The Buell Theatre: 1/28 – 2/2

     

      The production of “MAMMA MIA” at The Buell Theatre is one that comes with high recommendations to all fans of ABBA... and anyone who loves to party!

       It’s a tuneful bit of fluff about a young woman who’s about to get hitched. She’s never known who her father was and while rifling through her mother’s diary finds three likely suspects. When she invites the three men to the wedding the fireworks begin.

      The cast is outstanding and the production, while staged with a beautiful simplicity in the realm of scenic design, is full of lots of flashy costumes, lighting and choreography.

       The vocals are all remarkably well sung and the orchestra divine. The passion and precision with which the ensemble delivers the choreography is to be lauded as well.

       Colorado native P. Tucker Worley turns in a superb performance in the role of Pepper.

        A few of the ABBA hits you will remember are: “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me”, “Voulez-Vous” and of course the ever popular “Mamma Mia.”

       If you want a ticket you’ll have to hurry. It’s only here through Sunday.

Single tickets for MAMMA MIA! start at $20. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 10 or more, please call 303.446.4829. Additionally, tickets may be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby. Buy and print online at denvercenter.org.Marlowe's Musings

Kimberly Akimbo

Equinox Theatre Company: 1/24 – 2/15

             Linda Suttle is Kimberly

     There is a charming play written by David Lindsay-Abaire called “Kimberly Akimbo” currently on view at The Bug Theatre. Kimberly is a sixteen-year-old girl who is afflicted with a rare disease that causes the aging process to speed up. At sixteen she already appears to be a mature woman. The words on the front of the program read: “It’s hard being a teen. Try it at seventy.”

     Kimberly has a mom who’s a hypochondriac, a father who’s a drunk and an aunt who’s a scam artist. It’s a black comedy about an extremely dysfunctional family that speaks to the way the quick passage of time has of wounding everyone.

     Linda Suttle leads the cast with an affectionately drawn portrayal of the central character. This artist has obviously spent lots of hours at the mall researching the behaviors and posture of teenage girls.

     Brad Wagner delivers a fresh and funny portrayal of Kim’s boy friend, Jeff.  Kaity Talmage-Bowers is hilarious as Kim’s  nutty aunt Debra.

     Rounding out the cast in the roles of Kimberly’s parents are: Kim Netherton as Patttie and Zach Brown as Buddy.

     One of the set pieces was problematic on opening weekend but over all “Kimberly Akimbo” is a fun, heartfelt and poignant evening of theatre. Deb Flomberg directs.

Equinox Theatre Company Presents:
“Kimberly Akimbo”
at The Bug Theatre
 3654 Navajo Street in Denver
(720) 984-0781
January 24 through February 15 
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM
Tickets start at $20
 Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more
Tickets available online at www.EquinoxTheatreDenver.comMarlowe's Musings 

Orphans

The Edge Theatre: 1/7-2/9

     “Orphans” is an evening of theatre you have got to experience!

     In some past productions of this play some directors have found it difficult to create a balanced vision of the piece.

     This time at The Edge Theatre director Rob Kramer and his superb cast really got it right.

     Christian Mast and Jack Wefso are on fire as siblings who are emotionally scarred by the loss of their mother.

                             

                             Left to Right: Rick Yaconis and Christian Mast

     Mast delivers an endearing portrayal of the developmentally disabled brother. This artist’s ability to create and maintain the quirky behaviors of this character both facially and physiologically is astounding.

     Jack Wefso’s fiery portrait of the brother who appears to be the stronger of the two by surviving as a small time thief to mask his emotional damage rivets.

                                

                               Jack Wefso (in foreground) and Christian Mast

     Rick Yaconis provides the perfectly balanced 

emotional fulcrum as a gangster kidnapped by Wefso’s character. Is he planning violence under a placid façade or paternal comfort to the brothers’ arrested emotional development?

Can you say “cathartic?”

The Edge Theatre

"Orphans"

A twisted parody of family bonds and reversal of fortune.

Jan. 17 - Feb. 9

Preview performance Thurs., Jan. 16 @ 8 p.m.

Fri./Sat. & Mon. Jan. 27 @ 8 p.m.; Sat. Feb. 1 & 8 @ 2 p.m.; Sun@ 6 p.m.

*No Performance Sunday, Feb. 2

Tickets: $20 advance $22 at the door

303-232-0363 or online at www.theedgetheater.com.

The Edge Theatre, 1560 Teller Street, Suite 200, Lakewood CO 80214. Free Parking.Marlowe's Musings

The Whipping Man

Curious Theatre Company: 1/11-2/15

     Friday evening this reviewer was regaled with the most intense realism in memory at Curious Theatre’s powerful production of “The Whipping Man.”

     Co-directors Kate Folkins and Chip Walton elicited electrifying performances from their three-man cast.

     When was the last time you teared up in the first couple minutes of a production? Sean Scrutchins can teach your nerve endings to feel pain way beyond the footlights!

        

Laurence Curry(above) 

and Sean Scrutchins

     Please be aware that this production has scenes involving excruciating pain, which are recommended to all lovers of serious drama who are not faint of heart.

     Sean Scrutchins is outstanding in the role of Caleb, a wounded Confederate soldier returning home to two emancipated slaves and the scorched ruins of his home.

     Stepping in at the last minute the always-excellent Cajardo Lindsey turns in a high caliber portrayal of Simon.  

                     

Left to Right: Laurence Curry, Cajardo Lindsey and Sean Scrutchins

     Laurence Curry gives us a dynamic performance in the role of John.

    Exquisitely delivered sound and lighting designs and a magnificent set add to the evening’s enjoyment.

    The “special effects” created by Todd Debreceni enhance the realistic impact.Marlowe's Musings

Thursdays – Saturdays: 8 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m.

Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma Street, Denver, CO 80204

(Just two blocks south of the Denver Art Museum, near 11th Avenue and Acoma Street.)

The Box Office is located at 1080 Acoma Street, Denver 303.623.0524 or online at www.curioustheatre.org.

  

Thanks to one and all in the theatre community who have made the 2013 Theatre Season in Colorado such a great success. It is with great appreciation and sincere humility that this reviewer lists some of the great talents who have made this season truly memorable.

The 2013 Marlowe Awards

Outstanding Actor in a one- person play:

 James O’Hagan Murphy, RFK, Vintage Theatre Productions

Outstanding Actress in a one- person play:

Maria Cheng, Spirit and Sworded Treks, Theatre Esprit Asia (TEA)

                                                       

 Outstanding Actor in a Play, Drama:

                            
John Ashton, Seminar, Boulder 
Ensemble Theatre Company

Scott Bellot, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Edge Theatre Company

                              
Brian Landis Folkins, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Edge Theatre Company

Paul Page, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Edge Theatre Company

Outstanding Actress in a Play, Drama

Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” Germinal Stage Denver

Missy Moore, The House of Blue Leaves, The Edge Theatre Company

Maggy Stacy, Cat on a Hot tin Roof, The Edge Theatre Company

Billie McBride, Collected Stories, Miners Alley Playhouse 

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama 
         
        
Emma Messenger, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Edge Theatre Company

          

         

Kathleen McCall, Romeo and Juliet, Denver Center Theatre Company

                                         

Erica Fox, Closer, Vintage Theatre Productions

                                     

Jeanne Paulsen, Romeo and Juliet, Denver Center Theatre Company

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama

                               
Zachary Andrews, Long Day’s Journey into Night, Germinal Stage Denver

                      

Brock Benson, Newark Violenta, The Edge Theatre Company
                           

Steef Sealy, The Seafarer, Ashton Entertainment

                                   

Joe Von Bokern, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Edge Theatre Company 

Best Production of a Play, Comedy

                     

The 39 Steps, Town Hall Arts

Blithe Spirit, Arvada Center for the Arts

The Foreigner, PHAMALY Theatre Company

Mrs. Mannerly, Miners Alley Playhouse

Outstanding Actor Comedy
                       

Chris Bleau, Mrs. Mannerly, Miners Alley Playhouse
                         
                                    

Lawrence Hecht, Vigil, Cherry Creek Theatre Company

 

Steven Cole Hughes, Blithe Spirit, Arvada Center for the Arts

                         

Jeremy Palmer, The Foreigner,  PHAMALY Theatre Company

Outstanding Actress Comedy
                                  

Deborah Curtis, Mrs. Mannerly, 
Miners Alley Playhouse
                          

Patty Mintz-Figel, Vigil, Cherry Creek Theatre Company
                           

C. Kelly Leo, Rancho Mirage, Curious Theatre Company

                               

Karen Slack, God of Carnage, Curious Theatre Company

Outstanding Supporting Actor Comedy

                                                
Sean Scrutchins, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Colorado Shakespeare Festival

                                              
Mark Lively, Next Fall, Theatre Out Denver

                               

Eric Mather, The 39 Steps, Town Hall Arts
                                 

 Seth Maisel, The 39 Steps, Town Hall Arts

Outstanding Supporting Actress Comedy

Heather Lacy, Blithe Spirit, Arvada Center for the Arts

Judy Phelan-Hill, Next Fall, Theatre Out Denver
                                       

Erica Lee Johnson, Mrs. Mannerly, Miners Alley Playhouse

                                     
Sharon Kaye White, Dividing the Estate, Arvada Center for the Arts

Outstanding Director Comedy

Bob Wells, 39 Steps, Town Hall Arts

Bernie Cardell, Sordid Lives, Illumination Theatre Company

                     
Edith Weiss, The Foreigner, PHAMALY Theatre Company

Richard H. Pegg, Mrs. Mannerly, Miners Alley Playhouse

Best Costumes

Chris Campbell, Blithe Spirit, Arvada Center for the Arts

ESosa, Sense and Sensibility, Denver Center Theatre Company

Linda Morken, The Wizard of Oz, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

Christina Poddubiuk, Romeo and Juliet, Denver Center Theatre Company

Best Choreography

Nick Sugar, Hair, Town Hall Arts

Matt LaFontaine, In the Heights, Vintage Theatre Productions

Kelly Kates, Annie, Town Hall Arts

Alicia Dunfee, The Wizard of Oz, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical
                                 

Daymond Schweer, Young Frankenstein, StageDoor Theatre, Conifer

                                  
Daniel Langhoff, Annie, Town Hall Arts
                       

                                   

Wayne Kennedy, Spamalot, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre
                                                   

 Seth Maisel, Young Frankenstein, Vintage Theatre Productions

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical
                                                 

SuCh, The Color Purple, Aurora Fox Arts

Megan Van De Hey, Curtains, Arvada Center for the Arts

                                             
Sydney Fairbairn, Annie, Town Hall Arts
                                                           

Jennifer DeDominici, Man of La Mancha, Arvada Center for the Arts

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical

LuAnn Buckstein, Annie, Town Hall Arts

                 

Bren Eyestone.Burron, Church Basement Ladies, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre 

Lisa Finnerty, 9 to 5, Town Hall Arts

Alicia Dunfee, Spamalot, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical

           
Colin Alexander, Curtains, Arvada Center for the Arts

                                 
Seth Caikowski, The Wizard of Oz, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

                                   
Tim Howard, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Town Hall Arts
                                     

Mark Shonsey, Young Frankenstein, Vintage Theatre Productions

                                   

Outstanding Director of a Musical

Rod Lansberry/David Nehls, 
Man of La Mancha, Arvada Center for the Arts           

Pamela Clifton/Trent Hines, 
Young Frankenstein, StageDoor Theatre, Conifer

Nick Sugar/ Donna Kolpan Debreceni, Hair, Town Hall Arts

Piper Arpan/Neal Dunfee,
Spamalot, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

Best New Play

                                          

Newark, Violenta, Jonson Kuhn, The Edge Theatre Company

Wake, Buntport Theater Company

Best Play Drama

RFK, Vintage Theatre Productions

Long Day’s Journey into Night,

Germinal Stage Denver

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Edge Theatre Company

 Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Edge Theatre Company

               Best Ensemble

                             
Spoon River Anthology, Germinal Stage Denver

                  

The Memory of Water, Miners Alley Playhouse

   Closer, Vintage Theatre Productions

                                   

                                       
Minimum Wage, The Avenue Theatre

Best Production of a Musical

                        
Man of La Mancha, Arvada Center for the Arts

                              
             Hair, Town Hall Arts

                              
           Annie, Town Hall Arts

       
                               
Spamalot, Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

Best Lighting

Frank Haas, Shadowlands,Vintage Theatre Productions

Shannon McKinney, Metamorphoses, Aurora Fox Arts

Jonathan Scott-McKean, Hair, Town Hall Arts

Seth Alison, Annie, Town Hall Arts

Best Scenic Design

Brian Mallgrave, Man of La Mancha, Arvada Center for the Arts

Charles Packard, Metamorphoses, Aurora Fox Arts

Tobias Harding, Shadowlands, Vintage Theatre Productions

Wake, Buntport Theater Company

Best Sound Design

David Thomas, Man of La Mancha, The Arvada Center for the Arts

Luke Allen Terry, Veronica’s Room, Vintage Theatre Productions

John Rivera, The 39 Steps, Town Hall Arts

Adam Stone, Wake, Buntport Theater Company

Best Director Play, Drama

Geoff Kent, Metamorphoses, Aurora Fox Arts

Terry Dodd, RFK, Vintage Theatre Productions 

Ed Baierlein, Long Day’s Journey into Night, Germinal Stage Denver

Angela Astle, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Edge Theatre Company

Best Touring Company

The Book of Mormon, Denver Center Attractions

Outstanding New Theatre Company

Theatre Esprit Asia (TEA)

Best Opera Production
Our Town, Central City Opera

Outstanding Female Opera Singers:
           

Anna Christy, Our Town, Central City Opera

Jennifer Rivera, The Barber of Seville, Central City Opera

Julia Burrows, Showboat, Central City Opera
Ellen Kaye, Showboat, Central City Opera

Outstanding Male Opera Singers

 Troy Cook, Showboat, Central City Opera
                                  

Soloman Howard, Showboat, Central City Opera

Vale Rideout, Our Town, Central City Opera
                                 

Daniel Belcher, The Barber of Seville, Central City OperaMarlowe's Musings