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

 

CURIOUS THEATRE: Nov 10 – Dec 10

 

Last season at this time, I was announcing all the top Marlowe Awards as going to Curious Theatre for its Powerful production of AMERICAN SON.

 

They were: 

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A PLAY, BEST ACTRESS, JADA SUZANNE DIXON, BEST DIRECTOR, JADA SUZANNE DIXON, BEST ACTOR, JOSH ROBINSON, BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, ABNER GENECE. 

 

This year it’s different.

Franklinland disappoints on almost every level.

The script, which sounds fun at first, is a ‘fowl’ play.

The direction and acting, tragic.

 

Nevertheless, there is a beautiful scenic design by Markas Henry.

 

     Probably Covid had much to do with this. At least one wishes to be able to give the old guard of Curious the benefit of the doubt. Still “guiding” the new administration, Curious Theatre’s old guard is gasping its last this year.

 

     One cannot wait for the new administration at Curious to come fully into bloom next season!!! It’s thrilling to know that Jada Suzanne Dixon will be the new Artistic Director.

 

     As for now … your turkey is ready.

 

 

    The Buell Theatre:

      THROUGH NOVEMBER 27

 

With book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, My Fair Lady is based upon George Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion. The 1956 Broadway production won six Tony Awards including Best Musical. The 1964 film got the Academy Award for Best Picture.

     Bartlett Sher’s direction of this classic musical brings all those things you’ve loved and cherished about My Fair Lady for so long to this production … as well as a bit of a twist.

     Sher’s production, which was nominated for 10 Tony awards, leans much more heavily upon Shaw’s original intentions than most. Known for his feminist views, Shaw mirrored much of what was going on in Ibsen’s plays, such as “A Doll’s House.” 

      That said, Sher’s slant on the work is more realistic, and less romantic than most.

      As linguistics professor Henry Higgins, Jonathan Grunert sings the part, rather than relying on the recitative performance we remember so well from that of Rex Harrison. His rendition of “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” is poignant indeed!

     Madeline Powell puts her own personal stamp on this portrayal of Eliza Doolittle, the cockney flower girl Higgins tries to transform into his version of a proper English lady.  Blonde and beautiful, Powell slowly unveils her gorgeous soprano in much the same way that she unveils her character’s evolving linguistic facility with the English language. When she unleashes that golden soprano in “The Rain in Spain” and “I Could Have Danced All Night” it’s ear-pleasing to say the least.

     As Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Cameron Loyal gives “On the Street Where You Live,” its due as well as doing some very fine vocal sparring with Powell’s Eliza in their duet, “Show Me.”

     Becky Saunders’ portrayal of Mrs. Higgins is magnificent.

     Michael Hegarty is a total delight as Eliza’s father, Alfred P. Dolittle. His singing and acting of “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time” are both glorious!!!

     Catherine Zuber’s design for the gown Eliza wears to the Embassy Ball is exquisite!!!

     The Ascot Gavotte is beautifully staged. The costume design by Catherine Zuber is eye-popping and the sound design by Marc Salzberg and Beth Lake superb.

     As Zoltan Karpathy, Daniel James Canaday brings great comic sparkle to the scene at the Embassy Ball. His performance, if slightly more amicable, is just north of that of Kenneth Mars as Hugh Simon in the film, “What’s Up, Doc?” 

   David Andrew Rogers music direction and conducting of the My Fair Lady Orchestra in the pit is outstanding!!!

     Lovers of musical theatre should make plans to see this compelling production soon. It’s only here a few more days.

 

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

 SPAMALOT

VINTAGE THEATRE: NOV.4 – DEC 11

         The cast of SPAMALOT

With music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle and book and lyrics by Eric Idle, “Spamalot” is a musical comedy that’s adapted from the 1975 movie, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

     Irreverent and hilarious, it parodies the legends of King Arthur and his knights, peppered with some peasants spouting Marxist quotes.

     Directed by Mike Nichols on Broadway, the show was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards, and won three, including Best Musical.

     Vintage Theatre’s production of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT is a rollicking romp that’s a joyously unbridled and utterly anarchic (not Antarctic!) comedy!

     Co-directors Bernie Cardell and Heather Frost's  stage direction of Vintage Theatre’s production pulls out all the stops in this comic romp. 

      The cast is brilliant to a man/woman!

      Colorado favorite, Markus Warren is regally self-absorbed and eminently bewildered as Arthur, King of the Britons.

     As Patsy, Cole Henson is equally uncertain of his part in the quest! As Arthur’s ever attentive side-kick, he even provides the clip-clop of invisible horses with two halves of a coconut.

    Matt LaFontaine is extremely well-suited to Monty Python’s iconic brand of comic anarchy. His portrayals of Not Dead Fred and Herbert sparkle with broad strokes of physical humor on the one hand, and the “woe is me” fawning of a spoiled brat on the other.

     Faith Siobahn Ford’s portrayal of the Lady of the Lake is glorious! Her singing of “The Song that Goes Like This” with Eric Crawford’s preening Sir Galahad, which sends up the chandelier-shattering Andrew Lloyd Webber compositions such as those in “The Phantom of the Opera,” is utterly amazing!

     Andrew Uhlenhopp, who opens the show as narrator/ history professor is true comic genius. 

     Cheryl Faulkner’s costume design for the show’s eye-popping Laker girls, gives us a riot of colorful French can-can skirts and splashy Vegas attire!

     The shimmering wardrobe created by Faulkner for Ms. Ford is as stunning, as the tunics and chain mail for Arthur and his men are spot on.

     And if you’re as much a fan of the original cast recording as this reviewer is, let me just say that the music direction by Heather Iris Holt delivers the goods to perfection.

     Robert Janacek’s set design is comprised of two castle turrets from which at one point, a French guard taunts King Arthur with such vulgar epithets, you will think he has Tourettes Syndrome. 

     Is it just me, or do stories of the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, carnivorous rabbits and a quest for a shrubbery required by some people who say “NEE,” seem ‘par for the course’ as far as news stories go these last several years?

     Nevertheless, this show is the perfect theatrical antidote for the insanity bred as reality daily on the evening news.

      GO! GO! GO! AND LAUGH!!!

 

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

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010

90 Minutes no intermission.