THEATER COMPANIES, PRODUCTIONS & SHOWS
Winter/Spring 2012-13
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(See each organization’s website for additional productions not listed below.)
Abster ProductionsAbster 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 ActionArt 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 CenterThe 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 TheaterThrough 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 ToughsNov. 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 NightsBolder 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 CompanyJan. 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 TheatreFeb. 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 CatamountsThis 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 CompanyMarch 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 TheaterAt 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 TheatreIn 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 DanceCU’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 CompanyCurious 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 ArtsThe 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 CompanyThe 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 TheatreDenver’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 DetectiveInteractive 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 PlayhouseThe 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 ArtsJesters 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 CompanyMarch 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 CenterThe 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 CompanyLTC 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 TheaterMadcap 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 PlayhouseMiners 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 UniversityNaropa, 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 ClubMarch 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 PlayersDec. 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 CompanyPhamaly 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 WestDec. 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 CenterDec. 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 KidsRMTK 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 CompanyShadow 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 CompanySpotlight 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 TheatreSquare 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 StageStories 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 LafayetteTCL 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 CompanyNov. 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 CompanyVintage 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 FeministaVox 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.