edge Theater’s “Death of a Salesman,” was outstanding.

     Ms. Menighini’s portrayal of the adult Scout in Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s indelible production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” was luminous indeed. 

     Mr. Carrington has delivered numerous indelible performances in everything from Vintage Theatre’s “The Scottsboro Boys” to “Ain’t Misbehavin.” You really must go and see the magic that these three actors deliver as an ensemble.

     Jonathan Scott McKean has created a very well-executed set for the show. The lighting by Vance McKenzie is especially well done. 

     Having swept the Marlowe Awards with their astonishingly well produced stage version of Stephen King’s “Misery” last season, it’s no surprise that Miners Alley Performing Arts Center’s “Morning After Grace” is so poignant.

     I hope you get a chance to see this heart-tugging play!

 

For tickets call 303-935-3044 or go online at minersalley.com

 

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                     SISTERS OF SWING

                         VINTAGE THEATRE: JAN. 10 - 19

            (In Partnership with Ovation West Theatre Company)

             &  CENTER STAGE, EVERGREEN: JAN 24 - FEB 2

A THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING EVENING OF OLD STANDARDS DONE WITH CLASS! 

Written by Beth Gilleland and Bob Beverage, this production of "Sisters of Swing, the Story of The Andrews Sisters" is an ear-pleasing jukebox musical that delivers the music that turned Maxene, LaVerne, and Patty Andrews into one of the best-selling female vocal groups ever! The musical arrangements by Raymond Berg are outstanding!

     This is the group that sold over 90 million records and gave us more Top Ten hits than Elvis or the Beatles! Besides the upbeat tunes and rhythms, this intimate musical gives us the poignant story behind their songs, letting us as audience in on their triumphs and  disappointments.

     The 1930s and 40s witnessed the heyday of the Big Band Swing era in America, and "The Andrews Sisters," was one of its most beloved signature vocal groups. Such songs as "Ac-Cen-Tchu-Ate the Positive" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" were just two of the big hits that made this trio harmonize their way into the hearts of America. 

      This production traces these women's trajectory from their humble roots to their success by way of entertaining troops during World War II, to the reasons they eventually split up. Directed and choreographed by Stephanie Faatz Murry, the show stars the harmonizing talents of Sam Barrasso as Patty, Bethany Luhrs as Maxene and Tracy Denver as LaVerne. All three women are talented vocalists. Sam Barrasso was last seen at Vintage Theatre in her superb performance as Fraulein Kost in "Cabaret." Ms. Barrasso, who leads the trio, can really belt! Ms. Luhrs was last seen at the Vintage in her stellar performance as Harriet in "Emma." Tracy Denver portrayed  Denise in "Banned the Musical," which went on to play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Zach Stailey and Drake Susuras provide the male element in the show. Both men get to shine in "Six Jerks in a Jeep." Mr. Stailey is hilarious in his take on "All I Want For Christmas." Mr. Susuras is very funny in an audience interaction surprise. No spoilers here! Heather Iris Holt's music direction is superb. Colin Roybal's minimalist scenic design allows the actors to really pop!

The show sold out every seat this weekend at Vintage, with one weekend remaining. And if you're unable to make it then, the show will be presented at Center Stage in Evergreen from January 24 to February 2.

For tickets call the boxoffice at 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org

 THE MARLOWE AWARDS FOR 2024

 

Best Production of a Play, Misery, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center.

 

Best Actor in a Musical, Lars Preece, Fun Home, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Actress in a Musical, Mary Louise Lee, Raisin, Town Hall Arts Center 

 

Best Actor in a Play, Andrew Uhlenhopp, Red, Town Hall Arts Center

 

Best Actress in a Play, Emma Messenger, Misery, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

 

Best Actress in a one-person play, Deborah Persoff, Eleanor, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Supporting Actress in a Play, Clara Papula, The Glass Menagerie, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Supporting Actor in a Play, Cameron Davis, The Glass Menagerie, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Sound Design, John Hauser, Misery, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

 

Best Lighting Design, Vance McKenzie, Misery, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

 

Best Scenic Design, Don Fuller, The Glass Menagerie, Vintage Theatre Productions.

 

Best Ensemble, Musical, Nunsense, Veritas Productions and Parker Arts

 

Best Choreography, Christopher Page-Sanders, Raisin, Town Hall Arts Center

 

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, Lexi Lubotsky, Urinetown, Town Hall Arts Center

 

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Mathenee Treco, Once Upon a Mattress, Arvada Center

 

Best Director of a Play, Warren Sherrill, Misery, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

 

Best Director of a Musical, Christopher Page-Sanders, Raisin, Town Hall Arts Center

 

Best Music Director, Trent Hines, Raisin, Town Hall Arts Center

 

Best Music Tracks for a musical, Donna Debreceni, Raisin, Town Hall Arts Center

 

Best Production of a Musical, Raisin, Town Hall Arts Center 

 

Best New Play, 125 Nos, Buntport Theater

 

Best Costume Design, Cole Emarine, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Production of an Opera, Street Scene, Central City Opera

 

Best Choral director, Michael Poll           Pirates of Penzance, Central City Opera

 

Best Conductor of an Opera, Brandon Eldredge, Pirates of Penzance, Central City Opera 

 

Best Female Opera Singer, Christie Conover, Street Scene, Central City Opera

 

Best Male Opera Singer, Grant Youngblood, La Fanciulla Del West, Central City Opera