EVENTS 
THEATER COMPANIES, PRODUCTIONS & SHOWS
Winter/Spring, December 2011 through May 2012
(See each organization’s website for additional productions not listed below.)
Read GetBoulder.com theater reviews here.
Arvada Center
The Arvada Center stages several theatrical events each season, including London and New York versions of Broadway hits. The Arvada Center is at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada. 720-898-7200.
Through Dec. 23: The 1940s Radio Hour
Through Dec. 20: Children’s Theater: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Jan. 26-April 14: Children’s Theater: How I Became a Pirate
March 23-April 15: Chess, A Musical
April 27-May 27: Twelfth Night
Avenue Theater
Through Dec. 24: “Santa’s Big Red Sack,” an irreverent, hilarious skewering of all the things we hold dear during the holidays, is billed as “the holiday show you shouldn’t bring the kids to.” Check online for information about 2012 productions. The Avenue Theater is at 417 E. 17th Ave. in Denver. 303-321-5925.
“Balls! A Holiday Spectacular”
Dec. 12 & 19: This rollicking variety show, now in its third year, features flashy guest stars, audience sock-puppet sing-alongs, spontaneous haikus and worthless prizes. 7pm at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St. in Denver. Proceeds benefit Project Angel Heart, a group that delivers nutritious meals to those coping with life-threatening illness.
Band of Toughs
Dec. 1-3, 8-10 & 16-17: “Moulin Scrooge” irreverently blends “A Christmas Carol” and “Moulin Rouge,” and the result is a unique alternative to traditional holiday fare. Performances are at the Wesley Chapel, 1290 Folsom St., at 8pm each night except for Dec. 17 at 7 and 9:30pm. 720-375-3742.
Boulder EnsembleTheatre Company
April 19-May 5: “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde,” by Moises Kaufman, is produced in partnership with the CU Department of Theatre and Dance. The rest of BETC’s Season 6 is listed below. BETC performs at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. Tickets: www.thedairy.org.
- Through Dec. 24: The SantaLand Diaries
- Feb. 9-25: Shipwrecked! (regional premiere)
Boulder Fringe Festival: Big Time
1st Mondays: Big Time is a free performing-arts event sponsored by the Boulder Fringe Festival. It features three previews of local performing-arts events around town, plus three “wild card” slots available to other performers on a first-come, first-served basis. 7-9pm.
Boulder’s Dinner Theatre
Boulder’s Dinner Theatre has been providing live, Broadway-quality entertainment since 1977, with cast members from all over the country. BDT is at 5501 Arapahoe Ave. 303-449-6000 ext. 4.
- Through Feb. 18: Phantom, based on Gaston Leroux’s original novel, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (read GetBoulder.com’s review).
- Feb. 24-May 13: The Drowsy Chaperone
- Opens May 19: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Bovine Metropolis Theater
“Improv your life” at this unique Denver theater that offers improv and sketch comedy nearly every night of the week. The Bovine School of Improv also has classes. 1527 Champa St. 303-758-4722.
Broomfield Auditorium
Broomfield Auditorium hosts a number of theatrical performances and concerts each season. The Audi is at 3 Community Park Road in Broomfield.
Buntport Theater Company
This six-person ensemble does it all—they are the writers, directors, performers, technicians and administrators. The Buntport Theater is at 717 Lipan St. in Denver. 720-946-1388.
California Actors Theatre
Tucked into a corner at Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont is the California Actors Theatre, a group that aims “to provide the highest quality theatrical presentations at the lowest possible price.” To find out about upcoming plays, visit the group’s Facebook page.
The Catamounts
Jan. 26-Feb. 18: The regional premiere of Emily Schwartz’s “The Three Faces of Doctor Crippen” is on stage at both the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. in Boulder, and Buntport Theater Company, 717 Lipan St. in Denver. 720-936-8761.
CenterStage Theatre Company
Dec. 7-11: CenterStage presents “Once On This Island, Jr.” at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. 303-673-0744.
Chautauqua: Local Lab Festival of New American Plays
March 23-25: Inaugural festival features three nights of performances, a wine and cheese reception, post-show discussions and a Master Playwrighting Class. Chautauqua is at 900 Baseline Road.
Coal Creek Community Theater
Coal Creek Community Theater stages several productions each season at the Louisville Center for the Arts, 801 Grant St. Check online for upcoming shows and more information. 303-665-0955.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Dec. 2-24: CSF presents “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Frank Capra’s classic tale of hope and redemption, as a live radio drama, complete with light-up applause signs, sound effects and period commercials. At the University Theatre on the CU campus.
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.
- Feb. 1-5: Everything You Can Imagine Is Real, an evening of one-act plays
- Feb. 8-12: Copenhagen
- Feb. 29-March 4: Melancholy Play: A Contemporary Farce
- March 15-18, 20-23: Antigone
Curious Theatre Company
March 10-April 14: “Becky Shaw” by Gina Gionfriddo is a “tale of slippery slopes and thrilling suspense” that asks: What do we owe the people we love—or the strangers who land on our doorsteps? The rest of CTC’s 14th season is listed below. Curious Theatre Company is at 1080 Acoma St. in Denver. 303-623-0524.
- Through Dec. 10: Collapse, by Allison Moore (read GetBoulder.com’s review)
- Jan. 14-Feb. 18: 9 Circles, by Bill Cain
- Opens May 5: Red, by John Logan
Dairy Center for the Arts
The Dairy’s two theater spaces are home to several local independent and resident groups, including Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, The Upstart Crow, Imagination Makers Theater Company, 3rd Law Dance/Theater, CenterStage Theatre Company, Stories on Stage and Helander Dance Theater.
Denver Center Attractions & Denver Center Theatre Company
The DCPA, a sprawling complex in downtown Denver, hosts more than two dozen productions every year—including touring Broadway musicals, adaptations, premieres and special events. A few season highlights are listed below; check the website 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: A Christmas Carol
- Jan. 13-Feb. 19: The Whale
- Jan. 20-Feb. 19: Two Things You Don’t Talk About at Dinner
- Jan. 27-Feb. 26: The Taming of the Shrew
- March 30-April 29: Heartbreak House
- April 11-May 20: Wicked
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.
- Through Dec. 18: Kama Sutra (for mature audiences)
- Dec. 1-30: Kentucky Claus & the Rebel Elves
The Dinner Detective
Interactive murder-mystery shows take place seasonally and for private parties at the Millennium Harvest House, 1345 28th St.
The Festival Playhouse
The Festival Playhouse is now in its 77th year of production with an all-local cast and crew. Check the website for details about 2012 shows. 5665 Old Wadsworth Blvd., in Old Town Arvada. 303-422-4090.
- Through Dec. 11: The Man Who Rented Christmas
5th Circle Theatre Company
This group of theater artists from New Orleans hosts monthly readings of plays by local writers. It also does occasional original and collaborative performances, and offers lessons in acting and public speaking. 303-530-0936.
Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies
Dec. 9-18: The nonprofit Fine Arts Guild presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Hempel Auditorium at the YMCA of the Rockies, 2515 Tunnel Road in Estes Park.
Firehouse Theater Co.
Feb. 24-March 24: The Denver premiere of “Coronado,” by Dennis Lehane, is a modern-day Greek tragedy with a sense of humor. “A Christmas Twist,” by the Illegitimate Players, runs through Dec. 17. At the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Place in Denver. 303-562-3232.
Hansel and Gretel
Dec. 10-11, 17-18: The “teen version” of this famous folktale is on stage at the Arts Coalition of Erie, 600 Briggs St., with Saturday evening performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 1:30pm.
Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre
Saturdays: The Music Hall’s performers treat children to kid-friendly plays weekly at 1:30pm. The original plays, based on favorite fairy tales, are written to include as many children as possible from the audience, who are called onstage to participate. A few shows are listed; please check online for full schedule. Heritage Square Music Hall, 18301 W. Colfax Ave., D-103, in Golden. 303-279-7800.
- Feb. 24-March 12: Ali Baba
- Opens May 19: The Princess and the Pea
Hitching Post Theatre
2nd Sundays: Hitching Post Theatre is a monthly theatrical production that features five short plays on a single theme. The trick is that the plays are written, rehearsed and performed all in the same day. 7pm and 8:30pm at the Nomad Theatre, 1410 Quince Ave.
Imagination Makers
Dec. 9 & April 20: Imagination Makers tours extensively throughout Colorado, bringing innovative theater performances to schools, libraries and community centers. The two free public shows listed below are at 7pm at the Boulder Public Library auditorium, 1000 Canyon Blvd. Audience members are invited to wear their PJs and join the cast for milk and cookies after the show.
- Dec. 9: Our Best Stories
- April 20: An unusual makeover of “The Merchant of Venice”
Jesters Dinner Theatre
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. 303-682-9980. 224 Main St., Longmont.
- Through Dec. 30: Scrooge
- Dec. 31-Jan. 22: Forever Plaid
- Feb. 3-April 15: Once Upon a Mattress
John Hand Theater
At Lowry, 7653 E. First Place, Denver.
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.
- Dec. 9-11: Timothy P. and the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers
- Jan. 28: Missoula Children’s Theatre presents The Greatest Race: The Tortoise Versus the Hare
- April 13-29: Performance Now Theatre Company presents Camelot
Lone Tree Arts Center
The state-of-the-art Lone Tree Arts Center, which opened last summer, has a full slate of theater performances and special events. It is also the home of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra. “Chess: A Musical” plays April 18-29; check online for more details and a calendar of other events. The center is at 10075 Commons St. in Lone Tree, just south of Denver. 303-708-1818.
Longmont Theatre Company
LTC stages its productions in the restored art-deco Trojan Theater at 513 Main St., now called the Longmont Theatre. 772-5200.
- Jan. 27-Feb. 11: Fools
- March 16-31: The Man Who Came to Dinner
- May 11-26: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Madcap Theater
Madcap hosts improvisational comedy three nights at week; the shows are suitable for all audiences. Thurs at 7pm and Fri-Sat at 7pm and 9:30pm. The theater (which has a bar) is at 10679 Westminster Blvd. 303-460-3854.
Miners Alley Playhouse
Miners Alley, in downtown Golden (1224 Washington Ave.), won six of 2010’s Henry Awards for Denver-area theater, including “Best Season by a Theatre.” The Alley is home to several theater companies, and hosts classes and workshops, music nights, a wine bar and art gallery showings. 303-935-3044.
- Through Dec. 22: A Rocky Mountain Holiday, an evening of story and song
- Jan. 6-Feb. 12: Present Laughter, by Noel Coward
- Feb. 24-April 1: Master Class, by Terrence McNally
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 Ave. Check for updated information.
Peanut Butter Players
PBP presents children’s productions, performance classes for kids, and performances that include children and adults; “Babes in Toyland” runs through Dec. 17. Shows are at the Harlequin Center for the Performing Arts, 990 Public Road in Lafayette. 303-786-8727.
PHAMALY
Jan. 12-Feb. 4 & Feb. 24-26: PHAMALY (The Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League) presents the Tony Award–winning “The Elephant Man.” It’s based on the life of John Merrick, a diseased and deformed man who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century and went from the star attraction in traveling side shows to a favorite of the aristocracy. Performances are at either the Aurora Fox Arts Center or the Arvada Center; check online for details. 303-575-0005.
Playback Theatre West
Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 3, April 7, May 12, June 9: After audience members share experiences from their lives, this improvisational troupe re-enacts them on stage. The result is sometimes dramatic, sometimes funny. Shows are at 8pm at Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St.
Rocky Mountain Revels
Dec. 11 & 17: To celebrate the winter solstice, Rocky Mountain Revels presents “Christmas Revels: Leonardo and the Renaissance,” with period music, singing, dancing and drama. At the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., at 2pm and 7pm each day.
Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids
March 10-11 & 16-18: RMTK presents “Peter Pan: The Musical,” performed by the Youth Actors Conservatory. At the Magic Playhouse, 5311 Western Ave., Suite D. 303-245-8150.
73rd Avenue Theatre Company
This theater group stages mainstream and alternative shows each season, plus a series of performances with children in mind. The theater is at 7287 Lowell Blvd. in Westminster. 720-276-6936.
- Dec. 2-18: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
- Jan. 27-Feb. 19: The Importance of Being Earnest
- March 2-25: Hamlet
- April 13-May 13: Arsenic and Old Lace
- Opens June 1: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Shadow Theatre
Shadow Theatre is one of the country’s premier African-American theater companies, now in its 15th season. Some season highlights are listed below, but check online for more. Shadow Theatre is at 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora. 303-321-3858.
- Feb. 16-March 11: The Sisters, Sweetwater
- April 19-May 13: Barca: Men of Lightning
Spotlight Theatre Company
Spotlight’s performances are at the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Place in Denver. 720-880-8727.
- Jan. 7-Feb. 11: Dearly Departed
- Opens May 26: Beau Jest
Square Product Theatre
Square Product Theatre’s spring production is “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” described as “smart, sharp and hysterically funny.” Check the website for schedule updates. Performances are at the Wesley Chapel, 1290 Folsom St. 303-442-0234.
Stories on Stage
Stories on Stage is a nonprofit performing arts organization that showcases great actors reading great literature by exceptional authors. There are two Boulder performances this fall, listed below, at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. Check the website for additional performances in Denver and Lone Tree.
- Dec. 10: Making Merry, 2pm
- Feb. 11: No Such Thing as Supply and Demand, 7:30pm
Theater Company of Lafayette
TCL performs at the historic Mary Miller Theater, 300 E. Simpson St. in Lafayette.720-209-2154.
Theatre O
Theatre O stages works by contemporary playwrights and also hosts monthly play readings; check the website for updates. Theatre O’s black-box theater space is at 5311 Western Ave., Suite O. 720-545-2119.
‘Til Death Do Us Party Murder Mysteries
Frequent interactive murder-mystery performances are at the Bluebird Lodge, at 390 Hill St. in Gold Hill, with dinner provided by the Gold Hill Inn next door. Check the website for spring productions at the Hotel Boulderado. 303-473-0811.
The Upstart Crow Theatre Company
Upstart Crow’s 32nd season includes four major works, each running for three weekends. See the website for details about the shows listed below. Upstart Crow performs at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. 303-442-1415.
- Feb. 17-March 3: Harvey
- May 4-19: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Vintage Theatre Company
Vintage Theatre Company will be moving to a new location in January; join their email list or “like” the group on Facebook to stay updated. Performances of “Avenue Q,” which runs through Jan. 8, are at 2119 E. 17th Ave. in Denver. 303-839-1361.
- Jan. 20-Feb. 19: Becky’s New Car
- March 2-April 1: Six Degrees of Separation
- April 13-May 13: The Joy Luck Club
- Opens June 1: The Drowsy Chaperone
Vox Feminista
Dec. 2-3: Will 2012 be the end of the world or the end of something else? The multimedia Vox performance tribe invites audiences to laugh and learn as they move through vignettes that include comedy skits, drama, short films and poetry. 8pm at the Nomad Theatre, 1410 Quince Ave.
