SOPHISTICATED LADIES

VINTAGE THEATRE:  JANUARY 27 – MARCH 5

 

                                                     Mykai Eastman

                       photo credit: RDG Photography

Dazzling!Dizzying!Delicious!

 

Christopher Page-Sanders is a force of nature! His choreography is beyond breathtaking! It’s astounding to the Max! If this sounds a little or a lot hyperbolic, please know that it’s not! Page-Sanders’ work is in a realm of artistry one seldom sees in a lifetime of theatre going. (This from a reviewer who has seen thousands of plays.) A melding of jazz, ballet, tap and modern dance techniques, his work is also peppered with a modicum of acrobatic athleticism. Please do not miss this or any show this genius directs and/or choreographs. We are so blessed to have his work on display here in Colorado at this time. Last season’s spectacular choreography for Performance Now Theatre Company’s “Nice Work if You Can Get It” (Marlowe Award for Best Choreography) was exceptional. With his work on “Sophisticated Ladies,” the artist has risen to new heights.  There really are no words to describe the elation of a theatregoer lucky enough to attend this show. 

    Beyond the exhilaration of the dancers and their spellbinding work, there is more!

    The cast of singers, led by the incomparable Mary Louise Lee, is remarkable. Cha’Rel Wright and Heidi Carann Snider are two exceptional singing talents this reviewer is just getting acquainted with. Also worthy of mention are the talents of Isaac Rosen and David E. Sweet.

      The mostly onstage band is led on keys by the incredible virtuosic mastery of Music Director Jodel Charles. 

       The Sophisticated Rug Cutters, whose dance moves will thrill you non-stop, all evening long are: Rita Marie Aires, Mykai Eastmen, EDEN, Andy Nikhomvan-Morgan, Jasmyne Pierce, Lauren Slaughter and Dallas Slankard (Marlowe Award for Best Actress In a Musical for last season’s “Nice Work If You Can Get it”) Dance Captain. Jalen Gregory’s slender, sinuous, serpentine moves are so hypnotically eye-popping one wonders if his bones are elastic!

    The costumes by Alicia “Lisa” Young are simply Gorgeous!!! The gowns for the ladies dazzle the eye.

     Some of the tunes to which you will be treated when you go are: “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, I Got it Bad and That Ain’t Good, as well as “Hit Me With a Hot Note and Watch Me Bounce,” and many more.

     Sophisticated Ladies is a musical revue of the Life and Legacy of Duke Ellington. It received eight Tony nominations and won two in 1983.

      There was a glitch in the lighting tech on opening night, but nothing could keep one and all who were present from feeling they had just taken a trip to Harlem’s renowned Cotton Club with all the rapturous singing, dancing and playing of the Duke Ellington songbook.

 

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

 Harper Lee’s 

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Buell Theatre: Jan 24-Feb 5

               Racism kills.

                                          Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch

                        (photo credit: Julieta Cervantes)

 Aaron Sorkin’s well-crafted adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel from page to stage, is powerfully directed by Bartlett Sher. 

     It’s a soul-shattering production that should be seen by one and all!

     Sher has cast the show impeccably.

Richard Thomas is outstanding as Atticus Finch. Unlike some stage actors who have imitated the performance of Gregory Peck in the film adaptation, Thomas carves out a portrayal that is all his own. In similar fashion, Melanie Moore gives us her own take on the memories of Atticus’ daughter, Scout “as narrator, as well as in the narrative.”

      Mary Badham, who won the Oscar for Best  Actress in a Supporting Role, portraying Scout in the 1962 film, plays the obnoxious Mrs. Henry DuBose in this production.  Badham delivers the goods with Power!

     Heart-wrenching is the work of Yaegal T. Welch as Tom Robinson. His performance in court is stunning.

     Jacqueline Williams shines as Calpurnia, the Finch family’s housekeeper!

     Joey Collins is a vicious Bob Ewell. 

     Arianna Gayle Stucki is disturbingly credible as Ewell’s abused daughter, Mayella.

     As Scout’s and Jem’s friend Dill, Steve Lee Johnson is at his best in a poignant scene in which Atticus gets him to drop the mask and admit that he’s never known his father. 

     Miriam Buethem’s scenic design is masterful in its ability to self-transform from the courtroom to the Finch home and other locales with fluid ease. 

 

     This is an unmissable production. Run to get tickets!

 

For tickets call the box office at 303-893-4000 or go online at denvercenter.org

 THE ROOMMATE

VINTAGE THEATRE: JAN 13 – FEB 19

L-R: Mari Geasair and Christine Kahane

 

Jen Silverman’s play, “The Roommate” may appear to be just another spin on the female version of the Odd Couple at first glance. But it’s not. Suffice it to say it’s a tale of transformation – a comic mystery replete with enough comic plot twists to keep us guessing all evening long. No spoilers here!

     Sharon, who is newly divorced, needs a roommate so she can keep the bills paid for her Iowa home. Robyn is looking for a place to hide and make a fresh start.

      As the plot unfolds Sharon begins to discover that Robyn has certain “secrets.”

      Thinking about the choices that Robyn has made, it doesn’t take much for Sharon to become enamored of possibilities to reinvent herself by spicing up her own rather empty life.

      Director Bernie Cardell has cast the show impeccably. 

     Ms. Geasair portrays Sharon as a meek, polite woman, who, having spent the entirety of her life taking care of her family, finds herself in a bland, colorless life that’s badly in need of an upgrade.

     As breezy free-spirited Robyn, Christine Kahane displays a quirky persona that, from Sharon’s conservative point of view, is a bit on the eccentric side.

     Together these actors display a chemistry that simmers and occasionally pops, throughout.

     Both Mari Geasair (Sharon) and Christine Kahane (Robyn) are superb talents who theatregoers will remember from their roles in previous shows. Ms. Kahane was the hilarious Frau Blucher in the Vintage production of “Young Frankenstein.”

     Ms. Geasair was a standout as the Nurse in last season’s “Shakespeare in Love,”which was also directed by Ms. Kahane.

     Having paced the show in such a way as to keep us wondering what the next plot twist will reveal, Director Cardell is also responsible for the realistic wrap-around scenic design which puts us as audience right in the middle of Sharon’s Iowa home.

     It’s a funny and intriguing play that has two well-written female roles played by two eminently watchable actors with luminous panache. 

     Go and see if you can unravel the mystery.

 

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

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010

 

     

 

     

Central City Opera:This weekend only at Trinity United Methodist Church!

 Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" is the first opera ever to be commissioned specifically for television. It debuted on NBC on Christmas Eve of 1951. 

      This tale of a poor crippled shepherd boy and his mother who are visited by the Magi on their way to Bethlehem, is perhaps Menotti’s most popular work. Nevertheless, it brings up memories of the critically acclaimed production Central City Opera delivered several seasons back of Menotti’s “The Saint of Bleecker Street.”

     Jennifer DeDominici is luminous in the role of Mother. This Diva's singing is powerful and exhilarating! You will remember her from her fiery portrayal of Franca in CCO’s exquisite production of “The Light in the Piazza” this past summer.

     Brian Erickson’s performance as Amahl is enthusiastic and endearing!

     Paul Griggsby’s bass in the role of King Balthazar and Armondo Contreras’ baritone cover for King Melchior are both remarkable. Javier Abreu’s superb tenor as King Kaspar was enhanced by some brilliantly funny acting!

     Under the baton of conductor John Baril, the scrumptious Central City Opera orchestra delivers Gian Carlo Menotti’s gorgeous score with consummate artistry.

     The choral work for the shepherds, elicited by chorus master Steven Aguilo-Arbues, is thrilling!

      Stage Director Iliana Lucero Barron, cast the show impeccably, and paced it to perfection.

     The kings’ eye-popping costumes have been furnished by Malabar Ltd. and Sarasota Opera.

       Architect Robert Roeschlaub, who built the Central City Opera House in 1878, also built the Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver, where "Amahl and the Night Visitors" is being presented.

     Both buildings have magnificent acoustics.

     The fifth oldest opera company in the country, Central City Opera has been in operation since 1932.

     Sunday’s matinee is nearly sold out already. Your best shot now is Saturday evening.

     The Holiday Season will be a lot brighter if you follow the Christmas star to Trinity United Methodist Church for this spectacular evening of opera.

     You owe it to yourself to see … and most of all, hear it!!! Heaven on Earth!

 

 For tickets go online at centralcityopera.org

 

                                                       DOT

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: Nov 11 – Dec 18

L-R: Latifah Johnson and Tim Inthavong 

                             (Photo credit: RDG Photography)

 

In Colman Domingo’s play, “Dot”, it’s Christmas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an African American family has come home for the holidays. This year however, besides gathering for celebration, the family is struggling to come to grips with a matriarch’s dementia.

     Dotty is that matriarch. 

     As played by Latifah Johnson, Dotty is by turns, elated, angry, confused, and afraid. Johnson’s performance is nuanced, multi-faceted and as heart-warming as it is heart-breaking. It’s a performance that makes us wish to see this actor again soon upon the Denver stage.

     The layered direction is superb! 

     In real life, people are always talking over each other and interrupting one another in conversation. This is certainly true when we’re arguing!  Some directors prompt their actors to speak their lines in what one might describe as a polite manner, one after the other. Director Mykai Eastman knows that life is “messy,” and delivers his audience overlapping dialogue that is much more ‘natural.’ 

     Director Eastman has also assembled a fine cast!

     Shashauna Staton gives a strong, affectionately drawn portrayal of Dot’s daughter, Shelly. Full of compassion and great good humor, Shelly’s constant dealing with the mental and emotional swings of her mother has left her with raw nerves soothed primarily by early morning drinking.

     Jedonn Bell’s portrayal of Dot’s anxiety-ridden son, Donnie, is white-hot and intentionally over-the-top. His explosive outbursts lead to a meltdown on Christmas Eve.

     Phil Luna has done what a truly great actor does. He has disappeared completely into the role. Having seen Luna in lots of shows over the years, it took this reviewer a couple of scenes to recognize him in the role of Adam, Donnie’s mild-mannered husband. Bravo!

     Kenya Fashaw portrays Dot’s daughter Averie, with true panache! This actor really knows how to make an entrance! Averie, who has had some financial struggles that have led her to return to live in her mother’s basement, is delivered with warmth, wit and great heart.

     Sarah Duttlinger plays Jackie, a friend of the family.

     Tim Inthavong is Fidel, Dot’s caretaker.

     In keeping with the core concept of the play, the self-effacing scenic design is adorned with family photos with blurry faces and a clock without hands.  

     Rick Reid’s Sound design delivers the goods with a brutal accuracy.

     Colman Domingo’s script is compassionate in that it makes us aware of the signs and the symptoms of dementia. One wishes that it would also have given tips regarding the dos and don’ts of interacting with a person suffering from memory loss.

    I hope you can get a ticket. I understand that it’s nearly completely sold out.

 

Vintage Theatre presents 

“DOT”  

A Regional Premiere 

Nov. 11 – Dec. 18 

Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun. at 2:30 p.m.; Mon. Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. 

$20 - $34 

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010 

 * Adult situations and explicit language. Recommended for ages 16+. 

Run time is 2 hours 15 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 THE 2022 MARLOWE AWARDS

 

Andy Sievers and the cast of Nice Work if You Can Get it !

Best Touring Company

 My Fair Lady, DCPA BROADWAY

 

Best Production of a Ballet

Romeo and Juliet, Colorado Ballet

 

Best Production of an Opera 

Die Fledermaus, Central City Opera

Brigadoon, Loveland Opera Theatre

 

Best New Play

RICHARD, Buntport Theater

 

Best Production of a Play 

The One Act Play That Goes Wrong, Vintage Theatre Productions

Much Ado About Nothing, Denver Center Theatre Company

 

Best Director of a play  

Steve Wilson, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong, Vintage Theatre Productions

Chris Coleman, Much Ado About Nothing, Denver Center Theatre Company

 

Best Actor in a Play 

Geoffrey Kent, Much Ado About Nothing, Denver Center Theatre Company

Cajardo Lyndsay, Fireflies, Curious Theatre Company

 

Best Actress in a Play

Dana Green, Much Ado About Nothing, Denver Center Theatre Company

Jada Suzanne-Dixon, Fireflies, Curious Theatre Company

Best Supporting Actor in a Play  

Rick Long, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Vintage Theatre Productions

Rob Nagle, Much Ado About Nothing, Denver Center Theatre Company

 

Best Supporting Actress in a Play

Kelly Uhlenhopp, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Vintage Theatre Productions

Leslie O’Carroll, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Director of a Musical

Kelly Van Oosbree, 1776, Performance Now Theatre Company

 Bernie Cardell, Nice Work if You Can Get It

Performance Now Theatre Company

Best Production of a Musical

1776, Performance Now Theatre Company

Nice Work if You Can Get It, Performance Now Theatre Company

 

Best Actor in a Musical, 

Andy Sievers, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Performance Now Theatre Company

Brett Ambler, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, BDT Stage

 

Best Actress in a Musical  

Mary Louise Lee, Gypsy, Vintage Theatre Productions

Dallas Slankard, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Performance Now Theatre Company

 

Best Supporting Actor Musical

Cordell Cole, Into the Woods, Arvada Center

Matt LaFontaine,  Spamalot, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical

Annie Dwyer, Xanadu, Town Hall Arts Center 

Anna Maria High, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, BDT Stage

 

Best Costume Design

Kevin Copenhaver, Much Ado About Nothing, Denver Center Theatre Company

Cheryl Faulkner, Spamalot, Vintage Theatre Productions

 

Best Lighting Design,

Brett Maughan, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, BDT Stage

 Shannon McKinney, Fireflies, Curious Theatre Company

Best Choreography, 

Christopher Page-Sanders, Nice Work if You Can Get it, Performance Now Theatre Company

Alissa Spooner, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, BDT Stage

 

Best Ensemble 

HAIR, Miners Alley Playhouse

Peter and the Star Catcher, Cherry Creek Theatre

 

Best Music Direction

Neal Dunfee, Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story, BDT Stage

Tanner Kelly, Mamma Mia, Stage Door Theatre

 

Best Scenic Design

M. Curtis Grittner, The SpongeBob Musical, BDT Stage

Justin Johnson, Mamma Mia, Stage Door Theatre

 

Best Audio Design

Kurt Behm, Once on This Island, Town Hall Arts Center

Wayne Kennedy, Buddy:The Buddy Holly Story, BDT Stage

 

Best Props Design

Becky Toma, Xanadu, Town Hall Arts Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Disney’s NEWSIES

Town Hall Arts Center: 11/11 -12/30

Elton J. Tanega and the cast of Disney's Newsies

 

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

 

 

“Newsies, The Musical” is based upon a 1992 film that was inspired by the 1899 Newsboys Strike In New York City. The show has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein. Nominated for eight Tony Awards it won two: Best Choreography and Best Original Score.

     For this production director Steve Wilson has cast a stellium of youthful talent, led by Elton J. Tanega, one of Denver’s fastest rising stars!  After seeing his work in “Tuck Everlasting” as well as his Prince Topher in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” it’s no surprise that his take on Jack Kelly, the dreamer turned Union organizer, is superb.

     As Katherine Plumber, Jack’s love interest, lovely Kelly Maur is at her best singing “Watch What Happens.”

     As Jack’s crippled side-kick Crutchie, Kong Vang delivers the pathos ("Song from the Refuge") of the evening with panache.

     Camden Deal’s Davey is excellent as well. His singing in "Seize the Day" and "Kings of New York" is most memorable. 

    The chart-topping jazz vocalist Rajdulari enchants us with her singing and acting in the role of Medda Larkin, the Vaudeville Chanteuse! Her singing of “That’s Rich,” dazzles us!

     Eric Fry does a superb job in the acting and singing of Joseph Pulitzer, the greedy newspaper magnate. Visually Fry brings up memories of Orson Welles in Citizen Kane. Of course, Kane was a thinly veiled version of another ruthless newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst.

      Kevin Walton gives a strong performance as one of Pulitzer’s hard-edged cronies, Weisel.

     Choreographers Ronni and Debbie Stark have created exhilarating dance routines that these young actors bring to life with enthusiasm.

     Director Steve Wilson is something of a theatrical magician. His talents were on view earlier this year with Vintage Theatre’s hilarious “The One Act Play That Goes Wrong.” Here he brings us a stage full of exciting new talent peppered with a few excellent stage veterans creating an evening of magical stage memories.

     Donna Debreceni’s work as Music Director is responsible for the superb sound of Alan Menken’s score. The choral work on "The World Will Know" is Powerful!

     Illuminated by Vance McKenzie’s lighting design, M. Curtis Grittner’s excellent scenic design regales us with the illusion of far more depth than most.

     One must make mention of Robert Michael Sanders, Chief Operating Officer at Town Hall Arts Center. Together with LuAnn Buckstein, Sanders is leading Town Hall in educating our teens to great success upon the stage. Town Hall even has an outreach program with shows that tour the schools.

   Go enjoy this family friendly holiday treat and support Town Hall Arts Center!

For tickets go online at TownHallArtsCenter.org

 or call: 303-794-2787