tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19182022727461409222024-03-18T21:47:31.145-07:00Marlowe's MusingsDavid Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.comBlogger570125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-21103802047914118632024-03-18T12:57:00.000-07:002024-03-18T21:47:00.258-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">THE GLASS MENAGERIE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE: MAR 15 – APR 21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Directed by Bernie Cardell<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpSSc-hZ-W9Jn969ZwfR1_bYtzs1mDMsD-_mZKnqu7lCMZeGEEprCms-Sbc8SzH9frvWE9cq8LwRdvx2Vb_Z_6v8VTRskOKeD2p5yp2YR-7hYT3MBRHFfvDWQhTCbq1aIWmtPunIHdBQlIlKMDfQ1HAalIYoGpUDo9S-D8oQn7UHlL4fs1AvUbA3CZKk/s2048/433091388_10168505365250461_3048627611593693586_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpSSc-hZ-W9Jn969ZwfR1_bYtzs1mDMsD-_mZKnqu7lCMZeGEEprCms-Sbc8SzH9frvWE9cq8LwRdvx2Vb_Z_6v8VTRskOKeD2p5yp2YR-7hYT3MBRHFfvDWQhTCbq1aIWmtPunIHdBQlIlKMDfQ1HAalIYoGpUDo9S-D8oQn7UHlL4fs1AvUbA3CZKk/w640-h426/433091388_10168505365250461_3048627611593693586_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Matthew Murry and Cameron Douglas</span><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit: RDG Photography)</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Emma Messenger is magnificent as Amanda Wingfield!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">“The Glass Menagerie” is the ‘memory play’ that brought Tennessee Williams to fame.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">In the play, the playwright remembers his mother, Amanda, and sister, Laura.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Amanda is a faded southern belle who, abandoned by her husband, is raising her children in a tenement apartment in 1930s St. Louis. Her son, Tom, the alter ego of the playwright, is working in a shoe factory and dreaming of becoming a poet. Amanda’s daughter, Laura, is developmentally disabled as a result of a childhood disease.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Whether scolding Laura for dropping out of business school or trying to get Tom to fix his cowlick and eat properly, Messenger gives us a woman whose mothering is almost too much for her children. Her maternal nature is out of control and becomes not only smothering, but suffocating.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Encountering the gentleman caller in Act Two, Messenger’s Amanda slips into a reverie in which she is the debutante she believes she once was. It’s one of the most astonishing and spellbinding moments in this actor’s compelling performance. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> As Tom’s sister, Laura, Clara Papula is charming, vulnerable and gossamer delicate all at once. One hopes to see her again soon upon the Denver stage.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> As Jim, the gentleman caller, Cameron Douglas commands the stage with his confident manner and ebullient personality. He builds to an emotional pitch that is crowned with a kiss. His extroverted, athletic approach to life contrasts starkly with that of Tom’s sister, Laura. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Recently having portrayed E.M. Forster in Vintage Theatre’s monumental production of “The Inheritance,” Matthew Murry returns as a brilliant Tom Wingfield, the playwright’s cynical alter ego.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> As Tom, Matthew Murry delivers the playwright’s opening speech with authenticity and eloquence. Both narrator and protagonist, Tom escapes the apartment where he lives with his mother and sister by staying out late and going to the movies. Murry’s delivery of the speech at final curtain carries an impact that is nearly unbearable. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Director Bernie Cardell has cast the show impeccably. He has also engaged tried and true theatre artists in all technical aspects of the production. Luke Rahmsdorff -Terry’s sound design and Kevin Taylor’s lighting conspire to create an atmosphere that alternates between that of stifling entrapment and moody nostalgia. Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry has costumed the quartet beautifully.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Don Fuller uses every inch of the space in the Bond-Trimble theatre for his magnificent scenic design. Behind, and flanking the confines of the Wingfields’ claustrophobic apartment, broods a huge representation of Picasso’s Guernica.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">(This is Bernie Cardell’s 150<sup>th</sup> production since his arrival in Colorado.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">Not to be missed!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">For tickets call 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-65038999241229245382024-03-08T11:42:00.000-08:002024-03-08T11:42:13.499-08:00<p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 25pt;">Eleanor</span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17pt;">Vintage Theatre: March 4-27</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAenpyeik3J8eN5CM443EBqVJ4FVkbGMDGreoFnR1lb3OKVIqHzhInpyyPCTLm3U-jjsoBCGpQJo8BIPp6pYObSeblYoLmjh5Ff9sLVI4TInLTntGALO2YVMQbVClRsx2vGVV8vVEhRpS7NWm8GqjPjDLplsUSkmYgi07uPBwUMFYAemMGYX3jaYHysU/s864/65ea5069e1d09.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAenpyeik3J8eN5CM443EBqVJ4FVkbGMDGreoFnR1lb3OKVIqHzhInpyyPCTLm3U-jjsoBCGpQJo8BIPp6pYObSeblYoLmjh5Ff9sLVI4TInLTntGALO2YVMQbVClRsx2vGVV8vVEhRpS7NWm8GqjPjDLplsUSkmYgi07uPBwUMFYAemMGYX3jaYHysU/s320/65ea5069e1d09.webp" width="278" /></a></b></div><b> Deborah Persoff </b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> (photo credit Margaret Norwood)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt;">Deborah Persoff’s performance in the role of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, is superbly nuanced and revelatory.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> This one-woman play penned by Mark St. Germain is as compelling as it is informative. Delving into her childhood as well as her marriage to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the playwright illuminates the First Lady’s private torments and triumphs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> Eleanor worked diligently for women’s rights. Her championing of racial equality was even met with certain members of the KKK putting a price on her head.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> Her marriage to Franklin Delano Roosevelt provided her a platform on which she was able to present new ideas upon the public stage. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> In her portrayal of Eleanor, Ms. Persoff makes us aware that as the power behind the throne, she (Eleanor) was able to sway presidential opinion as this country recovered from the Great Depression and generated The New Deal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> At certain moments Ms. Persoff is able to slip seamlessly into such personas as a hilariously puffed-up and self-absorbed Winston Churchill as well as her husband’s difficult mother. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> The play is directed with great sensitivity by Christine Kahane (Marlowe Award for Best Supporting Actress in “Young Frankenstein”), who directed Vintage’s critically acclaimed production of “Shakespeare in Love” a couple of seasons ago. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry’s sound design is his usual professional work. His projection design, which delivers historical photos of Eleanor, enhances the proceedings by planting us firmly in the required historical moment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> Cheryl Faulkner’s costume design is spot on.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 22pt;">Run to get tickets.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;">For tickets go online at vintagetheatre.org or call the box office at 303-856-7830<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-1433562470138648642024-03-04T17:11:00.000-08:002024-03-04T17:17:02.465-08:00<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 125 "NO"s</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">BUNTPORT THEATER: MARCH 1-24</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMn2TlV8eb7hMoxdxCCq0RBH2GzfTUKE7w5_X-xXD3faegCKhtgF9XIi4Y6vRu4YcuKBUUn1oB3mhyphenhyphenYq9siqoI9EsKa8r8wUWTcslc_Fs-Aejq-NJ5Bln_BqkZAvLPloTgD8s3AP_cM1iEVPRzYfOKiVzoC2RpX88DNfENFveYEKorzGEdgxg6MDYdYk/s813/smoke.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMn2TlV8eb7hMoxdxCCq0RBH2GzfTUKE7w5_X-xXD3faegCKhtgF9XIi4Y6vRu4YcuKBUUn1oB3mhyphenhyphenYq9siqoI9EsKa8r8wUWTcslc_Fs-Aejq-NJ5Bln_BqkZAvLPloTgD8s3AP_cM1iEVPRzYfOKiVzoC2RpX88DNfENFveYEKorzGEdgxg6MDYdYk/s320/smoke.jpg.webp" width="236" /></a></div><br /><p> <b> Erin Rollman and Erik Edborg</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Lightly skimming over an armature of Sartre’s “NO EXIT,” Buntport Theater’s production of ‘125 “No”s’ is, in this reviewer’s interesting point of view, their best in years. It’s FUNNY and PROVOCATIVE! All four of Buntport’s intrepid actors get lots of superb lines and a plethora of plum moments! A make-up artist (Hannah Duggan), a special effects man (Erik Edborg), an extra who worries if he will be natural enough onscreen in the role that he performs naturally in everyday life (Brian Colonna), and a script consultant insistent on keeping good morals always onscreen (Erin Rollin) are living a just offstage purgatory! All four of these brilliant comics co-write, co-direct and co-design their original work. </b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b> Inspired by a quote on a poster in the lobby of a movie theatre that announced that Greer Garson had to do 125 takes of her saying the word “No”in the 1947 film, “Desire Me,” this original production shines!!! </b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b> Besides the stunning performances of the onstage actors you can also expect to be dazzled by the offstage voices of such Denver favorites as Jim Hunt( Director), Josh Hartwell (assistant) and Diana Dresser (Greer Garson).</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><b> This existential comedy is absurdist theatre at its best!</b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><b> Run to get tickets!</b></p><div><b><br /></b></div>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-62058559890857905932024-02-18T16:06:00.000-08:002024-02-18T16:07:14.779-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;">THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE: FEB 16- MARCH 24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsneynLV0gP9fJJDNP0KYpoANZQhzs8ogMRW8eTRIILH439aZCMPRYV-056nVfdw6Adjc9f0_PL4Bg5TM2bGJahYwwaD7YEyS24LndFbI3DeCH8BojwAcT6z1uECDNqYRS7EEgja54Xspc1RWJ6zCPEejrcl9dXpd0x_6q7Pguz9WeUmP1VcQSA6DicI/s2048/428469399_1100827541215718_2403016405086496957_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsneynLV0gP9fJJDNP0KYpoANZQhzs8ogMRW8eTRIILH439aZCMPRYV-056nVfdw6Adjc9f0_PL4Bg5TM2bGJahYwwaD7YEyS24LndFbI3DeCH8BojwAcT6z1uECDNqYRS7EEgja54Xspc1RWJ6zCPEejrcl9dXpd0x_6q7Pguz9WeUmP1VcQSA6DicI/w426-h640/428469399_1100827541215718_2403016405086496957_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></b></div><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> Stuart Sanks</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> (photo credit RDG PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> With his direction of The Legend of Georgia McBride, Troy Lakey delivers a glitzy, glitter-filled evening of music and dance that exhilarates. It’s a fast-paced evening that’s cast impeccably.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Aside from Denver favorite Stuart Sanks, the other cast members were new to this reviewer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Sanks, who plays Miss Tracy Mills, is an expansive and dazzling presence onstage. (One still recalls his brilliant performance as Joe in Hunger Artists’ soul-shattering production of Angels in America twenty- seven years ago.) Whether delivering the playwright’s words onstage or ‘workin’ the crowd,” Sanks’ performance sparkles.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Matthew Combs turns in a smashing performance as Casey, the young husband who, fired from his act impersonating Elvis, shifts from blue suede shoes to high heels in order to keep food on the table for his family. Bringing up memories of Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire and Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie, Combs as Casey shows definitively that embracing one’s feminine side doesn’t mean leaving his masculinity behind. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Clark Jones is superb in two roles: the drag queen, Rexy, and Casey’s landlord, Jason. Jones’s soliloquy about his (Rexy’s) having been bullied and beat up as a kid, is heart-breaking. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Matt Hindmarch gets in some good comic licks as the manager/owner of the club. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Atlas Drake is fine as Casey’s wife, Jo. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Cole Emarine’s costume design is eye-boggling to say the least. Mr. Emarine must have been up to his armpits in sequins and feathers for weeks to have designed this fantasia of gorgeous gowns.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Jonathan Underwood’s choreography delights.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Ryan Walkoviak’s scenic design provides smooth transition between Casey’s and Jo’s apartment and backstage at the club.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Playwright Matthew Lopez also penned the Tony Award-winning two part play, THE INHERITANCE (MARLOWE AWARD for BEST ENSEMBLE) last season.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> On opening night, there were some sound issues that caused the show to start a little later than scheduled. Once the glitch had been found and remedied, Jessica Jewell’s sound design stunned!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">For tickets call 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-47824399455835444672024-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:002024-02-11T11:45:52.851-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;">PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">STAGEDOOR THEATRE: FEB 2 – 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQStOHQpmYd4xNXB8mcJn4T2lOtRJHtg_kTj4VIIaApP3MZeqsl28vkD4qAyT3l_c8iFdJsWqr92pdFVxvmVngNnFzIy-8ztXhoEsBT_ev1pPUSiCxDw-5D7wZhDtaLAXe1D_zcUaHJAgUiT8dMrMhNM3KNwdILv-3cg_-gq5JsuUq_cy2qh1wetzE-dc/s750/426373653_25579859658280253_8290224357254052657_n-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="750" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQStOHQpmYd4xNXB8mcJn4T2lOtRJHtg_kTj4VIIaApP3MZeqsl28vkD4qAyT3l_c8iFdJsWqr92pdFVxvmVngNnFzIy-8ztXhoEsBT_ev1pPUSiCxDw-5D7wZhDtaLAXe1D_zcUaHJAgUiT8dMrMhNM3KNwdILv-3cg_-gq5JsuUq_cy2qh1wetzE-dc/w640-h512/426373653_25579859658280253_8290224357254052657_n-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Clint Heyn as Gaston </span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">In my interesting point of view “PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE” is the best play ever written by Steve Martin. I’ve heard great things about “Bright Star,” his musical, and haven’t had the good fortune of seeing it yet.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Jill Manser has put together an enjoyable production of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” up at Stagedoor Theater in Conifer. The tech end of this production is superb, and there are many happy-making suprises! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> It’s 1904 and this imaginary meeting of these two geniuses at The Lapin Agile in Paris is one year before they revolutionized Art and Science. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">One with his mind-blowing cubist painting of “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and the other with his publishing of “The Special Theory of Relativity.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The lighting and projection design by Tom Junker are outstanding! Kimberly Colisch(Germaine) and Anakay Hanold(Suzanne/Countess/Admirer) are ravishing decked out in the exquisite costumes created by Cheryl Faulkner and Jennifer Middleton.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> My guest for the evening thought the very well-executed set design by Biz Schaugaard and Dean Aniotes, reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> It was great to see Denver favorite Clint Heyn ( a very funny Gaston) among the actors, most of whom were new to this reviewer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Director Manser has a good eye for casting, and visually Brian Dowling is perfect (the haircut is Awesome!) for Picasso. As Einstein, Alex Hunter gets in some good comic licks, mussing up his hair, bugging out his eyes and sticking his tongue out. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> There are lots of absorbing ideas about the comparison and contrast of Art and Science as well as how ideas emerge from the past…or was that the future? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> If playwright Martin could always be this provocative intellectually, and as amusing as he is with this play and “The Underpants: a play,” one might be more encouraged to see his other works for the stage. Unfortunately, unfunny plays like “Meteor Shower” put a damper on that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> You could have an evening of light-hearted fun taking a drive up the mountain for this amusing fantasy at The Stagedoor Theater in Conifer.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">For tickets call 303-838-0809 or go online at Stagedoortheater.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-68548350089717818272024-02-03T11:45:00.000-08:002024-02-14T20:49:31.240-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9-Xmw8ZW2y9ek2N6O1H9H3xKGqk1jJp30GLSchvxn1hxL9UvB8madi8d9yaXXHn-IuVKxOyaGCNtG1TWAvq7FusYXOg1v_Fy4MUCxPWJvEZ9FwYY3wHsaqCZtGtZA3l8dabSDvu0Gq-e5tMGixFfS5JuQM08frlQoxSqBX-WIayUIiX-BYoBsjTln1Q/s1920/359836701_786106196632966_6077297783374361643_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1920" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9-Xmw8ZW2y9ek2N6O1H9H3xKGqk1jJp30GLSchvxn1hxL9UvB8madi8d9yaXXHn-IuVKxOyaGCNtG1TWAvq7FusYXOg1v_Fy4MUCxPWJvEZ9FwYY3wHsaqCZtGtZA3l8dabSDvu0Gq-e5tMGixFfS5JuQM08frlQoxSqBX-WIayUIiX-BYoBsjTln1Q/w640-h336/359836701_786106196632966_6077297783374361643_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Veritas Productions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">PACE CENTER, PARKER:Jan 9 – Feb 10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THIS SHOW IS REQUIRED VIEWING FOR CASTING DIRECTORS! (If you’re a casting director, drop what’s on your calendar for Saturday night, and go check out this show!)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Congratulations to Nancy Evans Begley(Executive Producer) and Amy Condon for their newly formed company, VERITAS.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Their first production now onstage at PACE CENTER in Parker, is bristling with bright, coltish energy that is palpable!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> There is so much youthful talent on that stage that I hope every casting director in town gets to see it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">These children all have talent and have been given such a shot of confidence by Director Katie Reid Milazzo, that they truly become rock stars in their enthusiastic embrace of their various roles.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The just offstage band is stellar. The dynamite lighting of Alex Hanna brings back memories of his fine work two seasons ago for “FOOTLOOSE.” Matthew S. Crane’s stylish set design, which the cast moves around with enviable grace and ease, is just right for this stage. Alex Hanna’s lighting design rocks! Kurt Behm’s audio design is the outstanding work Colorado audiences have come to expect of him. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Madeline Shaffer’s choreography of this huge cast is amazing! Music Directors Michael and Amy Pickering do a grand job…especially in the choral numbers!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Caleb Reed does a superb job as Dewey Finn, that guy dreaming of becoming a rock star legend, who finds life moving him into a position of inspiring others. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Rosalie Mullins is a lovely Sara Metz, the principal who falls for Dewey. Ms. Mullins’ vocals are Outstanding! Erik Thurston (Ned Schneebly) and Miranda Byers (Patty di Marco) do a great job as the couple who have let Dewey live (freeload) in the basement of their home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Standouts in this incredible cast of children are: Christopher Gawlikowski (Zack), Owen Lester (Billy), Liam Dodge (Freddie), Sariah Smith (Tomika), and Gabrielle Gueck (Summer). If I missed anyone, please forgive me. You were all great! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Go and see and hear them work their magic. It’s only here for one more weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This show is based upon the Paramount movie by Mike White. With book by Julian Fellowes and Lyrics by Glenn Slater, SCHOOL OF ROCK has new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">For tickets call 303-805-6800 or go online at parkerarts.org </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-88491218303176545182024-01-31T13:21:00.000-08:002024-01-31T13:21:15.994-08:00<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 72pt;"> FUN HOME<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">JAN 12 – Extended through FEB 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">By popular demand!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mmdkdLfk58icWC6QnO7NDh1F6LUc0efMCI8_Gdgvl1ro2_FTEuwpbP-hl7lcbM4dJVkEzCeHb-Yq-4Xu4pC1x1pK5yK5gVkBuQWdFFBYy4p9z3fNarWuJFav0rTjzdRsuMIVmqhjJnEiqUertu4pAohO8LC0Dqv-7WGfvGL1O61BfIe9usTY-0g7QbE/s592/421548173_10232194037854364_3919035308154976125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="592" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mmdkdLfk58icWC6QnO7NDh1F6LUc0efMCI8_Gdgvl1ro2_FTEuwpbP-hl7lcbM4dJVkEzCeHb-Yq-4Xu4pC1x1pK5yK5gVkBuQWdFFBYy4p9z3fNarWuJFav0rTjzdRsuMIVmqhjJnEiqUertu4pAohO8LC0Dqv-7WGfvGL1O61BfIe9usTY-0g7QbE/w640-h428/421548173_10232194037854364_3919035308154976125_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Maya Ferrario and Lars Preece</span><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit RDG Photography)</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">With book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, “Fun Home” is an adaptation of a graphic novel with the same title. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The show won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Bechdel’s work tells the story of her discovery of her sexual orientation as a lesbian, and her relationship with her gay father who was ‘in the closet.’ <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The non-linear presentation allows us to see Alison through her memories (“It All Comes Back”) of her childhood growing up in the family funeral home (hence the title: “FUN HOME”) run by her father. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Director Emma Rebecca Maxfield has wisely chosen to stage “Fun Home” in the Bond-Trimble Theatre. The intimacy of this space lets us as audience experience this taut, tense and emotionally charged production up close and personal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The young actors Maxwell has cast do a fine job with the acting. Maya Ferrario, River Hetzel and Adaleia Odekirk all give fine portrayals of Alison, Medium Alison and Small Alison respectively. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Ms. Odekirk is at her best singing “Ring of Keys.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> River Hetzel’s singing “I’m Changing My Major… to Joan” begins with intentionally awkward tension and segues quickly into exhilarating triumph singing about the first night with their new paramour, Joan.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Elise Brianne Todd portrays Joan with a breezy naturalness that’s a joy to watch. Ms. Todd is a graduate of UNC’s musical theatre and dance program. One hopes to see her on the Denver stage again soon.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Lars Preece delivers a riveting portrayal of Bruce Bechdel, Alison’s father. Whether teaching Medium Alison to assist him in the mortuary or attempting to explain secrets to adult Alison, this performance stuns. This actor’s duets with Ms. Ferrario leading up to final curtain are especially moving. Mr. Preece is one of Denver’s premier actors. This actor has stunned audiences with his acting and singing prowess in recent productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” and “A Grand Night for Singing” both at Performance Now Theatre. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> As Bruce’s wife, Helen, Adrienne Asterita breaks our hearts with her singing of her loneliness and depression with “Days and Days.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Marlene Hall does superb work in numerous roles.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The live theatre band delivers the award-winning score with warmth and sensitivity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Fun Home contains Adult Language, Domestic Violence, Mature themes, LGBTQIA+ trauma and discussions of suicide.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">For tickets call: 303-856-7830 Vintagetheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><br /></p></div>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-49539712616055540722024-01-28T00:27:00.000-08:002024-01-28T09:36:58.628-08:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b><p></p><p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: 36pt;">URINETOWN</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER: JAN 26 – FEB 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqv8VIjfRJq86OQctpq_bkvCrxyUI45IlPGXtHXnK6BOO61sj7oixFVKm-6TV9b5K1ORDPhiC_QUfazIXlszgqMn5KS6W_sWQIIMBrHgqoyIG9Gcva1odsBhvY7eabbYeQ8vc3l6CgP5AZe4fxqKJQiCukJBvqsBOmw5VzAiiWOnWb4ik7YyFzWU320/s2048/422375637_693191639658131_2374025574788338328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqv8VIjfRJq86OQctpq_bkvCrxyUI45IlPGXtHXnK6BOO61sj7oixFVKm-6TV9b5K1ORDPhiC_QUfazIXlszgqMn5KS6W_sWQIIMBrHgqoyIG9Gcva1odsBhvY7eabbYeQ8vc3l6CgP5AZe4fxqKJQiCukJBvqsBOmw5VzAiiWOnWb4ik7YyFzWU320/w640-h426/422375637_693191639658131_2374025574788338328_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Damon Guerrasio and Lexi Lubotsky (photo credit: RDG Photography)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">YOU’RE GONNA BE <i>SO</i> <i>PISSED</i> AT YOURSELF IF YOU MISS “URINETOWN!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">With Music by Mark Hollman and lyrics by Hollman and Greg Kotis, URINETOWN’s book is also by Kotis. This wonderfully quirky musical was nominated for nine Tonys and won three, including Best Book for a Musical and Best Score.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Urinetown: the Musical is a satirical work that sends up everything from local politics to corporate greed. It also parodies the American musical itself, poking fun at such musicals as Les Miserables and The Three Penny Opera.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Greg Kotis’ inspiration for the project was his discovery that a poor student (himself) traveling in Europe had to pay to use “les toilettes payants,” which the students call “les pissoirs.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> As directed by Robert Michael Sanders, the show is cast beautifully and paced like a galloping racehorse! (Act One just flies by!)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> The incredible cast is chock-full of wonderful musical theatre actors.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Damon Guerrasio (Marlowe Award for his performance in “Bullets Over Broadway,”) is Officer Lockstock, the narrator. His singing/recitatif of “Too Much Exposition” at the top of the show, is sensationally funny.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> As the amusingly annoying brat, Little Sally, Lexi Lubotsky shines! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Jake Bell is our hero, Bobby Strong. This actor’s singing of “Look at the Sky” and “Run, Freedom, Run,” exhilarate.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Anne Terze-Schwerze proves to be a musical theatre Star as Hope Cladwell. Her gorgeous soprano gives us renditions of “Follow Your Heart” and “I See a River” that are ribbons of auditory bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Liz Brooks is appropriately over the top abrasive as Penelope Pennywise singing “It’s a Privilege to Pee.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Ms. Brooks is one of the most formidable musical theatre performers in town. Recent examples are her performances in “Nice Work if You Can Get it” and “Carousel” at Performance Now.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Jim Hitzke as the greedy Caldwell B. Cladwell shows us just how effective the ‘trickle down’ theory is in Urinetown. His singing and dancing of “Don’t be the Bunny” are most memorable.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Mark Shonsey (Marlowe Award for his portrayal of Igor in Young Frankenstein.) is hilarious as Lockstock’s side-kick, Officer Barrel. His mugging and chortling were golden.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Sam Barrosso, Isabella Duran, Carter Edward Smith, Eliot Clough and Ryan Buehler enhance the proceedings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> It’s a treat having Ronni Stark doing choreography. Her delicious send-ups of Les Mis and Fiddler on the Roof are the genuine article!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> Jesse Page’s costume design and Dustin Hartley’s and Mike Haas's ramshackle scenic design were both spot on. The very fine lighting design is courtesy of Mandy Heath.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Maestro Curt Behm created the awesome sound design.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> The band was uniformly great, too! However, one must make mention of Michael Rosen on reeds. Whether on clarinet or saxophone, Mr. Rosen spiked the show to a level of musical excellence that was awe-inspiring.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Music director Dan Graeber did a great job! The choral work was spectacular!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">For tickets call: 303-794-2787<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Townhallartscenter.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-61388055094816922572024-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:002024-01-21T08:22:30.270-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">MISERY</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">MINERS ALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAghWRg3-hcN1U-AXOM7vcvihwnqZ24mpaUOKJeZBbNwz-xX-KJREQOuZ1D4SDppAhfqgvnw_8tdh9y1DJkBJGVtnsMYXNNL1eIbhm3_s_PvSrGORR8Mkp7DJ2oIHe-MdmBR9FYPcDvB4kyW_xlR0-SA7YhjNjh4K-jsrPLTQtGWg_Ez3y-saW4Y6N3hs/s2048/420777936_1152830169184776_4863419794997279232_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAghWRg3-hcN1U-AXOM7vcvihwnqZ24mpaUOKJeZBbNwz-xX-KJREQOuZ1D4SDppAhfqgvnw_8tdh9y1DJkBJGVtnsMYXNNL1eIbhm3_s_PvSrGORR8Mkp7DJ2oIHe-MdmBR9FYPcDvB4kyW_xlR0-SA7YhjNjh4K-jsrPLTQtGWg_Ez3y-saW4Y6N3hs/w640-h426/420777936_1152830169184776_4863419794997279232_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Emma Messenger and Torsten Hillhouse</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"> <b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">William Goldman’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, Misery, explodes across the stage of the new Miners Alley Performing Arts Center with Glorious performances, Hitchcockian suspense and a Dazzling display of technical fireworks! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Emma Messenger triumphs with a powerhouse performance in the role of Annie Wilkes. Reprising her portrayal from a few seasons ago at The Edge Theatre, Messenger digs deep into the troubled psyche of this lady who is a suitable case for treatment!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> The new space allows her more space to expand upon her physical movement and pacing, as well as to unleash the howling of Annie’s inner demons. The congruity of her facial expressions, stage movement and vocal choices is astounding. The range of her expressiveness is seemingly infinite. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Whenever she opens her mouth to speak one doesn’t know what to expect. One time it’s a raging psychopathic tiger and the next a pouting, wounded little girl comes out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Messenger is one of Colorado’s premiere actors. Run to get a ticket whenever her name is in the program!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> This roller-coaster of a thriller is directed by Denver favorite, Warren Sherrill. From casting to pacing this nail-biter, Sherrill’s directorial prowess shines. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Torsten Hillhouse is a thoroughly credible Paul. Being either bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound throughout, the injured writer, can be a difficult role. Nevertheless, Hillhouse manages to make us feel every twinge of pain and see his desperate thinking process.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Mark Collins is superb in the role of Buster, the local cop.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Jonathan Scott McKean’s brilliant scenic design is the professional work for which he has become renowned.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Amy Arpan’s fight choreography is outstanding. (You’ll see!)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> John Hauser’s sound design leads us flawlessly into the labyrinth of Annie’s devious world, punctuating it with thunder! Vance McKenzie’s lighting design heightens the mood, pairing flawlessly with Hauser’s sound.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> The new space is a stunner!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> Run to get tickets!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> For tickets call the box office at 303-935-3044 or go online at </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>minersalley.com</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-44608722439727431032024-01-07T10:52:00.000-08:002024-01-07T11:01:30.785-08:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Disney’s NEWSIES<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">PERFORMANCE NOW THEATRE COMPANY, LAKEWOOD, CO.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">JANUARY 5 – 21<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5mDTUpSUXg5Ai6OoXJHoox8RLIdoZy9rAwxiM_YXnkzFS1h13_HQ_kwtxUKZnyXEPhdXF6NgNf9Te_ULLmNcYohi8j9vcN5qU2lyke_stikJ6zhmU5Qd0U6KG7TvUT1qRr-IzM2yytjQkM8M80HVZwBvjk-oEh8Hy_zo8tztJqj-aq-GcE5TK4Q5s3o/s3600/content.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5mDTUpSUXg5Ai6OoXJHoox8RLIdoZy9rAwxiM_YXnkzFS1h13_HQ_kwtxUKZnyXEPhdXF6NgNf9Te_ULLmNcYohi8j9vcN5qU2lyke_stikJ6zhmU5Qd0U6KG7TvUT1qRr-IzM2yytjQkM8M80HVZwBvjk-oEh8Hy_zo8tztJqj-aq-GcE5TK4Q5s3o/w640-h426/content.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">L-R: Eli Schroeder, Sarah Atkinson and Levi Randolph</span></b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><b>(RDG Photography)</b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, “NEWSIES” is based on the 1992 Disney film. It recounts the story of stalwart Jack Kelly, who rises to leadership of the newspaper delivery boys in New York City when publishing giants raise the prices on newspapers and put a dent in the carriers’ income. Kelly unifies them and leads them to strike for better pay. (The show is based on the real-life Newsboys Strike in New York City in 1899.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Nominated for eight Tony awards, it received two: Best Choreography and Best Original Score.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> In this production, Rebecca Scott Dean’s choreography Astounds! The dancing thereof by the large cast, exhilarates!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Heather Iris Holt, last season’s Marlowe Award-winner for best Music Director, creates magic from the pit with the rousing, pulse-pounding score. The chorus work is outstanding! “Carrying the Banner,” “The World Will Know” and “King of New York” are all powerfully sung!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Award-winning scenic designer Andrew Bates has created a strikingly efficient minimal set for the proceedings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Director Bernie Cardell has cast the show impeccably and paced it at a gallop.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Levi Randolph delivers a Jack Kelly that is praise-worthy indeed. Besides nailing the acting, the vocals and the dancing, this actor has the exact right accent for the part. Randolph’s singing of “Santa Fe,” as well as “Something to Believe In”, his duet with Ms. Atkinson, are two glorious examples of his excellent work throughout the proceedings. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Sarah Atkinson is stunning in the role of Katherine Plumber, Kelly’s love interest. Ms. Atkinson’s soprano soars brightly through, “Watch What Happens.” (One must diverge momentarily to thank both producer Ken Goodwin and director Bernie Cardell for bringing young talent of the caliber of Mr. Randolph and Ms. Atkinson to the stage. Their foresight and vision give us great hope for the future of the theatre community here in Colorado.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Decked out in Susan Rahmsdorff Terry’s glorious costumes, Michaela Murray belts “That’s Rich” to ear-pleasing perfection as Medda Larkin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> David Kincannon delivers a Joseph Pulitzer we love to hate as the greedy publishing magnate. His singing of “The Bottom Line” is most memorable.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Eli Schroeder delivers a heartbreaking version of “Letter From the Refuge” in the role of Kelly's buddy, Crutchie. Schroeder, who is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of Creative and Performing Arts, was born with cerebral palsy, and states in the program that he “was born to play the part.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Performance Now’s production of Disney’s NEWSIES is an exhilarating evening of musical theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Run to get tickets!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> For tickets go online at performancenow.org or call 303-987-7845.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-35650971583340605032023-12-23T07:56:00.000-08:002023-12-23T08:06:32.851-08:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKcKkd-s0WKTeZTNxjozuUXFegKi-NffNTPc4oNMIhzA30cH5p8ZGQ8l8bQBf8HXthGVAfLLqmXbSR13c9B2P9VuppHOzyue5GX_5zbxazn9cF08uNn0hQdvYNSv9lO83rUzZlOOqvihsFWSIFfzvvU82LlU4OVVFh1tbRE9HH6H7CksV1XFCbuj-vy4/s1920/Amahl-Web-banner1920x650-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1920" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKcKkd-s0WKTeZTNxjozuUXFegKi-NffNTPc4oNMIhzA30cH5p8ZGQ8l8bQBf8HXthGVAfLLqmXbSR13c9B2P9VuppHOzyue5GX_5zbxazn9cF08uNn0hQdvYNSv9lO83rUzZlOOqvihsFWSIFfzvvU82LlU4OVVFh1tbRE9HH6H7CksV1XFCbuj-vy4/w640-h216/Amahl-Web-banner1920x650-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;">CENTRAL CITY OPERA: 12/23(11am and 1pm) and 12/24 (11am and 1pm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;">at CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN DENVER<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">RUN TO SEE and HEAR JENNIFER DE DOMINICI as MOTHER (MARLOWE AWARD FOR BEST OPERA SINGER) In GIAN CARLO MENOTTI’S “AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS!” (MARLOWE AWARD FOR BEST PRODUCTION OF AN OPERA) GLORIOUS SINGING AND A GLORIOUS EMOTIONAL HIGH!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">for tickets go online to centralcityopera.org</span></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-91969417475854725402023-12-16T14:20:00.000-08:002023-12-16T14:20:22.703-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;">WHO’S HOLIDAY</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE: Dec 4 – Dec 31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JhfzcapjUO_STHAS0gT6rdxNbYmmJfCgZHYj63yOR6IcgAaumYb-Z4SFylKKfzl7RUbJXMFc86Y05SHlsjzHGg86IS2PTMYak0xc3jBfY57kF8W98m9SC1CMNCXECgnRRaAsTkKoX023RUNS6Sgwq_rdg_bSPabmv6tkwqh7sPLIBFaTJeap92-54ow/s2048/408680205_10113142389707572_7343388621150576000_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JhfzcapjUO_STHAS0gT6rdxNbYmmJfCgZHYj63yOR6IcgAaumYb-Z4SFylKKfzl7RUbJXMFc86Y05SHlsjzHGg86IS2PTMYak0xc3jBfY57kF8W98m9SC1CMNCXECgnRRaAsTkKoX023RUNS6Sgwq_rdg_bSPabmv6tkwqh7sPLIBFaTJeap92-54ow/w426-h640/408680205_10113142389707572_7343388621150576000_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Late to the party, it was great to get the chance to see Jenny Weiss as Cindy Lou Who in “Who’s Holiday,” the one-woman show now on view over at the Vintage Theatre.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> It’s her third year performing this non-traditional Holiday piece, which has received nothing but raves. No wonder artistic director Bernie Cardell insists that she reprise the role every Holiday season.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> As Cindy Lou Who, Weiss appears to relish every flirtatious rhyme and naughty, bawdy innuendo in Matthew Lombardo’s funny and irreverent play. Weiss makes her audience feel right at home in her mini trailer as she regales us with what has happened to her since that awful Christmas down in Whoville so many years ago. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Her memories of the Grinch recall the fact that although his heart was constantly shrinking, his other organs were, well, doing the opposite.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> It is to be noted that Jenny Weiss has given us a wonderful Christmas present complete with exuberant, colorful 'rapping'!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry’s sound design is the professional quality that Denver audiences have come to expect of him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Theodore Geisel’s set is a wonderland of pastel glitz and thrift store treasures. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> The excellent lighting design by Kevin Taylor shifts the moods from silly to sentimental on a dime.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Costumer Sloane Crazybear’s mis-matched Seuss-like apparel for Ms. Weiss is spot on! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Heather Frost directs the proceedings at a bright pace.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Although it’s a wonderful respite from the traditional saccharine holiday shows, this one is for an adult audience only! </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Leave the kids at home!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">For tickets call: 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-83311005545969351752023-12-04T08:10:00.000-08:002023-12-04T08:10:05.831-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">SANTA’S BIG <span style="background-color: red;">RED</span> </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">SACK</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">RATTLEBRAIN PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4OWPdxHEyREjGQe-aLMqxf9W3lFVFAH1An4qhuSHjvxxky6DouHtGeAJw1RU9IudCzmpRAz5jxsRzh0dyrMxmxIVpCYBharv_rsrZ-Io6L9zint9AIaqItJf5c2Bfrt41AhLU4CX8YcXwauPInM2ElK-YefZugfZBwuthtVsYMRGN4J63zQTZMR1NDA/s526/395675032_120200625578130061_1496626081612866987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4OWPdxHEyREjGQe-aLMqxf9W3lFVFAH1An4qhuSHjvxxky6DouHtGeAJw1RU9IudCzmpRAz5jxsRzh0dyrMxmxIVpCYBharv_rsrZ-Io6L9zint9AIaqItJf5c2Bfrt41AhLU4CX8YcXwauPInM2ElK-YefZugfZBwuthtVsYMRGN4J63zQTZMR1NDA/w640-h640/395675032_120200625578130061_1496626081612866987_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> For the past two decades Rattlebrain Productions has assisted Jolly old St. Nick in stuffing his big red sack down the chimneys of many Colorado theatres.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> And how does it get any better than that?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> This show is a fast-paced, non-stop skewering of every holiday tradition imaginable. Hysterically innovative, it’s also delightfully irreverent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Besides the onstage skits, the show includes professional video segments and superb projection work as well.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> So if you’re tired of having to say “Bah Humbug!” to every traditional Holiday show, give yourself a treat and get on over to The People’s Building at 9995 East Colfax in Aurora.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Every vignette is a gut-buster! Please know that I’m chomping at the bit to tell you more about these hysterical comic gems! However, not wishing to get coal in my stocking this season, I’m giving no spoilers!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> “Santa’s Big Red Sack” is a gloriously twisted Holiday present all tied up with some beautiful er, rapping.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> “Ho Ho,<o:p></o:p></span></b><b style="font-size: 26pt;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Hoe! Who Wouldn’t Go?”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Run to get tickets!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">For tickets go online at<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">rattlebrainproductions.com or <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">call 303-218-7315.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-64722873662893425302023-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:002023-12-01T08:03:07.764-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">THE 2023 MARLOWE AWARDS </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgzZ3P4y5vHKghypLeP8GuBDAGB9H2NWAvFQwaBH_lZbIOuwM9zk2SGuvQ48Y1KFV96x1cTKeszUQZ9CpzdQU81nppYRfljgn-c8aoRfGAq17wZL7QwuSOYuAQn2h89FuVlsBnAFQVfUNLD5FXzOlD0laKNW1h58QmzfQCb7NMBAOKBOoUvANSHNZ-Jo/s900/Driving-Miss-Daisy-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgzZ3P4y5vHKghypLeP8GuBDAGB9H2NWAvFQwaBH_lZbIOuwM9zk2SGuvQ48Y1KFV96x1cTKeszUQZ9CpzdQU81nppYRfljgn-c8aoRfGAq17wZL7QwuSOYuAQn2h89FuVlsBnAFQVfUNLD5FXzOlD0laKNW1h58QmzfQCb7NMBAOKBOoUvANSHNZ-Jo/w640-h426/Driving-Miss-Daisy-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">DRIVING MISS DAISY <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">DEBORAH PERSOFF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">DRIVING MISS DAISY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">SEAN SCRUTCHINS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">AMERIKIN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CURIOUS THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CRIS DAVENPORT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">DRIVING MISS DAISY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">HANNAH DUGGAN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE DEATH OF NAPOLEON IN THREE ACTS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BUNTPORT THEATER<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">TARA FALK<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CHERRY CREEK THEATRE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">FIDDLER ON THE ROOF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BDT STAGE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">KENNY MOTEN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">FIDDLER ON THE ROOF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BDT STAGE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">WAYNE KENNEDY <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">FIDDLER ON THE ROOF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BDT STAGE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMER IN A MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">eden<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CABARET<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">SHENA RENEE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">DREAM GIRLS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">LONE TREE ARTS CENTER<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">MARY CAMPBELL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CABARET<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST NEW CHILDREN’S MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">ALICE CLEANS UP WONDERLAND,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST CHOREOGRAPHY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CHRISTOPHER PAGE-SANDERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">SOPHISTICATED LADIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST COSTUME DESIGN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">KEVIN COPENHAVER <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">HEATHER IRIS HOLT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">PERFORMANCE NOW THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST SCENIC DESIGN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">ISABEL AND MORIAH CURLEY-CLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CLYDE’S<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST AUDIO DESIGN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CHRIS LANE <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CLYDE’S<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST LIGHTING DESIGN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CHARLES R. MACLEOD<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CLYDE’S<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST NEW PLAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE HEADLINERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CHERRY CREEK THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST ENSEMBLE (PLAY)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE INHERITANCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST ENSEMBLE (MUSICAL)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">MINERS ALLEY PLAYHOUSE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST PRODUCTION OF AN OPERA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CENTRAL CITY OPERA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST OPERA SINGER<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">JENNIFER DE DOMINICI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">CENTRAL CITY OPERA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">BEST PRODUCTION OF A BALLET<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">SWAN LAKE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">COLORADO BALLET<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-52089487905565446002023-11-14T17:44:00.000-08:002023-11-14T19:12:59.377-08:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;">CLYDE’S</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">THE DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY: Oct 27 – Nov 26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fXoRabIJf1XmfHwvVBTvY4zhsmKm795iW0cPlSSFjeHgxhJIFrOqJNfiBO_PBHVbR_YphYvSblX4ggHMGVrxERkBLw9e0jvzxIO6i2WDrgS_GjpPOUMpVUrDCBV_VxBBFAXD2D7jh9KOWyI-VoWVhG6R6zZss2huSOm_MTYKhDYfiVeQzVJQ5jyWglw/s1030/07-Sekou-Laidlow-Sebastian-Arroyo-Katherine-George-and-Quinn-M.-Johnson.-Photo-by-Jamie-Kraus-Photography-1030x687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1030" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fXoRabIJf1XmfHwvVBTvY4zhsmKm795iW0cPlSSFjeHgxhJIFrOqJNfiBO_PBHVbR_YphYvSblX4ggHMGVrxERkBLw9e0jvzxIO6i2WDrgS_GjpPOUMpVUrDCBV_VxBBFAXD2D7jh9KOWyI-VoWVhG6R6zZss2huSOm_MTYKhDYfiVeQzVJQ5jyWglw/w640-h426/07-Sekou-Laidlow-Sebastian-Arroyo-Katherine-George-and-Quinn-M.-Johnson.-Photo-by-Jamie-Kraus-Photography-1030x687.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Seikou Laidlow, Sebastian Arroyo, Katherine George and Quinn M. Johnson</span><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit: Jamie-Kraus-Photography)</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">A Pennsylvania truck stop called Clyde’s is the setting for this ‘most popular play’ to have been created by playwright Lynn Nottage. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> This playwright is the first woman to have received not one, but two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. She received the first for “Ruined” and the second for “Sweat.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> “Ruined” describes the struggles of Congolese women during war. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> “Sweat” revolves around a group of friends who have spent their lives working at the factory, who find themselves at odds with one another when a strike breaks out. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Nottage also wrote the book for “MJ, the Musical,” on Broadway. It’s a jukebox musical which features the music of Michael Jackson, and which plays the Buell Theatre next April. Nottage was previously best known for her play, “Intimate Apparel,” that’s about a black seamstress in the early 1900s.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> This production of Clyde’s owes much to the technical staff at the DCPA. The kitchen of this truck stop/diner is given a realistic look, feel and even smell by scenic designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay! The employees of Clyde’s cook sandwiches on the grill that steam and sputter throughout the show. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Sound designer Chris Lane’s choices for the musical bridges between scenes, provide the superlative heartbeat of the play! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The lighting design of maestro Charles R. MacLeod, who has designed over 300 DCPA productions since 1983, electrifies!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Samantha C. Jones’ costume design is spot on!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Brianna Buckley plays Clyde, the raunchy and abusive manager of this diner. As Clyde Ms. Buckley is sexy and demanding. However… one might wish that their portrayal of this character had more ‘teeth!’ <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Quinn M. Johnson plays Jason, a walking powder keg, who recently released from prison, has a tattooed body that shouts ‘white supremacist.’ Although all of the characters have their ‘moments,’ Johnson’s performance in the role of Jason, is the most consistently riveting.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Sebastian Arroyo’s portrayal of Rafael really makes us <i>feel</i> his rage! Mr. Arroyo is at his best in a scene in which he has been ‘stood up’ by Katherine George’s amiable Letitia , and who resorts to addictive behavior to soften the blow!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Katherine George gives a solid performance as Letitia, the only female worker in the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The heart-opening performance of Sekou Laidlow in the role of Montrellous is the placid voice of gentle reason at the heart of the play. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> The goal of constantly trying to create the ‘most delicious sandwich’ is an excellent metaphor for these characters’ trying to lift themselves out of a life of lack and degradation. It allows us to see, smell and almost taste these characters’ passion to free themselves from the drudgery and abuse of CLYDE’S.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Though not the best of this season’s productions so far, it’s worth a peek. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">For tickets call 303-893-4100 or go online to denvercenter.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i> </i></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-36524435095308643042023-10-21T11:54:00.002-07:002023-10-21T18:14:37.926-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 72pt;">DREAM GIRLS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">LONETREE ARTS CENTER: OCT. 19 – 29<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 36pt; text-align: center;"><b><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoXiZknVM0fKF0X-tfl_c91d43AvS-JbH4t0FhwZy7WnXyI03zJ8fWk8figTT7VQdYidNaDbQXzD9C28B6bhTAbiTIArKhRTl3CpFR2whRVsKKeSNtecuuj5vtoosKSCQFyJ89X4SfxU6KJLH2YyeCX7HILUJYlEqPiE13P4T9QHJN2fRz_SrrfdI9-M/s750/65304b80572a7.image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="750" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoXiZknVM0fKF0X-tfl_c91d43AvS-JbH4t0FhwZy7WnXyI03zJ8fWk8figTT7VQdYidNaDbQXzD9C28B6bhTAbiTIArKhRTl3CpFR2whRVsKKeSNtecuuj5vtoosKSCQFyJ89X4SfxU6KJLH2YyeCX7HILUJYlEqPiE13P4T9QHJN2fRz_SrrfdI9-M/w640-h402/65304b80572a7.image.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">L-R: Heidi Carann Snider, Fairin Moon Hightower and Cha'Rel Ji'Cole Wright </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit: Moon Night Photography for the Lone Tree Arts Center)</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">DREAMGIRLS opened on Broadway in 1981 with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. It follows the journey of a black female singing trio from Chicago called the Dreams, which closely resembles that of The Supremes. Nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, it won six. Jennifer Holliday received the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> The current production now on view at Lonetree Arts Center, is directed by </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Kenny Moten</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">, who also directs the smash FIDDLER ON THE ROOF currently on view at BDT Stage. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> It’s choreographed by nationally acclaimed choreographer </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Christopher Page-Sanders</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">, who helmed last season’s magnificent production of "Sophisticated Ladies" at Vintage Theatre in Aurora. The show features Denver favorites, </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Trent Hines</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> as Music Director and </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Mary Louise Lee</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> as Vocal Coach.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> Shena Renee is an explosion of passionate talent in the role of Effie White. Her singing of “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” blows the roof right off the theatre! This performance alone is worth the price of the ticket!!! Astounding!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Brian Boyd is superb as ambitious Curtis Tayor, Jr. Mr. Boyd is at his best “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” as well as with his smooth vocals, “Only the Beginning” and “When I First Saw You.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Lawrence Flowers is a turbo-charged Jimmy! His singing of “Fake Your Way to the Top” thrills. Upon exiting the theatre I found myself wishing to get to see this fine actor perform the role of Jefferson in HAMILTON. Magnificent!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Amazing singing “One Night Only,” Fairin Moon Hightower is a sparkler as Deena Jones.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> The ensemble includes such up-and-coming stars as Kong Vang (Miners Alley’s “HAIR”) and Jalen Gregory(Vintage Theatre’s “Sophisticated Ladies.”) <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">The minimal scenic design by Kevin Nelson Illuminated by Jonathan Dunkel’s mood-altering lighting design amazes!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Max Silverman’s sound design delivers the ear-pleasing goods to perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Emily Valley’s costume design provides so much sparkling glitz it’s nearly blinding!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> Run to get a ticket!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">For tickets go online at lonetreeartscenter.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-79652555676663486002023-10-07T19:28:00.000-07:002023-10-07T19:28:06.657-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">SWAN LAKE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">COLORADO BALLET: OCTOBER 6 – 26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh946agWvVKShmg-5xRAIphjAHx-LEpEdpyhq6ipjrxe8Wzd8P5JdEKyceMfNr5q5vb0IFEbsXPHifMuNxvYYQdOv4vqhJOioeRPIZ2ibwBSaA4sL5yHjfP4noVD-U52-j52qQniD1-UUd1M8JCeIXdSpw6p6_70ge4C3pmR34Q9JVcSPeAKsGGEyx-IyA/s3600/y3HEL2_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 26.66666603088379px; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh946agWvVKShmg-5xRAIphjAHx-LEpEdpyhq6ipjrxe8Wzd8P5JdEKyceMfNr5q5vb0IFEbsXPHifMuNxvYYQdOv4vqhJOioeRPIZ2ibwBSaA4sL5yHjfP4noVD-U52-j52qQniD1-UUd1M8JCeIXdSpw6p6_70ge4C3pmR34Q9JVcSPeAKsGGEyx-IyA/w640-h426/y3HEL2_4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Jennifer Grace and Mario Labrador </span><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit: Amanda Tipton)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">Colorado Ballet’s SWAN LAKE is visually magnificent!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Jennifer Grace stuns with the exquisite delicacy of her Odette/Odile. Her performance is magnificent!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Accomplished in his technique, as well as strong and confident in his seemingly effortless lifts, Mario Labrador excels as Prince Siegfried.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Gregory K. Gonzalez is superb as the winged sorcerer Rothbart, striking terror into the hearts of the swan corps de ballet.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Composed in 1876, Tchaikovsky’s SWAN LAKE is based on a Russian fairy tale. It’s the story of Princess Odette who is transformed into a swan when she is cursed by the evil sorcerer Rothbart. Thought to have been loosely based on a story called “The Stolen Veil,” it has also been presumed that Tchaikovsky’s fascination with Ludwig II, the Swan King of Bavaria, may have been his inspiration for the character of Prince Siegfried.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Tchaikovsky loved Adolphe Adam’s Giselle and the leitmotif idea he used to associate certain themes with his characters. He used this technique not only in Swan Lake, but also later in The Sleeping Beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> In the story, Odette, who is now a swan by day and a beautiful woman by night, captures the heart of Siegfried on his birthday. Rothbart’s spell can only be broken by one who had never loved, pledging his undying love for Odette. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Not wishing to lose Odette, Rothbart tricks Siegfried with the spellbinding Odile, a doppelganger for Odette all in black.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Siegfried mistakes Odile for Odette, and offers his heart to the black swan, thus precipitating the culminating tragedy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov is danced to perfection by the corps de ballet.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Under the baton of conductor Adam Flatt, the Colorado Ballet Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to ear-pleasing perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The awe-inspiring set gives us the illusion of a moody silvan glade for the opening acts as well as a massive regal throne room for the latter. The eye-popping costumes dazzle. Especially the ones for the sorcerer and the Queen!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 20pt; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegD7aj_iIDzvYkH52J-QVI_n365thKOc2P5wyZonL5kyC1-QdIpd5nJsdaee3JgbMikGO4sSphMxfJ7r7bxoJ5OXTojWBqh9Q-GVhYRUaRfx3RO6h_Ew4LxHAd-j5n6bL9UQHEyaC99OyAUgyvNtiEb5c9zWmxQsRkFzdt5nZo72JRIbgIdc2w-lnbHA/s3600/3o3sMp84.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegD7aj_iIDzvYkH52J-QVI_n365thKOc2P5wyZonL5kyC1-QdIpd5nJsdaee3JgbMikGO4sSphMxfJ7r7bxoJ5OXTojWBqh9Q-GVhYRUaRfx3RO6h_Ew4LxHAd-j5n6bL9UQHEyaC99OyAUgyvNtiEb5c9zWmxQsRkFzdt5nZo72JRIbgIdc2w-lnbHA/w640-h426/3o3sMp84.jpeg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Mario Labrador, Jennifer Grace and Gregory K. Gonzales </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(photo credit: Amanda Tipton)</span></b></b></p><b><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Both set and costumes are by Peter Farmer and courtesy of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The superb lighting design is by Todd Elmer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> NOT TO BE MISSED!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">For tickets call 303-837-8888 or go online to coloradoballet.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-42514666321711280022023-09-30T13:48:00.002-07:002023-09-30T14:42:06.273-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 72pt;">THE MINUTES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">CURIOUS THEATRE COMPANY: SEPT. 9 – OCT 14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTJynaEH-bmQdHMUaqoKWvWOzcjEhlfXOY8QSu3afrPRGlCl_BGeOOIYvnxRn43M-vi6-3aq2TbQPIZH6eWe0VKWtlzpwWOgH1FDqp6CF6tEzfgTJ2brznw0BmkTu1_KpFeEyjz0uz_5AQvk3L1ToU0maXnXfiAswG1GpexulykjPoteFOHMnAdGRDeQ/s1349/355500377_728880649244834_394745708021218586_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1349" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTJynaEH-bmQdHMUaqoKWvWOzcjEhlfXOY8QSu3afrPRGlCl_BGeOOIYvnxRn43M-vi6-3aq2TbQPIZH6eWe0VKWtlzpwWOgH1FDqp6CF6tEzfgTJ2brznw0BmkTu1_KpFeEyjz0uz_5AQvk3L1ToU0maXnXfiAswG1GpexulykjPoteFOHMnAdGRDeQ/w640-h512/355500377_728880649244834_394745708021218586_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Playwright Tracy Letts’ “The Minutes” is provocative, disturbing and ultimately the most satisfying piece of theatre to have come to this reviewer’s attention in a good long while.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Renowned director Christy Montour-Larson has envisioned and brought it to the stage with Power! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Her choice of the actors in this accomplished cast as well as those involved with the technical end of things, are about as good as it gets!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Every one of the actors is a shining light in this theatre community. They are: Brian Landis Folkins, Ilasiea Gray, Kathryn Gray, William Hahn, Jim Hunt, Cajardo Lindsey, Michael McNeill, Michael Morgan, Josh Robinson, Erik Sandvold and Karen Slack.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Stand-outs in this all-star cast are: Erik Sandvold (“ I Am My Own Wife”)`, Josh Robinson(“American Son”) and Brian Landis Folkins (“Amerikin.”) <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT61pYIMrH76gilrmEVnvA98QKSO31dDAJ6QJqvQyQdWRl3S4-4I8MEh0TjrYhimL25P-zR4ZO9cugnYLwPe0DIHmBSbNXQPsDe1Magd0LknlWLbJ1yuYscdOP27djjn80Kxhsfb8k_ibQqYsS8Yx9kuyS3_f3EqcaCiwZiMkpP3rkSfgTKOqcHbK_Q8/s1687/364631036_756534049812827_8072686470733413158_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="1349" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT61pYIMrH76gilrmEVnvA98QKSO31dDAJ6QJqvQyQdWRl3S4-4I8MEh0TjrYhimL25P-zR4ZO9cugnYLwPe0DIHmBSbNXQPsDe1Magd0LknlWLbJ1yuYscdOP27djjn80Kxhsfb8k_ibQqYsS8Yx9kuyS3_f3EqcaCiwZiMkpP3rkSfgTKOqcHbK_Q8/w512-h640/364631036_756534049812827_8072686470733413158_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Markas Henry’s realistic scenic design for the chamber is superb. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Richard Devin’s stunning lighting together with Jason Ducat’s crackling sound design punctuate the proceedings with intermittent jolts that heighten the suspense.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Set in a city council meeting in a fictional small American town, this play gives us a glimpse of the horrors underlying the absurd comedy of errors present even in <i>local</i> politics.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> Not to be missed!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">For tickets call 303-623-0524 or go online at curioustheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-39265599191641280692023-09-25T17:46:00.001-07:002023-09-25T18:06:50.018-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;">A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">THE DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> SEP 1 – OCT 8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ywcl6imfopInpnDgTJT6ia6PgtWd9sVYPy7yPMo9N9B6UqaqXd6ZtHCJU6iFtdMT-kYb6joqpL0I6obT0tczgP1G24BJvKoGL4GaFc_1nQgXv7NFUsJJ35gcu5iJ3MT6T4AkHRqnoxysKHhnoUF9HTJxxvhQYSonQEvCrtxOza2z3GqH6gemU7ATN90/s1030/09-Soara-Joye-Ross-and-Edward-Staudenmayer_Photo-by-Amanda-Tipton-Photography-1030x687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1030" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ywcl6imfopInpnDgTJT6ia6PgtWd9sVYPy7yPMo9N9B6UqaqXd6ZtHCJU6iFtdMT-kYb6joqpL0I6obT0tczgP1G24BJvKoGL4GaFc_1nQgXv7NFUsJJ35gcu5iJ3MT6T4AkHRqnoxysKHhnoUF9HTJxxvhQYSonQEvCrtxOza2z3GqH6gemU7ATN90/w640-h426/09-Soara-Joye-Ross-and-Edward-Staudenmayer_Photo-by-Amanda-Tipton-Photography-1030x687.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Soara-Joye-Ross and Edward Staudenmayer</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a 1973 Broadway musical based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 film “Smiles of a Summer Night.” Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, the show won seven including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> In 1977 it was produced as a film starring Elizabeth Taylor, Len Cariou, Diana Rigg and Lesley- Ann Down. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> The book introduces us to several upper-class characters and their servants who are dealing with romantic foibles, heartbreak, and regret in Sweden at the end of the nineteenth century. The score is full of beautiful waltzes and includes the iconic “Send in the Clowns.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Fredrik Egerman is a middle-aged lawyer who has recently married Anne, an 18-year-old woman who is still a virgin months after the wedding. </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">Fredrik’s son, Henrik, is a seminary student who’s in love with his stepmother.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Desiree Armfeldt is a popular actress, who is constantly on tour and has had an affair with Fredrik several years ago. Desiree’s daughter, Fredrika, suffers from her mother’s absence and yet her mother continues to seek and experience “The Glamorous Life.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Carl Magnus, who is married to Countess Charlotte, is Desiree’s current love interest.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Although the </span><span style="font-size: 29.33333396911621px;">show</span><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> is well </span><span style="font-size: 29.33333396911621px;">cast for the most part,</span><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> in this reviewer’s not so humble opinion, it could have been improved had director Chris Coleman chosen more of the outstanding talent in <i>this</i> theatre community! </span><o:p style="font-size: 22pt;"></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Nevertheless…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Soara-Joye Ross is luminous as Desiree Armfeldt. Her singing of “Send in the Clowns” is full of bittersweet regret.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Edward Staudenmayer is magnificent in the role of Fredrik Egerman in the acting and the vocals. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Zacchary James stuns vocally as Count Carl-Magnus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Sydney Chow is appropriately naïve and girlish as Anne Egerman.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Sam Primack does a fine job in the role of Henrik Egerman. The frustration is palpable!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Jennifer DeDominici’s vocal, bringing in “The Sun Won’t Set,” at the top of Act Two, is breathtaking!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Lacking the husky voice of a Hermione Gingold, Leslie Alexander does her best, giving us a lighter, still poignant “Liaisons" as Madame Armfeldt.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> As Petra, Cate Hayman delivers a lusty, life-affirming version of “The Miller’s Son” that electrifies. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Kevin Copenhaver’s costume design stuns!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Candy Brown’s choreography is mesmerizing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> The lighting design by Pablo Santiago is a dazzler.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Visually one can’t help thinking that the exquisite presentation of the dinner party in Act Two might well be an homage to one of Bergman’s later films, “Fanny and Alexander.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">For tickets go online at denvercenter.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-15784170780910212192023-09-23T13:19:00.001-07:002023-09-23T13:30:23.936-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">CABARET</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Vintage Theatre Company: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">September 15 0ctober 22<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cQCKlnT-jgJGJAkv2I6cRgt7Kpce5sSk0zB5dQ4Tn5hxl9ap-0oOuKYE5EeFRcBKcg2jhWHY_QDVgUOu4r-kNndLFVD5jVyPM3BIzgp33uFhpbO1suc0lcezwg4zjMvvrkv2eEtajjT26mMPHCfifapOrFpwaKUczqrp2qQ5YTh0Q-BXdGU7np_bj9A/s2048/376277825_1002589847706155_3444930976660867754_n-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cQCKlnT-jgJGJAkv2I6cRgt7Kpce5sSk0zB5dQ4Tn5hxl9ap-0oOuKYE5EeFRcBKcg2jhWHY_QDVgUOu4r-kNndLFVD5jVyPM3BIzgp33uFhpbO1suc0lcezwg4zjMvvrkv2eEtajjT26mMPHCfifapOrFpwaKUczqrp2qQ5YTh0Q-BXdGU7np_bj9A/w640-h426/376277825_1002589847706155_3444930976660867754_n-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 26.66666603088379px;">Mary Campbell and Brian Trampler (photo credit RDG Photography)</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Not the CABARET de papa, director Bernie Cardell pulls the artist card here and delivers a truly New and Powerful Production of this old warhorse.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> In Cardell’s vision CABARET is a nightmare which begins with youthful amoral and socio-political apathy and ends with the unspeakable horrors of the Third Reich, after an oncoming and constantly burgeoning, danse macabre. Three-time Marlowe Award winner Adrianne Hampton has created another triumph with her choreography.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Marlowe Award winner Tanner Kelly does a sensational job as music director for this production. </span></b><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;">Mary Dailey plays keys while conducting the Vintage Theatre stage band.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> As the Kit Kat Klub’s emcee ushers us into the dark underbelly of Berlin’s seedy night life, the rising Nazi party is beginning to show its antisemitic teeth. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> eden gives us a tour de force in the role of the emcee. A dynamic whirlwind of leering bigotry and grinning falsehood, their performance is stunning!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">Besides the superb take on “Wilkommen,” their version of “I Don’t Care Much” is the quintessential statement on apathy at the time of socio-political crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Aynsley Upton stepped in at the last minute to lead the cast as Sally Bowles on the night this reviewer was in attendance. Her performance in the central role was awe-inspiring to say the least. Her singing of the title song and “Maybe This Time,” were masterful indeed! This is that enviable moment when, just as in “42<sup>nd</sup> Street,” the understudy must step in to replace an ailing lead and becomes a Star. Brava!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;">Mary Campbell gives a formidable performance in the role of Fraulein Schneider. Her vocals are filled with emotional angst and her eyes with real terror. Ms. Campbell needs to be seen much more often upon the Denver stage.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Samantha Barrasso ‘s Fraulein Kost is of special note. The very fine performance of this sight-impaired actor gave a new slant on our vision of the common folk of Germany who were being slowly shepherded into the flock of the Nazi party. (Slipping and falling, after a small misstep, one was heartened that she was not hurt. She carried on with true professional aplomb as though nothing had occurred.)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 22pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">Brian Trampler is a memorable Herr Schultz. His singing of “It Couldn’t Please Me More” charms.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;">The makeup on the leering faces of the Kit Kat Klub dancers is garish. The lighting reminds of the expressionistic paintings of the day. There is a hideous quality of the proceedings that perfectly matches the political sentiments of the day and the subsequent heinous treatment of Jewish people, homosexuals and all non-conformists. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;">This is not the</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;"> <b>Cabaret de papa! <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;">Run to get tickets! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 20pt;">Call the box office at 303-856-7830 or go online at Vintagetheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-7867884776377421512023-09-13T07:49:00.001-07:002023-09-14T22:05:12.627-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">FIDDLER ON THE ROOF</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">BDT STAGE: 9/9 – 1/13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOoZflJnzJrvKZNrOmIIzxXwJgyGkAq7eWq9uBbGbsONxUa8AikGcecWkjSFwTDkWxu_X-YZ50y860gP2lge1fVHM5cVce6dP6gjhVBe3f0LVqn31IoXZ--pquJEjtAEE54RyRnsLT_pVua50cfpUiG4mxe7jv-BdxBcz_-_opqZJBAzeS7Bfkesev2M/s960/374771124_10159841045308786_5682373915702576291_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="918" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOoZflJnzJrvKZNrOmIIzxXwJgyGkAq7eWq9uBbGbsONxUa8AikGcecWkjSFwTDkWxu_X-YZ50y860gP2lge1fVHM5cVce6dP6gjhVBe3f0LVqn31IoXZ--pquJEjtAEE54RyRnsLT_pVua50cfpUiG4mxe7jv-BdxBcz_-_opqZJBAzeS7Bfkesev2M/w612-h640/374771124_10159841045308786_5682373915702576291_n.jpg" width="612" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">WAYNE KENNEDY IS A TEVYE FOR THE AGES!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">“Fiddler on the Roof” is the final production of BDT Stage’s 46-year run of excellent theatre! When the American Theatre Critics Association met in Denver several years ago, they all went to see “DAMN YANKEES” at what was then called Boulder’s Dinner Theatre. They raved that Boulder’s Dinner Theatre was as great as the best theatre on Broadway. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> This final BDT STAGE production is, in this reviewer’s not so humble opinion, <i>Better than Broadway! </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Please be aware that the rest of this review is going to be a long list of accolades for a near perfect production.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein, Fiddler on the Roof opened on Broadway in 1964. It starred Zero Mostel as Tevye. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> The book for the musical is based upon the writings of Sholom Aleichem which focuses on a Jewish milk man named Tevye, his wife Golde and their five daughters. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Winning nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book for a Musical, this production held the record for being the longest running show on Broadway for nearly a decade.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Boulder’s Dinner Theatre has mounted an exceptionally well-crafted production of this musical for their final show. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Director Kenny Moten has cast the show impeccably.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Wayne Kennedy’s performance in the role of Tevye is astonishing! Powerful and nuanced in every sense of the word, Kennedy’s portrayal of the Jewish milkman, will remain in your memory forever. His singing of “Tradition,” “To Life,” and “If I were a Rich Man” have his indelible, very personal stamp. It is to be noted that Kennedy is also responsible for the thoroughly well executed sound design.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> As Tevye’s wife Golde, Alicia K. Meyers’ strikes a perfect balance with Kennedy’s Tevye. Their duet, “Do You Love Me,?” is poignant indeed. Meyers, who has directed, choreographed and acted in countless BDT Stage productions, gives a stellar, heart-opening performance!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Abigail Kochevar as Tzeitel , Jennasea Pearce as Hodel and Alei Russo as Chava enchant with their joyous version of “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Brian Cronan’s singing of “Miracle of Miracles” exhilarates! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> As Perchik, Leo Battle’s duet of “Now I Have Everything” with Jennasea Pearce’s Hodel is mesmerizing. Denver favorite Tim Howard and BDT Stage Artistic Director, Seamus McDonough alternate in the role of Fyedka.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Brian Burron is a masterful Lazar Wolf. Scott Severtson’s performance in the role of the constable is sobering indeed! Mary McGroary is delightful as Grandma Tzeitel! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Annie Dwyer’s Yente is Outstanding! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Anna High is a hysterical Fruma Sarah. A.K. Klimpke charms as the Rabbi. (BDT Stage favorite Brian Norber will take over the role later in the run.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Tracy Warren’s Fiddler is perfection!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> The ingenious creation of the scenic design for the shtetl of Anatevka is the excellent work of Amy Campion. Jessica Hindsley and Danielle Scheib share credit for the exhilarating choreography. Costume designer Linda Morken’s costume design is spot on.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Lighting Designer Brett Maughan illuminates the proceedings with a touch of the poet.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Under the baton of award-winning music director Neal Dunfee, the 19-piece BDT Stage orchestra delivers the beloved score to perfection.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> Run to get tickets!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">Call 303-449-6000 or go online at bdtstage.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;"> </span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-39728768418349415712023-09-10T18:33:00.000-07:002023-09-10T18:33:59.819-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;">SEUSSICAL</span></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">, THE MUSICAL</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">PERFORMANCE NOW THEATRE COMPANY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">September 8- September 24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBk3havEY0B8YXkoVKS2vpGcbzXB3pCSzV596ZAuqVHm9NoLnKYOGO2y6cpUUQf8ff8UJdp74YmhJdZfkTScqKFoL24rOsSgzmUv_Pyl8wvchJ-3hYj8KF3XHZCUg7IxxoirvMlET3iQOYZZNacCbXL5Iie494oVJQUCxJoQYuzdNVQ4EL9FPGLwCr_NY/s1286/376236259_10161877943143539_3161484786911684555_n.jpg" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="1286" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBk3havEY0B8YXkoVKS2vpGcbzXB3pCSzV596ZAuqVHm9NoLnKYOGO2y6cpUUQf8ff8UJdp74YmhJdZfkTScqKFoL24rOsSgzmUv_Pyl8wvchJ-3hYj8KF3XHZCUg7IxxoirvMlET3iQOYZZNacCbXL5Iie494oVJQUCxJoQYuzdNVQ4EL9FPGLwCr_NY/w640-h210/376236259_10161877943143539_3161484786911684555_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Goofy and Silly and Way Too Much Fun<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">This Seussical Musical’s Really well done.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The set is a kid’s book with colorful pages<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The seats inexpensive won’t take all your wages.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The chroma key brush strokes by this lighting man<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Are vibrant paint splashes right out of the can.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The costumes are eye-popping playground apparel<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">And miracles happen whenever there’s peril.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Cartoonish and festive, this show is a winner.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">It turns your small smile to a really wide-grinner.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens based the book for this musical upon the works of Dr. Seuss. Flaherty composed the joyously upbeat music and Ahrens penned the lyrics. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> The show is co-directed by Victoria Holloway and Kelly Van Oosbree, who also choreographs! These two artists pull out all the stops while allowing this outstanding cast to unleash all the lustrous fun with real panache. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Fresh from his outstanding work in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” Chris Boeckx oversees the proceedings as The Cat in the Hat. Boeckx even brings a smile to our faces during the entr’acte. ( No spoilers!)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Josh Harris is adorable as Horton, the elephant!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Sarah Atkinson’s JoJo is a total delight!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Brekken Baker dazzles us as Mayzie, the profligate Mom who thinks parenthood is 'for the birds.' Or <i>maybe not</i>!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Marlowe Award winner Nancy Evans Begley belts gorgeously as Sour Kangaroo!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Sarah Forman is outstanding as Gertrude McFuzz!</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Music Director Heather Iris Holt succeeds brilliantly with this fantasia of ear-pleasing music and mind-boggling verse.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> If you ever had the ecstatic pleasure of riding your bike with your grade school buddies following a bandwagon with calliope when the circus came </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;">to town, you’ll start to get the energy. It’s a whirlwind of childlike fantasy come to life and the perfect antidote to the evening news. It will leave you smiling from ear to ear!</span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> “Seussical, the Musical,” is the kind of show in which renowned costume designer Nicole Harrison must have been up to her armpits in sequins and feathers creating the eye-popping costumes. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Vance McKenzie’s lighting is sensational!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> The show is a mash-up of Dr. Seuss favorites including “Horton Hears a Who,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” and “Horton Hatches the Egg.” It</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> reminds us all to be our true selves regardless of what ‘thinks’ others may think of us.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> Run to see this show! You won’t believe “HOW LUCKY YOU ARE!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="va-top" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="font-family: Roboto; font-size: 24pt;">For tickets call 303-987-7845 or go online at www.performancenow.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="va-top" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 24pt;"> </span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-63395084629725342792023-07-20T11:49:00.008-07:002023-08-04T12:10:12.019-07:00<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;">OTELLO</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">CENTRAL CITY OPERA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">(playing in repertoire with Gounod’s "Romeo and Juliette" and Cole Porter’s "Kiss Me, Kate" through August 6)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheorPogPc3G9iJvv1doz6sXdIw_YKcb-x4M721FzyzNNg6_j0_2_lo7wt5YC_2g2J1gSlvx5FYpqQmDGywg3HkZqD5NqJskPH1jKf4K2xi2B0UPOb-G3YUHaa60sxVzW0D9AOxCcwcF_ZrMu4zoWqKEijT9sk30yJsEnX1xDVuejbYPOYqQ7Cefq_0LN0/s998/central_city_opera_exterior-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="998" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheorPogPc3G9iJvv1doz6sXdIw_YKcb-x4M721FzyzNNg6_j0_2_lo7wt5YC_2g2J1gSlvx5FYpqQmDGywg3HkZqD5NqJskPH1jKf4K2xi2B0UPOb-G3YUHaa60sxVzW0D9AOxCcwcF_ZrMu4zoWqKEijT9sk30yJsEnX1xDVuejbYPOYqQ7Cefq_0LN0/w640-h426/central_city_opera_exterior-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> If you’re a purist regarding Shakespeare’s play, be aware that "Othello, The Moor of Venice," is the Moor of Rome in this production of Rossini’s opera. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Rossini’s librettist, Francesco Berio de Salsa based this version on an adaptation by French playwright Jean Francois Ducis. In following Ducis’ lead with his libretto, de Salsa takes numerous liberties with Shakespeare’s characters as well as the text. The handkerchief is replaced with a misdelivered and unaddressed letter. Iago is made far less prominent, and Rodrigo much more central to the plot. What does remain in place is the patriarchal bigotry of Desdemona’s father, Elmiro, and society in general. And finally, the “green-eyed monster, jealousy,” annihilates faithful feminine goodness and innocence by means of treachery and deceit. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Premiering in Naples in 1816, Rossini created the piece as a vehicle for tenor voices for the three prominent male characters.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> An excellent opera, Rossini’s "Otello" came seven decades prior to Verdi’s masterful "Otello," and was overshadowed not only by Verdi, but by Rossini’s <i>own</i> huge successes with “Cenerentola” and “The Barber of Seville.”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Cast well by director Ashraf Sewailam, this season’s production is given a profoundly deliberate pacing.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Mezzo-soprano Ceciiia Violetta Lopez sings Desdemona’s famous third Act aria “Salce” or “Willow Song” magnificently. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Hilary Ginther delivers an Emilia with a soprano that soars.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Whether receiving the highest accolades of the Doge for his conquests abroad at opening or committing the final violent act(s) of the opera, Kenneth Tarver is most memorable as the noble Othello with the tragic flaw of jealousy.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Bernard Holcomb’s Iago is very well sung.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> As Rodrigo, Christopher Bozeka received massive applause for his superb rendition of some of the more difficult musical passages.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Federico de Michelis delivers the basso of Desdemona’s father, Elmiro, with power. One might have wished however, that he be wigged to give us the illusion of advanced age.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Conductor John Baril and Chorus Master Brandon Eldredge conspire to bring the choral and orchestral elements together with true artistry.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> The lighting is fine, but oh how one misses the artistic expertise and genius of the last two decades of David Martin Jacques’ exquisite luminescence magic.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Go and support Central City Opera. It’s the fifth oldest opera company in the country. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> After reading today of the change that has just now taken place regarding the management of CCO , one is hopeful that a new president/artistic director of the caliber of John Moriarty and Pelham (Pat) Pearce can be found to return this venerable company to its Glory Days. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Thanks to the late John Moriarty’s influence Colorado has been blessed by being introduced to great <i>American </i>operas: “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” “Susannah,” and “Gabriel’s Daughter” among them. Hopefully our growing appetite for the wonders of American opera will be reflected in future seasons. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> How lucky we were to have been blessed with Maestro Moriarty’s genius in the world of opera. He is forever in our hearts. We miss him greatly.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Pat Pearce’s legacy was immense! Over the last two decades his leadership garnered critical acclaim internationally for productions of such operas as Benjamin Britten’s “Gloriana,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Billy Budd.” Pearce introduced Colorado operagoers to almost all of Benjamin Britten’s catalog! His awareness of the need to introduce more people to great opera has, in this reviewer’s interesting point of view, been incalculable in its vision and scope. His inclusion of Jake Hegge’s operas such as "Dead Man Walking," "Three Decembers" and "Two Remain" added greatly to the treasure trove of new works here in Colorado. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> Hopefully some of the other faithful employees who left during 'the interim' will return as well. Gail Bransteitter was highly professional in the marketing and publicity arenas. And at the risk of being redundant, David Martin Jacques will hopefully return as company lighting designer.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b>For tickets call 303-292-6700 or go online at centralcityopera.org<o:p></o:p></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-26496027436423576532023-07-09T18:31:00.007-07:002023-07-10T12:36:30.420-07:00<p> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">IN THE HEIGHTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;">VINTAGE THEATRE: JUNE 23 – JULY 30<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 26pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsLQBB0b5xM24fwzS9t6HMn6FahGVFSsDb2Geys2AfeETFCZkJLoGbGFqFVpmLiEj-YAjBg-t9zYeoXYaUfXMU-McHW6SnwDMErskTO5Os2_rtd_kX5S0Q4VOZ-NZQNFL-chy6iWkKlO2bLlwrzP_OLkuAxtC1rhq6KZXjAKbF6l1ZOP8aFXjmrTUrN4/s2048/355499808_951186239513183_5037232443493039513_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsLQBB0b5xM24fwzS9t6HMn6FahGVFSsDb2Geys2AfeETFCZkJLoGbGFqFVpmLiEj-YAjBg-t9zYeoXYaUfXMU-McHW6SnwDMErskTO5Os2_rtd_kX5S0Q4VOZ-NZQNFL-chy6iWkKlO2bLlwrzP_OLkuAxtC1rhq6KZXjAKbF6l1ZOP8aFXjmrTUrN4/w640-h426/355499808_951186239513183_5037232443493039513_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Teej Morgan-Arzola and the cast of In the Heights </span><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit: RDG Photography)</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Before there was HAMILTON, there was IN THE HEIGHTS.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> With music and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, the show is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards in 2008, winning four, including Best Musical.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Teej Morgan-Arzola portrays Usnavi de la Vega, the narrator, who introduces us to the barrio and the people who live there. His close attention to the clear articulation of Miranda’s rap is enhanced with his skillful use of its bright cadence.</span></b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9pt;"></span><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9afEzb5ZXEGnOntMRn154RJX2Hld7FNPAY86gEuXz3se7ZKUVcRxzM2uSeTz8Xizuu1TXwdQ6_G3rZIsme3F_4ASLNS26mYSlhnKmYyB9E_0HuHVAAKmw8mMRZsBe4c_rNUygXjCpgORk4_YPPjGid6dHAkcnLahGTk_AQ2pFQ_SimgNmG8OUlCowab0/s2048/355880652_949793202985820_4007619608657237661_n-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9afEzb5ZXEGnOntMRn154RJX2Hld7FNPAY86gEuXz3se7ZKUVcRxzM2uSeTz8Xizuu1TXwdQ6_G3rZIsme3F_4ASLNS26mYSlhnKmYyB9E_0HuHVAAKmw8mMRZsBe4c_rNUygXjCpgORk4_YPPjGid6dHAkcnLahGTk_AQ2pFQ_SimgNmG8OUlCowab0/w640-h426/355880652_949793202985820_4007619608657237661_n-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Alicia "Lisa" Young and </span><span style="font-size: 26.66666603088379px;">the</span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> cast of In the Heights (photo credit: RDG Photography)</span></span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Abuela Claudia, who raised Usnavi after his parents died shortly after immigrating from the Dominican Republic, is played with warmth and sensitivity by Alicia “Lisa” Young. This actor’s singing of “Paciencia y Fe” (“Patience and Faith”) is magnificent!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Daniela Castorena is stunning as Nina Rosario. Returning from college, she fears having to tell her parents she flunked out due to having to work two jobs to pay for her tuition. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kwVUEsfn6RAiTH-NLQ0cJODCQDH5GmL5CnDhALX8RG9U7GZwMcWDMRj9-0tRVfpttvzHFyCEXJiv5tFkTKiljwvlZ5Wn9RxrfvvOod_zr87lgUUfwFIh4VqRM1suhqD6b95ORr0rdUrxN0ku3qrvjCQZtPL9Jnf13NqM5aWHh1g6N0Gat7BsazhMMyg/s2048/353640486_951186072846533_7080394848147598510_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kwVUEsfn6RAiTH-NLQ0cJODCQDH5GmL5CnDhALX8RG9U7GZwMcWDMRj9-0tRVfpttvzHFyCEXJiv5tFkTKiljwvlZ5Wn9RxrfvvOod_zr87lgUUfwFIh4VqRM1suhqD6b95ORr0rdUrxN0ku3qrvjCQZtPL9Jnf13NqM5aWHh1g6N0Gat7BsazhMMyg/w640-h426/353640486_951186072846533_7080394848147598510_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">George Zamarripa and Ali Chung </span><span><span style="font-size: large;">(Photo credit: RDG Photography)</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> George Zamarripa is remarkable as Nina’s concerned papa, Kevin. His singing of “Inutil” and “Atencion,” bring back memories of his fine work as Mr. Feldzieg in Vintage’s “Drowsy Chaperone” and as Georges in the recent Town Hall Arts production of “La Cage aux Folles.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> As Nina’s Mama, Camila, Ali Chung is powerful singing “Enough!” as she struggles to keep the family together in a crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Recently seen in THAC’s “Memphis” and in Vintage Theatre’s “Sophisticated Ladies, origin does a great job as Usnavi’s best friend, Benny.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Vanessa is Karen Gonzalez, seen recently as Mary Elena in BDT Stage’s “Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Castarena and origin shine in their duet, “When the Sun Goes Down.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Karen Gonzales and Teej Morgan-Arzola are at their best singing “Champagne!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> This musical is all about the celebration of the barrio. Heritage and ancestry are central to the themes of this play, and one is always aware of the sense of family in this vanishing neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> As Daniela, Emily Diaz is a whirlwind of joy as she leads the ensemble in “Carnaval del Barrio.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The Piragua Guy is acted and sung with gusto by Romy Lopez.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> A gift to your visual and auditory senses, you will be treated to some radiantly colorful lighting by Emily Maddox as well as Jessica Jewell’s crystal-clear sound design. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WD3ePM6cNKO3cObwxCZFoIYsmq1N5mUQD4x_O0-0EtUO7SL5QGErkItQX6Hey601ANzuWrCg9MJSgoiZoxcWCCu4_Z4ATnJxRguuVT3T2vOx7ODEKkXVB6yr6z26RNW9fGkcWhHfoQHwfaUf_jp1jYaZZVQvDGG6CvZn5-OElpqq2L9sgi-_xfKGWo4/s2048/356661055_955376919094115_2078872748066777468_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WD3ePM6cNKO3cObwxCZFoIYsmq1N5mUQD4x_O0-0EtUO7SL5QGErkItQX6Hey601ANzuWrCg9MJSgoiZoxcWCCu4_Z4ATnJxRguuVT3T2vOx7ODEKkXVB6yr6z26RNW9fGkcWhHfoQHwfaUf_jp1jYaZZVQvDGG6CvZn5-OElpqq2L9sgi-_xfKGWo4/w640-h426/356661055_955376919094115_2078872748066777468_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The set for In the Heights </span><span><span style="font-size: large;">(photo credit: RDG Photography)</span><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span><o:p style="font-size: 20pt;"></o:p></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The backdrop for the set, painted by Megan David, Bernie Richard and Emily Dyer Wolf, and the bodega and salon de belezza, designed by set designers Robert Janacek and Jeff Jesmer, are visual delights. The costumes shine, sparkle, and shimmer thanks to the costume design of Alicia “Lisa” Young.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The exuberance of the salsa dancing in Kebrina Josefina de Jesus’ choreography is pulse-pounding!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The divine Donna Kolpan Debrecini’s music direction and musical tracks are spectacular!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Peppering the show with a few excellent veteran actors, director Jonathan Andujar has cast the show with a stellium of fantastic new actors that one hopes will be seen again soon upon the Denver stage.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> One would be remiss not to mention the tireless efforts of Biz Schaugaard, Company Manager/props and Jennifer Schmitz, stage manager extraordinaire, for all their incredible work on this and countless other productions. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">For tickets call the box office at 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918202272746140922.post-5743637507413030982023-07-03T18:42:00.002-07:002023-07-03T18:42:27.754-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 48pt;">KISS ME KATE</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">CENTRAL CITY OPERA:</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt;">July 1 – August 5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">(in repertoire with Gounod’s ROMEO AND JULIET and Rossini’s OTHELLO</span><span style="font-size: 28pt;">)</span><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sLWLDDlk-XzXDFc9poBCNJy1wKtc2TkDe8Fyf2BoR9aDU5u2YLrKznbrdhf6UtElmIKMGjIPVgKyl4qSdPXNKakekQpuP0EFlwgriLBTYvLYCoFmZ7_CikEXOXbRV36iw9VLJZnx9C-ypI5NheRbYRAYTDizbxdCxK05Xb0BFpeVEJ2l0X2GCQh1oaU/s3600/kate_0090320230629142153.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sLWLDDlk-XzXDFc9poBCNJy1wKtc2TkDe8Fyf2BoR9aDU5u2YLrKznbrdhf6UtElmIKMGjIPVgKyl4qSdPXNKakekQpuP0EFlwgriLBTYvLYCoFmZ7_CikEXOXbRV36iw9VLJZnx9C-ypI5NheRbYRAYTDizbxdCxK05Xb0BFpeVEJ2l0X2GCQh1oaU/w640-h426/kate_0090320230629142153.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Jonathan Hays and Emily Brockway (photo: Amanda Tipton)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> DIRECTOR KEN CAZAN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Cazan has directed all the Broadway shows that have been featured at Central City Opera over the last decade, as well as all but two of Benjamin Britten’s prolific canon. (Cazan’s direction of Britten’s “Billy Budd” and “Gloriana” received critical acclaim internationally.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Regarding his direction of the American Musicals, Cazan has helmed productions of everything from “West Side Story” and “Oklahoma” to “A Little Night Music” and this year’s “Kiss Me, Kate.”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> With book by Bella and Samuel Spewack and music and lyrics by Cole Porter, KISS ME KATE won the first Tony Award for Best Musical, as well as for Best Score and Best Script in 1949.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Some of the perennial favorites from the Cole Porter song book are: “Wunderbar,” “Another Openin’ , Another Show,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “Always True to You in My Fashion,” “So In Love,” and “Too Darn Hot.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> This musical involves a production of “The Taming of the Shrew” and a conflict onstage and off between the director and star of the show, Fred Graham, and ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. There is a subplot involving the actress playing Lois Lane/ Bianca and her boyfriend, Bill Calhoun/Lucentio.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsNoURDuytiuiaSQ6HNAcAzF4t8DS9uOJQzg-QaT-9ZfOS33LH0b73BXDgwyK9UebZkiKeF7CBIlXDcqnE_exss6dceGeYZ8rKj5jVrhXdskIPY243jUWivpABOI6_EhhImMJjhSTQbzMvcp5z-2pKNOkE4SEvubl82k_-SQS4JvT37bbDc4oEoF2qrA/s3600/kate_0244020230629150236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsNoURDuytiuiaSQ6HNAcAzF4t8DS9uOJQzg-QaT-9ZfOS33LH0b73BXDgwyK9UebZkiKeF7CBIlXDcqnE_exss6dceGeYZ8rKj5jVrhXdskIPY243jUWivpABOI6_EhhImMJjhSTQbzMvcp5z-2pKNOkE4SEvubl82k_-SQS4JvT37bbDc4oEoF2qrA/w640-h426/kate_0244020230629150236.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Emily Brockway and Jonathan Hays </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(photo: Amanda Tipton)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The book is inspired by the relationship of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontane, who were “real life battling actors in the 1936 production of “The Taming of the Shrew.”</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Emily Brockway is luminous as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine! Her singing of “So in Love” is powerfully seductive and spellbinding! The duets Ms. Brockway sings with Mr. Hays, “From This Moment On,” and “Wunderbar,” are both auditory champagne!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Jonathan Hays portrays Fred Graham/ Petruchio with stunning panache and great good humor! His singing of “Were Thine That Special Face” and the hilarious “Where is the Life That Once I Led?” </span><span style="font-size: 26.66666603088379px;">were crowd pleasers indeed!</span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFleutIpascS2y_I97klJfqk5ZhI6Tiww4k5zkSXqmGfpzqCzri62FWWXc4ZC2ZtknGW59C6DGDI2vlsLOqcq0YBk0rkZHg9ntvLIh5FtYMJnA2caF-RpfPS9yqkpcj1QH1yIgxNbI_WP4lu6UePUdi4cIJOd856v5cwcAHVCX3wJRhBnUBdY31XY2ay4/s3600/kate_0519120230629163603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFleutIpascS2y_I97klJfqk5ZhI6Tiww4k5zkSXqmGfpzqCzri62FWWXc4ZC2ZtknGW59C6DGDI2vlsLOqcq0YBk0rkZHg9ntvLIh5FtYMJnA2caF-RpfPS9yqkpcj1QH1yIgxNbI_WP4lu6UePUdi4cIJOd856v5cwcAHVCX3wJRhBnUBdY31XY2ay4/w640-h426/kate_0519120230629163603.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div><b><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jeffrey Scott Parsons and Lauren Gemelli (photo: Amanda Tipton)</span></span></span></b><div><div><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Lauren Gemelli bewitches as a sexy, well-sung Lois Lane/Bianca. Her singing of “Always True to You In My Fashion” and “Why Can’t You Behave?” in tandem with Jeffrey Scott Parsons’ animated comic portrayal of Bill Calhoun/Lucentio, is dazzling.</span></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf2-J59d5wxaF1pLpbA1OF5hE8lUJwuAg4TQ65-yyoDAhA0n2ZfUHtR0P9hXoqjt-eB3uhZUjVvO27ruDub4w7A_t1jIfsWu6fx_bBR1KPlemz4NmJCBHQ8K0Rt8G1UwoLQLpHgZ0PghIWphaSZws8UCWJ9-kK4ul3WnJMYdaebt1JN9FyuVDQjHTJx8/s3600/kate_0544520230629164511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf2-J59d5wxaF1pLpbA1OF5hE8lUJwuAg4TQ65-yyoDAhA0n2ZfUHtR0P9hXoqjt-eB3uhZUjVvO27ruDub4w7A_t1jIfsWu6fx_bBR1KPlemz4NmJCBHQ8K0Rt8G1UwoLQLpHgZ0PghIWphaSZws8UCWJ9-kK4ul3WnJMYdaebt1JN9FyuVDQjHTJx8/w640-h426/kate_0544520230629164511.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 20pt;">L-R: Isaiah Feken and Adelmo Guidarelli(photo: Amanda Tipton)</span></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The two gangsters, played with broad strokes of humor by Adelmo Guidarelli and Isaiah Feken, give us the hilarious vaudeville hijinks of “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” with polish and flair. Always a hysterical moment in this show, these two comics make it the genuine showstopper it was meant to be!</span></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sBXswDfSDrfGD4ra7GJloHcoTtSzZ0_xRHV1Y_a_adYfv9l3vz1hsRF_d0EuPz9RXDZZ7Koy9xULmFF9VmvM3gscgEGMeXPoUBlnD6GVNhJf6BQXaPzfW0139-3_Uhe-QJmzjlewH1JR6pW-S3DRPOldD71ZPU6TN52nYy9OsSY3klf65cxBzZc7LK4/s3600/kate_0377220230629155540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sBXswDfSDrfGD4ra7GJloHcoTtSzZ0_xRHV1Y_a_adYfv9l3vz1hsRF_d0EuPz9RXDZZ7Koy9xULmFF9VmvM3gscgEGMeXPoUBlnD6GVNhJf6BQXaPzfW0139-3_Uhe-QJmzjlewH1JR6pW-S3DRPOldD71ZPU6TN52nYy9OsSY3klf65cxBzZc7LK4/w640-h426/kate_0377220230629155540.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jeffrey Scott Parsons and the Ensemble (photo: Amanda Tipton)</span></b></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The dancers of Nu-World Contemporary Dance Theatre stun in their sizzling delivery of “Too Darn Hot!” As the cast waits in the alley between acts, they perform a number you will never forget! Part ballet and part modern jazz dancing spiced up with a good deal of tap-dance, this scene is exhilarating beyond the beyonds!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> The well thought out traditional set design by Matthew S. Crane and eye-popping costumes by Jeff Mahshie are spot on!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Daniel Pelzig’s choreography is a breathtaking delight from start to finish.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> Conductor Adam Turner elicits the sweet sounds of Cole Porter’s award-winning score from the sensational Central City Opera orchestra to ear-pleasing perfection.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> BRAVI TUTTI!!!!!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">THIS SHOW IS NOT TO BE MISSED! RUN TO GET TICKETS!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">For tickets call the box office at 303-292-6700 or go online at centralcityopera.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div></div>David Marlowe Theatre Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04891987524456974777noreply@blogger.com0