A Christmas Story, The Musical

Town Hall Arts Center: 11/11 – 12/30

L-R: Keegan Flaugh and Kaden Hinkle
     Nick Sugar has done it again. He’s taken an extra sweet story that many people love and has in past made this critic cringe, and turned it- in this critic’s not so humble opinion - from dross to gold. It doesn’t get much better than seeing any musical directed and choreographed by Nick Sugar.     Here this artist is ably assisted by the also estimable choreographer, Kelly Kates.

     Kaden Hinkle is a real winner as Ralphie. It is no small achievement to be able to carry a show of this magnitude. Bravo!

     Keegan Flaugh has become one of Colorado’s premiere talents. As The Old Man in this show his vocals are ear-pleasing in that confident, crisp and clear Broadway sounding way. His singing of “The Genius of Cleveland Street” is outstanding!

Mary McGroary and ensemble of "A Christmas Story,the Musical"

     Mary McGroary stuns as Miss Shields,a spinster school marm Ralphie fantasizes about saving with his beebee gun,(“Ralphie to the Rescue!”) who later appears as a show-stopping red hot mama who will belt and tap her way right into the very best of your Christmas memories.

     Eryn Carman acts and sings Mother in such a way as to make us hope we see her onstage LOTS more!

     Present as narrator, and grinning throughout, Scott McLean portrays the author, Jean Shepherd.

     The excellent music tracks done by maestra Donna Kolpan Debreceni thrill!

     Seth Alison’s lighting design is visually delicious and Douglas Clarke’s set is very nice work indeed.

     It is to be noted that one of the things director Sugar can pull off masterfully that most can’t is having a great dog and lots of cute kids onstage that enhance and endear rather than allowing them to distract, cloy and annoy. It’s a gift!

       Margie Lamb, Gabriel Morales, Sydney Fairbairn and John Mackey(Santa Claus) add spice to the ensemble of this delightful Christmas present from Town Hall!

For tickets call 303.794.2787 or go online at townhallartscenter.orgMarlowe's Musings

Hand to God

Curious Theater Company: through December 17

  L-R: John Hauser and Tyrone

Curious Theatre Company is presenting the regional premiere of Robert Askins’ dark comedy “Hand to God” now through December 17.

     After the death of her husband, Margery (Tara Falk) and her son, Jason (John Hauser), are given the use of a church basement to help them get their minds off the recent death of the head of the household.

     Pastor Greg has given Margery the task of preparing the students for a religious presentation in which they all use sock puppets. When Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, starts taking on a foul-mouthed, demonic life of its own, his (Jason’s) pent-up rage escalates into a hysterically funny, if violently horrifying, church basement Hell.

     John Hauser succeeds brilliantly as the timid young man who also personifies Tyrone. Tara Falk’s superb acting as Margery makes us wish to see her onstage much more often. John Jurcheck is outstanding as Timothy, the outspoken rebel in the class with a huge crush on teacher. The show also features Jenna Moll Reyes as Jessica, Jason’s love interest.

     Pastor Greg, whose compassion for Margery is rooted in a play for her affections, is portrayed with an unsettling calm demeanor by Denver favorite Michael McNeill.

     Dee Covington does a ‘Hell’ of a job with the direction!

     Jason Ducat’s sound design and Katie Gruenhagen’s lighting design conspire to create breathtaking mood swings.

     Cory Gilstrap’s puppet design and construction is Amazing!

     This production is extremely provocative and may cause the viewer to realize that personal responsibility for our words and actions can never be brushed off by saying “the devil made me do it.”

     This show is not for children.

For tickets call 303-623-0524 or go online at curioustheatre.orgMarlowe's Musings

“Jersey Boys”

The Buell Theatre through November 13.

L-R: Keith Hines, Aaron De Jesus, Cory Jeacoma and Matthew Dailey

There's a rousing, rip-roaring and truly amazing production of “Jersey Boys” now on view at The Buell Theatre. It’s that musical that got the Tony for showcasing the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

      Local star Matt Dailey is phenomenal in the acting and singing of the role of Tommy DeVito. Having seen him from the time he was 10 in “Nine” at Nomad Playhouse in Boulder, it’s thrilling to see his powerhouse performance in this National Tour of “Jersey Boys.”

Outstanding!

Aaron De Jesus is quite simply the Best of the portrayals of Frankie Valli to have been seen in Denver! He can not only hit those glorious high notes but he can also hold them better than any of the leads in the last three touring productions this reviewer has seen.That makes hearing “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” about as good as it gets!  The softer sounds of  “My Eyes Adored You” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” are sensational.

     This production also boasts local actor Andrew Russell in eleven supporting roles!

Run to get tickets! It only plays through Sunday.

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

Hand to God

Curious Theater Company: through December 17

  L-R: John Hauser and Tyrone

Curious Theatre Company is presenting the regional premiere of Robert Askins’ dark comedy “Hand to God” now through December 17.

     After the death of her husband, Margery (Tara Falk) and her son, Jason (John Hauser), are given the use of a church basement to help them get their minds off the recent death of the head of the household.

     Pastor Greg has given Margery the task of preparing the students for a religious presentation in which they all use sock puppets. When Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, starts taking on a foul-mouthed, demonic life of its own, his (Jason’s) pent-up rage escalates into a hysterically funny, if violently horrifying, church basement Hell.

     John Hauser succeeds brilliantly as the timid young man who also personifies Tyrone. Tara Falk’s superb acting as Margery makes us wish to see her onstage much more often. John Jurcheck is outstanding as Timothy, the outspoken rebel in the class with a huge crush on teacher. The show also features Jenna Moll Reyes as Jessica, Jason’s love interest.

     Pastor Greg, whose compassion for Margery is rooted in a play for her affections, is portrayed with an unsettling calm demeanor by Denver favorite Michael McNeill.

     Dee Covington does a ‘Hell’ of a job with the direction!

     Jason Ducat’s sound design and Katie Gruenhagen’s lighting design conspire to create breathtaking mood swings.

     Cory Gilstrap’s puppet design and construction is Amazing!

     This production is extremely provocative and may cause the viewer to realize that personal responsibility for our words and actions can never be brushed off by saying “the devil made me do it.”

     This show is not for children.

For tickets call 303-623-0524 or go online at curioustheatre.org

"Girl of the Golden West"

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House: November 11 and 13

L-R: Melissa Citro and Mark Rucker and the cast of "Girl of the Golden West"

     Melissa Citro started a bit hesitantly in her portrayal of Minnie, the owner of the Polka Saloon. However … in short order she rose to command the stage with her soaring soprano as the central character in Opera Colorado’s staging of what Puccini believed to be his best work.

     Tenor Jonathan Burton delivered powerful vocals as Minnie’s paramour, Dick Johnson (aka Ramerrez.)

     The huge male chorus sounded great at the Thursday preview this reviewer attended.

     Conductor Ari Pelto kept the sensational Opera Colorado Orchestra in the pit in perfect synch with the singers onstage.

     Greg Emetaz is to be lauded for his visually magnificent projections! Stephen D. Mazzeno’s lighting and scenic designs enhanced the production.

     “Girl of the Golden West” is one of the best productions to have been staged by Opera Colorado in the last five years.

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