Metamorphoses

Aurora Fox Arts Studio Theatre: 8/16 – 9/22

     The Aurora Fox Arts production of Mary Zimmerman’s “Metamorphoses” is utterly entrancing.  Upon entering the auditorium one is regaled with a superb set by Charlie Packard. It’s a superbly designed pool above which a magnificent chandelier sparkles - and in, through and around which, the very fine cast enacts stories taken from Ovid’s classic tales of Roman and Greek mythology. With dazzling lighting by Shannon McKinney and an elegant costume design by Meghan Anderson Doyle the theatergoer is treated to a sublime production that is truly the stuff of dreams.

Charles Packard's set for "Metamorphoses"

     Heraclitus said, “Everything flows. Nothing stands still.” While this goes without saying Mary Zimmerman is more intent on showing us the truth in the old French saying: “Plus ca change plus c’est la meme chose.” (“The more things change the more they remain the same.”

     The understanding that Truth is universal and that the lives of the ancients and those of people living today have a great deal in common is one of the underlying thought forms in Zimmerman’s play.

     Geoff Kent’s direction is the star of this show. His outstanding use of the space is so fresh, creative and colorful that playwright Zimmerman’s juxtaposition of the classical and the contemporary melds and flows into an exhilarating evening of theatre you will never forget.

     Michael Morgan is pure gold as Midas. You may remember Morgan, who is one of Denver’s finest actors, for his outstanding work in Curious Theatre’s production of Donald Margulies’ “Time Stands Still.”

                                                           

            Zachary Andrews and Jaimie Morgan

     Zachary Andrews delights in numerous roles. This actor’s northern European good looks complete with fair complexion and blond hair might make one wonder if the gods in Scandinavian mythology had infiltrated the pantheon of Greek gods on Mount Olympus. No one will care though since Andrews is such a great actor. Mr. Andrews, who stunned as Edmund in Germinal Stage Denver’s “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” is an actor to search out in every program.

     Narrator Jada Roberts opens the show with a sterling moment in which while stirring the waters of the eye-popping onstage pool, she declares: “Bodies I have in mind and how they can change to assume new shapes.” Later she sparkles in roles such as a winking blue-collar worker and a nursemaid.

      Jaimie Morgan’s aerial work above the aquatic stage is breathtaking.

     There are many new faces in the cast all of whom this reviewer hopes to see onstage again soon. They are: Carmen Vreeman, Michelle Hurtubise, Justin Walvoord and Ryan Wuestewald,

     This production comes with the highest of recommendations from this reviewer’s desk. Tickets are $26 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. For tickets and/or group rates call: 303-739-1970 or visit: www.AuroraFox.org

 Marlowe's Musings

     

                                                       "Oh my God!"
                         

     "Peter and the Star Catcher" snagged five Tony Awards in 2012. These included Tonys for Sound as well as Costume, Scenic and Lighting Design.  Christian Borle received the Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play.


     This long awaited production, which begins its national tour at The Ellie Caulkins Opera House has a first act that's a fizzling dud followed by the most exquisitely opulent, hilarious and enchanting second act imaginable. One can't help wondering if Act Two had not been the play in toto at one time and that someone felt it needed to be longer for a Broadway audience and tacked on what is now Act One.

     The actors are magnificent in their ability to create clear characterization while delivering the superb word-smithing of playwright Rick Elice with crisp well enunciated elocution. The precision of their stage movement is stunning.


     Act One of "Peter and the Star Catcher" provides us as audience with the back story to the prequel to James Barrie’s “Peter Pan” which is really found in Act Two. Thank heaven you stayed in your seat for the second act. At the top of Act Two the colorless reality of Act One shifts dramatically to a lush exotic shimmering blue and green fantasia of set and lighting, fabulously funny acting and innovative theatricality that astounds. Bring a pillow for Act One and get set to be dazzled after Intermission.

     The cast is a delight to a man/woman and John Sanders steals the show as Black Stache with outrageously funny physical comedy, impeccable timing and a litany of “Oh My Gods” you will never forget.

Worth a peek.Marlowe's Musings

Offending the audience

Germinal Stage Denver: 8/9 – 8/2

     By turns annoying, boring, uninteresting, interesting, puzzling and exhilarating, “Offending the Audience” is the perfect choice for Germinal Stage Denver’s swan song. “Conceived and administered” by Ed Baierlein the show features a huge cast of actors who have peopled the shows at GSD for decades. In case you may have forgotten their names each member of the cast has a big white card with his name on it hanging from a string around his neck. The actors move into, around and through the audience reciting lines with very little expression. Many times another actor somewhere else in the space echoes the line. For much of the show the house lights are on and so the patron gets to watch his fellow theatergoers as well.

     Among other things this production is a reunion of colleagues and cohorts that allows not only a great number of the actors from the past to come together in celebration but also allows those who have peopled the audience over the years to participate as well. 

     It's not offensive!

PLAYING FOR THREE WEEKENDS ONLY

THROUGH AUGUST 25TH

FRIDAY, 8:00, $21.75

SATURDAY, 8:00, $23.75

SUNDAY, 7:00, $19.75

Preview Season Tickets accommodated August 9, 10, 11,

including matinee, August 10, 2:00

A subscription offering. Replaces MARAT/SADE on our original season schedule.

LIMITED SEATING - RESERVE NOW!

 303.455.7108Marlowe's Musings

                        In the Heights

                       Vintage Theatre: 8/2 – 9/8

                        

            “In the Heights” rocks!

     In 2008 this musical won Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. It won the Grammy for Best Musical Show album and was nominated for The Pulitzer Prize.

      Rebecca Joseph’s direction of Vintage Theatre Productions’ “In the Heights” is fast-paced and impeccably cast.

     As the rapping narrator and owner of the barrio’s bodega stand, Alejandro Roldan is a superb Usnavi. His love interest Vanessa is played by the very fetching Janessa O’Fallon.

     Jenny Moll Reyes performance in the role of Nina Rosario, the first member of her family to go to college, enchants.

     Vincent Smith’s portrayal of Benny, the dispatch guy who falls in love with Nina, is most memorable.

     Robert Payo’s portrayal of Kevin Rosario, Nina’s overprotective father is very well acted and sung.

     Arlene Rapal gives Nina’s mother Camila a strong confident reading. Her singing of “Enough” is powerful and elicited huge applause from the opening night audience.

      Marisa Dannielle Hebert’s Abuela Claudia endears. Her singing of “Paciencia y Fe” (“Patience andFaith”) is indelible.

                                             

                                                    Alejandro Roldan and Marisa Dannielle Hebert

      Amy Luna is a fiery and funny Daniela!

     Asad Clinton (Graffiti Pete) is an eye-catching dancer whose smooth moves provide a seductive thread.

    Out of the blue the piraguas are delivered with vocal prowess by Jacob Villareal. The ensemble is full of talented musical actors including: Carlos Jimenez, Terra Salazar,Gabriel Morales and Brandon Lopez. These talented singers are led by musical director Midge McMoyer Smith.

      Matt La Fontaine delivers flashy choreography, which is danced with passion by this enthusiastic young cast. Colin Roybal’s scenic design works beautifully. Davis Sibley’s costumes are spot on.

Vintage Theatre presents

"In the Heights"

Three generations of Latino immigrants dream of success in America while holding onto their culture and heritage.

Aug 2 – Sept 1
Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:30 p.m.

$30 ($25 advance)
303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.com

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010

 Marlowe's Musings