Theater

THEATER COMPANIES, PRODUCTIONS & SHOWS

Winter/Spring 2012-13

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(See each organization’s website for additional productions not listed below.) 

Abster Productions
Abster Productions is a new Boulder-based production company “designed for the creation of art, music and theater events.” No upcoming performance dates were available at press time, but check www.absterproductions.com  to see if anything is scheduled.

Art as Action
Art as Action uses the performing arts to express, explore and embrace humanity and to promote art as an act of social responsibility. 720-938-6069; www.artasaction.org.  

Arvada Center
The Arvada Center is one of the nation’s largest multidisciplinary arts centers, It offers theater, music, galleries and educational opportunities all year long. 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada. 720-898-7200; www.arvadacenter.org.  

• Jan. 22-Feb. 17: Blithe Spirit, by Noël Coward
• March 26-April 14: Man of La Mancha
• April 30-May 26: Dividing the Estate (regional premiere)

Avenue Theater
Through Dec. 24: “Santa’s Big Red Sack” is an irreverant take on the holiday season, skewering all the things we hold dear, so it’s for mature audiences only. The Avenue Theater is at 417 E. 17th Ave. in Denver. 303-321-5925; www.avenuetheater.com. 

Band of Toughs
Nov. 29-Dec. 22: “Moulin Scrooge” irreverently blends “A Christmas Carol” and “Moulin Rouge,” and the result is a unique alternative to traditional holiday fare. A few performances are at the Wesley Chapel, 1290 Folsom St.; most are at Buntport Theatre, 717 Lipan St. in Denver. 720-375-3742; www.bandoftoughs.com. 

Bolder Nights
Bolder Nights, a monthly production of theater, music and fine art, is a collaboration between Hitching Post Theatre and the BolderLife Festival. Check www.rockroseentertainment.com  for details or see the BolderLife Festival Facebook page.

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company
Jan. 31-Feb. 16: In “Ghost-Writer,” by Michael Hollinger, novelist Franklin Woolsey dies mid-sentence, but his secretary Myra continues to take dictation. Attacked by skeptics, the press and Woosey’s jealous widow, Myra sets out to prove she is more than just an artful forger. BETC performs this show, and those listed below, at Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. Info: www.boulderensembletheatre.org; Tickets: www.thedairy.org. 

• Dec. 13-24: The Santaland Diaries (mature audiences only)
• March 21-April 7: The Other Place (regional premiere)
• May 2-18: Bach at Leipzig (regional premiere)

Boulder Playback Theatre
Feb. 1-3: “Connecting with the Depth of Playback” is an advanced playback workshop given by Johnathan Fox, the founder of the international Playback Theatre. Check the group’s Facebook page for registration info and to learn of upcoming shows.

Boulder’s Dinner Theatre
Boulder’s Dinner Theatre has been providing quality live entertainment since 1977, with cast members from all over the country. BDT is at 5501 Arapahoe Ave. 303-449-6000 ext. 4; www.theatreinboulder.com. 

• Through Feb. 16: 42nd Street
• Feb. 22-May 12: Church Basement Ladies (regional premiere)
• Opens May 18: The Wizard of Oz

Bovine Metropolis Theater
“Improv your life” at this unique Denver theater that offers improv and sketch comedy several nights per week. 1527 Champa St. 303-758-4722; www.bovinemetropolis.com. 

Buntport Theater Company
Buntport’s productions are all written by them, and they’re still working on the show that runs Jan. 25-Feb. 23. Check www.buntport.com  for updates. The Buntport Theater is at 717 Lipan St. in Denver.

The Catamounts
This Boulder-based group creates boundary-defying, performances that integrate theater with music and dance. Boulder shows are at the Nomad Theater, 1410 Quince Ave.; there are also Denver shows. 720-936-8761; www.thecatamounts.org. 

• March 1-16: Jon (regional premiere)
• May 19: FEED: Fermentation

Cherry Creek Theatre Company
March 8-23: “Doubt: A Parable,” by John Patrick Shenley, winner of a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, is a story of suspicion cast on a priest’s behavior. At the Shaver-Ramsey Showroom, 2414 E. Third Ave. in Denver. www.cherrycreektheatre.org. 

Coal Creek Community Theater
At press time, CCCT was getting ready to annouce a new name, taken from audience suggestions. The group’s 24th season features three main-stage productions, a children’s summer camp and the Front Range Playwrights’ Showcase. CCCT performs at Louisville Center for the Arts, 801 Grant St. Check online for updates and ticket information. 303-665-0955; www.ccctheater.org. 

Colorado Actors Theatre
In celebration of 10 years, California Actors Theatre recently became Colorado Actors Theatre. The performance space is tucked into a corner at Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont; find updated info about the new season at www.coloradoactors.com.  

CU Department of Theatre and Dance
CU’s theater performances are held at either the Loft Theatre or the University Theatre on the CU campus. A few of the season’s highlights are listed below; see www.colorado.edu/theatredance for more information.

• Dec. 7-23: A Broadway Christmas Carol, Dickens’ classic tale, mixed with beloved show tunes
• Feb. 15-24: As You Like It

Curious Theatre Company
Curious Theatre Company, at 1080 Acoma St. in Denver, has three regional premieres on the calendar for winter and spring. 303-623-0524; www.curioustheatre.org. 

• Jan. 12-Feb. 23: Maple and Vine
• March 9-April 13: The Brothers Size
• April 27-June 8: God of Carnage

Dairy Center for the Arts
The Dairy’s two theater spaces are home to several local independent and resident groups, including 3rd Law Dance/Theater, One Big Yes Productions, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, The Upstart Crow, CenterStage Theatre Company, Helander Dance Theater, Imagination Makers Theater Company, The Parlando School for the Arts and Stories on Stage. For information about specific shows, call theater groups, visit www.thedairy.org  or see individual listings.

Denver Center Attractions & Denver Center Theatre Company
The DCPA, a sprawling complex in downtown Denver, hosts more than two dozen productions every year—like touring Broadway musicals, adaptations, premieres and special events. A few highlights are listed below; check www.denvercenter.org  for more. The center is at Speer and Arapahoe avenues in Denver. For tickets, call 303-893-4100, or go to TicketsWest outlets at all King Soopers.

• Through Dec. 24: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
• Feb. 26-March 10: Catch Me If You Can
• April 12-21: Blue Man Group
• May 22-26: Les Misérables

Denver’s Dangerous Theatre
Denver’s Dangerous Theatre, at 262 W. Second Ave., serves complimentary refreshments, and audiences are welcome to bring beer or wine. www.dangeroustheatre.com.  

• Through Dec. 29: The Perfect Gift

The Dinner Detective
Interactive murder mystery shows take place seasonally at the Millennium Harvest House, 1345 28th St. The group hosts regular shows in Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. www.thedinnerdetective.com. 

The Festival Playhouse
The Festival Playhouse is at 5665 Old Wadsworth Blvd., in Old Town Arvada. 303-422-4090; www.festivalplayhouse.com. 

• Through Dec. 16: The Man Who Wanted to Be Santa

Firehouse Theater Company
FTC stages productions at the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Place in Denver. 303-562-3232; www.firehousetheatercompany.com.  

• Jan. 1-Feb. 9: Boy Gets Girl
• April 12-May 11: Tigers Be Still (regional premiere)
• Opens May 24: The Full Monty, in collaboration with Spotlight Theatre Company

Jesters Dinner Theatre & School for the Performing Arts
Jesters is Longmont‘s long-running dinner theater, and show-only tickets are also available. The Jesters School for the Performing Arts performs on Saturday afternoons all year long, with new offerings every month or so. Jesters is also home to the newly opened Encore Restaurant, Piano Bar and Comedy Club. See a complete schedule at www.jesterstheatre.com  or call 303-682-9980. 224 Main St., Longmont.

• Dec. 31-Jan. 27: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
• Feb. 9-April 14: Elton John’s Aida
• Opens May 4: Fiddler on the Roof

Lakewood Cultural Center
Lakewood Cultural Center presents a variety of events each season, including the theater highlights listed below; see full schedule online. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway. 303-987-7845; www.lakewood.org/culturalcenter. 

Feb. 8-24: Once Upon a Mattress
April 26-May 12: South Pacific

Local Theater Company
March 15-17: The Local Lab New Play Festival takes place in March at Chautauqua Community House; check www.localtheatercompany.org  for updates.

Lone Tree Arts Center
The state-of-the-art Lone Tree Arts Center hosts a full slate of theater performances and special events all season long. It is also the home of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra. The center is at 10075 Commons St. in Lone Tree, just south of Denver. 303-708-1818; www.lonetreeartscenter.org.  

• Jan. 29-Feb. 10: Noises Off

Longmont Theatre Company
LTC stages its productions in the restored art-deco Trojan Theater at 513 Main St., now called the Longmont Performance Arts Center. 772-5200; www.longmonttheatre.org.  

• Dec. 13-16: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Romulus Linney
• Jan. 25-Feb. 9: Over the Tavern
• April 5-20: Lend Me a Tenor
• May 17-June 1: A Little Night Music

Madcap Theater
Madcap hosts improvisational comedy Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the shows are suitable for all audiences. The theater, which has a bar, is at 10679 Westminster Blvd. 303-460-3854; www.madcapimprov.com. 

Miners Alley Playhouse
Miners Alley, in downtown Golden (1224 Washington Ave.), is home to several theater companies, and hosts classes and workshops, music nights, a wine bar, and art gallery showings. 303-935-3044; www.minersalley.com. 

• Through Dec. 23: Greetings!
• Jan. 11-Feb. 17: Mrs. Mannerly
• March 1-April 7: The Pitmen Painters (regional premiere)
• April 19-May 26: The Memory of Water

Naropa University
Naropa, which offers an MFA program in contemporary performance, has events throughout the academic year. The Nalanda Studio Theater is at 6287 Arapahoe Road. www.naropa.edu.  

Niwot High School Swashbucklers Club
March 8-9: NHS annually presents a Shakespeare play that helps raise funds for Community Food Share. This year’s production is “Twelfth Night” in the style of Italian “commedia dell’Arte,” complete with elaborate masks and face painting. 7pm at the Xilinx Retreat Center, 3100 Logic Drive in Longmont.

OUT Boulder: “8”
Dec. 6: OUT Boulder presents a one-night-only staged reading of Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black’s new documentary-style play, “8,” an emotional exploration of the arguments that swirl around the heated debate of marriage equality in America. 7pm at the Nomad Theater, 1410 Quince Ave. www.brownpapertickets.com; www.outboulder.org.  

Peanut Butter Players
Dec. 14-15, 21-22: PBP presents “Scrooge, the Stingiest Man in Town,” a unique retelling of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm. At the Harlequin Center for the Performing Arts, 990 Public Road in Lafayette. 303-786-8727; www.peanutbutterplayers.com .

Phamaly Theatre Company
Phamaly Theatre Company, previously known as PHAMALY, offers extensive opportunities to performers with disabilities. With the name change comes a new mission to stage more productions each year than before. Check www.phamaly.org  for details about the shows listed and information about other upcoming dates.

• Jan. 19-Feb. 2, 22-24: The Foreigner
• April 12: The Velveteen Rabbit, at Broomfield Auditorium (other dates/locations TBA)

Playback Theatre West­­
Dec. 15, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 16, April 6, May 4, June 1: After audience members share experiences from their lives, this improvisational troupe reenacts them on stage. The result is sometimes dramatic, sometimes funny. Shows are at 8pm at Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. See www.playbacktheatrewest.com for schedule.

Rialto Theater Center
Dec. 19-23: Up in Lights Productions presents Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at Loveland’s historic Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St. Check www.ci.loveland.co.us  for the schedule of winter/spring theater productions, which wasn’t available at press time.

Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids
RMTK offers performance classes and preprofessional conservatories for young actors. Boulder performances (see schedule online) are at the Magic Playhouse, 5311 Western Ave., Suite D. 303-245-8150; www.theatreforkids.net. 

• Dec. 14-16: Rose Red: The Untold Story of Snow White’s Wild Sister

The SOURCE Theatre Company
Shadow Theatre Company’s artistic members have moved on to form a new group, called The SOURCE. This African-American theatrical company plans on producing two to four original works each season. For news and updates, check the group’s Facebook page.

Spotlight Theatre Company
Spotlight stages its productions at the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Place in Denver. Call 720-880-8727 or check www.thisisspotlight.org  for a schedule.

Square Product Theatre
Square Product Theatre’s spring production is “The Ding Dongs, or What Is the Penalty in Portugal?” The exact dates were not set at press time, so call 303-442-0234 or check www.squareproducttheatre.org.  

Stories on Stage
Stories on Stage is a nonprofit performing-arts organization that showcases great actors reading great literature from exceptional authors. Many performances are at Denver venues, but there are also Boulder dates each year; they’re listed below. At Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. www.storiesonstage.org.  

• Dec. 15: Making Merry, 2pm
• April 6: Bless the Beasts, 7:30pm

Theater Company of Lafayette
TCL presents four productions a year at the historic Mary Miller Theater, 300 E. Simpson St. in Lafayette. 720-209-2154; www.tclstage.org. 

Theatre O
Theatre O’s black-box theater space is at 5311 Western Ave., Suite O. Call or check online for updates. 720-545-2119; www.theatreo.org.  

‘Til Death Do Us Party Productions: Murder Mysteries
‘Til Death Do Us Party presents murder mysteries in historic settings, like the Gold Hill Inn, and each performance includes dinner and dessert. Check www.rockymountainmurdermysteries.com  for upcoming productions or follow the group’s Facebook page.

The Upstart Crow Theatre Company
Nov. 30-Dec. 15: “A Woman of No Importance” by Oscar Wilde is a testament to Wilde’s wit and unique dark comedy, focusing on upper-class English society. Performances are at Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. 303-442-1415; www.theupstartcrow.org. 

Vintage Theatre Company
Vintage Theatre has scheduled a total of 10 shows on its two stages for its 2013 season. Performances are at 2119 E. 17th Ave. in Denver. Check www.vintagetheatre.com  for the rest of the lineup.

• Jan. 4-27: RFK: A Portrait of Robert Kennedy
• April 5-May 5: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Vox Feminista
Vox Feminista is a multimedia, multi-passionate performance tribe of radical feminists bent on social change through cultural revolution. Check www.voxfeminista.org for upcoming performances in Boulder and Denver.