“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.
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.
