Thursday, November 10, 2016

“Jersey Boys”
The Buell Theatre through November 13.
L-R: Keith Hines, Aaron De Jesus, Cory Jeacoma and Matthew Dailey

There's a rousing, rip-roaring and truly amazing production of “Jersey Boys” now on view at The Buell Theatre. It’s that musical that got the Tony for showcasing the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
      Local star Matt Dailey is phenomenal in the acting and singing of the role of Tommy DeVito. Having seen him from the time he was 10 in “Nine” at Nomad Playhouse in Boulder, it’s thrilling to see his powerhouse performance in this National Tour of “Jersey Boys.”
Outstanding!
Aaron De Jesus is quite simply the Best of the portrayals of Frankie Valli to have been seen in Denver! He can not only hit those glorious high notes but he can also hold them better than any of the leads in the last three touring productions this reviewer has seen.That makes hearing “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” about as good as it gets!  The softer sounds of  “My Eyes Adored You” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” are sensational.
     This production also boasts local actor Andrew Russell in eleven supporting roles!

Run to get tickets! It only plays through Sunday.

303-893-4100 or go online at denvercenter.org

Hand to God
Curious Theater Company: through December 17
  L-R: John Hauser and Tyrone

Curious Theatre Company is presenting the regional premiere of Robert Askins dark comedy Hand to God now through December 17.
     After the death of her husband, Margery (Tara Falk) and her son, Jason (John Hauser), are given the use of a church basement to help them get their minds off the recent death of the head of the household.
     Pastor Greg has given Margery the task of preparing the students for a religious presentation in which they all use sock puppets. When Jasons puppet, Tyrone, starts taking on a foul-mouthed, demonic life of its own, his (Jasons) pent-up rage escalates into a hysterically funny, if violently horrifying, church basement Hell.
     John Hauser succeeds brilliantly as the timid young man who also personifies Tyrone. Tara Falks superb acting as Margery makes us wish to see her onstage much more often. John Jurcheck is outstanding as Timothy, the outspoken rebel in the class with a huge crush on teacher. The show also features Jenna Moll Reyes as Jessica, Jasons love interest.
     Pastor Greg, whose compassion for Margery is rooted in a play for her affections, is portrayed with an unsettling calm demeanor by Denver favorite Michael McNeill.
     Dee Covington does a Hell of a job with the direction!
     Jason Ducats sound design and Katie Gruenhagens lighting design conspire to create breathtaking mood swings.
     Cory Gilstraps puppet design and construction is Amazing!
     This production is extremely provocative and may cause the viewer to realize that personal responsibility for our words and actions can never be brushed off by saying the devil made me do it.
     This show is not for children.
For tickets call 303-623-0524 or go online at curioustheatre.org

"Girl of the Golden West"
The Ellie Caulkins Opera House: November 11 and 13
L-R: Melissa Citro and Mark Rucker and the cast of "Girl of the Golden West"

     Melissa Citro started a bit hesitantly in her portrayal of Minnie, the owner of the Polka Saloon. However in short order she rose to command the stage with her soaring soprano as the central character in Opera Colorados staging of what Puccini believed to be his best work.
     Tenor Jonathan Burton delivered powerful vocals as Minnies paramour, Dick Johnson (aka Ramerrez.)
     The huge male chorus sounded great at the Thursday preview this reviewer attended.
     Conductor Ari Pelto kept the sensational Opera Colorado Orchestra in the pit in perfect synch with the singers onstage.
     Greg Emetaz is to be lauded for his visually magnificent projections! Stephen D. Mazzenos lighting and scenic designs enhanced the production.
     Girl of the Golden West is one of the best productions to have been staged by Opera Colorado in the last five years.

Call 303-468-2030 or go online at operacolorado.org for tickets.Marlowe's Musings






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