Curious Theatre Company Announces Battle of the Word Nerds

Denver, CO- Saturday, July 18th at 7p.m., an eclectic group of performers are going head-to-head in the BATTLE OF THE WORD NERDS, a creative spelling bee benefiting Curious Theatre Company.

Contestants:
• John Jurcheck, Curious Theatre Artistic Company Member
• Sam Adams, comedian and winner at the 2009 Great American Comedy Festival
• Sheryl Renee, renowned actress and singer recently named "Entertainer of the Year" by The African American Voice Newspaper
• Jaclyn Casey, young powerhouse attorney with Rothgerber, Johnson & Lyons and Curious Theatre Company board member

Emcee:
• GerRee Hinshaw, host of Freak Train

Noted Celebrities:
• DJ Savior Breath, A.K.A. Westword music writer Eryc Eyl
• Scorekeeper Naughty Pierre (Jefferson Arca, emcee at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret) will challenge the contestants to not only spell, but perform creative feats associated with their given word

The Distinguished Panel of Judges:
• Garrett Ammon, Artistic Director of Ballet Nouveau Colorado
• Britta Erickson, veteran staff member of Denver Film Society
Lannie Garrett, local legend, and founder of Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret

"GerRee might ask Sam, for instance, to invent a definition for his spelling word, or Sheryl to use the word in a song," says event organizer and Curious Theatre Artistic Company member, Mare Trevathan. "The judges then factor in accuracy, chutzpah and entertainment value. And our audience gets to vote for their favorite contestant with their money. It's a very subjective system."

The spelling words have been selected by members of Curious Theatre Company and invited guests including former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers, playwright Lee Blessing, Denver Post theatre critic John Moore, Brandi Shigley of Fashion Denver, former Rocky Mountain News theatre critic Lisa Bornstein, Museum of Contemporary Art Executive Director Adam Lerner, Westword theatre critic Juliet Wittman and others.

"The contest lasts just 60 minutes. Then we'll spill into the parking lot for a party hosted by the Curious Theatre Artistic Company, beers and brats, and the musical styling’s of DJ Savior Breath,” says Trevathan.

BATTLE OF THE WORD NERDS a one-night-only event, Saturday, July 18, 2009, 7:00p.m., at Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma St. in Denver. Tickets: $10 in advance/ $12 at the door / General Admission (seating begins at 6:30) / Cash bar and barbecue / Tickets available starting Monday, June 29, 2009, through the Box Office at 303.623.0524 or online at www.curioustheatre.org.

Rocky Mountain Arts Association Launches New Theatre Company

Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA), parent of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, Denver Women’s Chorus, Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus and Mosaic Youth Chorus, is proud to announce its launch of a new theatre company project, Gravity Defied Theatre. Dedicated to the production of only musical theatre, Gravity Defied Theatre is Colorado’s first and only charitably focused theatre company, committed to donating a portion of proceeds from each production to another nonprofit organization in the state.

“Rocky Mountain Arts Association, in its 27th year, has experienced major growth over the last three years, now made up of 240 singing members in four community choruses ranging in age from 13 to 80, and has always been focused not only on the community we build inside of our organization, but the outside community that supports us in so many ways.” says Will Adams, RMAA executive director. “With our mission of building community through music, launching a theatre group focused on musicals is a natural fit for us, as is doing something to help the greater nonprofit community. By broadening our programming we will be better positioned to reach more and different audience members with our mission, all while diversifying our revenue stream in a very challenging economic environment not only for RMAA, but our nonprofit peers.”

Gravity Defied Theatre was conceived by Keith Rabin Jr and partner Danny Harrigan after years of performing in community and professional theatres. One of them, M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa, made a one-time contribution to another nonprofit organization after its inaugural production. Honored to have been able to support another worthy organization simply by performing incredible musical theatre, Rabin began a search for a way to support others with each and every production. The Gravity Defied name was inspired by the character Elphaba from the hit musical Wicked. Through with “playing by the rules of someone else’s game” and “time to trust (their) instincts,” Rabin and Harrigan set out on a new path. In a time when fully one-third of Colorado’s theatre companies have folded, it may seem counter-intuitive to launch such a project. But this theatre company promises to “defy the norm,” producing the most eclectic mix of professional quality musical theatre while recognizing the important contributions of Colorado’s nonprofits to the well-being of our state, especially during such difficult economic times.

Gravity Defied Theatre’s inaugural production is bare: the musical. Written by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo, bare centers on the coming-of-age story of a group of high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school. Knowing their stay in this insular world is drawing to a close, each of them questions where they are in their lives and what the future holds in store. Answers are sought in the church confessional and in less formal venues including a stage, a rave and a well-locked dorm room. At the center of the story are Peter and Jason, in love yet uncertain of how to respond. bare received its world premiere at the Hudson Mainstage Theater in Los Angeles in October 2000 and played Off-Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors in 2004. Since then, bare has played in Kansas City, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Minnesota, and more recently in Canada and Australia.

bare plays the Aurora Fox Arts Center Fridays and Saturdays, August 7th through the 22nd and is directed by Keith Rabin, Jr. Tickets and information are available online at www.rmarts.org.

Gravity Defied Theatre’s first beneficiary nonprofit is the Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League (PHAMALY,) a theatre group and touring company that performs throughout the greater Denver area. PHAMALY was formed in 1989 when a group of former students of the Boettcher School in Denver grew frustrated with the lack of theatrical opportunities for people living with disabilities, and decided to create a theatre company that would provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to perform. As a not-for-profit membership organization, PHAMALY is dedicated to producing traditional theatre in nontraditional ways. PHAMALY will assist Gravity Defied Theatre in marketing efforts for bare. (www.phamaly.org)

Gravity Defied Theatre’s second production is You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, which will play at the Aurora Fox in January, 2010. The beneficiary nonprofit for this production is Starlight Children’s Foundation Colorado, dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. (www.starlight-colorado.org)

Town Hall Announces Children’s Theatre Season

“Aesop-a- Rebop” A participation musical which utilizes Aesop fable vignettes to illustrate the importance and enjoyment of reading. Opens October 5, 2009 and runs weekdays and Saturdays through October 17, 2009 at Town Hall Arts Center.

“TeeVee or Not TeeVee” This show was created to teach, inform, and excite middle and high school age students on the writings of William Shakespeare. Post performance workshops are available where the professional actors will work with a class crafting their own Shakespeare scenes. Begins to tour September 21, 2009 and continues throughout the year upon request.

“The Differentest School of All” Based on the Dr. Seuss story, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day, this participation musical tells the story of a school that has to take a test in order to stay open. Opening January 25, 2010 and running through February 6, 2010 at Town Hall Arts Center, this production is strategically timed for schools to make use of the subject matter in order to prepare students for the annual C-SAP (Colorado State Assessment Program) tests.

“Destination Dinosaurs” A participation play covering Colorado Model Content Standards in science, history, and geography where the entire audience boards a time machine and travels back in time with famed paleontologist, Henrietta Higglemeyer, in search of a dinosaur egg. Begins to tour March 1, 2010 and continues through May 2010.

Blue Grass Comes Home To The Crested Butte Music Festival

Celebrating its 12th year, the 2009 Festival will run July 4 - July 26, and this year will include many opportunities to hear not only opera and symphony music but also some of the best bluegrass in the nation, featuring The Blue Canyon Boys and The Infamous Stringdusters.

Artistic and Managing Director Alexander Scheirle has announced that the theme for the 2009 season is Follow the Generations Through Paradise, sure to entertain people of all ages.

The Infamous Stringdusters
Voted Best Emerging Artist in 2007 by the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association, the Infamous Stringdusters will perform their magic for audiences in the picturesque Ein-Lynch Barn at 7:30 p.m. on July 11. Considered the new vanguard of acoustic music, the Infamous Stringdusters will engage listeners with well-crafted songs, vivid arrangements, instrumental virtuosity, stunning improvisation, unique individuality and unbeatable harmonies. This incredible Nashville-based sextet features Andy Falco on guitar, Andy Hall on Dobro, Travis Book on bass, Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, Jesse Cobb on mandolin, and Chris Pandolfi on banjo. Their tight, quick-moving shows sparkle with an infectious energy. Individual adult tickets are priced at $30, and student tickets are priced at $10.

The Blue Canyon Boys
Colorado's own Blue Canyon Boys will entertain audiences at 7:30 p.m. on July 25 with the flawless harmonies and virtuoso banjo riffs that distinguish them. Winners of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass festival band contest, the Blue Canyon Boys offer a unique style of Colorado Bluegrass that combines tradition with innovation. This band consists of Gary Dark on mandolin, Jason Hicks on guitar, Drew Garrett on bass, and Jeff Scroggins on banjo. Astounding vocals and instrumentals raise the energy and keep audiences on their feet. The Blue Canyon Boys have become one of Colorado's most celebrated Front Range bluegrass bands. Held at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte, individual tickets are priced at $30, and student tickets are priced at $10.

A Package for Every Pocketbook
For the first time, the CBMF is offering special packages that include Bluegrass, enabling music lovers to enjoy renowned talent at a remarkable price:
• Platinum Pass: Truly a passport to musical paradise, the Platinum Pass offers admission for one to all 14 ticketed performances, three operas, each of the four home soirees, and a patron ticket to the CBMF's annual fundraising Celebration. Pricing is $1,140.
• Gold Pass: For the lover of all types of music, the Gold Pass is perfect with admission for one to all 14 ticketed performances, one opera and two home soiree events. Pricing is $660.
• Red Lady Special: For those who are passionate about saving Crested Butte's precious lands, the Red Lady Special is ideal. For each ticket sold, the CBMF will make a donation to the Red Lady Coalition, which benefits the preservation of Mt. Emmons. This package includes a ticket to the following performances: Arias with Altitude on July 8; Bernstein on Broadway performed by UNT on July 14; The Infamous Stringdusters on July 11; The Blue Canyon Boys on July 25; and, the Opera Le Nozze di Figaro on July 26. Pricing is $145.
Butte Bundle: Perfect for families with kiddos, the Butte Bundle features two adult tickets and two children tickets to each of the following performances: Arias with Altitude on July 8; Scenes in Paradise on July 11; Bernstein on Broadway performed by UNT on July 14; Grooves of Generations with the students from UNT on July 21; and, the Blue Canyon Boys on July 25. Pricing is $300.

Tickets within a package must be used for the exact performances specified.

Both events use general admission seating with doors opening a half hour prior to show time. Seating for persons with disabilities is available. Student tickets apply to those ages 6 - 18 and to persons with a valid student ID.

Subscriptions for the 2009 Festival are now available. Individual ticket prices will range from $10 to $200 (not including the Festival's free performances). For more information about the 2009 Festival, please call 970-349-0619 or visit www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com

Celebrating its 12th season, the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) brings world-class musicians, singers and dancers each summer to the wildflower capital of Colorado. The goal of the CBMF is both to enrich the community by offering affordable and free music, opera and dance performances, and educate a diverse audience in music, opera and dance. The CBMF is supported by funding from the Colorado Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Colorado General Assembly, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The CBMF is also funded in part by grants from Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, and Town of Mt. Crested Butte in addition to many generous sponsors and supporters.

square product theatre/Wreckingball Theatre Lab present Regional Premier

Boulder, Colo. – square product theatre and WreckingBall Theater Lab present the Regional Premiere of Joan Bruemmer's "Good Girls Don't, But I Do" as part of the 2009 Boulder International Fringe Festival. "Good Girls Don't, But I Do" is an innovative work incorporating both original and culled texts, movement, and song in an exploration of what it means to be a woman in contemporary society. Inspired by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider’s controversial Best Seller “The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right,” the piece humorously explores the do's and don'ts of dating from a variety of perspectives. Are there “rules” for meeting Mr. Right? "Good Girls Don't, But I Do" asks what inquiring minds want to know.

square product theatre’s Mission: The mission of square product theatre is to create and collaborate on original, honest and innovative works of theatre and performance with local artists. We strive to continue to create and produce new works, as well as to present innovative productions of existing dramatic texts. We dedicate ourselves fully to the beauty of simplicity and the importance of theatre and performance as a vehicle for communication, relation and change. For more information on square product theatre, visit www.squareproducttheatre.org.

WreckingBall Theater Lab's Mission: WreckingBall Theater Lab is a group of multi-talented collaborators working together to make relevant and affordable theater for our community. Theater that is portable and potent. The group was formed in 2006 and is made up of MFA graduates from the Contemporary Performance Program at Naropa University who share a commitment to present exhilarating and thought-provoking performance work that integrates bold physicality and dynamic vocal work with socially piercing texts and scripts. Members of the Lab work independently for much of the year and then re-converge to explore an emerging interest of one of its members. For more information on WreckingBall Theater Lab, visit www.wreckingballtheaterlab.com.

The Boulder International Fringe Festival exists to enrich our cultural lives and foster creativity. Our goal is to develop and stimulate audiences, economic growth and the creative community at large. By making the arts readily available, affordable, exciting and deliriously cool the festival raises public awareness to support and inspire local organizations in their year-round endeavors. The Boulder International Fringe Festival is in service to the local and regional community, building bridges between audiences, artists, businesses and civic organizations all across the Front Range and the world. The Festival is a year round way of life capped by an annual 12-day celebratory performance event packed with live theatre, circus art, performance art, spoken word, puppetry, music, dance, multi-media, film, visual art, storytelling and cinema. This year’s Fringe runs August 14-25 at various venues throughout the city of Boulder. The Fringe is exhilarating and inspiring as it brings exciting performances to the city of Boulder and Front Range arts community in a rollicking, white-knuckled, breath-taking fashion. For more information: boulderfringe.com

See Calendar for production details.

Central City Opera Debuts New Production of A Little Night Music

Denver , Colo. – For its second offering of the 2009 Festival, Central City Opera (CCO) presents Sondheim’s homage to turn-of-the-century operetta style, A Little Night Music. For the first time in the history of the company, this new production will open with a special matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on July 4 to complement Central City and Blackhawk’s all-day 4th of July Celebration. A Little Night Music continues through July 31 at the Central City Opera House in Central City, Colo. The musical will be performed in its original English without supertitles.

Winner of the Tony® Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Original Score, A Little Night Music explores the humor, compassion, and irony of upper crust couples searching for the right partner in early 20 the century Sweden. Confrontations occur at a country dinner party where the romantically entangled guests consist of past and present loves of the famous stage actress, Desiree, and their current lovers who are united in their resentment of the actress. Stage director, Ken Cazan, explains the dizzying intricacies, “ Constantly changing love triangle relationships provide the underlying theme of this production. You have Desiree/Fredrik/Anne, Anne/Fredrik/Henrik, Desiree/Count Carl-Magnus/Fredrik, Carl-Magnus/Charlotte/Desiree, Desiree/Mme. Armfeldt/Fredrika, Fredrika/Desiree/Fredrik, and on and on.”

The book by Hugh Wheeler was inspired by the Ingmar Bergman comedic film, Smiles of a Summer Night. After almost a decade of directing films to mostly local and regional acclaim, Smiles of a Summer Night launched Ingmar Bergman’s international career in 1956 when it was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or Award. Composed by Stephen Sondheim, the musical is set almost entirely in three-quarter waltz time. Sondheim is the recipient of seven Tony Awards©, more than any other composer, and has been described by Frank Rich of the New York Times as “the greatest and best-known artist in the American musical theatre”.

With its sophisticated music and lyrics, A Little Night Music has been added to the repertoire of several opera companies including New York City Opera, where it was staged in 1990, 1991 and 2003; the Houston Grand Opera, where it was presented in 1999; and Los Angeles Opera with a production in 2004.

Ms. McNair’s 25 year career spans from opera and oratorio to cabaret and musical theater, taking her from the Metropolitan Opera to the Rainbow Room. A breast cancer survivor, her new biographical one-woman show Subject to Change is scheduled to be released soon and she continues to perform as a regular guest vocal and violin soloist in America and Europe.

Soprano Sarah Jane McMahon returns as Anne Egerman after her acclaimed performances as Maria in West Side Story and as Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia last summer. A past CCO Bonfils-Stanton Foundation apprentice artist, Ms. McMahon has since performed with such opera companies as New York City Opera and Los Angeles Opera (in Parsifal opposite Plácido Domingo), in addition to a wide array of musical theater credits. Mezzo-soprano Myrna Paris returns to Central City Opera as Madame Armfeldt after appearing with CCO as the Old Lady in Bernstein’s Candide (2000) and previously as Mamma McCourt in The Ballad of Baby Doe (1996), a role she has received acclaim for at New York City Opera and Pittsburgh Opera. Ms. Paris has also been touted for her Gilbert & Sullivan and musical theater roles. Stephanie Nelson returns as Petra after her acclaimed debut with the company as Anita in 2008’s West Side Story. Ms. Nelson is an accomplished singer and dancer who recently performed at the Metropolitan Opera in Iphigénie en Tauride with Plácido Domingo, and has also appeared with companies such as Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera and Kansas City Lyric Opera. Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm is portrayed by baritone Jeff Mattsey, who returns after his CCO debut in the title role of Don Giovanni (2006). A frequent performer at the Metropolitan Opera, Mr. Mattsey has also performed abroad at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires and is known for his Gilbert & Sullivan roles. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Kleeman, a Bonfils-Stanton Foundation apprentice artist with CCO in 2007, returns in her main stage debut as Countess Charlotte Malcolm. Recent credits include Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro with Pacific Repertory Opera and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly with Bear Valley Music Festival. An alumnus of Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation 2008 program as a studio artist, tenor Matthew Giebel returns this summer in his main stage debut to portray the role of Henrik Egerman. Giebel was recently a studio artist with Sarasota Opera Company and performed in their production of Don Carlos.

As part of their rigorous vocal and performance training, members of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training program will perform the roles of the Liebeslieder Singers and other roles in A Little Night Music. Created by Artistic Director Emeritus John Moriarty in 1978, the rigorous 10-week program integrates daily training in diction, movement, and stage combat; individual coaching; and sessions in career management with rehearsals and performance opportunities in the summer's main stage and surrounding productions. A full cast list is available at the end of this release.

Ticket and Festival Information
Subscriptions and single tickets are now available for Central City Opera’s 2009 Festival. Subscriptions to see Lucia di Lammermoor and A Little Night Music (with exclusive subscriber-only pricing for Rinaldo) during the 2009 Festival start at just $95 and go up to $183. Bus subscriptions are available, as well as a 15% discount for groups of 10 or more and special discounts for seniors and students. Single ticket prices range from $50-$99. Supersaver discounts are also available for select performances. NEW THIS YEAR: Tuesday and Friday night performances start early at 7:30 p.m. with Thursday and Saturday night performances starting at 8:00 p.m.

2009 Festival goers can enhance their experience in Central City with additional artistic programming performed by the acclaimed Bonfils-Stanton Foundation apprentice and studio artists. Opera a la Carte at Williams Stables offers patrons the opportunity to see staged scenes from a wide range of opera favorites. An annual tradition, CCO artists-in-training will stage the cabaret opera about the Central City legend, The Face on the Barroom Floor. Commissioned by CCO in 1978, the popular one-act opera tells the legend of the famous painting on the Teller House floor. Prior to several matinee performances, patrons have the opportunity at the Teller House to enjoy lunch by Kevin Taylor and a recital by a 2009 Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training performer for Salon Recitals. Before every performance, a free pre-performance preview, Opera Notes, allows the audience to gain further insight into each production.

Town Hall Announces 2009-2010 Season

Grease Directed by Nick Sugar September 9, 2009 – October 25, 2009 Get ready for “Those Summer Nights!” Don’t miss your chance to experience all the fun at Rydell High as Sandy, Danny and the rest of the gang sing your favorite Grease hits.

Oliver! Directed by Christopher Willard November 13, 2009 – December 27, 2009 Oliver! is one of the most beloved British musicals, vividly bringing to life Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.

Sylvia, Directed by Pamela Clifton January 8, 2010 – January 31, 2010 What can a dog offer its owner? Laughter, enjoyment and good company. But what if this little creature becomes a barrier between you and your wife, then what?

Guys and Dolls, Directed by Robert Wells February 12, 2010 – March 21, 2010 “A Musical Fable of Broadway” based on a story and characters by Damon Runyon, featuring favorite songs like, “If I Were a Bell”, and “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.”

Altar Boyz, Directed by Nick Sugar April 2, 2010 – April 25, 2010 Hilarious account of a struggling Christian boy-band (with one nice Jewish boy) looking for their big break in the Big Apple.

The Secret Garden, Directed by Sharlene Wanger May 7, 2010 – June 13, 2010 is based on the beloved book that follow the spoiled Mary Lennox, whose personality blossoms as she helps to bring new life to a neglected garden, her heart-broken uncle and sickly cousin.

Ticket Information: Reserved seating tickets priced $21.00-$36.00 at the Town Hall Arts Center box office, 303-794-2787 ext. 5 or on-line at townhallartscenter.com.

Denver Theatre District and Clear Channel Branded Cities Launch Partnership to Re-Energize ‘Brightest Street in America’

(DENVER, June 25, 2009) – The Denver Theatre District (DTD) and Clear Channel Branded Cities are pleased to announce a partnership that will energize and transform the Downtown Theatre District. The announcement is made upon the completion of Clear Channel Branded Cities first permanent sign, intended to emulate the Curtis Street of the early 20th Century – once referred to as the “Brightest Street in America.” This one-of-a-kind initiative will also raise additional funds for the local arts.

“This new partnership opens the door for us to create a downtown ‘Wow Factor.’” said Walter Isenberg, chairman, Denver Theatre District. “The color, energy and light will evoke great theatre districts in other cities, but our district will have a public purpose. Money generated from the signage will cycle back into our local economy through the DTD’s public arts initiatives.”

As part of the partnership, 15-percent of every dollar generated from advertising sales will be given back to the DTD to enhance art programs. In addition, Branded Cities will invest millions in the downtown signage infrastructure. This investment will better position Denver as a highly sought-after market for national advertisers, which will ultimately circulate even more money into the local economy.

“We want to continue our efforts to make downtown a warm, light and welcoming place,” said Mayor John Hickenlooper. “This type of public-private partnership bringing light and activity to the streets is the kind of innovative economic development that is a hallmark of Denver.”

Denver is the first city in the nation to embrace Branded Cities’ forward-thinking, experiential marketing strategy. This type of marketing approach goes beyond the traditional advertising messages, literally surrounding the Denver visitor and resident with one-of-a-kind activation and programming.

“For example, an automotive company may have a more traditional advertising message on one of our signs,” said Chris McCarver, COO, Clear Channel Branded Cities. “But as part of this ‘all-senses-type marketing,’ that car company may also be giving away merchandise, hosting a near-by test-driving site, exhibiting full-motion video on screens scattered around the area, even sponsoring a free concert for visitors to enjoy. It’s a 360-degree approach advertising sales.”

At full build out, there will be 37 large-scale signs within the 16-block DTD area. The first sign was completed June 23, with continual production through the end of 2009.

"This next step in the build-out of the Theatre District furthers the vision of the Downtown Area Plan, the 20-year vision for Downtown, which includes a focus on creating a mosaic of districts with distinct personalities,” stated Tami Door, President of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “The new sign is a symbolic addition of what is yet to come in this area."

“We are thrilled to launch this concept in Denver and hope to use its success as a model and apply it to other forward-thinking cities to help them energize and enliven their downtown cores,” added McCarver.

Central City Opera Announces 2010 Festival

Denver, Colo. - General/Artistic Director Pelham G. Pearce announces Central City Opera’s (CCO) 2010 Festival with three productions ranging from classic to contemporary including the revival of a Central City Opera milestone, a celebration concert of Colorado’s contribution to Broadway, and the commemoration of mezzo-soprano Joyce Castle’s 40th career anniversary in opera. The 2010 Festival will feature a staging of the popular 2005 CCO production of Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini, the tragic tale of one woman betrayed by love and her ultimate sacrifice; A Blast of Broadway, a Broadway revue celebrating the Tony Awards’© namesake and Denver’s own, Antoinette Perry; and Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers, a modern chamber opera about the struggles of a famous actress and her two adult children.

The first Festival production will be Giacomo Puccini’s tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, Madama Butterfly. Set in early 20 th century Japan, the story follows the marriage of a naïve geisha, Cio Cio San (Madama Butterfly), and her aloof husband, Naval Officer Lt. Pinkerton. The lush musical score incorporates Japanese themes and includes such favorite arias as “Un bel di vedremo.” Puccini’s opera with text by Giacosa and Illica was a fiasco upon its premiere at La Scala in Milan on Feb. 17, 1904. A revision in May of 1904 led to its status as one of the most beloved pieces in the operatic genre.

Catherine Malfitano returns as stage director, having staged this production of Madama Butterfly when it premiered at CCO in 2005. A Central City Opera milestone, the 2005 production is Central City Opera’s best selling production to date. The 2005 CCO landmark was the career directorial debut of Ms. Malfitano, who also made her debut as a professional singer with CCO in 1972 as Nannetta in Falstaff. Ms. Malfitano’srecent directing credits include Rigoletto at Washington National Opera and Don Giovanni for the Merola Program at San Francisco Opera. Currently, Ms. Malfitano is directing CCO’s 2009 production of Lucia di Lammemoor, after her staging in 2007 of CCO’s The Saint of Bleecker Street.

As the second offering in the 2010 Summer Festival, Central City Opera will produce A Blast of Broadway, a Broadway revue celebrating the Tony Awards’© namesake and Denver’s own, Antoinette Perry. Featuring selections from award winning Broadway productions, A Blast of Broadway will follow the progression of musical theater’s greatest triumphs. Paying homage to its own theatrical past, Central City Opera will revisit its Broadway roots with this production. Known as the “play season,” CCO presented a Broadway production during the month of August each year from 1947 to 1974. Theater veterans including Robert Edmond Jones, Walter Huston, Ruth Gordon, Neil Simon, Mike Nichols, and Francis Ford Coppola were some of the stars who came from New York to present these highly anticipated works.

Stage Director Ken Cazan returns to CCO to direct A Blast of Broadway after his recent credits for this season’s A Little Night Music and the sold out West Side Story in 2008. The resident stage director for the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, Mr. Cazan is one of America’s most sought after directors, having staged more than 100 productions for more than 40 opera companies. Recent credits include Owen Wingrave at Chicago Opera Theater and Cunning Little Vixen at Long Beach Opera.

Antoinette Perry, born in Denver in 1888, rapidly rose to leading lady status during the early 1900s. Due to her stature in the theater world, Perry was named chairman of the board of the American Theater Wing at the beginning of World War II. She is credited with starting the Stage Door Canteens, a program that sent stage and screen celebrities to serve and entertain troops at home and abroad. Perry also began directing at this time and her talent was especially seen in her direction of Harvey written by her friend and fellow Denver native, Mary Chase. Following Perry’s death in 1946, her friends in the industry honored her legacy in 1947 by launching the Tony Awards© to award outstanding Broadway performances and productions. Her production of Harvey was brought to CCO the same year and her original stage directions were preserved for the occasion. For her vast contributions to the arts, Perry’s name was added to one of the Central City Opera House’s Memorial Chairs, created to honor Colorado’s pioneers and those who were responsible for the early success of the Opera House.

Central City Opera’s final offering in 2010, Three Decembers, was created in 2007 by American composer Jake Heggie. This production marks the debut of Jake Heggie’s work on the Central City Opera stage. The opera’s libretto, written by Gene Scheer (Thèrése Raquin, An American Tragedy), is based on Terrence McNally’s unpublished play Some Christmas Letters (and a Couple of Phone Calls). McNally and Heggie continued their creative partnership for this new opera after their highly acclaimed first collaboration on Dead Man Walking, which premiered in 2000 at San Francisco Opera. In addition to his brilliant writing capabilities, Scheer is also a lauded singer who has appeared often with Central City Opera including his recent appearances as Lutz in the 2004 production of The Student Prince and Dr. Pangloss and Voltaire in the 2000 production of Candide.

Having premiered at Houston Grand Opera in 2008 under its original title Last Acts, Three Decembers follows the relationships of a dysfunctional American family. A famous actress, Madeline often chose the spotlight over her now adult children, Bea and Charlie, and must deal with the outcome of her actions. Through a series of phone calls, letters, and interactions, family relationships and strife are revealed. The narrative follows three decades (between 1986 and 2006) in three acts. Commenting on his gift for intertwining story and music, The San Francisco Chronicle praised Heggie for his “tender, often emotionally luminous score” for Last Acts/Three Decembers.

Portraying the role of Madeline in Three Decembers, mezzo-soprano Joyce Castle will mark her 40 th career anniversary in opera in 2010. With an extensive repertoire of 132 roles from Strauss and Wagner to Bernstein and Sondheim, Ms. Castle’s recent portrayal of roles in contemporary opera have earned her much acclaim. No stranger to Heggie and Scheer’s work, Ms. Castle recorded Heggie and Scheer’s song-cycle “Statuesque” in 2008 for a benefit CD. In 2005, Ms. Castle portrayed the role of Mrs. Bertram in Heggie’s The End of the Affair at Seattle Opera and again in 2007 at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City in which performances were recorded for commercial release. A CCO veteran, Ms. Castle returns to Central City Opera after notable appearances as Augusta in 2006’s The Ballad of Baby Doe and Elizabeth in the highly acclaimed 2001 production of Britten’s Gloriana. In addition to his role with A Blast of Broadway, stage director Ken Cazan will direct.

Further casting and artistic staff announcements for the 2010 Festival are to be announced. Subscriptions and single tickets for the 2010 Festival will be on sale this fall. For more information on the 2010 Festival or for the current 2009 Festival, please call 303-292-6700 or visit www.centralcityopera.org

For the 2009 Summer Festival June 27 to August 2, Central City Opera will feature three new productions. The Festival includes Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, the popular Italian bel canto style opera about feuding families in Scotland and young Lucia’s forbidden love; Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, the Tony Award® winning musical that portrays the romantic lives of couples in Swedish society; and Georg Friedrich Handel’s Italian opera Rinaldo, a heroic story of battle and love set in the time of the First Crusade. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the Central City Opera, visit www.centralcityopera.org or call (303) 292-6700.

Denver Victorian Playhouse Hosts Benefit for Doug Rosen

Following the Benefit performance of The Fantasticks at the Denver Victorian Playhouse, Executive Producer, Wade Wood announced to the audience in his Woodesque way, that the benefit gleaned $4.98 for Doug. No one gasped. Everyone laughed, knowing full well Wade was being Wade. The benefit, which played to a 99.9.5 full house raised over $2000 for Doug.

Doug, a member of the Fantasticks cast was able to attend doing his share of laughing as Wade stepped into his role of Henry. Having seen the Fantastics during his first weekend, when things had just not come together, the cast gave a magnificent performance Sunday, June 28.

Doug was recently diagnosed with HCC ((Hepatocellular Carcinoma), a type of tumor, neither benign or malignant, on the liver caused by his Hepatitus B which he has had for years. The inoperable tumor, can be treated with medication to slow its growth. Doctors are making him as comfortable as possible. As soon as the pain is under control, they will start him on the medication. Doctors have told him that in 50% of the cases people made it beyond two years. Doug asked The Fantacticks’ director, Sarah Roshen to remind everyone he is a fighter, and he will not let this keep him from living his life. At the Benefit, a very gracious Doug Rosen stood tall in his appreciation for the much needed financial assistance.

Contributions can still be made. Checks made out to Doug Rosen or The Denver Victorian Playhouse, c/o Doug Rosen can be sent to the Denver Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker Street, Denver, CO, 80211.

Broadway Actor joins local troupe for The Fantasticks

Veteran Broadway actor Mark Branche has accepted the role of El Gallo in “The Fantasticks” opening August 8 and running through August 16 at Town Hall Arts Center in downtown Littleton.

America’s longest running musical, “The Fantasticks” tells the story of two young would-be lovers, Matt (Adam Luhrs) and Luisa (Ashlie Harris) and their conniving fathers’ attempts to bring them together with the help of a traveling carnival pitch man (Branche) and his rag-tag entourage. Memorable songs include “Try to Remember,” “They Were You,” “Round and Round,” and “Plant a Radish.”

Mark Branche, whose Broadway musical credits include A Chorus Line, Cats, and Les Miserables, plays brilliantly off the well-intentioned but hilarious antics of the two fathers (John McDonald, Russ Smith).

Presented in association with Littleton’s 81st annual Western Welcome Week, the show is directed by Town Hall children’s theater director, Pam Clifton, and is produced by Littleton’s mainstay community theater groups, Main Street Players and Ovation Players. A special Industry Night performance on Monday, August 10, offers reduced-price tickets to members of the theater trade and the public.

For complete information on show times and ticket ordering, visit ovationplayers.com or call 303-355-2177. The production is partially funded by a grant from the Arapahoe Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Candlelight Offers Wining And Dining by Candlelight

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse features wining and dining Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Five wines meet five gourmet courses in a happy friendship and you are their special guest. Executive Chef Josh Thompson introduces delicious summer flavors accompanied by carefully selected wines with a jazz trio to entertain your remaining senses.

This fine dining event has limited seating for exceptional table side service and intimate enjoyment of this culinary delight. Tickets are $65 per person and only available by phone 970.744.3747.

Five delicious Wines. Five delicious courses.
Seating begins at 5:30pm with the first course served at 6:00pm.
The Menu
Gazpacho accented by Ahi Tuna Tartar tossed with Passion ....
Ferrari Carano - Sauvignon Blanc
Mango Lobster Spring Rolls with mixed greens, avocados, mint...
Conundrum - Blend
Watermelon Sorbet topped with Candied Rind...
Marques de Riscal - Rose
Roasted Duck Confit Empanadas stuffed with Applewood bacon...
Broquel - Malbec
Sausage encrusted New Zealand Lamb Chops with Rosemary...
Sebastiani - Cabernet Sauvignon
Chocolate Soup with Peanut Butter Beignets...
Cocktail ala Brian
Tell them Holly sent you.

NEA Gets Approval for $15 Million Increase

The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee of Congress, which sets the initial funding level for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), approved a $15 million increase for the NEA in its FY 2010 spending bill, setting it on a path towards final House consideration. Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) has once again championed the arts and culture and proposed an increase in funding.

Currently funded at $155 million, this increase would bring the agency's budget to $170 million. In his statement, Chairman Dicks referenced the Arts Advocacy Day hearings the subcommittee held as demonstrating that "the endowments are vital for preserving and encouraging America's arts and cultural heritage." On Arts Advocacy Day, Americans for the Arts presented a panel of witnesses before Chairman Dicks' Appropriations Subcommittee calling for a significant increase in funding for the NEA. Witnesses included Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis, renown singer-songwriter Josh Groban, legendary singer Linda Ronstadt, Reinvestment Fund CEO Jeremy Nowak and Americans for the Arts President & CEO Robert Lynch.

Thanks to all of the grassroots advocates for your letters and calls to Congress and for attending Arts Advocacy Day We're seeing the results!

The FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill will next go to full committee and then to the House floor for final consideration where your help may be needed to defend against floor amendments attempting to cut this increase. We must now put pressure on the Senate to match this funding level.

Fiddles and Horns Headline Music in the Mountains

Durango, Colorado - June 9, 2009. Music in the Mountains is set to begin its' 23rd Festival season with three amazing performances of fiddles and horns at the Festival Tent, Durango Mountain Resort.

Headliners scheduled to perform include the American Brass Quintet, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, and the Clavier Trio.
• Monday, July 13, 7 pm. The American Brass Quintet is recognized as one of the premier chamber music ensembles of our time and has been touted by Newsweek as "the high priests of brass". Their rich history includes performances in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and all 50 United States.
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• Tuesday, July 14, 7 pm. Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul hailed by the New York Times as the "Jimi Hendrix of the violin" - established Ivers as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today. She is a nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, winner of numerous awards and has performed with Riverdance, The Chieftains, the London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at the KennedyCenter and the Boston Pops. Wednesday, July 15: Pagosa Springs
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Thursday, July 16, 7 pm. The Clavier Trio whose members include Music in the Mountains Conservatory Artistic Director, Arkady Fomin on violin, celloist Jesus Castro-Balbi and one of this Season's Festival guest artists on piano, David Korevaar - have all played to critical acclaim throughout the world and perform regularly at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Friday, July 17: Pagosa Springs

Music in the Mountains celebrates ¡Pasión! in this Festival season of orchestra, chamber music & conservatory performances. Musical leaders Gregory Hustis and Arkady Fomin bring acclaimed soloists and renowned musicians to spectacular venues in Durango and Pagosa Springs, including Durango Mountain Resort, BootJack Ranch, MooMaw Ranch, FortLewisCollege, Three Springs and community parks. Susan Lander, Executive Director for Music in the Mountains stated, "My love of the Spanish language and culture make this season especially wonderful. The tent is set, soon the musicians arrive and it will be show time! This season promises to be one full of passion!" Music in the Mountains is a fully integrated summer festival of orchestra, chamber and world music with a concurrent conservatory young artists program along with a year-round schools program, Music in the Mountains Goes to School. Southwest Colorado's three-week Festival of classical music, featuring world renowned musicians, runs July 10 through August 2, 2009. Tickets may be purchased online at www.MusicintheMountains.com in person at the Festival Office, 1063 Main Avenue and the Community Concert Hall Ticket Office at 7th & Main Avenue in Durango or by calling (970) 385-6820. Group and Series ticket discounts are available. Pagosa Springs concert tickets may also be purchased at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, 402 San Juan in Pagosa Springs.

Families Examine Immigration, Diversity, Tolerance

The Denver Center Theatre Academy presents New Kid for family audiences from July 7-18. Back by demand, this compassionate comedy by Dennis Foon and directed by Billie McBride takes audiences along with a kid who immigrates to America. The twist is the audience can understand him and no one else. Audience members share his experiences and bewilderment as he struggles to understand his new world and make new friends in spite of a strange language and different customs. The production examines bullying, immigration, cultural diversity and tolerance as well as language arts and nonviolent conflict resolution.

A special fundraising event hosted by the Denver Center Alliance will be held at New Kid on July 11 at 1pm. The $25 ticket price includes a ticket, hot dogs courtesy of Baur's Ristorante and ice cream. Proceeds support youth attendance at New Kid. Tickets for July 11 are available at 303.446.4815.

Support for the production comes from Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, U.S. Bank, Xcel Energy Foundation, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Fine Arts Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and Oscar G. & Elsa S. Mayer Family Foundation.

Shadow Theatre Company Launches Youth Ensemble

Shadow Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, will engage an exceptional group of young people ages 13-18 in a five-week journey of creative expression and awe! Classes, taught by local theatre professionals and other artists, will engage the young people in the many facets of live performance, as well as provide them with information on strategies for realizing their long term artistic goals. Classes and workshops will incorporate acting, orchestral music, dance, singing, production, stage production, writing, personal reflection, and creative movement, and will culminate in a show written by the artists in collaboration with a professional playwright. The program runs July 7- August 5.There are no fees to students participating in this program and applications are available at shadowtheatre.com or by calling 720-857-8000, and will be taken through June 19. The work of these young artists culminates with performances August 6 – 16, Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Shadow Theatre Company Celebrates Women, Mothers and Daughters During Season 13

Season Tickets are now on sale as our 2009-2010 season begins September 3 with “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson and directed by Jeffrey Nickelson. “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” explores the racial realities of black recording artists as embodied by the famous 1920s blues singer, Ma Rainey. September 3 - October 17, 2009.

Opening on November 19 is the the World Premiere of “The Christmas of the Angels” by Denver playwright Michael R. Duran and directed by Richard H. Pegg. A young woman's faith is put to the test. Word comes to Mary, via an angel, that she will carry the long-awaited Messiah. November 19 - December 20, 2009

In Honor of Black History Month will be the regional premiere of “A Song for Coretta” by Pearl Cleage and directed by Ladi Crenshaw, February 11 - March 13, 2010. February 6, 2006, people began lining up at dawn outside of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Beautifully written, "A Song for Coretta," focuses five women from different backgrounds and experiences.

April 15 - May 15, 2010 brings to life the regional premiere of “Simply Simone, The Music of Nina Simone,” a Musical by Robert Neblett and David Grapes, is directed by Hugo Jon Sayles.

Jeffrey Nickelson Blues for an Alabama Sky by playwright Pearl Cleage June 17 - July 17, 2010. Set in New York in 1930, the creativity of the Harlem Renaissance had to make room for the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

Hugo Jon Sayles directs Youth Ensemble (aka CRUNK) in a original production celebrating women, mothers and daughters from August 5 - August 15, 2010.

The Shadow Theatre Company Youth Ensemble is a unique summer program, designed for young people who believe that their own self expression is their greatest gift. Classes, taught by local theatre professionals and other artists, will engage the young people in the many facets of live performance, as well as provide them with information on strategies for realizing their long term artistic goals. Classes and workshops will incorporate acting, orchestral music, dance, singing, production, stage production, sound, writing, personal reflection, and creative movement, and will culminate in a show written by the young performing artists in collaboration with a professional playwright. The Youth Ensemble in collaboration with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra will feature a performance celebrating women, mothers and daughters.

* Dates and Shows Subject to Change

Season Ticket prices range from $150 - $420 and are available by calling 720-857-8000.

Purchase your tickets by July 30, 2009 and receive a $10 discount. Additional subscriber benefits can be found online at shadowtheatre.com.

Heritage Music Hall Says Yes To Loud

Eleven yeas ago, Heritage Music Hall thought that a rock & roll revue show would be fun to do for the summer... and it was. We never dreamed it would be as popular as it was. Several times we thought that public interest was waning, but when we gave these shows a rest, people would ask when we were doing another "Loud" show. These shows have been so much fun for us that here we are again, performing some of our (and your) favorite rock and roll hits from the past.

We began this musical adventure with a group of friends who loved playing the music of their favorite rock artists. The "stage" was Mom's basement... which quickly became too close and too loud for Mom's comfort. With Mom constantly yelling down to the budding musicians "that's too loud," our young performers were soon shuttled off to the garage. Mom's friends were always near to keep a watchful eye on the group, and to enjoy the music that even they grew to love. When they actually became quite good, the teenagers were summoned to perform for school dances. Our little group of friends became legend in the school, and even after graduation, were called on for entertainment and fundraisers.

Our perpetually young-at-heart friends, some of whom are now firmly ensconced in their middle ages, are embarking on their 8th musical venture. "That Way Loud, This Is Now" finds our heroes and heroines performing for "Mom's friends" at a retirement community. This show includes The Beatles, Shania Twain, Blues Brothers and many more.

"That Was Loud, This Is Now" opens May 29, and plays Wednesday - Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons thru September 6. Our extensive buffet prior to the show includes a great salad bar, several entrees and fresh vegetables, and dessert. Prices for dinner and show: Wednesday & Thursday $35.50; Friday & Sunday $38.50,annd Saturday $40.50. Show only prices: Wednesday & Thursday $27.50; Friday & Sunday $30.50; and Saturday $31.00. Our Box Office opens daily at 9:00am. 303-279-7800 hsmusichall.com

Modern Muse Theatre Offers New Play Festival

(Denver, CO) - On Thursday, June 25, Modern Muse Theatre Company opens its first annual new play festival “The Play’s the Thing” at the Bindery Space, 2180 Stout Street in Denver.

The new play festival features work by three celebrated local playwrights: Judy GeBauer, Gary Leon Hill, and Josh Hartwell. In addition to staged readings by of the three new works, the festival will include a Season Announcement Party, a “Why is the Play the Thing?” panel discussion, a movement workshop, a play writing workshop, and a Wrap/Rap party.

Play Reading Schedule and Descriptions:
Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Conscience by Judy GeBauer

Ambitious industrialist Scott Carmody's schemes are threatened when he is blackmailed by person or persons unknown. A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Carmody calls in the sergeant who was his closest ally from those days to save his career, and in the process, a whole new can of worms is opened.

Friday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Up at the Lab by Gary Leon Hill
Originally commissioned by The Z Space Studio in San Francisco in collaboration with Catherine Castellanos, Francis Lee McCain, Luis Saguar and director David Dower, Gary Leon Hill’s play Up at the Lab weaves Peter Malmgren’s oral histories of blue collar workers at New Mexico’s Los Alamos National Laboratory with first person accounts from the Pueblo communities surrounding the lab.
This vivid tapestry of voices from one of the nation’s most charged and shrouded landmarks evokes the history of Los Alamos nuclear weapons production as it explores the lab’s continued impact on the land and people of the immediate region and conscious life on this planet.

Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Dylan Went Electric by Josh Hartwell
In a Bohemian tavern in Greenwich Village, 1969, Norman writes and plays folk music in front of a sparse and uninterested audience. He meets Gina, a worn-out, self-described gypsy, who is hoping to disappear and be noticed at the same time. Their tumultuous friendship ignites into passion, cruelty, and music—heavily influenced by the input of the other bar-flies—an intoxicated old woman who has spent her life in the Village; a patriotic black comic-artist; and a brooding young photographer from Czechoslovakia. What is the Village? What is a bohemian? When is art honest, and when is it hypocritical?

Other Festival Events
Season Announcement Party – Thursday, June 25 immediately after the staged reading of Conscience by Judy GeBauer – Artistic Directors Stephen J. Lavezza and Gabriella Cavallero will announce the line-up for Modern Muse Theatre Company’s Fifth Season (2009-10) at a post-show party that will include informal conversation with the playwright.
“Why is the Play the Thing?” Panel Discussion – Friday, June 26 immediately after the staged reading of Up at the Lab by Gary Leon Hill – Local panel of artists and audience will discuss
• Is the “play” still the thing in the modern world?
• Why/if theatre is still important?
• What is the importance of story?

New Play Festival Rap/Wrap Party – Saturday, June 27 immediately after the staged reading of Dylan Went Electric by Josh Hartwell – Mingle with the actors and playwrights involved in the festival for an informal discussion of the exciting new work presented throughout the weekend.

“The Play’s the Thing” Workshops – Saturday, June 27
Moving with the Muse (10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Artistic Directors Stephen J. Lavezza and Gabriella Cavallero will lead a workshop demonstrating how to bring stories to life through a series of movement based games and exercises – no experience necessary; wear comfortable clothes so you can move freely – Cost: $20.00 per person (Class size is limited)
The Power of Story…Live! (1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) – Celebrated local playwright, Josh Hartwell, will conduct an intensive play writing workshop that helps aspiring writers explore this exciting genre – no experience necessary – Cost: $20.00 per person (Class size is limited)

DENVER CENTER ATTRACTIONS ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENTS OF RAIN AND RIVERDANCE

DENVER – Denver Center Attractions announced fall engagements of two immensely popular touring shows to play the Buell Theatre. RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles will play September 22-27, and RIVERDANCE will play eight farewell performances November 24-29. Ticket on-sale information will be announced at a later date

About RAIN: In a show the Denver Post calls “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles,” RAIN boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatlemaniac favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” to classic hits including “Revolution” and “Come Together.” RAIN covers The Beatles from their very first Ed Sullivan Show appearance through the Abbey Road album, through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience which includes a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s.

For the four longtime band members – Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr) and Steve Landes (John Lennon), with a little help from their friend Mark Lewis (keyboards, percussion) – the music is first and foremost. For more than two decades, RAIN has distinguished itself by focusing on details, always being faithful to The Beatles with the ultimate goal of delivering a perfect note-for-note performance. All the music is performed live, with no pre-recorded tapes or sequences.

About RIVERDANCE: This thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe will play eight farewell performances in Denver. Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, to date, RIVERDANCE has played over 10,000 performances, been seen live by more than 21 million people in over 300 venues throughout 32 countries across 4 continents. They have traveled well over 563,000 miles (or to the moon and back!), played to a worldwide television audience of nearly 2 billion; sold over 3 million copies of the Grammy Award-winning CD (certified Platinum in the US) and over 10 million videos making it one of the best-selling entertainment videos in the world! RIVERDANCE had its world premiere at the Point Theatre, Dublin, in February 1995, where it opened to unanimous critical acclaim.

RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles and RIVERDANCE are added attractions in Denver Center Attractions’ 2009 season, which is generously sponsored by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at denvercenter.org.

For more information about RAIN, please visit raintribute.com
For more information about RIVERDANCE, please visit riverdance.com.

August: Osage County Comes To The Buell Direct From Broadway

DENVER – August: Osage County, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that tells the bitingly funny and sensationally entertaining tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Oklahoma will launch its national tour in Denver, running July 24 through August 8 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

The play stars Academy Award-winner Estelle Parsons in the role of the family matriarch, Violet. Ms. Parsons played Violet in the Broadway production of August: Osage County from June 2008-May 2009, where The New York Times raved, “Estelle Parsons gives a superb performance…sends chills down your spine. It may prove to be a crowning moment in an illustrious career."

Written by 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Letts (Superior Donuts, Man From Nebraska, Killer Joe, Bug), this grand and gripping new play tells the story of the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead after the alcoholic patriarch disappears. Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with Violet, a pill-popping, deeply unsettled woman at the center of the storm.

Directed by 2008 Tony Award-winner Anna D. Shapiro, August: Osage County is a rare theatrical event: a large-scale work filled with 13 unforgettable characters, a powerful tragicomedy told with unflinching honesty and the unforgettable breakthrough of a major American playwright. August: Osage County premiered and was produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2007.

Nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Play and Best Director, and the recipient of Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, including Best Play, Best Director and Best Scenic Design, August: Osage County opened at the Imperial Theatre Broadway on December 4, 2007 to wide critical acclaim. The New York Times called August: Osage County “the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years,” and it was voted The #1 Play of the Year by Time, The Associated Press, Entertainment Weekly, and TimeOut New York. After a sold-out engagement at the Imperial Theatre, the show re-opened at the Music Box Theatre on April 29th, 2008, and will reach its 500th performance on February 3, 2009. The show, which the London critics hailed as “the must-see play of the year - possibly a lifetime,” opened to rave reviews at The National Theatre on November 26, 2008, where it played a limited eight-week engagement featuring members of the original Broadway company.

The show’s creative team includes Tony Award winner Todd Rosenthal (sets), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), Ann G. Wrightson (lights), Richard Woodbury (sound) and David Singer (original music).

August: Osage County is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler and Jerry Frankel.

For more information on August: Osage County, please visit AugustOnBroadway.com.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Coming To Denver

DENVER – CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, the most fantasmagorical Broadway musical in the history of everything, will fly into Denver’s Buell Theatre July 23-26! Based on the timeless novel by famed James Bond author and creator Ian Fleming, the production features the music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins. The national tour features an original script and fresh adaptation directed by Denver favorite Ray Roderick (Denver Center Attractions’ The Last Five Years, The Taffetas and I Love a Piano.)

The production is searching for six children in the Denver area to make their stage debut with CHITTY when it comes to the Buell Theatre. (See Auditions)

The Broadway production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG received five Tony Award nominations, ten Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and four Drama Desk nominations during its Broadway run at the Hilton Theatre. It opened on April 28, 2005. The London production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG was nominated for three Laurence Olivier Awards in 2003, including Best New Musical, and won Best Musical at the Variety Club Awards in 2003. The production opened on April 16, 2002 to rave reviews and record-breaking business at the London Palladium and continues to sell-out on tour across the U.K.

This stage adaptation of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG features a beloved score, including memorable classics such as “Truly Scrumptious,” “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain” and the Oscar-nominated title song, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG was originally directed by Adrian Noble on Broadway. This newly conceived version, with direction and adapted script by Ray Roderick, features sets and costumes by renowned English designer Anthony Ward, additional set designs by Robert Bissinger and lighting by Charlie Morrison. New choreography is by JoAnn M. Hunter. The national tour of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is executive produced by Daniel Sher of Big League Productions.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is an added attraction in Denver Center Attractions’ 2009 season, which is generously sponsored by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at denvercenter.org.

For more information on CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, please visit chittyontour.com

Candlelight Flies To Oz for Wizard Wisdom

The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse proudly announces the opening show of our second season, the classic THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baumm, adapted by Frank Gabrielson with music and lyrics of the MGM motion pictures score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg.

Central City Opera Offers Rare Opportunity to Invest in Pieces of Colorado History

Denver , Colo. — Take home a piece of Colorado history at Central City Opera’s Public Auction of a selection ofantiques and memorabilia from The Teller House and The Chain O’ Mines Hotel in Central City. This once in a lifetime opportunity will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 1:00 p.m. at Baker Auction House located at 5001 Oakland Street, Denver, CO 80239.

Festival's Figueroa Expects Enthusiastic Audiences With Music In The Mountains

Durango, Colorado - Music in the Mountains, July 10-August 2, 2009, looks forward to enthusiastic audiences when Music Director and Conductor, Guillermo Figueroa returns for his second season with the 23-year-old Festival. In his debut last summer, he quickly developed rapport with Festival attendees through his concert introductions and thrilled concertgoers with his varied repertoire and stunning solo performances.

"For me, it will be close to coming home once again to be in those beautiful mountain venues where musicians can so readily develop such close relationships with audiences," said Figueroa from his post in Albuquerque, where he is Music Director and Conductor of the New Mexico Symphony. A fourth generation member of Puerto Rico's most distinguished musical family, Figueroa also is Principal Guest Conductor of the Puerto Rico Symphony.

This season, Figueroa will conduct six Festival Orchestra concerts. Four are scheduled in the Festival Tent at Durango Mountain Resort July 18, 19, August 1 and August 2; one will be held in the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College July 26, and one other is planned for BootJack Ranch in Pagosa Springs July 31. "I'm particularly excited about working with this outstanding group of musicians once again," Figueroa said. Festival Orchestra members are drawn from the ranks of major symphony orchestras across the U.S., and soloists come from international capitals to take part in performances. The vast majority of musicians will return following multiple seasons with the Festival.

Figueroa boasts an impressive record of conducting and performing experiences. Critical acclaim followed the debuts of the Puerto Rico Symphony under his baton at Carnegie Hall in 2003, the Kennedy Center in 2004 and Spain in 2005. In October 2009, he will make his debut with the Orquesta de Cordoba in Spain.

Also a renowned violinist, he has given the world premieres of four violin concertos written for him: in 1995, the Concertino for Violin and Orchestra by Mario Davidovsky, at Carnegie Hall with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra; in 2007, the Double Concerto by Harold Farberman, with the American Symphony at Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center; in 2008, the Violin Concert/The Journey of a Lifetime by Miguel del Aguila, commissioned by Figueroa and the New Mexico Symphony, and in 2009, Insula, Suite Concertante for Violin and Strings by Ernesto Cordero with the Solisti di Zagreb, in Zagreb, Croatia.

Figueroa will be the featured soloist along with his sister-pianist Ivonne Figueroa-in two Chamber Music concerts. They will perform Grieg's Sonata No. 3 in C minor and Dvorak's Piano Quintet in A in concerts at BootJack Ranch in Pagosa Springs July 28 and in the Festival Tent at Durango Mountain Resort July 29.

"These are two of the most intensely passionate pieces written by these two composers, and they fit perfectly with our overall theme of ¡Pasión! this season," Figueroa says. "And they're such audience-friendly works that I'm confident our concertgoers will enjoy hearing them as much as we enjoy performing them."

The three-week Festival runs from July 10 through August 2, 2009. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Festival Office, 1063 Main Avenue and the Community Concert Hall Ticket Office, 707 Main Avenue, Durango or by calling (970) 385-6820. Student, Group and Series ticket discounts are available. Pagosa Springs concert tickets may also be purchased at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, 402 San Juan in Pagosa Springs and online muscinthemountains.com.

StageDoor Theatre Offers Summer Theatre Workshops

StageDoor Theatre, 25797 Conifer Rd, Conifer, CO, offers workshops and camps for grades K - 12! Registration deadlines are fast approaching! Go to www.stagedoortheatre.org for all the details and to download a registration form.

Summer Shakespeare * Audition Class * Mask & Characterization Class * Dialects Class * Creative Dramatics Mini Camp (K -2) * Animation * Twisted Fairytale Fun * Film * Juggling and Circus Arts * Math Rocks * Juggling * Bits of Broadway * Math & Drama - Operation Central

ALSO........................ Our StageDoor Juggling Troupe will perform May 29 - June 6th! Fri. & Sat. at 7pm, Sun. Matinee 2pm, Thursday June 4th Matinee at 2:00 p.m. Tickets just $6 each! Spectacular entertainment for the whole family! Tickets are online at www.stagedoortheatre.org or call 303-886-2819.

Gilpin County Arts association Announces Annual Fine Art Exhibition

Central City, Co - The Gilpin County Arts Association announces its 63rd Annual Fine Art Exhibition, running from May 31 thru August 14 in the Central City Gallery located at 117 Eureka Street, Central City, CO. The exhibition includes work by artists living in the Rocky Mountain West and is inclusive of all mediums. Three jurors were selected to adjudicate the entries and to select award winners. For additional information, call the Gallery at 303-582-5952 or go to www.gilpinarts.org.

In addition to the Juried Show featured in this year’s exhibition, there will be several additional components. These include Board Invitational artwork, with pieces chosen by the Gilpin County Arts Association Board; Juror Invitational artwork, with pieces selected by the three jurors involved in 2009 from their stable of artists; and an expanded Gift Gallery, with creative and attractive less expensive items provided by Gilpin County Arts Association Members.

The opening reception for the 63rd Annual Fine Art Exhibition will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Central City Gallery. The reception is free and open to the public and will include appetizers and wine for attendees.

63rd ANNUAL FINE ART EXHIBITION – FACT SHEET
Artists:
Included are artists living in the Rocky Mountain West: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah & Wyoming.

Important Dates:
Public show dates – May 31 - August 14
FREE Public Opening Reception – May 30, 5 to 8 p.m.
Gallery Hours – Noon to 6 p.m., Tues. to Sun.; Noon to 8 p.m., Central City Opera nights; Closed Mondays

Artist Awards:
A minimum of $2,000 in cash awards will be given at the discretion of the jurors. Award selection will be announced after presentation on May 30.

Jurors:
Gary Reed of Reed Photo, Photography; Christine Serr of Abend Gallery and Doug Brugger and Debbie Kneale of Show of Hands, Two Dimensional Fine Art

Sesquicentennial Theatrical Production on Boulder History:

BOULDER, Colo. (May 8, 2009)— When the city of Boulder’s “150th Committee” decided to sponsor Rocks Karma Arrows as an official Sesquicentennial event, they decided not just to celebrate acclaimed history but to support a theatrical piece exploring some of the disturbing history of race and class in Boulder in order to promote a future of economic and cultural diversity we can all celebrate. Artistic Director, Kirsten Wilson, believes theater can be aesthetically challenging, entertaining and create transformative community conversation.

Opening July 23rd at the ATLAS Center for Arts, Media, and Performance, Rocks Karma Arrows is a multimedia contemporary theater piece looking at Boulder history in relation to issues of economic and cultural diversity. The piece reveals the layers of stories that are embedded in the land that we walk on everyday. Although the piece focuses on the last 150 years - since Boulder’s founding – the context for the drama is the larger flow of history from when Boulder was once covered in a shallow sea. Historical figures, like the great chief Niwot, come alive to tell the story of the early founding of Boulder and the final massacre. Interviews with local historians and Buddhist monks are woven with historical photographs and film. At times the photographic images completely take over 180 degrees of the theatrical space so that actors are literally immersed in the history – interacting with the photos, struggling with the voices of the past, and trying to understand how they echo in the present.

Rocks Karma Arrows’ Artistic Director, Kirsten Wilson, is the first artist from the community designated by the ATLAS Center for Arts Media and Performance as an “ATLAS Innovator” for her multimedia explorations. She was given a part-time artist in residency at CU’s ATLAS to develop Rocks Karma Arrows for their technologically sophisticated Black Box Theatre. The large cast of 12 actors, dancers and improvisational musicians for this production includes some of the most dynamic performers in our community.

Rocks Karma Arrows is produced by Kirsten Wilson and the ATLAS Center for Arts Media & Performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The production opens July 23rd at 8pm with a Gala Reception, then runs July 24-25th at 8pm, July 26th at 2pm; then again July 30-Aug 1st at 8pm and Aug 2nd at 2pm. For more information about this performance or additional publicity shots, please contact publicist: Angela Delichatsios, 303-245-4660. To purchase tickets, go to: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/61128

Su Teatro Announces the Angelica Martinez Performance Hall at the Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center

Denver, Co. - Su Teatro announces the Angelica Martinez Performance Hall at the Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, made possible by a generous donation from Justice Alex J. Martinez and Katherine Martinez.

The $75,000 gift will establish the performance hall—a multi-purpose space adjacent to the theater—and will also be used as seed money to establish the Angelica Martinez Scholarship Fund.

Angelica Martinez, mother of Justice Martinez, was a longtime Denver Public Schools employee and maintained a lifetime commitment to education and the arts. Angie raised her family next door to the Elyria Elementary School at 4725 High Street, which later became El Centro Su Teatro. She continued to reside there after the theater was established and became a supporter of Su Teatro before her death in 1990. Angie was a powerful example of community support for Su Teatro in its new neighborhood. Su Teatro will also establish an annual Mother’s Day brunch, Serenata Madrelinda (Beautiful Mother’s Serenade), in honor of Angelica Martinez and in celebration of all mothers. The Martinez Family made the first installment of their gift on Angie’s birthday, April 20, to coincide with Su Teatro’s Mother’s Day celebration.

The fundraising goal for the Performance Hall and Scholarship Fund is $150,000. The scholarship will help support and expand the work of the Cultural Arts Institute, Su Teatro’s after-school and in-school arts education programs. An “angel” in the theater traditionally is a person who financially supports a production. Su Teatro is grateful for its angel, Angelica Martinez, and asks supporters to also become an angel by donating and joining our Mother’s Day celebration.

The first Serenata Madrelinda Mother’s Day Brunch will take place May 10 from 11am to 1pm and will feature a delicious menu prepared by Encantada Catering and music by Tony Silva and Trio Xochitl. Tickets are $35 or 4 for $120. For more information regarding the Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, visit www.suteatro.org or call (303) 296-0219.

FY 2010 Budget Request To Congress Revealed

President Obama released the final details of his FY 2010 budget request to Congress which includes the nation’s cultural agencies and programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS), and the Department of Education’s Arts in Education program. Write your members of Congress and tell them to support funding for these cultural agencies.

Americans for the Arts President & CEO Robert Lynch noted, "The president's proposed funding of $161 million would take the NEA to its highest funding level in 15 years and will help continue the upward trend of budgetary growth that Congress established several years ago. In contrast to the previous administration, this year's budget includes funding for the Arts in Education program at the Department of Education at $38.16 million. We hope that Congress will build on these initial budget requests to secure even higher funding levels to address the needs of the arts and arts education community." On Arts Advocacy Day, artists Wynton Marsalis, Linda Ronstadt and Josh Groban joined Americans for the Arts and over 550 arts advocates from around the country to testify on Capitol Hill and to meet with congressional leaders to request $200 million for the NEA and $53 million for arts education. These requests are just some of the legislative priorities for the nonprofit arts community in 2009.

Congress has the power to set its own priorities and change these funding levels.

Arts advocates can make their voices heard by writing their members of Congress and urging them to support funding for arts and culture through the NEA and increase funding for arts in education programs.

Paragon Bowlathon

Join Paragon Theatre on MAY 31st for the 7th annual Paragon Bowlathon at Elitch Lanes.

Gather your team of four, reserve your lane and get ready for a good ol' time.

It's that time again. Time to dig out your foot spray, dust off your balls and join us for a fun-filled morning of bowling to benefit Paragon Theatre. Sip on a mimosa or bloody mary, win the best prizes ever and mingle with ensemble members and Paragon supporters like you, all while prancing around in rented shoes. It just keeps getting better and better! Last year was a blast and this year promises to be even more fun! Round up your best bowling buddies and reserve your lane today.

As always, there will be off-the-wall contests and cool prizes such as Rockies Tickets, Restaurant Gift Certificates, Trophies and Tiaras. Last year a lucky recipient won the "Cry-Baby Award (or Save the Drama for your Mama Award) and someone else walked away with "Sweatiest Bowler Award"...eeew!

The Bowlathon will be held on May 31st, 2008 from 10 AM - 1 PM at Elitch Lanes in the Highlands Neighborhood, 3825 Tennyson Street (NW corner of 38th and Tennyson) in Denver.

COST: $28 per person or $100 per foursome ($25 each). Did you lose the popularity contest? Can't round up a foursome? Don't worry! We can hook you up with other loners....ummm, we mean "participants" who don't have a team!

Bowling begins promptly at 10:00. Please arrive early to check in, get your shoes and your lane! Sign up today by calling 303.300.2210 or email us at info@paragontheatre.org. SEE YA THERE!

LaLa Theater Company Presents Agamemnon

The war is won, but danger waits at home.

10 years at war overseas. Troy is burning. Sacrifices were made for victory, and now the King sails home. One actor and one violinist stage an entire Greek Tragedy. LaLa Theater Company presents Aeschylus’ Agamemnon. Adapted, directed and performed by Elizabeth Baron, with music performed Dr. Mikylah McTeer. Agamemnon opens June 19th, running for two weekends at the Dairy Center for the Arts’ Carsen Theatre, in Boulder, Colorado.

Elizabeth Baron and Mikylah McTeer orchestrate a piercing rendition of the epic Agamemnon, whose themes of war, revenge, victory, justice, and the endless cycle of violence prove chillingly relevant to our world today. In a gripping harmony of action, text, and original violin composition, the duo traverses the arc of Agamemnon’s return to his neglected country and queen, and the consequences that await the triumphant. Faithful to Ted Hughes’ translation of Agamemnon, Baron single-handedly breathes life into the tragedy’s characters with the accompaniment of Dr. McTeer’s violin. Chorus, queen, and oracle beckon us into a world where our shadows take graceful and gruesome shape. Our fears and unconscious instincts awakened, we consider the wide breadth of roles we each are capable of playing in our society and our ongoing human drama.

Elizabeth Baron has performed internationally for more than 20 years. Her approach blends "psychological" acting with Lecoq-based Movement Theater. She is a member of Actors Equity and acted professionally in NYC, performing in Off-Broadway and regional theater productions, before moving to Colorado to earn her MFA in Actor-Created Physical Theater from Naropa University/London International School of the Performing Arts (LISPA.) For the past 6 years, she has been based in Boulder, Colorado, creating collaborative theater as an actor, musician, writer, director, and teacher. Most recently, she directed 52 Pickup, awarded "Best of Fest" in the 2008 Boulder International Fringe Festival. In 2010, she joins the faculty of Giovanni Fusetti's international theater school, which she has helped to create – Helikos: Scuola Internazionale Di Creazione Teatrale, in Tuscany, Italy.

Dr. Mikylah Myers McTeer is Assistant Professor of Violin at West Virginia University, where she maintains an active chamber music and solo performance schedule. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has called her performances "energetic and virtuosic." She is a returning member of the Colorado Music Festival.

CRESTED BUTTE MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS MUSIC TO THE MOUNTAINS

Crested Butte, Colo.- The 2009 Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF), which runs July 4 - July 26, offers many opportunities to hear the chamber group, symphony orchestra and jazz ensembles, featuring performers from all over the world and internationally acclaimed soloists.

For the first time, the Festival will feature a unique barn series. Patrons can enjoy all Symphony Orchestra performances in an unconventional new venue: the Ein-Lynch Barn! With outstanding acoustics, fresh air and a unique setting, these performances promise to be exceptional and exclusive in every way.

Artistic and Managing Director Alexander Scheirle has announced that the theme for the 2009 season is Follow the Generations Through Paradise. In keeping with this theme, the CBMF will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the works of Haydn and Mendelssohn, with the festival symphony orchestra bringing new talent and energy to these works for the festival. The CBMF will guide audiences from the classical era of Joseph Haydn to the early romantic era of Mendelssohn while also celebrating the lesser-known composers between these generations. Under the skilled baton of distinguished guest conductor Benjamin Wallfisch the CBMF will honor the work of these two great composers by presenting their masterworks in symphonic and chamber music programs throughout the month.

Benjamin Wallfisch, Guest Conductor
At age 29, Benjamin Wallfisch is one of the world's notable up-and-coming conductors, conducting major symphony orchestras across Europe. Wallfisch comes to Crested Butte from London - the very city where Joseph Haydn had his greatest success. Led by Benjamin Wallfisch and held at the magnificent Ein-Lynch Barn, symphony event highlights include: the Symphony Orchestra's Triple Fun on July 15 featuring works by Haydn and Mendelssohn and the American Premier of Daniel Schnyder's "Triple Concerto"; Persia in Paradise on July 19 with symphonies by Haydn and Mendelssohn; and, the concerto for the Ney (Persian Flute) and orchestra by Schnyder. Adult ticket prices are priced at $40, and student tickets are $10.

Chamber Music with Daniel Schnyder
During the last two weeks of the Festival, the CBMF will proudly host the celebrated jazz saxophonist and composer Daniel Schnyder from New York City. Schnyder will be the 2009 "Composer in Residence" and his works will be featured in chamber concerts and the symphony program. Schnyder is one of the leading composers and jazz saxophone players in the world, with his works performed by orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival in Austria.

Known for combining composition and improvisation, jazz and traditional chamber music, Daniel Schnyder will be working with the symphony orchestra, the jazz band from the University of North Texas and a string quartet of the CBMF Festival Symphony Orchestra. On July 21, Schnyder will perform Grooves of Generations with the students from the University of North Texas. In addition, vocal students from the University will perform Bernstein on Broadway, featuring some of Bernstein's greatest selection of hits on July 14. Both events will be held at the Center for the Arts, and adult ticket prices are $25, and student tickets are $10.

Events include: Songs and Fairytales on July 9 at the Union Congregational Church, Emotions on July 17 at the Center for the Arts, and Eight at 7:30 on July 23 at the Center for the Arts. Adult ticket prices are $25, and student ticket prices are $10.

Featured Instrument: The Ney
Each year the CBMF highlights a new instrument, and this year's Festival will feature the Ney, or Persian Flute. One of Schnyder's pieces will include this instrument in the Concerto for Ney and Orchestra. Neyist Bassam Saba from Beirut, one of Yo Yo Ma's Silkroad-Project musicians and one of the leading figures in the Arabic music scene, will debut the instrument at the Festival. On July 16, Schnyder and Saba will play an evening performance of Arabian Nights in a private home, providing an intimate musical experience. (See Home Soirees, below).

On July 18, Schnyder and Saba will present a special children's performance, A Morning in Persia. Saba will demonstrate how the Ney differs in sound and features from the traditional flute, and will perform some of his eclectic compositions inspired by Turkish gypsy music and classical Arabic song. Held at the Crested Butte Train Depot, this event is free.

Evening Home Soirees
The CBMF offers the opportunity to hear chamber music in a personal setting with its Home Soirees, elegant fundraising evenings of great music, wine and hors d'oeuvres. These events, which take place in magnificent mountain homes around Gunnison County, give listeners the opportunity to experience the music in an intimate setting. Evening home soiree events include: the Duo Extravaganza on July 6 with Concertmaster Ellen desPasquale on violin and Artistic and Managing Director Alexander Scheirle on cello; the Opera Home Soiree with the soloists from the mainstage opera production on July 13; Schnyder and Saba's performance of Arabian Nights on July 16; and, A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring Israeli Piano Duo Silver-Garburg on July 20. Ticket prices are $125.

Have A Beer With Beethoven
Festival tradition holds that down-home hospitality should meet world-class music to create something special, and this year is no exception. The extremely popular "Have a Beer with Beethoven" event will take place on July 12. This year, the CBMF will be presenting Beethoven's symphony Number 6, "Pastorale'" in the Ein-Lynch barn, which boasts unobstructed views of the majestic mountains. Distinguished guest conductor Benjamin Wallfisch will conduct. Adult ticket prices are $40, and student tickets are $10.

A Package for Every Pocketbook
For the first time, the CBMF is offering special packages for the 2009 season, enabling music lovers to enjoy renowned talent at a remarkable price:
• Platinum Pass: Truly a passport to musical paradise, the Platinum Pass offers admission for one to all 14 ticketed performances, three operas, each of the four home soirees, and a patron ticket to the CBMF's annual fundraising Celebration. Pricing is $999 when bought between May 1 - June 15, and $1,140 after June 15.
• Gold Pass: For the lover of all types of music, the Gold Pass is perfect with admission for one to all 14 ticketed performances, one opera and two home soiree events. Pricing is $599 when bought between May 1 - June 15, and $660 after June 15.
• Home Soiree Package: For festival goers seeking an intimate evening out, the Home Soiree Package features a ticket to each of the four home soiree events. Pricing is $399 when bought between May 1 - June 15, and $425 after June 15.
• Red Lady Special: For those who are passionate about saving Crested Butte's precious lands, the Red Lady Special is ideal. For each ticket sold, the CBMF will make a donation to the Red Lady Coalition, which benefits the preservation of Mt. Emmons. This package includes a ticket to the following performances: Arias with Altitude on July 8; Bernstein on Broadway performed by UNT on July 14; The Infamous Stringdusters on July 11; The Blue Canyon Boys on July 25; and, the Opera Le Nozze di Figaro on July 26. Pricing is $110 when bought between May 1 - June 15, and $145 after June 15.
• Butte Bundle: Perfect for families with kiddos, the Butte Bundle features two adult tickets and two children tickets to each of the following performances: Arias with Altitude on July 8; Scenes in Paradise on July 11; Bernstein on Broadway performed by UNT on July 14; Grooves of Generations with the students from UNT on July 21; and, the Blue Canyon Boys on July 25. Pricing is $199 when bought between May 1 - June 15, and $300 after June 15.

*Tickets within a package must be used for the exact performances specified.

Both events use general admission seating with doors opening a half hour prior to show time. Seating for persons with disabilities is available. Student tickets apply to those ages 6 - 18 and to persons with a valid student ID.

Subscriptions for the 2009 Festival are now available. Individual ticket prices will range from $10 to $200 (not including the Festival's free performances). For more information about the 2009 Festival, please call 970-349-0619 or visit www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com

Celebrating its 12th season, the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) brings world-class musicians, singers and dancers each summer to the wildflower capital of Colorado. The goal of the CBMF is both to enrich the community by offering affordable and free music, opera and dance performances, and educate a diverse audience in music, opera and dance. The CBMF is supported by funding from the Colorado Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Colorado General Assembly, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The CBMF is also funded in part by grants from Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, and Town of Mt. Crested Butte in addition to many generous sponsors and supporters.

Reyna Von Vett and Hell’s Belles Now Performing at the Denver Civic Theatre In Leadville or BUST!

Burlesque: a humorous and provocative stage show featuring slapstick humor, comic skits and bawdy songs.

Leadville or BUST! is a boisterous romp through the 1880-1920’s. Reyna Von Vett and her Hell’s Belles bring Denver’s rich history to life as they joke, dance and sing in tight harmonies for a refreshingly different two hours of entertainment. Reflecting an era that reveled in the double entendre and viewed the can-can as the height of naughty dancing, this show is a celebration of the original girlie shows enjoyed by the settlers of the Old West.

From familiar, turn-of-the-century songs like “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and “Seeing Denver” to bawdy songs like “Sam the Hot Dog Man,” “Hot Nuts (Get ‘Em From The Peanut Man)” and “Press My Button (Ring My Bell),” Leadville or BUST! is a tribute to the early history of girlie shows when sex and scandal was about corsets, bloomers and a bawdy song.

Reyna Von Vett (writer/singer/producer/director) is an accomplished singer and actress who performed for more than one million guests over three years as Tanya in Mamma Mia! at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Most recently, she played the role of Kaye in The Taffetas at the Denver Center for Performing Arts and led the cast of Swing! at the Colorado Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. Reyna’s solo act, Martini’s and Misbehavin’: a Celebration of the American Songbook has run in many of Las Vegas’ most prestigious hotels. She was the first country singer to perform in the lounge at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino during the National Finals Rodeo with her band, “Reyna and Rock Bottom”. Reyna was honored to sing at the 2001 Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.

Audiences will recognize Hell’s Belles’ Teri English who was recently seen in CATS and The Producers at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Jessica Hindsley has performed at venues all over Colorado including the Town Hall Arts Center, Lakewood Cultural Center, Carousel Dinner Theatre and The Lincoln Center and Jill Nacke from performances at Country Dinner Playhouse and the Arvada Center. All three women have recently performed at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

For more information about the show see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1OU-cq28nk or go to leadvilleorbust.com

THEATER COMPANY OF LAFAYETTE TO PREMIERE COMEDY MURDER MYSTERY BY LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT

The Theater Company of Lafayette (TCL) will present the world premiere of Red Herring, a comedy murder mystery by award-winning local playwright Don Fried, from June 12 – 27.

In the play, Edwin, a Broadway writer of murder mysteries whose star has dimmed, sets out on a dirty-tricks campaign to get revenge on the uncooperative cast and crew who are threatening the success of his comeback bid. But someone escalates Edwin’s dirty tricks and plants evidence pointing at him. To avoid prison, Edwin must use his murder-mystery skills to figure out whodunit. Is it the pretentious, over-the-hill leading man who can’t be bothered to learn his lines? The play’s leading lady, who’s also Edwin’s bitter ex-wife? The obnoxiously artsy producer-director? Or the uncontrollably ambitious young stage manager?

TCL’s Artistic Director, Madge Montgomery, who was the guiding force behind TCL’s 2006 Ovation-winning Frankenstein Experiment festival of plays and this past February’s hugely successful Separated at Birth: The Lincoln/Darwin Plays, steps in as director for Red Herring. She says that audiences who like mystery, comedy, and “backstage” plays will all be delighted with Red Herring. “It’s a great piece because it’s high energy and very funny. It’s the kind of play that people like to see in the summertime.”

Red Herring was inspired by a series of real events that plagued Fried’s first stage production. “The production had so many mishaps I figured I’d either have to kill someone or write a play about it,” says Fried. “Writing was clearly the more socially acceptable alternative.”

Red Herring is the seventh of Fried’s plays produced in the past 14 months. His recently completed historical comedy, Shakespeare Incorporated, won first place in the 2009 Rocky Mountain Theatre Association Festival Playwriting competition and is scheduled for production in London this November. And his latest play, Postville, inspired by true events in a small Midwestern town where a group of Hasidic Jews from Brooklyn open a kosher meatpacking plant, was recently named as one of the selections for the 2009 Playwright’s Showcase of the Western Region.

See Calendar for details.

Celebrationworks Responds To Lawsuit Result

"Celebrationworks tried a new model for sharing net profits with those who make a show come alive in the production of HUMBUG. We want to thank everyone who stood with us, and behind us, in this trial. You know who you are. We believed then, and we believe now, that we did the right thing, and we are grateful to the court for reducing the amount Ms. McGovern sought in her lawsuit against us. We wish her well, and are happy to have this matter settled and behind us. Celebrationworks is moving forward, adding new projects almost weekly (www.celebrationworks.org ), and enlarging our core playwrighting group with the help of Write Angle Productions." Carol Roper, playwright/producer Celebrationworks

Celebrationworks Seeks New Plays

CELEBRATIONWORKS Theatre Ensemble currently seeks production ready 10-15 minute unique plays in the following genres: comedy, ghost stories, paranormal, supernatural, sci/fi, (UFOs, aliens), inspirational, metaphysical, social awareness, family and holiday-theme, with off-beat storylines and provocative, multi-cultural, multi-racial, varied age characters for consideration for upcoming 2009, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Holiday productions. Deadline is: July 1, 2009. Please submit no more then 2 plays. Email to celebrationworks@gmail.com with brief bio, (50 words), play's awards and production history, if any. www.celebrationworks.org

A Bronx Tale features Chazz Palminteri

DENVER – Academy Award®-nominated actor Chazz Palminteri will visit Denver’s Ellie Caulkins Opera House June 9-21 to perform his critically-lauded one-man show A BRONX TALE. Single tickets go on sale Sunday, May 3 at www.denvercenter.org or by phone and walk-up Monday, May 4 at 10am.

A BRONX TALE, the funny and touching memoir written by and starring Chazz Palminteri, launched its national tour in September 2008 to rave reviews. Paul Hodgins of the Orange County Register said it is "Masterful!...It occupies 100 minutes but it feels like five...it's been almost 20 years since Palminteri's one-man show, in which he plays 18 characters, first catapulted him to fame, but after two decades with this wonderful material, Palminteri's story still seems as fresh and insightful as ever."

Chazz Palminteri’s remarkable performance is fresh from a successful run on Broadway, where the show was praised by the critics and adored by the public. In A BRONX TALE, the celebrated play on which he based the legendary movie, Palminteri vividly depicts a young boy's rough childhood in the 1960s-era Bronx and the unforgettable people he encountered. A classic coming-of-age story about reaching ones true potential and trusting one’s heart, A BRONX TALE is directed by four-time Tony Award®-winner Jerry Zaks.

A BRONX TALE is produced by GO Productions. Set design is by James Noone, lighting design is by Paul Gallo and original music and sound design by John Gromada. Mr. Palminteri's wardrobe is supplied by Italian menswear designer ISAIA.

A BRONX TALE was first mounted off Broadway in 1989 and helped establish Palminteri as a writer and actor with a distinct voice. In A BRONX TALE, Palminteri brings 18 characters to vivid life, depicting a rough childhood on Bronx streets populated by a cast of friends and enemies. This production of A BRONX TALE, directed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks, opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre and quickly became one of the few bona fide hits of the 2007-2008 Broadway season.

Chazz Palminteri’s tour de force performance has been heralded by critics and audiences. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times called the show "a rejuvenating act of faith in the powers of acting and storytelling.” The Associated Press described A BRONX TALE as "enormously entertaining…A vibrant, warmhearted saga…Palminteri conjures up a parade of appealing characters with humor, great affection and more than a little heartbreak."

During the original off-Broadway and subsequent Los Angeles engagements of A BRONX TALE, Palminteri caught the attention of studios, producers and directors – all of whom wanted to make the film version without him. Palminteri turned down a million dollar offer for the film rights, despite having $200 in his bank account at the time. Then, Robert DeNiro came to see the show, and brought the story and star Palminteri to the screen in 1993, making his directorial debut in the process.

About Chazz Palminteri and Jerry Zaks and GO Productions Chazz Palminteri has over 50 movies to his credit including The Usual Suspects, Bullets over Broadway, Analyze This, Hurly Burly, Mulholland Falls and A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. He has also directed the HBO series Oz (episode, Unnatural Disasters), Showtime’s Women vs. Men, and the feature film Noel, starring Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Robin Williams and Paul Walker. He was also seen on the New York stage in the play The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui starring with Al Pacino, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, and Billy Crudup.

Jerry Zaks is a four time Tony® Award winner and has directed over 30 New York productions. Most recently, he directed Encores!’ acclaimed Stairway to Paradise. Other credits include, Broadway: The House of Blue Leaves (Tony Award), The Front Page, Anything Goes (Tony nomination), Lend Me a Tenor (Tony Award), Six Degrees of Separation (Tony Award), Guys and Dolls (Tony Award), Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Tony nomination, Olivier nomination), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Tony nomination), The Man Who Came to Dinner, 45 Seconds From Broadway, Little Shop of Horrors, La Cage aux Folles (Tony Award, Best Revival), The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial; Off-Broadway: Sister Mary Ignatius, Beyond Therapy, Baby With the Bathwater, The Foreigner (Obie Award), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Obie Award), Wenceslas Square, Assassins, A Bad Friend. Film: Marvin’s Room. TV: “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Frasier.” He is a graduate of Dartmouth with an MFA from Smith and since 1990 has been proudly affiliated with Jujamcyn Theaters.

Go Productions is an independently financed film, television and theatre company formed in early 2007 in Las Vegas by casino operator John Gaughan, film industry executive Trent Othick and Las Vegas businessman Matt Othick. GO recently wrapped production of the independent feature film Yonkers Joe directed by Sundance veteran Robert Celestino, starring Chazz Palminteri, Academy Award winner Christine Lahti, Academy Award nominee Michael Lerner, Golden Globe nominee Linus Roache and Tom Guiry, as well as Michael Rispoli, Frank John Hughes, Roma Maffia and Arthur Nascarella. A Bronx Tale marked GO Productions’ Broadway producing debut.

Single tickets for A BRONX TALE start at just $20, and go on sale Sunday, May 3 at www.denvercenter.org and Monday, May 4 at 10am for phone and walk-up sales. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 15 or more, please call 303.446.4829. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org

A BRONX TALE is a featured attraction in Denver Center Attractions’ 2009 season, which is generously sponsored by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org

For more information on A BRONX TALE, please visit www.ABronxTaleTour.com

Stories on Stage ends successful ’08-’09 season with phamaly COLLABORATION

DENVER, April 27, 2009 – This summer, two of Denver’s favorite theater companies, Stories On Stage and PHAMALY (the Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League), unite for their first collaboration.

We Are PHAMALy will be performed on Sunday, June 7 in the Stage Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Show times are 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Single tickets are $22, tickets for groups of 10 or more are $18 per person and LoDough (scholarship) tickets are also available. Tickets can be ordered online at www.storiesonstage.org or by phone at 303-494-0523.

Stories On Stage is an award-winning performing arts organization that presents great actors reading great stories and PHAMALY is an award-winning theater company of great actors performing terrific musical and dramatic works. The result, We Are PHAMALy, is bound to leave audiences wondering why it took so long for these groups to come together. It’s a match that Norma Moore, Stories On Stage artistic director, thinks may lead to future partnerships.

PHAMALY’s Artistic Director, Steve Wilson, leads a stellar cast of company members that include Sean McGee, Stephen Hahn, Regan Linton and Lucy Roucis reading “Eternal Love” by Karen Bender and Leonard Barrett, Tara Cowan and Don Mauck reading “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver. Selections from last fall’s studio workshop series, Vox PHAMALIA: Tales from the Crips, will showcase the actors’ musical and comedic ability and will include musical parodies “Pity Me” and “Don’t Cry for Me, Jerry Lewis” with original lyrics by Regan Linton; adapted from two famous Andrew Lloyd Weber/Tim Rice songs; and a new twist on a game show favorite, “PHAMALY Jeopardy.”

We Are PHAMALy provides an introduction to both organizations’ regular audiences. PHAMALY patrons may not be familiar with Stories On Stage’s “adult story time” concept where actors read short works of literature, drawing listeners into the story with their voices rather than with elaborate sets and costumes. Similarly, this may be the first exposure some Stories On Stage subscribers have to PHAMALY’s unique performances, though long-time attendees will recognize one of the program’s stories.

“We performed ‘Eternal Love’ about five years ago,” Moore says. “We always include a talk-back session at the end of each program, and we received some very thought-provoking feedback about that particular show. Some audience members questioned the interpretation provided by the non-disabled actor who read the story. I’m excited to see how this performance differs in delivery, and I’m looking forward to hearing audience feedback.”

We Are PHAMALy is the final Stories On Stage program for the ’08-’09 season. BKD LLP and the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) sponsorships made this collaboration possible.

Now celebrating its 20th season, PHAMALY is a nationally recognized, award winning Colorado Theatre Company comprised entirely of performers with a wide variety of physical challenges. PHAMALY’s core mission is to enable persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities through live performance and to make the performing arts more accessible to everyone.

PHAMALY presents “Man of La Mancha” July 25 – August 16 in the Space Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. More information at www.phamaly.org or 303-575-0005.

EVITA Ticket Demand High - Show Extends

ARVADA, CO - Due to unprecedented advance ticket sales, the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is extending the run of EVITA through May 24, 2009. Tickets for the extension go on sale Friday, April 24, 2009.

To date, ticket sales for EVITA have topped the $465,596 mark, setting a new record on total revenue for a show in this time-slot of the season. EVITA marks the second show this theater season to extend--"Les Misérables" was extended last fall. "Mame" was the only other show in the history of the Arvada Center to extend, back in December, 1995.

"With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, many are simply preparing to stay near home and planning local adventures with friends and family. Why not escape to Argentina for a few hours, without leaving Arvada?" states Gene Sobczak, Executive Director of the Arvada Center.

Ticket prices will not be increased for the extension and the extension week schedule will remain the same as the previous weeks--Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. and Wednesday matinees at 1:00 p.m.

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is one of the nation's largest cultural attractions, devoted to all aspects of the arts and generously supported by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). For more information, call the Arvada Center box office at (720)898-7200 or visit arvadacenter.org.

Paragon Announces Summer Youth Program

An intensive five-week professional ensemble theatre prep program that will be held each summer, PYE is designed to empower a select group of teenagers, ages 14 to 18, to mount a full-length play on their own while working in a collaborative, ensemble-based environment. Students will leave PYE with a full understanding of the many facets of theatre production, both on-stage and off, and how theatre must be approached as a collaborative art form to succeed. PYE will excite, challenge and encourage students with a passion for theatre to work together to create a production they can call their own.

Students will work directly with Paragon's co-founder and award-winning artistic director, Warren Sherrill, while also learning from select professionals working in various capacities within the performing arts. By the end of the five-week intensive, students will have conceptualized, designed, built and rehearsed a full- length production and give two public performances at The Crossroads Theatre in Denver.

When & Where
PYE students will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from June 8 through July 11, 2009 at The Crossroads Theatre, located at 27th and Welton. Performances will be held on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. at The Crossroads Theatre.
Tuition is $300 and includes a PYE T-shirt, a photo CD of the performance and two complimentary tickets to the final performance.
Class-Size is Limited! Apply for Enrollment Now!
The application deadline is May 22, 2009. . For more details about the program and to request an application form, please email Warren Sherrill at wsherrill@paragontheatre.org or call him at 303.300.2210.

Paragon Theatre Ensemble
Through the preservation of the classics and the development of new works, Paragon Theatre's dedicated ensemble of artists seeks to illuminate the human experience with unflinching courage and truth. Paragon Theatre exists to serve the story and the greater Denver community, tackling every project with passion, humility and diverse insight--an approach that results in a rare collaborative experience. Please visit our website for more information.

Nonesuch Theatre Tackles Shakespeare-- Abridged

The Nonesuch Theater, located in the heart of Fort Collin's historic Old Town, is pleased to announce the first show of our 5th Season, London's longest running comedy, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield playing now through June 13, 2009.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a whirlwind roller coaster tribute to the immortal bard. Three actors take on the daunting task of performing 37 plays and 154 sonnets in under two hours, illuminating the world of Shakespeare through the use of football, swordplay and hip-hop music. Irreverent and hilarious, this comedy sensation delights audiences and critics alike with a refreshing blend of madcap humor that includes everything from puns and pratfalls to elaborate sight gags.

Directed by Nick Turner, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) features three of Nonesuch's favorite actors: Jay Benedict Brown (Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings), Mark Johnson (Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings), Scott Shaffer (Urinetown, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Greater Tuna, Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings).

All sixteen comedies are condensed into one story containing a shipwreck, an influential duke, and his three sets of identical twins. The tragedies become the Shakespeare Football League, subtitled "Who's Got the Crown?" For Othello, they turn to rap; Titus Andronicus is reduced to a cooking show; and Hamlet, despite protestations by the cast that there are "too many words," is done not only forwards, but backwards as well!

Written in 1987 by the original founders of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield and Adam Long, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) underwent many years of metamorphosis before its formal publishing in the United State in 1996. A smash hit Off-Broadway as well as the longest running comedy in London, Shakespeare (Abridged) is "Very funny! Impossible to resist!" - New York Times.

World Premier For Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company

Rebecca Remaly directs the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company’s world premier of local playwright’s Morisot Reclining.

Edouard Manet captured the faces of many women on canvass. One of them captured his soul. In BETC's first World Premiere, award-winning local playwright William C. Kovacsik brings us the story of renowned Impressionist painters Berthe Morisot and Edouard Manet. Featuring many of the most beautiful images of the Impressionist movement, Morisot Reclining traces their personal and professional relationship, bringing one of the greatest love stories ever put on canvass to vibrant life on stage. Narrated by fellow Impressionists Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, Morisot Reclining presents a rare glimpse into the art and hearts of four famed painters.

See Calendar for dates and times

Denver Center Theatre Company Concludes Season With Quilters

DENVER – The Denver Center Theatre Company concludes the season by opening a new production of the inspiring pioneer musical Quilters by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek, music and lyrics by Barbara Damashek – one of the most honored and best loved world premieres in the company’s 30 season history.

After the Denver Premiere, Quilters toured and became a record-setting regional theater success before opening on Broadway with six 1984 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score.

Quilters was inspired by the real life diaries and letters of pioneer women in the American West, written as they braved the dangers and hardships of life on the frontier – a loving patchwork stitched together with music, moments of vibrant and passionate drama, joy, laughter and tears. Newsweek called Quilters “…a tender and moving theatre work, a human patchwork rippling in the breeze of memory.”

Directing this new production is Penny Metropulos (The Trip to Bountiful, You Can’t Take it With You). The Musical Director is Sterling Tinsley (Denver Center debut) and the Associate Music Director and Conductor is Deborah Schmidt-Lobis (White Christmas, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum). Inspired by early photographs of the stark Western prairie and wide, empty horizon, the design team includes Scenic Designer William Bloodgood (A Prayer for Owen Meany, Dusty and the Big Bad World, You Can’t Take It With You), Costume Designer Constanza Romero (Denver Center debut), Lighting Designer Don Darnutzer (Richard III, The Trip to Bountiful, Plainsong) and Sound Designer Craig Breitenbach (A Prayer for Owen Meany, A Christmas Carol, Noises Off). Dramaturgy for Quilters is by Douglas Langworthy (Sunsets and Margaritas, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Inana).

Leading the cast is original Quilters touring company member, Kathleen M. Brady (A Prayer for Owen Meany, Richard III, The Trip to Bountiful) as Sarah. The acting ensemble includes company member Christine Rowan (White Christmas, You Can’t Take It With You, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum) and, appearing on Denver Center stages for the first time, Victoria Adams-Zischke (Rabbit Hole at Repertory Theatre of St Louis), Susannah Flood (The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter at New York Theater Workshop), Kara Lindsay (Little House on the Prairie at The Guthrie Theater and the upcoming national tour), Linda Mugleston (Young Frankenstein on Broadway, the Summit reading of The Unsinkable Molly Brown) and Jeff Skowron (Broadway’s The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast)

.Special Lobby Event “Community of Quilts”
In celebration of the Quilters homecoming, a special exhibit of quilts will be on display in the main lobby of the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex. The exhibit, collected through a nationwide search for “quilts with a story” by The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, will include the original quilt from the world premiere production of Quilters and more than 30 others.

Among the quilts on display will be panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt – the largest ongoing community arts project in the world – commemorating the lives of more than 40,000 individuals.

Brenda Ohlschwager, Executive Director of the museum said, "It is an honor to celebrate the legacy of quilters and to be a part of the Quilters homecoming."

Hours of the exhibit are 5pm to 8pm Monday – Saturday (May 22 – June 20) and Tuesday – Sunday (June 23 – July 12).

For Performance details, see Calendar

Town Hall Arts Center announces Destination Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Day

The interactive science fiction fantasy Destination Dinosaurs is the star attraction of Dinosaur Day on Saturday, May 2nd at Town Hall Children's Theatre, 2450 West Main Street in Littleton. Shows are at 10:00 am and Noon. The festivities will be rounded out with dino face painting, Diney Dinosaur and her dinosaur balloon animals, dino coloring sheets, and hands on dinosaur exhibit donated by The Museum of Science and Nature. Tickets are $6.50 for children and $7.50 for adults.

World-renowned paleontologist, Professor Henrietta Higglemeyer, has got to prove that her theory that dinosaurs were warm blooded is true or she will lose her job at the University. Luckily she and her crazy sidekick, Igor, have invented a time machine, which will take them, and all of their audience assistants, back in time in the quest of bringing back a dinosaur egg for their important research.

Winner of the Marlowe award and nominated for a 2006 Ovation award for "Best Children's Production", Destination Dinosaurs mesmerizes as well as educates. Audience members of all ages will be enthralled as everyone boards our futuristic time machine to learn about science and history, with a fun filled hour of dinosaurs, excitement and laughter.

For reservations and more information, please call Town Hall Arts Center box office at 303-794-2787 ext. 5 or order tickets on line at www.townhallartscenter.com.

Central City Opera and Denver Film Society Partner For Screening of Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night

Denver, Colo. — On May 7, Central City Opera and the Denver Film Society will present a screening of Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 classic comedy, Smiles of a Summer Night, followed by a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception and a preview with live musical selections from Central City Opera’s upcoming Festival production of A Little Night Music. The evening will offer audiences the opportunity to gain new perspective about an important theatrical work through the dynamic medium of film. Howie Movshovitz, Colorado Public Radio film critic, and Deborah Morrow, Central City Opera’s education and community programs director, will offer insights and entertain questions and discussion about the film and musical.

The Bergman film gained renewed attention in the 1970’s by inspiring Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award® winning musical, A Little Night Music. This collaboration between the two companies also celebrates the launch of the Denver Film Society’s Opera in Cinema Series, starting in May. “This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to explore the relationship of great film to great theatre,” commented Central City Opera’s Marketing Director Deb Hruby. “We look forward to the Denver Film Society’s Opera in Cinema Series as an exciting vehicle to share the art form with our Colorado community.”

After almost a decade of directing films to mostly local and regional acclaim, Smiles of a Summer Night launched Ingmar Bergman’s international career in 1956 when it was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or Award. Set at a midsummer country house party in Sweden in the early 20th century, this witty and ironic romantic comedy follows a group of mismatched lovers as they attempt to win the game of love, exposing their pretensions and insecurities along the way. The film inspired the 1973 Broadway hit, A Little Night Music, by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. Sondheim’s brilliant lyrics and music are a late 20th century homage to turn-of-the-century operetta style, and the perfect compliment to Bergman’s richly realized characters and relationships.

The Denver Film Society and Emerging Pictures will be launching its Opera in Cinema Series in the month of May. As the exclusive presenter for the City of Denver, the Series will feature high-definition digital screenings of some of the most eye-catching and stunning operas recorded live at La Scala and other renowned European opera houses and festival venues. The first two feature presentations in this series will be Verdi’s tale of the cursed Rigoletto on May 13 and 17 and Berlioz’s rarely performed tale of the Florentine sculptor Benvenuto Cellini on May 27 and May 31. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.denverfilm.org or call 303-595-3456, ext. 250.

The Denver Film Society is a membership-based nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to cultivating community and transforming lives through film. Founded in 1978, the Denver Film Society produces film events throughout the year, including the award winning Starz Denver Film Festival. The Denver Film Society's home theatre and cinematic education center, the Starz FilmCenter, presents film programs daily and is Denver's first and only year-round cinematheque, operated in partnership with the University of Colorado at Denver's College of Arts & Media, and with support from Starz Entertainment and the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Denver Film Society members support one-of-a-kind programs reaching more that 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training each year.

For the 2009 Summer Festival June 27 to August 2, Central City Opera will feature three new productions. The Festival includes Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, the popular Italian bel canto style opera about feuding families in Scotland and young Lucia’s forbidden love; Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, the Tony Award® winning musical that portrays the romantic lives of couples in Swedish society; George Frideric Handel’s Italian opera Rinaldo, a heroic story of battle and love set in the time of the First Crusade. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700.

73rd Avenue Playhouse Presents Ibsen’s A Doll’s House

The 73rd. Ave. Theatre Company presents Heinrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” May 8 to June 14. In A Doll’s House Nora Helmer and her banker husband Torvald adore each other and anticipate a beautiful future together. Nora once secretly borrowed a large sum of money, by forging her father’s name, so that her husband could recuperate from a serious illness. When Torvald is appointed bank director, his first act is to fire a man who was once disgraced for having forged his signature on a document. This man, Nils Krogstad, is the person from whom Nora has borrowed her money. He threatens to reveal Nora's crime, disgracing her and her husband, unless Nora can convince her husband not to fire him. In the space of a few short days, Nora's eyes are opened to a side of her husband and her marriage that horrifies her. As she begins to suffocate inside the constrictions of her role as "doll wife," a new spirit begins to call out within her.

The cast, under the direction of Phil Luna, features Magally Rizo Antuna, Jose Aguila, Mari Casas, Nelson Goforth, Kiso Kyle, Craig Osterberg and Hope Weiss.

For performance details, see Calendar.

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Announces 2009-2010 Season

The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Northern Colorado's largest professional dinner theater, is pleased to announce our second season of great musicals.

THE WIZARD OF OZ June 5, 2009 through August 23, 2009
There truly is no place like home as Dorothy, Toto and friends travel down the Yellow Brick Road and Over The Rainbow in one of the greatest family musicals of all time.

PHANTOM August 28 through November 8, 2009
The Tony Award-winning authors of Broadway's Titanic and Grand Hotel have transformed Gaston Leroux's story into a melodic and thrilling international musical sensation.

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT November 13 through January 3, 2010
The Christmas spirit burns brightly this season at the Candlelight with this delightful original production filled with holiday songs and Christmas cheer, warm wishes and even a few surprises!

CLUE! THE MUSICAL January 8 through March 7, 2010
Based on the popular board game, this rousing fun-filled musical brings the world's best-known mystery suspects to life on stage, and invites the audience to play along!

MY FAIR LADY March 12 through May 20, 2010
This show is the standard by which all others are measured. With unforgettable songs this delightful American classic has captivated audiences for more than 50 years.

Ticket Information
Individual ticket prices for dinner and show range from $36 to $59 based on day of week and seating preference. Show only tickets are just $25 (some seat restrictions apply).
Dinner and Show Season Ticket packages start at just $35 per show and are available in a 3, 4 or 5 show flex pass. Our new Show Only Season Ticket package is just $25 per show.
All shows and season ticket packages are now on sale through the box office at 970-744-3747 or online anytime at www.ColoradoCandlelight.com.

Theater Information
The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is a 6 million dollar facility located just south of Johnson's Corner on I-25, within comfortable driving distance of Denver, Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, Cheyenne and their surrounding communities.
The 380-seat Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is in the vibrant and growing Northern Colorado Corridor situated only minutes away from upscale shopping, hotels and the gateway to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Special amenities include an elegant lobby book cased by two large fireplaces and a 50-seat private balcony, which includes VIP rooms; separate dining areas and mezzanine theater seating.

Naropa University Appoints Stuart C. Lord Fifth President

BOULDER, Colo. (April 9, 2009)—Naropa University announced the appointment of Stuart C. Lord as the 5th president of Naropa University starting in July 2009.

The search process began after Naropa’s current President Thomas B. Coburn announced that he would step down at the end of his six-year term. The university created a presidential search committee, comprised of trustee, faculty, student and staff representatives that worked closely with the search consultancy Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates to guide the search process.

In December 2008, the search committee interviewed select applicants and in mid-January 2009, the top two candidates were invited to campus to make formal presentations and engage with Naropa’s faculty, staff, students and the Boulder community. Following these sessions and after a review of the input received, the search committee recommended the appointment of Dr. Lord as Naropa’s next leader to the board of trustees on March 1, 2009. The board then confirmed the search committee’s recommendation.

Board of Trustees Chair Martin Janowitz announced the appointment to Naropa students, staff, faculty, and alumni on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. “Naropa University is delighted to have selected a new president who is superbly matched and equipped to serve both the university's current and future needs,” says Janowitz. “The enthusiasm expressed from all quarters at today’s event indicates the positive spirit across our university community about the appointment of Dr. Stuart C. Lord.”

An experienced educational leader, Dr. Lord brings to Naropa a commitment to multicultural diversity, civic responsibility and ethical leadership. Dr. Lord is an active member at the Karme Choling Shambhala Meditation Center in Barnet, Vermont. Dr. Lord was raised in New Rochelle, New York. After graduating from Texas Christian University in 1982, Dr. Lord attended Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned the degrees of Master of Divinity (1986) and Master of Theology (1987). In 1993, Dr. Lord received the Doctor of Ministry degree with a specialization in multicultural education from Union Theological Seminary. In 2002, Dr. Lord was the recipient of the Texas Christian University Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Lord, 49, has helped foster the growth and advancement of many communities as both educator and humanitarian. He has served as an administrator and managed civic education, community service, and religious and spiritual life programs at both Dartmouth College and DePauw University. In these positions, Dr. Lord has developed programs that aid under-resourced domestic communities, including New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, the Mississippi Delta and the areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. He has also perennially led international service trips to developing nations, including Bangladesh, Nicaragua, the Philippines and Sierra Leone. In addition, Dr. Lord served as executive director of the 1997 President’s Summit for America’s Future, working under General Colin Powell during the Clinton administration.

During his time at Dartmouth College, from July 2000 to present, Dr. Lord has served as associate provost (2000-present), interim vice president for institutional diversity (2006–07), and Virginia Rice Kelsey ‘61S Dean of the Tucker Foundation (2000–08). As associate provost, Dr. Lord has worked on initiatives for institutional planning within the Provost Division to enhance staff development, retention and recruitment in support of diversity. He was named co-chair of the Provost Diversity Council to foster greater collaboration. Dr. Lord has worked to establish stronger links between a number of programs on campus and the surrounding community, and has provided assistance to the provost on various planning projects. Dr. Lord also continues to oversee Project Bangladesh, a student-led initiative with the goal of building an orphanage in Charfassion, Bangladesh, that was established at the Tucker Foundation under his leadership.

As dean of the William Jewett Tucker Foundation, Dr. Lord helped the foundation emerge as one of the nation’s leading on-campus civic service and spiritual life centers with student body participation in the foundation’s programs growing from approximately 45 percent to more than 70 percent during his tenure. To foster and support this growth, Dr. Lord restructured the administrative backbone of the foundation, defined a new strategic direction, increased annual giving by more than 800 percent, and oversaw a near tripling of the endowment. These successes allowed for the expansion of program offerings and have stabilized the long-term outlook of the foundation. As the Dean Dr. Lord increased annual giving by over 800% and oversaw a near tripling of the endowment.

The Tucker Foundation now runs programs that combine resources from Dartmouth’s undergraduate and graduate schools to serve international communities and has significantly expanded the scope of its local and national service programs. Dr. Lord’s co-development of Summer Enrichment at Dartmouth Program (SEAD) with the chair of Dartmouth’s Department of Education has resulted in a program that brings students from under-resourced high schools in California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina to Dartmouth for intensive academics, service learning and college preparation over a period of two to three weeks in each of three consecutive summers. More than 80 percent of SEAD graduates are now attending college. Dr. Lord also initiated the Civic Internship Program, which provides students with a firsthand knowledge of the not-for-profit and philanthropy sectors of higher education.

Appointed as Dartmouth’s vice president for institutional diversity and equity on an interim basis for the 2007–08 academic year, Dr. Lord provided campus leadership on issues of equity, diversity and equality. In conjunction with school deans and department heads, he worked to establish diversity plans for each graduate school and department and for the provost’s division. In this position, Dr. Lord also advised the college’s president and Human Resources on diversity-related campus and personnel issues. In addition, Dr. Lord sponsored campus dialogues on issues of diversity and equity.

At Dr. Lord’s introduction to the Naropa University community he stated, “I am delighted and honored to have been elected by the board of trustees as Naropa's president. I very much appreciate the encouragement and support that I have received from so many members of this community. I take on this responsibility with great seriousness of purpose, with great enthusiasm and with great joy.

I believe in the values of transformation. We, the community of Naropa University, affirm both the idea and ideals of a contemplative education, of its transformative purpose of teaching, learning, discovery and research. The goal of a Naropa education is transformative work in the world&hellip. The value of contemplative education is measured in Naropa students’ ability to put their wisdom and insight into practice through creative, helpful and effective action.

My job as president will be to make sure that Naropa not only transforms students, but also transforms as an institution to be the best contemplative liberal arts university in the world.”

President James Wright, the sixteenth president of Dartmouth College, stated, “I was pleased to learn of Stuart Lord's selection as president of Naropa University. I congratulate him and I congratulate Naropa. He has been a good colleague at Dartmouth and we have been enriched by his leadership and vision. The students, faculty and staff of Naropa will greatly benefit from Stuart's passion for and commitment to learning in and out of the classroom."

search committee chair and member of the board of trustees Lynne S. Katzmann says, “Stuart Lord is an energetic, innovative thinker with leadership skills that will engage Naropa’s community to best meet its fundraising, enrollment and academic program goals.”

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.

Arvada Center Eliminates Ticketing Fees for Next Season

ARVADA, CO – As the Arvada Center closes the 2008/2009 season on a financial high note, and it's anticipating that the upcoming season will be even more impressive. "We recognize there are economic issues out there for our audiences," states Executive Director Gene Sobczak. "This is just another way for us to show our patrons that we appreciate them and want making the choice to come back an easy one." To keep the momentum, the Center is offering a spectacular lineup of quality theater, and giving subscribers a break by eliminating all ticketing fees. In addition, the Center is also implementing a 10-month installment payment plan for subscribers as well as discounted subscription/membership packages. The results—greater entertainment value that's affordable for everyone.

As we look to the next season, our goals are aggressive and our ambitions great. The 2009/2010 theater programming is robust, acknowledging the content and scope patrons want and expect," states Executive Director Gene Sobczak.

Saigon
A Musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics by Alain Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr.
Directed by Rod A. Lansberry
September 15 – October 11, 2009
Main Stage
From the creators of "Les Misérables," Miss Saigon is a Tony Award®-winning Broadway blockbuster and tells a wartime love story of an American G.I. and a Vietnamese bar girl during the fall of Saigon, and their heart-wrenching reunion.

The Second Tosca
Written by Tom Rowan
Directed by Christie Montour-Larson
October 20 – November 22, 2009
Black Box
A smart, sexy comedy following the backstage antics at an opera house, The Second Tosca is a witty story about love, ambition and rivalry. Authored by ex-Denverite Tom Rowan, the story features an aging diva clinging to her last chance for greatness and a rising diva waiting in the wings for her chance in the spotlight.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
A Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Stephen Bourneuf
November 24 – December 27, 2009
Main Stage
Joseph returns to the Arvada Center. This award-winning show is the colorful retelling of the biblical life of Joseph. Filled with high-spirited songs and energetic choreography, this next generation of Joseph is great for all generations, making it a perfect holiday event for the entire family.

A Man for all Seasons
Written by Robert Bolt
Directed by Anthony Powell
February 2 – March 7, 2010
Black Box
A classic Tony Award®-winning play about one man's struggle to stand by his beliefs, remain loyal to his King and the price he pays for his convictions. A Man for all Seasons is an engaging commentary on the treacherous interplay of church and state during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Nine
Book by Arthur Kopit
Music and Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Directed by Rod A. Lansberry
Starring Randal Keith as Guido Contini
April 20 – May 16, 2010
Main Stage
Winner of five Tony Awards® and inspired by the Fellini film 8½,Nine, the musical, serves up the comic plight of Guido Contini, a famous Hollywood film director and aging Casanova. Hilarious and bizarre musical interchanges between his producer, his wife, his mistress and the actress he needs to woo for his next big film, makes Nine a "Ten" for all theater-goers.

"All Shook Up"
Book by Joe Dipietro
July 13 – August 8, 2010
Main Stage
A square little town becomes "all shook up" when a motorcycle-riding roustabout rolls into town with a song in his heart and an eye for the ladies. With over 25 of Elvis Presley's greatest hits, this musical is full of mishap and mischievous madness that is sure to rock the house. Winner of the 2005 Theatre World Award, "All Shook Up" is a great show for all ages.

Arvada Council for the Arts and Humanities Welcomes New Member

ARVADA, CO - The Arvada Council for the Arts and Humanities is pleased to announce Marilyn S. Chappell as the newest council member.

Marilyn Chappell is an attorney with the Denver law firm of Wells, Anderson and Race, LLC, which specializes in complex litigation, including products liability, aviation, insurance fraud, civil rights, employment, construction defect and business litigation. She is a second-generation Denver native and moved to Arvada in 2003. Chappell was appointed by the Colorado State Board of Education to its advisory committee on gifted and talented education issues, and served as Chair from 2005 to 2007. She is a passionate advocate in child development and has been involved with advocacy for the nationally recognized Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets. She believes "we should help kids achieve their potential."

Wicked Returns To Cast Its Spell

DENVER – After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in both 2005 and 2007, the smash-hit musical WICKED will return to Denver’s Buell Theatre October 7 – November 15. Tickets for the return engagement go on sale Sunday, April 19 at 10am.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by 2003 and 2004 Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Assassins, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues, Glengarry Glen Ross) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…).

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

“We are extremely happy to be the first market to host a third engagement of this most remarkable show,” said Denver Center for the Performing Arts President and Chief Operating Officer, Randy Weeks. “Denver has enthusiastically welcomed WICKED in the past and we are eager to bring it back - both for new audiences to discover the magic for the first time, and for fans of the show to relive the experience again.”

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Called “one of the most successful shows in Broadway history” by The New York Times and “a phenomenon that keeps growing” by the Los Angeles Times, WICKED continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently eight productions of WICKED worldwide, including two North American tours, a Broadway production, San Francisco production, London production, a Japanese-language production, a German-language production and Australian production. A Dutch-language production of WICKED will open in 2011.

The Grammy Award-Winning cast recording is available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED log on to www.wickedthemusical.com

See Calendar for specific details.

Playwright wins Suit Against ‘Humbug’ Producer

A Denver magistrate Monday ordered Carol Roper and her production company, Celebrationworks, to pay playwright Kristine McGovern more than $500 for her share of profits from Humbug, a holiday show presented at the Vintage Theatre in December 2008. Two of McGovern’s plays, “The Bipolar Express” and “The Humbug,” were among the six works presented in the show.

The Small Claims Court award includes damages of $533 for McGovern’s 25 percent share of Humbug profits, plus court costs. Magistrate Alan Bucholtz dismissed Roper’s counterclaim, granting her none of the $950 she sought.

In a Feb. 22 press release, “Playwright threatens lawsuit for Producer paying actors too much,” Roper asserted that McGovern planned to sue because Roper had overpaid the Humbug cast and crew. However, McGovern sued because Roper failed to honor her contractual obligations, as the court determined.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival Honored

At a time when newspapers are under major stress, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival wishes to thank our area drama critics for seeing our shows and providing thoughtful reviews. The Festival company and our patrons are grateful for continuing coverage and for diverse opinions on our work. We recognize the time and effort it takes to see and evaluate the expanded repertoire in area theatres, and we are honored to receive these awards from you in 2008:

Denver Post Ovation Awards
Best Year by An Actress: Karen Slack, CSF's "Lady Macbeth"
Best Set Design: Andrea Bechert, CSF's Macbeth
Best Band: Jeff Waxman, CSF's Woody Guthrie's American Song
Special Achievement: Julian Lòpez-Morillas, for completing the Shakespeare Canon with Henry the Eighth
Reader's Choice, Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Role: Mare Trevathan, Henry the Eighth
Honorable Mention: Best Year by a Company
Honorable Mention: Best Musical, Woody Guthrie's American Song
Honorable Mention: Best Actor in a Musical, Sam Misner, Woody Guthrie's American Song

Boulder Camera Eye Awards
Best Production of a Musical: Woody Guthrie's American Song
Best Costume Design: Markas Henry, Love's Labour's Lost
Best Musical Direction: Woody Guthrie's American Song

Boulder County Gold People's Choice Awards
Runner-up: Best Theater Performance

Westword "Best of Denver"
Best Musical: Woody Guthrie's American Song

YellowScene Magazine, "Best of the West"

Boulder County Business Report
> Golden Company, in honor of more than 50 years of service to the City of Boulder

CSF is sponsored by the following generous companies, foundations and organizations:
Blue Mountain Arts
Wright Water Engineers
Faegre & Benson LLP
Millennium Harvest House
Elevations Credit Union
New Wave Enviro
Left Hand Brewing Company
The Millstone Evans Group of Raymond James & Associates
Roche Colorado
Chef Tec
The Academy
Boulder County Arts Alliance
Boulder Arts Commission, an agency of the Boulder City Council

Rent Returns To The Buell In June

DENVER – Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum and Allan S. Gordon have announced that Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, and Gwen Stewart will reprise the roles they originated on Broadway in RENT: The Broadway Tour when it visits Denver’s Buell Theatre June 9-14. Tickets are now on sale.

Joining Pascal and Rapp who reprise their award-winning roles, and Stewart, are Nicolette Hart (Maureen Johnson), Justin Johnston (Angel Schunard), Lexi Lawson (Mimi Marquez), Michael McElroy (Tom Collins), Jacques C. Smith (Benjamin Coffin III), and Haneefah Wood (Joanne Jefferson). The ensemble is rounded out by Karmine Alers, Toby Blackwell, Adam Halpin, Trisha Jeffrey, Joshua Kobak, Telly Leung, Jed Resnick, Andy Señor, Caren Tackett, Yuka Takara and John Watson.

Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp and Gwen Stewart originated the roles of Roger Davis, Mark Cohen and “Seasons of Love” soloist, respectively, at New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway. Justin Johnston (Angel), Michael McElroy (Collins), and Stewart were all members of the final company of RENT, which played its last performance on Broadway Sept. 7, 2008.

RENT: The Broadway Tour is directed by Michael Greif, who received 1996 Tony and Drama Desk nominations as well as the Obie Award for RENT, and choreographed by Marlies Yearby who received a Tony Award nomination for her work on the musical. Tim Weil, the show’s original music supervisor and conductor, serves as music supervisor.

Adam Pascal received Obie and Theatre World awards and Tony and Drama Desk nominations for best actor for RENT. On Broadway he also originated the role of Radames in the hit musical Aida and starred as the Emcee in the long-running revival of Cabaret. His film credits include Rent, School of Rock, SLC Punk!, Temptation, and Goyband.

Gwen Stewart created several roles in RENT, including introducing the solo vocals for the show’s central theme, “Seasons of Love.” Ms. Stewart’s other theatre credits include the recent Tony-nominated revival of Big River, Starmites, Suds, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Wiz, Avenue X and Abyssinia. Her film and television work includes “Notes From the Underbelly,” “Related,” “Law & Order,” “Charmed,” “All My Children,” “Moesha,” “24,” “Strong Medicine,” “The Guardian,” Down To Earth, and Personals.

Nicolette Hart’s Broadway credits include RENT, Legally Blonde, and The Wedding Singer. TV/Film credits include “Law and Order,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “Veronika Decides To Die,” “Love and Other Impossible Pursuits” and “Cherry Crush.”

Justin Johnston played Angel Schunard in the final Broadway company of RENT and can be seen with the closing cast in “Rent Filmed Live on Broadway.”

Michael McElroy played Tom Collins in the final Broadway company of RENT. Broadway credits include Wild Party, Big River (Tony and Drama Desk nominations), The Who’s Tommy, Miss Saigon, Patti LuPone on Broadway and High Rollers. TV credits include “Love Monkey,” “All My Children” and “Spin City.”

Jacques C. Smith made his Broadway debut as Benny in RENT. TV credits include “CSI: Miami,” “ER,” HBO’s “OZ,” PBS’s Emmy-winning “American Masters” series “Ralph Ellison: An American Journey,” “The Division,” and “Law and Order.”

RENT, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre, on April 29, 1996 following a history making, sold out, extended limited engagement at off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama. RENT played its final performance at the Nederlander Theatre on September 7, 2008 after playing 5,124 performances and 16 previews. RENT is the seventh longest running show in Broadway history and grossed over $280 million during its Broadway run.

Tours of RENT have crisscrossed the country almost continuously since late 1996 and the U.S. national tours have grossed over $330 million. The musical has been translated into every major language and been performed on six continents, including in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

See Calendar for details.

New Arts for Colorado Web Site Launched

Announcing the launch of our new Arts for Colorado website! www.artsforcolorado.org

New features include:
• Up-to-date breaking news and arts action alerts
• Interesting arts-related articles from around the globe
• Tips on how to advocate on behalf of the arts
• Safe, secure online membership donation and renewal capability via Paypal

Tell us what you think - we'd love to hear from you! info@artsforcolorado.org

A note about our new system: passwords
If you were previously a supporter or member of Arts for Colorado, your contact information has been manually transferred to our new advocacy system. Because of this, you may be prompted to enter a password the first time you use the system. Use the "forget password?" or "first time logging in?" field to enter your email address and click "send password." A temporary password will be emailed to you--which you can then use to access the system. Be sure to choose a new password that is easy to remember.

Arts For Colorado Needs Legislature Help

The State budget battle is not yet over. Thanks to your voices and the advocacy of Arts for Colorado, the budget bill up for further consideration in the Colorado House protects the funding of the Colorado Council on the Arts. But as you have seen in the news, a large budget gap remains to be closed. The modest but essential investment of the State in arts and culture through funding of the CCA might yet be at risk. The State House takes up the budget again this week.

We have to continue our efforts in support of CCA funding. The CCA is a successful economic stimulus program, and the State's only one in the field of arts and culture.

The time is NOW! Use these links to:
• Contact your Colorado State House Representative

• Contact your Colorado State Senator

Your message will be automatically matched and sent to your senator or representative according to the address you enter for yourself in our online advocacy form. We have created some sample text that will automatically populate in the message box in the form. You may use our message or write your own--or a combination of both. We recommend using the Mozilla Firefox browser or Safari. Contact your legislator on behalf of arts and culture today.

Thank you!

Join Arts for Colorado Now! Help keep the arts thriving in Colorado!

The advocacy work of AFC is done by a statewide, volunteer board of directors, and by one of Colorado's best lobbying firms. Few organizations are able to do so much with so little, but we need your help! This year's extraordinary challenges in the legislature have meant higher lobbying costs, but the need for our lobbyist has never been greater!

Please consider joining Arts for Colorado today. Your $35 membership helps us continue the important work we are doing to keep the arts thriving. Click here to join now!

Working Hard for the Arts in Colorado
Arts for Colorado has been hard at work during the current legislative session. In partnership with Americans for the Arts and with your help, here are some of the issues we've worked on in 2009: 1.) The Colorado Council on the Arts' budget now working its way through the Legislature calls for only a 25% cut in funding (rather than a 50% cut as was originally recommended); 2.) The national economic stimulus package includes $50 million of new money for the NEA, 40% of which will go to state arts councils ($300,000 to the CCA) and the rest will be granted directly to artists and arts organizations; and 3.) We've shown support for the Film Incentive bill, which would entice the film industry to work in Colorado in turn providing more jobs in our state. The bill is now working its way through the House Appropriations Committee.

Opera Colorado Presents Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte

DENVER, CO—The age-old battle of the sexes heats up when two sisters get fooled into falling for each other’s boyfriends in Opera Colorado’s production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, playing for four performances only at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, April 25 through May 3.

Italy in the 1950s sets the scene for this opera, staged by James Robinson and conducted by Carlo Montanaro. Two young naval officers make a bet that their fiancées, two naïve sisters, will remain faithful when tempted. To test their theory, the young men disguise themselves as “Albanians” and attempt to seduce each other’s girlfriends. One of the three great operas Mozart composed with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte (the other two being Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro), Così includes some of Mozart’s most beautiful and popular melodies. Così fan tutte stars some of America’s finest young singers creating Mozart’s vivid characters. Four of the artists will be making their Opera Colorado debuts with this production. Sets for the production are designed by Allen Moyer. Costumes are by David C. Woolard.

Music In The Mountains Festival Captures Passion

Durango, Colorado - March 26, 2009 - If audiences were enthusiastic about what they heard last summer, when Music in the turned over its artistic leadership to Gregory Hustis and Guillermo Figueroa, they can expect to be ecstatic about the eclectic mix of programs planned for the Festival's 23rd season.

"There's no question we've developed an approach that satisfies a multitude of musical tastes," says Festival Artistic Director Gregory Hustis. "Our concertgoers have told us they enjoy a blend of traditional works along with newer pieces they may not have heard before."

Consequently, several Festival Orchestra concerts will pair classical giants-Tchaikovsky, Haydn and Liszt-with such 20th-Century Spanish composers as Turina, Rodrigo and Falla, whose works add a distinctive Latin flair to the program. A Chamber Orchestra concert will feature Handel's Water Music along with a less familiar work, A Fugal Concerto, by English composer Gustav Holst. And the final Festival Orchestra concert will be a potpourri of works by Russian, Spanish, French, Hungarian and Mexican composers.

"It's all about passion this season," says Hustis, who believes many composers are driven by their intense emotions to create enduring classics just as musicians are energized through their performances. The Pasión! theme was selected for the season to convey the intense emotional excitement expected to be generated throughout the three-week Festival program.

For Festival Music Director and Conductor Guillermo Figueroa, whose intense, passionate musicianship and elegant technique have earned him international recognition, the upcoming season offers yet another opportunity to pass along his family's four generations of musical devotion. Also a renowned violinist, he will perform with his sister-pianist Ivonne Figueroa-in two Chamber Music concerts. He also will conduct two Festival Orchestra concerts in which she is the featured soloist. As students of their father and uncle, they are members of Puerto Rico's most distinguished musical family.

Young artists and faculty with Conservatory Music in the Mountains are equally engaged in the intensity of the season. For the first time in its history, the Conservatory will present a Young Artists Concerto Competition for its string students. The grand prize winner will perform his or her winning concerto with the Festival Orchestra in its final concert.

Just as diverse as the programming and repertoire is the lineup of distinguished guest artists for the upcoming season. In addition to returning favorites-violinists Vadim Gluzman and Philippe Quint and pianist David Korevaar-the Festival will bring back Celtic fiddle legend Eileen Ivers, Cleveland Pops Conductor Carl Topilow and Spanish classical guitarist Sir Angel Romero. New to the lineup this season will be the American Brass Quintet, whose 50-year history has earned them international recognition as one of the premier chamber music ensembles of our time. The Festival also will make its first foray into alternative country music with performances by Texas singer-songwriters Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison.

In moves that can only be motivated by their passion for the spectacular scenery of southwest Colorado and their sheer enjoyment in performing together, more than 100 Festival musicians will gather from around the world to traverse southwest Colorado for performances in 10 venues, including the Festival Tent at Durango Mountain Resort and BootJack Ranch in Pagosa Springs. Even the 150 Conservatory students and faculty will be drawn from around the world.

The three-week Festival runs from July 10 through August 2, 2009. Tickets go on sale Monday, April 6 and may be purchased online at www.musicinthemountains.com or in person at the Festival Office, 1063 Main Avenue and the Community Concert Hall Ticket Office, 707 ∏ Main Avenue in Durango or by calling (970) 385-6820. Group and Series ticket discounts are available. Pagosa Springs concert tickets may also be purchased at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, 402 San Juan in Pagosa Springs.

Spamalot Returns To Taunt Denver

DENVER – The Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2005, Monty Python's SPAMALOT, returns to Denver’s Buell Theater for a limited one-week engagement May 13-17 starring John O’Hurley as King Arthur. One of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive,” John O'Hurley has catapulted into television’s busiest and most versatile actor, show host, advertising hero and feature film star. The award-winning actor is best known as "J. Peterman" on "Seinfeld," which is now the #1 syndicated series in the world in 85 countries. He danced his way into the hearts of America as the ultimate champion of the highly rated ABC show “Dancing with the Stars,” and then starred on Broadway in Chicago, as “Billy Flynn.”

John’s television career initially began as a twelve-year veteran of daytime television. His daytime shows include "The Young and The Restless," "All My Children," "Loving," "Santa Barbara" and "The Edge of Night," and more than 50 guests starring roles include appearances on "Murder She Wrote," "Frasier," "The X Files" and "Melrose Place." O'Hurley has appeared in several television movies including "Life of the Party" opposite Ann-Margret, "Inner Sanctum" opposite Victoria Principal, "Murder of Thelma Todd" with Loni Anderson and "Blood on Her Hands" with Susan Lucci.

In film, O'Hurley starred in Race to Space opposite James Woods and Billy the Kid with Val Kilmer. Currently, he is producing The Richard Petty Story, along with Dan Halsted (Any Given Sunday), about the legendary racecar driver. Dennis Quaid is also attached to the project. In production development, John is also working on the film version of the New York Times' bestseller Ahab's Wife.

John lends his voice to several of America's most popular cartoons. He is currently playing "King Neptune" in "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Captain Star Johnson" in "Duck Dodgers," "King Wallace II" in "Kim Possible" and will soon begin work as the narrator on Nickelodeon's new cartoon "Captain Itch." Previously John has worked on "What's New, Scooby Doo?", "Lloyd in Space" and "Family Guy."

Outside of television and feature films, O'Hurley is also an accomplished stage actor. His love of the theater has led him in starring roles on the national tours of Pirates of Penzance, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Brigadoon. Most recently, John starred with Loretta Swit in the comedy Same Time Next Year, where his performance received rave reviews. O'Hurley has also shown his musical talent on stage in several performances of Broadway songs accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra.

Lovingly "ripped-off" from the internationally famous comedy team's most popular motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python's SPAMALOT is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols), as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical.

The original cast recording of Monty Python's SPAMALOT recently won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Directed by Mike Nichols, Monty Python's SPAMALOT features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez. Casey Nicholaw is the choreographer.

Monty Python's SPAMALOT is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Monty Python's SPAMALOT features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

Set and costume design for Monty Python's SPAMALOT is by Tony Award-winner Tim Hatley, lighting design is by Hugh Vanstone and sound design is by ACME Sound Partners. Others on the creative and production teams include David Brian Brown (Hair & Wig Design), Gregory Meeh (Special Effects Design), Elaine McCarthy (Projection Design), Joseph A. Campayno (Make-Up Design), Larry Hochman (Orchestrations), Glen Kelly (Music Arrangements), Todd Ellison (Musical Supervision and Vocal Arrangements), Michael Keller (Musical Coordinator), Peter Lawrence (Associate Director), Tara Rubin (Casting), and Gene O'Donovan (Production Manager).

Mike Nichols has been acclaimed as one of the great American directors in film, theater and television. He has won the Academy Award and eight Tony Awards. He recently received the Directors' Guild of America Award for Lifetime Achievement as well as a DGA Award for the direction of the HBO adaptation of Angels in America.

Aside from his work with Monty Python in films and on TV, Eric Idle has written a West End play, Pass the Butler; three novels, including The Road to Mars, The Rutles - A Mockumentary; and many songs too rude to mention. He has sung opera, acted in movies, appeared on television and crossed America performing comedy on The Greedy Bastard Tour. His diary of his 15,000 mile journey by bus was recently published by Harper Collins, and his long awaited sequel The Rutles2: Can't Buy Me Lunch was released by Warner Video in March. There's no saying what he might do next...

John Du Prez has composed over 20 feature film scores including A Fish Called Wanda, A Private Function, The Meaning of Life, Personal Services, UHF, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I, II & III. He has worked with Eric Idle since 1978.

Monty Python isn't a person, but a group of British actors and writers (and one American) that performed their famous comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, with subsequent international fame and success.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts' 2009 VIP Series sponsored by Fidelity Investments will host a SPAMALOT VIP Evening on Friday, May 15 at 6pm. The SPAMALOT VIP Evening is sponsored by Dex and includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner in the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom and excellent orchestra seats. Tickets are all inclusive and cost $225-$275, with $80 tax deductible; proceeds benefit The Denver Center’s Arts in Education programs.

See Calendar for details.

Ten Buddhist Tales Unfolds Plot At The Bug

DENVER, COLORADO —A thrill-seeking Guru enlists the help of the Bearded Lady and her deranged theatre troupe to expand Buddhism for a western audience in the Department of Redundancy Department's (DRD) 'Ten Buddhist Tales'. As the Guru wallows deliciously deeper into their psychoses, the theatre freaks attain their own epiphanies, and find their ducks.

"We think that's the plot of the play," says director of directing Antoine Valot, "and that's a little distressing because the script we wrote wasn't supposed to have a plot."

This avant-garde, ecstatic, freakish play is the first major production by a group born of the Bug Theatre's long-running, genre-defying Freak Train program, where randomness blossoms. The DRD honors its freakish roots in a show that's wild, raunchy, bloody, and above all wild, raunchy, and bloody. "This play is to the Magna Carta what a carwash is to a banana peel, " says Kenn Penn, the DRD's resident-artist-in-residence, "It is not recommended for children."For more redundancy, and for videos of past DRD performances, visit http://reredundancy.com

See Calendar for Details.

Seven National Theatre Conservatory Students Take Center Stage

Seven MFA-degree candidates of the Denver-based National Theatre Conservatory (NTC) will present Macbeth and Cloud 9 — two diametrically different plays — in the annual NTC Rep, which runs April 8-25 in The Conservatory Theatre at 1101 13th Street., Denver, CO. Familiar to local audiences from their work with alongside the veteran members of the Denver Center Theatre Company, these students are completing this three-year Master of Fine Arts degree program with two fully-produced plays.

Christian Haines, Rob Hille, Mat Hostetler, Kate Hurster, Leigh Miller, Melissa Ortiz and Kathleen Wallace have been seen this season in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s productions of The Miracle Worker, The Trip to Bountiful, Noises Off, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Christmas Carol, Dusty and the Big Bad World and Richard III. Additionally, several of these students have worked at area theatre companies including Curious Theatre Company and Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Joining the students will be local favorite Geoffrey Kent, actor and fight director with many leading companies throughout the area.

NTC Chair of Acting Larry Hecht — known to audiences for his roles in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s productions of Glengarry Glen Ross, The Pillowman and A Skull in Connemara — will direct Cloud 9, a wickedly funny, take-no-prisoners, romp that challenges standard notions of gender. It is a whirlwind tour from 1880s Africa to 1979 London that lampoons colonial and sexual repression with a gender-bent cast of characters who traverse 100 years while aging only 25 years. Part farce, part musical, all comedy, this groundbreaking play jumps time, space and conventions.

Rick Barbour, new to the National Theatre Conservatory but a faculty member at University of Denver’s Department of Theatre, will direct Macbeth, Shakespeare’s dark, supernatural tale of ambition, murder, guilt and revenge. Three mysterious witches fan the flames of Macbeth and his wife’s ambition with promises of power. They kill the King of Scotland and win the throne only to find themselves falling deeper into a web of treachery and deceit that ultimately spells their doom. See Calendar for details.

Backstage Theatre Hiring Costume & Set Designers

The award-winning Backstage Theatre in Breckenridge is currently hiring designers for its summer Fantasticks requires a simple, yet fanciful design. The Drunkard and Little Me are period shows, the latter a larger-cast production with doubling. Babe the Sheep Pig takes place in England and requires animal costumes and a flexible design to provide for actors playing multiple characters. Set designers are needed for The Drunkard and Little Me. The Drunkard reps with Babe the Sheep Pig and could be a two-dimensional, painted set evocative of melodrama scenery. This set would occupy the Breckenridge Theatre, a 100-seat venue with a 20 ft x 18 ft stage. Little Me is a more extravagant, revolving set (possibly using projections) created for an offsite, 700-seat venue (The Riverwalk Amphitheater) with a 40 ft x 20 ft stage. All design positions have separate material build and design budgets. Designers would be expected to assist and supervise builds with a volunteer staff. Housing is available for designers working from out-of-town. Please send resume and letter of interest to Backstage Theatre artistic director Christopher Willard at artistic_director@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 297, Breckenridge, CO 80424 or contact him at 970-453-0199.

New Shows Open for Denver Center Theatre Company

DENVER – This spring, the Denver Center Theatre Company will complete an extraordinary journey through the decades of the Twentieth Century with director Israel Hicks and August Wilson’s Radio Golf, remember the story of faith in a stage adaptation of John Irving’s sweeping novel in A Prayer for Owen Meany, and laugh with the Serrano family in the world premiere of Sunsets and Margaritas.

Radio Golf
An unprecedented theatrical event – one director, one Theatre Company and all ten plays. With this production of Radio Golf director Israel Hicks will complete his singular vision of the cycle of August Wilson’s ten-play chronicle of the 20th Century African-American experience.
Again the setting is the Hill District of Pittsburgh and Radio Golf begins as redevelopment threatens the preservation of a landmark house with important spiritual meaning to the neighborhood. With the history of a people at stake, an entrepreneur, who hopes to become the city’s first Black mayor, is trailed by his past and secrets that could become his undoing.
Many in Hicks’ design team and cast have accompanied him through his DCTC journey. Designing the set is Michael Ganio, set designer for the previous productions of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Seven Guitars and Two Trains Running. Costume designer David Kay Mickelsen has designed DCTC productions of Gem of the Ocean, King Hedley II, Jitney, Two Trains Running and Seven Guitars. Charles R. MacLeod has been Hicks’ lighting designer on Gem of the Ocean, King Hedley II, Jitney, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and The Piano Lesson. Sound Designer Jason Ducat (Dusty and the Big Bad World, Glengarry Glen Ross) joins the team for Radio Golf.
The cast includes Harvy Blanks (Gem of the Ocean, King Hedley II, Jitney, Seven Guitars, The Piano Lesson, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Fences) as Sterling Johnson, Terrence Riggins (Gem of the Ocean, King Hedley II) as Harmond Wilks, Kim Staunton (Gem of the Ocean, King Hedley II) as Mame Wilks, Charles Weldon (Gem of the Ocean, King Hedley II, Jitney, Two Trains Running, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) as Elder Joseph Barlow, and making his Denver Center debut is Darryl Alan Reed (St. Louis Black Repertory, Pasadena Playhouse) as Roosevelt Hicks.

A Prayer for Owen Meany
Simon Bent adapted John Irving’s sweeping novel A Prayer for Owen Meany for London’s National Theatre. Artistic Director Kent Thompson was drawn to the play for Denver audiences because it is so extraordinary to find a contemporary play about religious faith. Director Bruce Sevy “cherished the ‘ride’ of reading the play” and found surprise and mystery in this adaptation.
Narrated by John Wheelwright recounting his childhood memories, the play selects specific memorable images and characters from the epic novel. Owen Meany, a curiously small child with a high-pitched voice, was John’s best friend. When Owen accidentally kills John’s mother in 1950s New Hampshire, the two boys are forever linked as they search for truth in this provocative dark comedy of friendship, faith and destiny.
Scenic Designer William Bloodgood (Dusty and the Big Bad World, You Can’t Take It With You) has set the play in a neutral space with the stepped walls of a granite quarry in the colors of a perfectly remembered New England autumn. The costume designer is Bill Black (Dusty and the Big Bad World, Doubt, Mrs. Warren’s Profession), lighting design is by Tony-nominated Ann G. Wrightson (Inana), and the sound designer is Craig Breitenbach (Richard III, Noises Off, The Merry Wives of Windsor). Music was composed or arranged by Gregg Coffin (A Christmas Carol, The Merry Wives of Windsor), fight direction is by Geoffrey Kent (The Miracle Worker, Noises Off) and the vocal coach is Hilary Blair.
The large cast of A Prayer for Owen Meany is led by Denver Center newcomer Michael Wartella (Off-Broadway’s Seusical, Oliver Twist) as Owen and company member David Ivers (Noises Off, Pride and Prejudice) as John Wheelwright. They are joined by Jeanne Paulsen (Richard III, Doubt) as Harriet Wheelwright, Kathleen McCall (Richard III, Plainsong) as Tabitha Wheelwright, Kathleen M. Brady (Richard III, The Trip to Bountiful) as Lydia, James Michael Reilly (Glengarry Glen Ross, You Can’t Take It With You) as Dan Needham, John Hutton (The Miracle Worker, Plainsong) as Reverend Merrill, Mike Hartman (Glengarry Glen Ross, Plainsong) as Mr. Meany, Gordana Rashovich (Master Class, Cripple of Inishmaan) as Mrs. Meany/Mrs. Lish, newcomer Cheryl Lynn Bowers (Off-Broadway’s Essential Self-Defense, The Underpants) as Barb Wiggins, Sam Gregory (Noises Off, Doubt) as Rector Wiggins/Jarvit Dad, Philip Pleasants (Noises Off, Plainsong) as Mr. Fish and Dr. Dolder, Randy Moore (The Merry Wives of Windsor, You Can’t Take It With You) as Randy White, and Douglas Bynum, Megan Byrne, Kelli Crump, Sean Lyons, Rebeca Martin, Chris Mazza, M. Scott McLean, Shauna Miles, Larry Paulsen, Jenna Panther, Dawn Scott and Joseph Yeargain.

Sunsets and Margaritas
Denver Center commissioned playwright José Cruz González traveled to Denver and Pueblo in September 2006 to talk with Colorado Latino groups. He found four topics that came up repeatedly in his conversations – family, food, music and ritual – along with the themes of middle age crisis and aging parents. The result is his funny and touching world premiere Sunsets and Margaritas.
Three generations of a Mexican-American family are plunged into one hilarious crisis after another when patriarch Candelario Serrano begins to lose control of his restaurant and his family. Candelario’s traditional conservative values have been abandoned by the family’s younger generation and the appearance of a mysterious vision sends everyone spinning comically out of control. At the heart of Sunsets and Margaritas is “family” – the Serrano family’s reexamining of their beliefs while emerging stronger.
Director Nicholas C. Avila has put together a team to design the interior of Serenata Colorado Restaurant and Cantina. They include Scenic and Costume Designer Sara Ryung Clement (making her Denver Center debut), Lighting Designer Jane Spencer (Doubt, The Pillowman, Jesus Hates Me) and Sound Designer Morgan A. McCauley (Inana, The Miracle Worker, The Trip to Bountiful). The dramaturg is Douglas Langworthy (The Miracle Worker, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Trip to Bountiful).
The cast includes Romi Dias (Living Out, Clean House) as Virgin de Guadalupe/La Soldadera/La Llorona/Olivia Serrano, Ricardo Gutierrez (Lydia) as Candelario Serrano, April Ortiz (Barrio Babies) as Luz Serrano, and making their Denver center debuts are Sol Castillo (South Coast Repertory, national tour of Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor) as Jojo Serrano, Sarah Nina Hayon (LAByrinth Theater Company, The Public Theater) as Gabby Serrano, Philip Hernandez (Broadway’s Les Miserables, Kiss of the Spider Woman) as Gregorio Serrano, Bryant Mason (New York Classical Theatre, Rattlestick Playwright’s Theatre) as Sheriff Hubert Montoya, and Jamie Ann Romero (Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Listen Productions) as Bianca Carrillo.

Burlesque Comes To Denver

Denver, CO February 16, 2009-- For the first time since the 1930’s a theatre is being built specifically to house burlesque, headed up by Reyna Von Vett of last fall’s acclaimed Leadville or Bust-- a playful romp through 1880’s burlesque and Michelle Baldwin, a.k.a. Vivienne VaVoom, the Mother of Neo-Burlesque in Denver and creator of one of the first neo-burlesque troupes in the U.S., Burlesque As It Was. Converting the space recently known as the Black Box Cabaret in the Denver Civic Theatre (721 Santa Fe Dr., Denver), Von Vettand Baldwin aim to bring burlesque back while playing homage to the great tradition of burlesque that began in the late 1800’s and all but disappeared in the 1960’s. While it seems ‘crazy’ to start up a theatre in this economy, VonVett and Baldwin point to the Great Depressionand how burlesque was the one form of live entertainment that survived and thrived, even moving into the Times Square theatre district of New York when ‘legitimate’ theatres closed their shows. Historically burlesque shows were a place to have a laugh, see a pretty girl and forget your troubles and the Black Box Burlesque will follow that tradition, by providing an experience filled with frivolity and fun in a top notch theatre experience.

Playing on the seeming insanity of their new venture, the show will open in March on Friday the 13th. Von Vett figures that they’ve already got so much working against them with the financial state of the nation, starting up on an unlucky date will hopefully have the opposite effect and bring in, rather than chase away audiences. The old Black Box Cabaret is being transformed with a lavish new set design and a faux-finish interior with turn-of-the-century details covering the black walls. Little lights edge the stage and the cabaret tables are draped in lush fabric. Everything about the theatre, from the décor to the entertainment will transform the audience into another era.

Von Vett will present Leadville or Bust, her tribute to the early history of burlesque, when the sex and scandal was about corsets, tights and bawdy songs (Oh My!). The show garnered widespread acclaim when it was put up for a short run last fall at the Crossroads Theatre in 5-points. A boisterous romp through 1880-1900’s burlesque, Leadville or Bust features songs and jokes reflecting an era the reveled in the double entendre and thought can-can dancers were the height of naughty dancing. Von Vett and her Hell’s Belles dance and sing in tight harmonies to fun, turn-of-the-century songs like “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and “Seeing Denver” to bawdy songs like “Sam the Hot Dog Man,” “Hot Nuts (Get ‘Em From The Peanut Man),” “Press My Button (Ring My Bell)” and many more…

For the late night, weekend show, Baldwin brings her decade of burlesque experience to an all-new cast. A proponent of the classic 1930-1960 style of burlesque (and named “Most Classic” at the 2008 Boston Burlesque Expo), Baldwin has molded a lineup of some of Denver ’s finest actresses into Lili St. Cyr and Gypsy Rose Lee quality ecdysiasts!

Much more tease than strip, Burlesque As It Was features tap dancing, and an over-the-top can-can and retro tributes to old burlesque staples like the fan dance, screen dance and the balloon-pop number. Ignoring the question “How many rhinestones are too many rhinestones” Baldwin and Von Vett’s costumes push the glitter and sparkle envelope. A visual extravaganza, hosted by Von Vett’s new character “Cora Vette” -clad mostly in sparkle vinyl, accented by rhinestones and full of bad car jokes (“How do you like my headlights?”)

Nebbia Coming To The Buell

Denver – Premier French Canadian circus Cirque Éloize has teamed with the Swiss acrobatic theatre troupe Teatro Sunil to create NEBBIA, a vibrant production featuring contemporary circus arts, music, dance and theatre. The show, helmed by the acclaimed director Daniele Finzi Pasca (Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo), plunges audiences into a fantastical world of dreams, imagination and the unexpected. NEBBIA – Italian for “fog” – will play Denver’s Buell Theatre April 28 and 29 for two shows only. Tickets go on sale Sunday, March 22 at 10am.

NEBBIA features an international cast of acrobats, clowns, jugglers, trapeze artists and musicians, led by director and choreographer Daniele Finzi Pasca, whose unique style has been seen in Cirque Eloize’s Rain on Broadway, in Cirque du Soleil’s hit show Corteo, and in the closing ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin.

Le Telejournal Montreal declares NEBBIA “a true masterpiece,” and Le Journal de Montreal raves, "At times sidesplitting, at other times heart-wrenching, the quality of this performance by Cirque Éloize and Teatro Sunil is extraordinary…this is circus that you can feel, where emotion is conveyed as if by magic."

NEBBIA is the third part of the Sky Trilogy, an eight-year collaboration between Cirque Éloize and Daniele Finzi Pasca. The three shows – Nomade, Rain and Nebbia – explore the world of acrobatics and the poetry of circus arts through profoundly human characters.

Other members of the NEBBIA production team include Julie Hamelin (Creative Producer and Lyricist), Jeannot Painchaud (Director of Creation), Maria Bonzanigo (Musical Composer), Hugo Gargiulo (Set Designer) and Linda Brunelle (Costume Designer.)

NEBBIA is an added attraction in Denver Center Attractions’ 2009 season, which is generously sponsored by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org

About Cirque Éloize: At the heart of the circus arts revival, Cirque Éloize has been creating moving performances filled with magic since 1993. Continually striving for artistic perfection, it is one of the leading companies in contemporary circus arts. Based on the multidisciplinary talents of its artists, Cirque Éloize combines circus arts with music, dance and theatre in a break-through and original manner. With six original productions to its credit, Cirque Éloize has presented more than 3,000 performances in 330 cities and 30 countries around the world. Cirque Éloize has taken part in numerous prestigious international festivals and has conquered Broadway with its show Rain. In 2003, Cirque Éloize organized the first circus arts festival in North America - "La Semaine des Arts du cirque" - in the Magdalen Islands.

About the Director: Director, author, choreographer and clown, Daniele Finzi Pasca was born in Lugano, Switzerland. He founded Teatro Sunil in Switzerland in 1983, where he’s directed 25 shows. His projects have been seen in more than 20 countries, and are marked by a profound sense of humanity and playfulness. He has written and directed three shows for Cirque Éloize of Montreal: Nomade, Rain and Nebbia. Nomade opened in 2002 and has met with enormous success in Canada, Europe and Hong Kong, with more than 700 performances. Rain saw great success on Broadway and in San Francisco, and received the Best Touring Production of the Year Theatre Award in Great Britain. For Rain, Finzi Pasca was nominated as the Best Director at the Drama Desk Awards in New York. In 2003, Cirque du Soleil asked Finzi Pasca to write and direct its new touring show, Corteo, which opened in April 2005 and is still touring around the world. Finzi Pasca was also commissioned to conceive and direct the closing ceremony of the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

About Teatro Sunil: Founded in Lugano in 1983 by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Teatro Sunil has produced over 30 theatre and dance performances and has worked with more than 200 performers in various countries. The company has performed in 26 countries and worked on joint productions with Swiss, Italian, Austrian, Brazilian, Canadian and Mexican companies. With Teatro della carezza, it operates a research laboratory on the technical approach in the work of both actors and dancers.

Audition Seminar Offered By Rachel Fowler, And Sylvia Gregory

Rachel Fowler and Sylvia Gregory will present a 4-week series designed to get you ready to compete at the General Auditions.

Week 1: PREP YOURSELF
Discuss necessary audition elements, including resume and headshot, wardrobe, behavior in the audition room, follow-up, and material choices. Receive valuable assistance in choosing the right materials to help you shine your brightest.

Weeks 2 and 3: WORK IT OUT
Work your materials so that you present a refined, specific, polished, and professional audition. Week 2 Rachel will coach from an actor’s point-of-view, and Week 3 Sylvia will coach from the casting director’s perspective.

Week 4: SHOW IT OFF
Audition! Strut your stuff and benefit from learning in a true audition situation. You will perform your pieces in front of industry professionals, including agents Patty Kingsbaker from Radical Artists Agency and Kathleen Ham from Donna Baldwin Talent.

Bios:
Sylvia Gregory: Sylvia was the Casting Associate at The Denver Center Theater Company for the last three seasons. Last season she was responsible for organizing and running the city-wide Denver General Auditions, held at the DCTC. She now is a Casting Director with Reinking-Gregory Casting, where she casts ads for such nationally established companies as Burger King, IBM, Dish Network, and Verizon. Sylvia also teaches acting and auditioning for the stage to private clients. She holds a Degree in Classical Acting from The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and a Masters of Fine Arts Degree from The Alabama Shakespeare Festival/University of Alabama/PAT.
Rachel Fowler: Rachel has appeared in regional theatres across the country, including The Mint and the Abingdon Off Broadway in NYC, The Old Globe, Playmakers Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, St Louis Rep, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and the Alliance. Her Denver appearances include: All My Sons (Ovation Award, Best Supporting Actress), Measure for Measure and The Miracle Worker at the Denver Center, and Rabbit Hole at the Curious. She has audition coached extensively, both regionally and in NYC. She graduated from Northwestern University and was an apprentice at Actors Theatre of Louisville.

The Dates:
Tuesday Evenings
April 7th – 28th
Beginning at 6:30 PM – Class length will vary based on the work.

The Cost:
$160.00 for the entire 4-week series! Payments must be made in advance. This class will be capped at 10 participants, so make your reservation today!

Contact to Reserve Your Spot:
Sylvia Gregory
sylviagregory@gmail.com
(720) 331-1456

Faces in the Crowd Premieres At The Avenue Theatre

(Denver, CO) – Faces in the Crowd, created by Peter Gwinn, Emmy award winning writer for The Colbert Report, is premiering in Denver at The Avenue Theater for one weekend only.

Faces in the Crowd are a one-act journey that explores the complexities inherent in each of us. What you think you see isn’t always what you get. What lies beneath the surface appearance of an individual? How do our everyday judgments block us from the truth of a person’s character? How does one hide their emotional injuries from the past using behaviors as their protection shield? This true ensemble piece develops characters whose lives are always attached, unmistakably and often quite touchingly, through their shared humanity.

Originating in Chicago, Faces in the Crowd, was created by Peter Gwinn and has been remounted here in Denver by Chicago cast member Kerstin Caldwell. Knowing that this piece was too good to be left on a shelf, with Gwinn’s permission, Kerstin has brought it to Denver for one weekend to pay tribute, not only to the piece itself, but to the human nature we all play out on a daily basis. If we truly look at the behaviors we choose to reside in, we may notice how many things we are blocking from our own lives. Isn’t it time to choose to say, “YES!” and allow vs. denying what beauty or joy that may reside on the other side of what we judge?

Yes, Yes, Colorado Backstage Is Behind

It has been eons since a cold has taken up residence with me, but last week I was informed that the cold is actually the Virus that so many others have. With the injuries that still require Vicodin, it really knocked me for a loop. Consequently, I am behind in everything, and I feel the need to apologize since so many of the theatre community has no clue what is going on, and I know are ready to string me up for not getting vital notices and reviews posted.

The doctor-man, who provided this wondrous news last week, told me I could expect to have it for two more weeks. Actually the news of what I was dealing with made me feel lots better, allowing for more computer time instead of beating myself up with the guilt-bat of not being able to keep up. It just seems so many in the Theatre World deserve to know what is going on. I fully intend to finish some reviews whose runs have ended. There have been some incredible shows I was privileged to experience that the world deserves to know about. Being upfront and telling you feeds my energy. --------------- And YES, THE 2008 SPOTLIGHT AWARDS ARE COMING! They don’t come off the top of my head. They come from the heart, mind, soul, and artistic eye, requiring an element of energy that seems to have avoided me for a while. --------------Holly

GIRLS ONLY SCHEDULE CHANGES AND DES MOINES PREMIERE

Denver, CO — Denver Center Attractions (DCA) has announced the premiere of the second production of GIRLS ONLY – The Secret Comedy of Women, in Des Moines, IA, as well as schedule changes for the ongoing Denver run of the show at the Garner Galleria Theatre.

Des Moines, IA Premiere. DCA is proud to be partnering with the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines to produce a second production of GIRLS ONLY. The comedy’s Iowa premiere will take place next month at the Civic Center’s Temple Theater on March 18, 2009 as part of the Prairie Meadows Temple Theater Series. The show is scheduled to run through May 10, 2009, and tickets are available online at CivicCenter.org or by calling 515.246.2300.

Denver Schedule Changes. Effective March 15, GIRLS ONLY in Denver at the Garner Galleria Theatre will change its weekly performance schedule. Performances will be Wednesday – Saturday nights at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Please note that GIRLS ONLY has no closing date set at this time.

GIRLS ONLY, written by Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein, is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female. With a two-woman cast and audiences full of raucous, laughing ladies, the show is a unique examination of all things girly. The Denver cast of the GIRLS ONLY features Barbara Gehring, Linda Klein, Amie MacKenzie and Allison Watrous.

Tickets for GIRLS ONLY in Denver start at just $29. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 15 or more, call 303.446.4829. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org

GIRLS ONLY is produced by Denver Center Attractions and is generously sponsored in Denver by Coors. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org

Denver Center Attractions, the Broadway show division of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, presents touring productions at The Buell Theatre and The Ellie Caulkins Opera House. A top market for touring shows, DCA presented the 2007 pre-Broadway engagement of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and launched the national tours of Sunset Boulevard, Barrymore, the revivals of Hello, Dolly! and A Chorus Line, and Disney’s The Lion King. DCA also produces cabaret shows at The Garner Galleria Theatre, including Denver’s two longest-running musicals, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which ran for over four years, and Always...Patsy Cline, which ran for three and a half years.

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a private not-for-profit corporation celebrating its 30th season of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states. It is the presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is the performing home of many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest.

CCCT Seeks Play Submissions

Coal Creek Community Theater of Louisville, CO seeks submissions for their 3rd Annual Front Range Playwrights’ Showcase. Colorado playwrights are encouraged to submit their one-act and short plays by May 11, 2009.

CATEGORIES:
1. Short Plays: Scripts of 15 – 30 minutes in performance.
2. One-Acts: Scripts not exceeding 60 minutes in performance (45-60 pages of dialogue).
3. No musicals or multiple act plays will be considered.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. Only one (1) submission per playwright.
2. Playwrights must be from the state of Colorado. (Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those living in towns immediately bordering state lines).
3. Scripts must include a cast list with brief character descriptions and a short summary of the play.
4. Preferred method of submission is electronic in either Word or PDF format.
5. If you wish to submit by USPS, 6 copies of each script must be submitted in standard manuscript format and bound, not stapled, with card stock cover. Copies will not be returned.
6. Please include a cover letter with title of play, resume and ALL contact information for playwright: address, phone and email address.
7. A short playwright bio or resume should be included
8. Send scripts to: linda_orr@comcast.net > or to P.O. Box 791, Louisville, CO 80027.
9. Deadline for submissions is May 11, 2009. Finalists will be notified by July 6th, 2009.
10. Submissions may have been performed as staged readings or educational projects.
11. Scripts that have been professionally published or performed will not be considered.

All scripts submitted will be read, reviewed and scored by the members of the Play Reading Committee. Four finalists will be chosen for a reader’s theater presentation at the Coal Creek Community Theater Front Range Playwrights’ Showcase on August 21, 2009. The winner of that competition will be taken to the Colorado Community Theater Coalition Festival in 2010 in full production.

The winner of the 1st Annual Front Range Playwrights’ Showcase, The Organist’s Daughter by William C. Kovacsik, won FIRST PLACE at the CCTC festival and will now compete at the American Association of Community Theater’s Regional Competition this May.

For more information on Coal Creek Community Theater, see www.ccctheater.org

NEA Releases Grant Guidelines

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was one of the first agencies in the federal government to release grant guidelines

This recovery funding is a direct outcome of the hard work of arts advocates across the country. It is a major accomplishment that Congress included direct support for the arts along with increased funding for several other federal programs that can indirectly support the arts, such as Community Development Block grants, the Rural Development program and Transportation Enhancements.

The arts community is undergoing enormous challenges right now - like much of the workforce. Earlier this week, USAToday ran a front-page story titled, "Fine Arts Are In Survival Mode As Funds Dry Up http://capwiz.com/artsusa/utr/1/EHZZJZKXRL/DCUWJZKYBX/3002657131 ." These recovery funds are intended "to focus on projects that preserve jobs in the arts."

On the NEA Recovery webpage, the new guidelines provide application dates, eligibility criteria and potential project outlines. In order to get money out to the arts field as quickly as possible, the NEA is fast-tracking the process. The deadline for applying for the direct grants is April 2, 2009, with grants being awarded as early as July 1, 2009. These direct grants will be available to arts organizations as non-matching one-time grants of $25,000 or $50,000. Local arts agencies are provided $100,000 or $250,000 for re-granting activities.

One immediate issue of concern for Americans for the Arts is that the NEA is requiring that any applicant for the direct grants must have received an NEA grant within the last four years. The agency has set this requirement as a result of direction from the White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB). OMB has recommended obligating funds to existing award recipients as a method of ensuring that the applicant pool can be considered quickly and to ensure quality. Complete details on applicant eligibility and the rest of the recovery grant program are available on the NEA's Recovery website http://capwiz.com/artsusa/utr/1/EHZZJZKXRL/IRHYJZKYBY/3002657131

Firehouse Theater Presents Incorruptible

Welcome to Priseaux, France, c. 1250 A.D.: The River flooded again last week. The chandler's shop just burned to the ground. Nobody's heard of the wheelbarrow yet. And Ste. Foy, the patron of the local monastery, hasn't worked a miracle in thirteen years. In other words, the Dark Ages still look pretty dark. All eyes turn to the Pope, whose promised visit will surely encourage other pilgrims to make the trek and restore the abbey to its former glory. That is, until a rival church claims to possess the relics of Ste. Foy-and "their" bones are working miracles. All seems lost until the destitute monks take a lesson from a larcenous one-eyed minstrel, who teaches them an outrageous new way to pay old debts.

The hysterical cast, under the direction of Pat Payne, includes Wade Livingston as Charles, Bernie Cardell as Martin, Jesse Pearlman as Olf, Jack Wefso as Felix, Rita Broderick as Peasant Woman, Brian Brooks as Jack, Beth Davis as Marie and Nita Froehlich as Agatha.

Playwright Michael Hollinger received a Bachelor of Music in viola performance from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master of Arts in theatre from Villanova University, where he is now an assistant professor of theatre. Because of his background as a musician, Michael considers his plays compositions: characters are instruments, scenes are movements; tempo, rhythm, and dynamics are critical; and melody and counterpoint are always set in relief by rests--beats, pauses, the spaces in between.

For PBS, Michael has written three short films and co-authored the feature-length Philadelphia Diary. Awards include the Roger L. Stevens Award from the Fund for New American Plays, a Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play, the F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Theatre Artist, a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award, a commission from The Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science and Technology Project, and fellowships from the Independence Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Incorruptible was workshopped at the Denver Center Theatre Company’s USWest TheatreFest in 1994.

For details, see Calendar.

Playwright Sues ‘Humbug’ Producer

Playwright Kristine McGovern filed suit last week in Denver Small Claims Court against Carol Roper and her production company, Celebrationworks, regarding McGovern’s share of profits from Humbug, an alternative to traditional holiday shows.

McGovern is seeking $1,354.50 plus court costs, and is alleging breach of contract and misallocation of net income derived from the show. Two of McGovern’s plays, “The Bipolar Express” and “The Humbug,” were among the six works presented at the Vintage Theatre in December 2008. Roper had commissioned the plays, promising McGovern a 25 percent interest in the show as well as standard royalties.

In a Feb. 22 mass e-mailing, “Playwright threatens lawsuit for Producer paying actors too much,” Roper alleged that McGovern intended to sue because Roper had overpaid the Humbug cast and crew. In fact, McGovern sued because Roper failed to honor her contractual obligations. In the one attempt to settle the matter, McGovern offered to give more than one-third of her profits to the Humbug cast and crew. Roper rejected that offer.

After filing the suit March 2, McGovern issued a response to Roper’s actionable press release:

“I thought my offer to donate a third of my profits to the “Humbug” cast was reasonable, if not downright generous. What I don’t consider reasonable is for Ms. Roper to award my entire share to cast and crew, give me zero profits, and then portray me as an ogre when I object.

I agree wholeheartedly that actors are underpaid. So are writers. So are most artists. Everybody knows that going in, and you work despite the pay, not because of it. That’s why you jump at the chance when a producer comes to you and says, ‘Look, you write me a play or two for this show I’m thinking of doing, and I’ll give you a stake in the show.’ Well, I wrote two plays, “The Bipolar Express” and “The Humbug,” and they’re quite good. I’m not blowing my own horn; I’m simply saying that I honored my end of the bargain, and Ms. Roper needs to honor hers.

I look forward to letting a judge decide whether Ms. Roper and I had an agreement. And I look forward to letting a judge decide whether “the most successful show in recent Vintage history,” as Ms. Roper dubbed it, made a profit of $5,000-plus or $745.

Win, lose or draw, I think it’s important for playwrights – for all artists, really – to stand up to those who would commission their work, use it to make money and bolster a reputation, and then renege on the deal.

I am not the ogre in this case. The ogre is the tragic reality that some people who should know better have swallowed Ms. Roper’s version whole, without a single question or critical thought entering their heads. “

Modern Muse Presents Regional Premier

Modern Muse Theatre Company opens the regional premiere of Judy GeBauer’s captivating play Reclaimed.

Vivien Fielding has been a captive of the Sioux since 1864. She returns to her former life in the white world only to face devastating interrogation and rejection. In an attempt to reunite with her young daughter, Vivien reluctantly becomes a spectacle on the lecture circuit, but only finds peace after returning to the wilderness. This play expertly evokes the character and contradictions of late 19th century America, focusing on one woman’s struggle for identity and a sense of home.

The cast includes Gabriella Cavallero, Kevin Hart, Josh Hartwell, Anna Gibson, Luciann Lajoie, Benjamin T. Koucherik, Glen Moore and Kevin Lowry.

Judy GeBauer’s plays have been performed at the O’Neill Playwrights Conference, the Long Wharf Theatre, Irish Arts Center, and Philadelphia Festival Theatre. Among her awards are the HBO Writer Award, the Julie Harris Playwriting Award, a Colorado Innovation Award, as well as grants from the Steinberg Charitable Trust and the W. Alton Jones Foundation. She is published by Heinemann Books and Playscripts, Inc. She was a member of the Playwrights Unit at Denver Center Theatre Company, and was that company’s playwright-in-residence in the 1995-96 season. Among her plays are: “Reclaimed,” “The Hidden Ones,” “The Nip and The Bite,” “Scottish Mice,” “Mrs. Plenty Horses” and “Bobby Sands, MP.”

See Calendar for details.

Playwright Threatens Suit Against Celebrationworks

In what is probably a first for Denver’s small theatre community, a playwright is threatening to sue a producer for paying the actors and crew too much.

Playwright, Kristine McGovern received $240 in royalties for her two unpublished ten-minute plays included in HUMBUG a comic alternative to traditional holiday shows that played at The Vintage in December, but claims that if Producer/writer Carol Roper of Celebrationworks had not increased the actors, director and crew’s stipends, McGovern would have received substantially more in additional net profits.

The actual net profits for the HUMBUG production were $745. Had McGovern not withheld her signature from the contract Roper offered her, she would have received $186.25, in addition to the $240 in royalties she accepted, but McGovern is not satisfied with this offer; she is demanding 25 percent of what Celebrationworks paid in stipend increases to the cast and crew, or, by McGovern’s calculations, $1354.50, and is threatening a lawsuit against Celebrationworks if she is not paid that amount by March 1st.

Asked why she thought McGovern was pursuing a lawsuit, Roper replied, "I am completely bewildered, as is everyone else who has heard of it. Kristine was paid $240, she didn’t participate in production management, but knew increases were being paid and never said a word against it." As to why Kristine would threaten a fledgling theatre company with a lawsuit, Roper speculates, "Kristine is inexperienced in theatre, and may not realize that even with stipend increases, cast and crew averaged between $2 and $6 dollars an hour for more than 100 hours of the work they put in. Their team spirit and professionalism are what put the production over the top. It was the holiday season, and a time for giving, and we were lucky enough to be able to share our good fortune."

Roper has made several overtures to McGovern to settle the matter out of court that has so far been rejected.

EPIC CHINESE SPECTACULAR TO PLAY BUELL

Denver, Colo. – From the producers of Heartbeat and Terracotta Warriors comes TANG CONCUBINES, a spectacular Chinese stage show featuring awe-inspiring dance and martial arts, and telling a tale of love, lust, life and death amidst the ghostly ruins of a great Chinese dynasty. Written, produced and directed by Denver resident Dr. Dennis Law, in 2006 TANG CONCUBINES became the only show in Chinese history to win Canada’s prestigious Dora Award for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

TANG CONCUBINES will play Denver’s Buell Theatre April 7-19, making Denver the first U.S. city to witness this lavish production. Tickets go on sale Sunday, February 15 at 10am.

China’s Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD), regarded as the pinnacle of progress and prosperity in Chinese history, serves as the intriguing backdrop for TANG CONCUBINES - the true story behind the unlikely rise of two legendary concubines. At a time when social constraints dictated that women had little hope of affecting their nation’s history, two women climbed their way to the top of the power structure–one by way of treachery, the other through devotion–and irreversibly changed their country’s fate.

Both women began as royal concubines and both radically redefined the role of women in imperial China, but the similarities stop there. The ambitious Wu Ze Tian would stop at nothing in her ruthless rise to become China’s first and only Empress, while the selfless Yang Guifei served her country loyally and ultimately gave her life to restore peace to the dynasty. The two women’s legacies were enduring: Wu ushered in an era of unprecedented women’s empowerment, while Yang’s sacrifice and much-lauded beauty brought her immortality in the culture’s poetry.

TANG CONCUBINES tells their extraordinary stories, conjuring imperial China with a thrilling combination of ballet, Chinese opera, martial arts, sumptuous sets, lavish costumes and cirque-like diversions. The cast of 80 invites audiences into the splendor of a majestic palace, and the soaring score combines traditional Chinese musical stylings with the cinematic sounds of a Western symphony.

TANG CONCUBINES is choreographed by Chinese dancer Jonathan Feng Han. The Chinese government ranks dancers on a scale of one to four, with Class I being considered a top skilled dancer in China. It takes years to earn a Class I ranking, and Jonathan Feng Han, lead dancer and choreographer for TANG CONCUBINES, is one of these rare talents. Jonathan graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy in 1997 and is the youngest male National Class I dancer in China today. Fen Han’s unparalleled talents were last seen in Denver when he performed all three lead roles in Terracotta Warriors. Feng Han is often found instructing at the Law Brothers Chinese Performing Arts International Dance Academy and will perform as the lead dancer in TANG CONCUBINES.

TANG CONCUBINES is produced and directed by Denver resident Dennis K. Law, MD. Retired from a career as a well-known surgeon in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Law started his interest in the field of entertainment by producing Warriors of Virtue, a high budget family feature film distributed by MGM, Warner Brothers and Columbia Artists worldwide. In China, he also produced a prize-winning CCTV children’s film Xiwa as well as the acclaimed television series “April Rhapsody.” After the acquisition of The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts by the Law family in early 2002, Dr. Law became the C.E.O. and President of The Centre and its associated production company Sight, Sound & Action Ltd. Over the last three years, in addition to presenting many Broadway shows and the acclaimed Colorado Ballet Dracula, he also produced the Canadian premiere of Plaid Tidings, the concert “From China with Love” and “Dragon Meets Eagle.” Most importantly, Dr. Law has utilized The Centre to allow Vancouver to launch a new genre of Action-Musicals, notably Of Heaven & Earth in 2002 and Terracotta Warriors in 2004. In 2005, by starting the First Annual Chinese Performing Arts Festival in Vancouver and Toronto, Dr. Law continues to dedicate efforts to introduce Chinese performing arts of international packaging and quality to North American audiences. The two shows from the summer of 2005, Senses and Heartbeat, combined for 120performances in the three cities of Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.

TANG CONCUBINES is a featured attraction in Denver Center Attractions’ 2009 season, which is generously sponsored by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org. See Calendar for details.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts Launches Redesigned Website

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has launched a redesigned website at www.denvercenter.org. Designed by Denver-based Xylem Digital, this fresh web experience gives a dramatic backdrop to expanded content including in-depth information about upcoming theatrical productions, online class registration and multi-media libraries.

Online users will find:
• A new look
• Easy navigation
• A calendar searchable by production, venue, genre and date
• Plan your visit tips
• A multi-media gallery with video, photos, pdfs of publications and audio files
• Class registration (beginning with summer class registration)
• Send to a friend options
• Accessible performance schedules

The Denver Center hopes not only to increase its web-based ticket sales to 65%, but also to promote a deeper appreciation for and excitement in theatre.

“Throughout our 14-year online presence,” said Denver Center President Randy Weeks, “The Denver Center has maximized our patron’s online opportunities with cutting edge tools such as online ticketing and print at home tickets. This new site not only provides a streamlined user experience, but it also adds depth to each visitor’s pre- and post-show exploration.”

During a 12-month website analysis and redesign, The Denver Center and Xylem Digital held focus groups with subscribers and single ticket buyers to better understand the ways in which they utilize denvercenter.org. Valuable guidance and input also was provided by Denver Center Trustees Roger Ogden of Channel 9, Glenn Jones of Jones Knowledge and Bob Newman as well as from Paul Jones of MillerCoors, Yvonne Carlson of the University of Denver, Morgan McAlenney of Interger Group and Tim Johnson of Gartner.

Visit denvercenter.org to view this new site and note, the password for press photos is unchanged.

Central City Opera Schedules 27th Annual Antique & Art Show

Denver, Colo. – All of Denver and the surrounding Rocky Mountain region are eagerly anticipating the 27th Annual 2009 Denver Antiques & Art Show and Sale (DAASS). Co-Chairmen, Julie Wham and Jodi Sorensen are pleased to introduce the new Show Manager, Gerry Nagel of Nagel Productions, Inc. This alliance, along with the addition of art dealers, will invigorate the Show.

The 2009 Denver Antiques & Art Show and Sale will be held April 17-19 at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum at Lowry, 7711 E. Academy Boulevard, Denver. Proceeds from the Show and Sale benefit Central City Opera. Public Show hours: Friday and Saturday 11 am-6 pm and Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Three-day admission is $10 per person, available for purchase at the door, Central City Opera Box Office, 303-292-6700 or online www.centralcityopera.org Tickets can also be purchased in advance for $8 at all area King Soopers. Light lunch and beverages will be available each day in the Garden Cafe.

This year celebrates the 27th anniversary of the Denver Antiques & Art Show and Sale, considered the highest caliber antiques show in Colorado. Dealers renowned in their field from across the nation will exhibit a vast array of fine antiques appealing to both the connoisseur and the new collector. Visitors will discover exquisite examples of French country furniture, fine period jewelry, Victorian majolica, American Indian and Western art, silver, antique maps and prints, Oriental rugs, English period copper, and fine and modern paintings.

“It’s a wonderful time to buy because our dealers are motivated to sell. Investing in a one-of-a-kind treasure that you’ll cherish in your home makes perfect sense because quality antiques always maintain their value,” says Chairman Julie Wham. “I'm also truly excited about our mission: to raise funds for the Central City Opera. Arts and culture are the backbone of any great cosmopolitan city.”

The Special Events of the 2009 Show and Sale get jump-started with a Preview Party on Thursday, April 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum at Lowry. Guests will be greeted with a glass of chilled champagne or a cocktail while enjoying an elegant dinner buffet. A retro-themed fashion show will be centered on one guest of distinction, a magnificent 1938 Cadillac Presidential Limousine Convertible. The Preview Party guests are also afforded the first look and buying opportunities in a wonderful social atmosphere. Tickets to the Preview Party are $150 per person or $90 for attendees age 35 and under (includes 3-day admission ticket).

On Friday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. the Lecture and Luncheon will feature Toni Garner, a nationally-acclaimed floral designer, who will speak about “Bringing Garden Flowers into Your Home.” Garner has appeared in publications such as Veranda, Architectural Digest, and Traditional Home and co-authored Country French Florals & Interiors with noted interior designer and author, Charles Faudree. She will design arrangements in antique vessels donated by Janice Woods of Black Tulip Antiques. These floral designs may be purchased after the luncheon. Tickets are $85 per person (includes 3-day admission ticket). RSVP early - seating is limited.

Back by popular demand this year is Highlights of the Show, a special tour with Show Manager Gerry Nagel on Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m. This 50-minute walking tour will focus on several Show highlights. Dealers will demonstrate why certain pieces rise above others in quality and value, explain their original uses and describe how they were made. This tour is FREE.

On Sunday, April 19 a Lecture Brunch will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy a champagne brunch while leading national architect David Tryba speaks about “Blending Old and New”. A Colorado native, Tryba has received more than 60 awards for architecture and urban design. Tickets for the lecture and brunch are $40 per person (includes 3-day admission ticket).

To purchase general admission and Special Event tickets or for additional information, visit the Central City Opera website at www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700

Proceeds support Central City Opera’s programs including its annual Summer Festival, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program, the preservation and maintenance of the Opera House and more than 30 other Victorian-era properties and its education and community programs, which serve more than 100,000 people each year through performances in elementary and secondary schools, community centers, senior residences and theaters.

Denver Children’s Theatre Presents The Golden Goose

Based on the Brothers Grimm version of the famous fairy tale, The Golden Goose chronicles the travels of a young man named Dummling, who is judged unworthy because of his name. But after inadvertently doing a good deed for the King and Queen of the Fairies, Dummling is given a magic golden goose and asked to save the fairy forest from destruction by the foresters. Adventure ensues as Dummling falls in love with Princess Dajona and appeals to the King Conrad who sends Dummling on a series of impossible quests to win the princess’ hand. Along the way, our hero meets the mystical uninventor Siebenstein (the first in a long line of inventors that includes Einstein) who teaches Dummling a host of philosophical lessons that will make him well suited to rule wisely and well. This timely and gripping story offers lessons about acceptance, diversity, environment, coming of age, and the triumph over injustice.

“The cast is a combination of Denver's best actors,” Director Billie McBride says. Karen Slack (Christina & White Witch), Mare Trevathan (Princess Dajona & Fairy Queen), Brian Landis Folkins (Boris & Prince Charles), Jamie Ann Romero (Meek & Birgit), Josh Hartwell (King Conrad & Fairy King), Kevin Lowry (Dummling) and Michael Kane (Siebenstein & Humble). See Calendar for details.

Evergreen Players Presents Sixteen Wounded

Evergreen, CO – The Evergreen Players present the regional premiere of Eliam Kraiem's Sixteen Wounded. A play told with both humor and heart wrenching honesty, revolves around the fateful colliding of two seemingly disparate lives - a lonely, emotionally remote Jewish baker, and a passionate, young Palestinian far from home. Set in Amsterdam, Hans' bakery is shattered by more than broken glass when from this "story of love, loss and destruction," (The New York Times) an improbable friendship develops.

Directed by Len Matheo, the play stars Rich Beall as Hans, the baker; Wadi Muhaisen as Mahmoud, the Palestinian medical student; David Blumenstock as Ashraf, Meridith Crosley as Nora, and Sherrie Scott as Sonya. For individual bios and additional information, please visit sixteenwounded.com and evergreenplayers.org.

Eliam Kraiem's play, exploring both Arab and Jewish perspectives, first ran on Broadway in April 2004 after debuting at the Long Wharf Theater. The playwright will be attending Opening Night performance at Center/Stage in Evergreen and he, along with the cast, will conduct a behind the scenes, meet the artists "talk-back" after the show Friday, March 6. See Calendar for details.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA ANNOUNCES CASTING FOR 2009 FESTIVAL

Denver, Colo. — The slate of internationally renowned artists have been selected for Central City Opera’s (CCO) 2009 Festival featuring three productions of works spanning the centuries. Running June 27 to Aug. 2, the Festival features a new production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, the popular Italian bel canto style opera about feuding families in Scotland and young Lucia’s forbidden love; a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, the Tony Award winning musical that portrays the romantic lives of couples in Swedish society; and a new production of George Frideric Handel’s Italian opera Rinaldo, a heroic story of battle and love set in the time of the First Crusade.

“In these difficult economic times, we have safeguarded the artistic integrity of our season while making adjustments in other areas of the company,” commented General/Artistic Director Pelham (Pat) Pearce. “While we’re not immune to the issues affecting our world today, we have truly creative people involved who will ensure that the Festival will continue to be the same – an exciting, thoughtful theatrical experience, beautifully sung and played.”

Lucia di Lammermoor (June 27 – Aug. 2) –Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, including the famous “Mad Scene,” premiered in 1835 at Teatro San Carlo in Naples and today remains one of the leading bel canto (“beautiful singing” in Italian) style operas in the standard repertoire. The piece’s Italian libretto is by Salvatore Cammarano after Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel, The Bride of Lammermoor. A dramma tragico (tragic opera) Lucia di Lammermoor follows two feuding families, the Ashtons and the Ravenswoods, in the Lammermuir Hills area of Lowland Scotland and the forbidden love between Lucia, an Ashton, and Edgardo, a Ravenswood. A new production set in 17th century Scotland sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Performing Artists
Central City Opera’s Music Director John Baril conducts this production after leading performances of West Side Story last summer.
Russian soprano Lyubov Petrova* makes her Central City Opera debut as Lucia. Touted by Opera News as “a soprano of ravishing, changeable beauty, blazing high notes and magnetic stage presence” for her Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare at Glimmerglass Opera last summer, Ms. Petrova has received accolades for her performances worldwide from the Metropolitan Opera to Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Italy.
Colorado native, tenor Vale Rideout, returns as Lucia’s forbidden love interest Edgardo after his acclaimed performances as Sam in Susannah and the Male Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia last summer. Requiem.
Baritone Grant Youngblood returns as Lucia’s brother, Enrico, after his performances last summer as Reverend Olin Blitch in Susannah.
Bass-baritone Richard Bernstein returns as Lucia’s chaplain and tutor, Raimondo, after his debut with the company as Mustafa in L’Italiana in Algeri.

A Little Night Music (July 4 - July 31) – A Tony award winner for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, Sondheim’s music is set almost entirely in waltz time and includes the famous song “Send in the Clowns.” The book by Hugh Wheeler was inspired by the Ingmar Bergmann film "Smiles of a Summer Night." A Little Night Music premiered on Broadway in 1973 and was revived in London both in 1989 and 1995. Set in Sweden at the turn of the century, the musical follows the lives of several couples from all walks of life and their views on life, love and sex are explored with compassion and humor. This work has become part of the repertoire of several opera companies including the New York City Opera, which performed it in 1990, 1991 and 2003, the Houston Grand Opera who performed it in 1999 and Los Angeles Opera with a production in 2004. A new production sung in English.

Performing Artists
Associate Conductor and Chorus Master for Central City Opera since 2005 and previously an assistant conductor in 2004, Christopher Zemliauskas* makes his debut as Principal Conductor with the company leading A Little Night Music.
Baritone Robert Orth returns as the central character of A Little Night Music, Frederik Egerman, after his most recent appearance with the company as Horace Tabor in the 50th anniversary production of The Ballad of Baby Doe (2006).
He is joined by Grammy Award winning artist Sylvia McNair who returns to Central City Opera as Desiree Armfeldt, after her debut with the company as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2002. Europe.
Soprano Sarah Jane McMahon returns as Anne Egerman after her acclaimed performances as Maria in West Side Story and as Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia last summer.
Mezzo-soprano Myrna Paris returns to Central City Opera as Madame Armfeldt after her most recent appearance with CCO as the Old Lady in Bernstein’s Candide (2000) and previously as Mamma McCourt in The Ballad of Baby Doe (1996).
Stephanie Nelson returns as Petra after her acclaimed debut with the company last summer as Anita in West Side Story.
Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm is portrayed by baritone Jeffrey Mattsey, who returns after his CCO debut in the title role of Don Giovanni (2006).
Mezzo-soprano Sarah Kleeman, a Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Apprentice Artist with CCO in 2007, returns as Countess Charlotte Malcolm in A Little Night Music.

Rinaldo (July 11 - Aug. 1) – The first Italian opera composed specifically for the London stage, Rinaldo was first performed in Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket in 1711. A great success, the piece appealed to many Baroque artists due to its inclusion of two castrato roles (now played by mezzo-sopranos or countertenors). The Italian libretto written by Giacomo Rossi is based on episodes of Torquato Tasso’s Gerusalemme liberate (“Jerusalem Delivered”). It is a story of love amidst battle during the First Crusade (1096 – 1099) between Almirena, daughter of the General of the Crusade, Goffredo, and the knight, Rinaldo, who are torn apart during battle and must overcome adversity to be together. A new production sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Performing Artists
British conductor Matthew Halls* makes his Central City Opera debut with Rinaldo. Artistic Director of the internationally renowned Baroque ensemble, The King’s Consort, and a regular guest conductor with The English Concert, Portland Baroque Orchestra and Holland Baroque Society, Mr. Halls has established a reputation as one of the leading performers/conductors of the younger generation of Baroque musicians.
Mezzo-soprano Phyllis Pancella returns as Rinaldo after her acclaimed appearances as Lucretia in last summer’s The Rape of Lucretia and her CCO debut as Nerone in L’Incoronazione di Poppea (2006).
Countertenor David Walker returns as the captain of the Crusade force, Goffredo, after his role as Ottone in L’Incoronazione di Poppea (2006) and Oberon in CCO’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2002) and Santa Fe Opera, to name a few.
Kathleen Kim*, touted as a “tiny dynamo” who “nailed her stratospheric coloratura aria with a precise, penetrating soprano,” by John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune, makes her debut with Central City Opera as the enchantress, Armida.
Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins returns to CCO as Goffredo’s enemy, Argante.
Countertenor Jason Abrams returns as Goffredo’s brother, Eustazio, after his appearance as Arnalta in L’Incoronazione di Poppea (2006).
Soprano Megan Hart returns to the company as Rinaldo’s love interest, Almirena, after her appearances last year as a Studio Artist in Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program, including her performance as The Spirit of the Boy in the acclaimed production of the church parable, Curlew River.

Single tickets are now on sale for Central City Opera’s 2009 Festival, ranging from $50 to $99. Subscriptions to see Lucia di Lammermoor and A Little Night Music (with exclusive subscriber-only pricing for Rinaldo) during the 2009 Festival start at just $95 and go up to $183. Bus subscriptions are available, as well as at 15% discount for groups of 10 or more and special discounts for seniors and students. NEW THIS YEAR: Tuesday and Friday night performances start early at 7:30 p.m. with Thursday and Saturday night performances starting at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Central City Opera Box Office at 303-292-6700; 800-851-8175 or go online to www.centralcityopera.org.

Celebrationworks Theatre Ensemble Seeks Production Ready Plays

CELEBRATIONWORKS Theatre Ensemble is seeking plays that are production ready. Writers currently residing in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, or New Mexico are given preference. We seek plays with emphasis on a humor, presence of fresh ideas, characterization, dialogue, plot, originality, significance of theme and theatricality.

GUIDELINES: Play Submissions are ongoing. There is no submission fee, and no email submissions accepted.

Only unproduced plays 40 to 90 minutes in length will be considered. Plays that have had staged readings are eligible.
We can't accept adaptations, musicals, or plays for children younger then 14.
Cast size maximum: 7. Settings should be suggested or simple.
A cover letter, a synopsis, and credits, if you have them, should accompany the play. Send ONE copy only. Play will NOT be returned unless you include enough postage. Do not send your only copy (but you knew that, right?)

Plays should be bound or stapled on the left side. (No loose pages, please.)

Title page must include title, your name, address, phone number, and e-mail (if available).

If you don't have an email, please include a letter size SASE for correspondence.

Selected plays receive a Staged Reading with professional actors to be considered for a full production of ten performances. Playwrights will receive a small stipend.

If your play is selected, you grant the Celebrationworks permission to have a staged reading, and if the play is deemed ready for production to produce it locally for ten performances. Playwright will receive a standard royalty contract.

Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for a response.

Any questions, or to query first, please email celebrationworks@gmail.com

Plays should be submitted to:
Celebrationworks, 1420 Ogden Street, Denver, CO 80218
Please visit our website.
www.celebrationworks.org

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER BOARD ELECTS OFFICERS

At its January meeting, the board of directors for Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center elected officers for 2009, as follows:
President, Randy Braun
Vice President, Jeff Kirkendall
Secretary, Anne Prather
Treasurer, Ed Chambers

Randy Braun is a commercial real estate investor and adjunct instructor of marketing at Metropolitan State College of Denver and is in his third term on the Town Hall Arts Center’s board of directors. Jeff Kirkendall is Manager of Developing Equities Group, LLC and President of North Creek Farms Devco, Inc. Anne Prather, retired long-time Littleton community member, will be serving her 6th year as board secretary. Ed Chambers, who previously served six terms as board president, is a retired computer consultant who also serves on the boards of Columbine Country Club and the Colorado Theater Guild.

These officers join other members of the Town Hall Arts Center board of directors: Charlie Carroll, Dean Coddington, Kathy Graveley, Kelly Kates, Linda Scott, Norm Sothan, Ellen E. Stewart, Nick Sugar, Jose Trujillo, Bob Wells, and Decker.

Gaslight Theatre Having To Move

Due to rising demands, Gaslight Theatre can no longer afford to perform at the South Westminster Arts Group space at 7287 Lowell Blvd. We are making arrangements with the Willow Tree Inn in Bennett, Colorado to perform dinner theatre at their events center. We hope to have our first show this Spring and will send along the details once they are finalized.

Thank you for your support! We deeply regret that we were forced to make this difficult decision.

CRESTED BUTTE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2009 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Crested Butte, Colo.- Nestled within the majestic mountains adorned with vibrant wildflowers is a musical oasis rooted in paradise: the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF). Artistic Director Alexander Scheirle announces the 2009 season, featuring nearly 90 performers from all over the world, plus concerts with internationally acclaimed soloists and bands that make the valley come alive with music throughout the month of July.

The 2009 Festival will run July 4 - July 28. Celebrating its 12th year, the CBMF kicks off the season with a free patriotic concert on July 4, and will continue for four weeks offering something for everyone, from opera, symphony and chamber music, to bluegrass, jazz and dance performances.

Complementing this year's theme Follow the Generations Through Paradise, the 2009 Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) will feature highlights including: a celebration of the works of Mendelssohn and Haydn on their 200th anniversary; the acclaimed and ever popular "Have a Beer with Beethoven" event; a new dance ensemble in conjunction with the "Crested Butte Dance Festival" and their highly successful summer dance school; jazz saxophonist and composer Daniel Schnyder; "The Blue Canyon Boys", winner of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass competition; the CBMF's annual fundraising Celebration, an evening affair with dinner, drinks, silent and live auctions, and entertainment by Wylie and The Wild West, best known for his world-famous Yahoo! yodel; and, to top off the Festival, Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro "Marriage of Figaro." Part of the CBMF mission is to use music to enrich the lives of all people - not just musicians and music aficionados. To make this goal a reality and ensure that everyone can enjoy the artistic talent brought to Crested Butte, the CBMF will be offering Festival goers eight FREE performances and several other events that are priced at a "pay what you can" donation.

Symphony, Chamber and Jazz During the last two weeks of the Festival, the CBMF will proudly host the celebrated jazz saxophonist and composer Daniel Schnyder from New York City. Schnyder will be the 2009 "composer in residence" and his works will be featured in chamber concerts and the symphony program. He will also perform with his band and showcase his outstanding talent as a composer and performer. Schnyder is one of the leading composers and jazz saxophone players in the world, with his works performed by orchestras and soloists including the Berlin Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival in Austria. Known for combining composition and improvisation, jazz and traditional chamber music, Daniel Schnyder will be working with the symphony orchestra, the jazz band from the University of North Texas, and the string quartet of the CBMF Festival Symphony Orchestra. On July 21, Schnyder will perform Grooves of Generations with the students from the University of North Texas' Repertory Jazz Ensemble. In addition, vocal students from the University will perform Bernstein on Broadway, featuring some of Bernstein's greatest selection of hits on July 14. Once again, down-home hospitality meets world-class music in the extremely popular "Have a Beer with Beethoven" event.

This year, the CBMF will be presenting Beethoven's symphony Number 6, "Pastorale'" in the Ein-Lynch barn, boasting unobstructed views of the majestic mountains and horses in the pastures. Distinguished guest conductor, Benjamin Wallfisch will conduct at this event, which takes place on July 15. Each year, the CBMF highlights a new instrument, and in 2009 the Festival will feature the Nay, or Persian Flute. One of Schnyder's pieces will include this instrument in the Concerto for Nay and Orchestra. Nayist Bassam Saba from Beirut, who is one of Yo Yo Ma's Silkroad-Project musicians and one of the leading figures in the Arabic music scene, will debut the instrument at the Festival. On July 16, Schnyder and Saba will play an evening performance Arabian Nights in a private home, providing an up close and personal experience. Schnyder and Saba will also perform a special children's performance, "A Morning in Persia" on July 18 that will introduce them to this beautiful instrument.

This year will celebrate the anniversary of two of the most accomplished and acknowledged composers, Joseph Haydn and Felix Mendelssohn. The CBMF will guide audiences from the classical era of Joseph Haydn to the early romantic era of Mendelssohn and shed some light on lesser-known composers of these generations. Under the skilled baton of distinguished guest conductor, Benjamin Wallfisch, the CBMF will present masterworks in symphonic and chamber music programs throughout the season honoring the work of these two great composers. At age 29, Wallfisch is notably one of the world's up and coming conductors and has been conducting major symphony orchestras across Europe. Wallfisch comes to Crested Butte from London - the very city where Joseph Haydn had his greatest success. Led by Benjamin Wallfisch, other symphony and chamber event highlights include: the Symphony Orchestra's Triple Fun on July 12 featuring works by Haydn and Mendelssohn and the American Premier of Daniel Schnyder's "Triple Concerto"; Persia in Paradise on July 19 with symphonies by Haydn and Mendelssohn, and the concerto for the Nay and orchestra by Schnyder; and, the Chamber's Songs and Fairytales on July 9, Emotions on July 17, Pure Classics on July 23 and Eight at 7:30 on July 28.

Evening home soiree events include: the Duo Extravaganza on July 6 with Concertmaster Ellen desPasquale on violin and Artistic Director Alexander Scheirle on cello; and, A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring Israeli Piano Duo Silver-Garburg on July 20.

Opera The CBMF is bringing back one of the world's most beloved operas: Le Nozze di Figaro "The Marriage of Figaro" by W.A. Mozart. This new production will be performed in its original Italian with English supertitles. Along with students in the "Opera Young Artist Program," singers who have graced the stage from the most famous and prestigious opera houses in the world such as La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera of New York and London's Royal Opera House in Covent Garden will be working together to present three performances July 22, 24 and 26.

Figaro, Count Almaviva's valet, and Susanna, the Countess's maid, are about to be married when Figaro discovers that the Count is determined to revive an old custom - the right to anticipate the bridegroom on a servant's wedding night - and Figaro vows to outwit his master. First performed in Vienna in 1786, Le Nozze di Figaro is a social satire with familiar melodies and humorous characters.

Mozart was working at the height of his creativity when he composed his deliciously funny and poignant masterpiece. Perhaps because of its political statements, the opera has maintained its popularity in an increasingly egalitarian Western world. Le Nozze di Figaro speaks volumes about these serious matters in the best way possible - through the disarming power of comedy. This transcendent farce is a culminating work for each of the three great men employed in its creation: playwright Beaumarchais, poet da Ponte, and composer Mozart. Whether seeing it for the first or 20th time, it is impossible to leave the theatre without understanding why it remains the most frequently performed opera in the world.

Keith Miller, a bass-baritone who has performed frequently with the Metropolitan Opera has taken the helm as Artistic Manager for Le Nozze di Figaro. The CBMF will bring in The Met's Sarah Meyers to be the Stage Director, and internationally known opera conductor David Syrus, Head of Music at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Keith Miller will sing the role of Figaro and Kara Guggenmos will star as Susanna. This will be the first time that The Met and Covent Garden stars join forces above 9,000ft. In addition to the mainstage production, the CBMF will be hosting the home soiree event Opera Extravaganza on July 13, in which the principal opera singers will perform a variety of arias and duets from opera and musical theatre stages in a private home.

Bluegrass Bluegrass, the heel-kicking foot-stomping music of the West, will again be presented in two performances. "The Blue Canyon Boys", winner of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass competition will entertain audiences on July 25 with tight harmonies and virtuoso banjo riffs. For nearly five years, this bluegrass powerhouse has captivated audiences with their unique style of high-energy bluegrass that blends incredible brother-duet-style vocals and hard-driving instrumental proficiency.

Also coming to the Festival is the "Infamous Stringdusters" who will perform in the picturesque and fitting Ein-Lynch Barn on July 11. Considered the new vanguard of acoustic music, the "Infamous Stringdusters" will engage listeners with well-crafted songs, vivid arrangements, instrumental virtuosity, stunning improvisation, unique individuality and complete harmony. Dance For the first time, the CBMF's dance program will collaborate with the "Crested Butte Dance Festival" and their highly successful summer dance school. Featuring dancers from various companies nationwide, the CBMF will present a variety of performances from classical ballet to jazz and tap dance. Brian Santora's Boston-based Coast 2 Coast Dance, and Tony Coppola's Tap Ensemble, from Las Vegas, will bring their dancers together for a fresh dance "fusion" presentation. Coppola and Santora will choreograph contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and tap pieces for the dancers from both coasts to fuse styles, techniques and rhythms. On July 7, the Festival will present Ritmo Forte, and Ritmo Veloce on July 10. On July 11, the CBMF will offer a special free kid's performance, Jump Up & Dance.

The Opera Young Artist Program in Paradise Celebrating its fourth year, the "Opera Young Artist Program in Paradise" is recognized as one of the best training programs for young singers in the United States. Under the leadership of Keith Miller, the program provides aspiring opera students with the performance tools essential to establishing a professional career in opera. With more hours of supervision per week than any other training program in the country, the Young Artists will receive their lessons from internationally acclaimed singers, coaches and instructors, drawn from the countries finest opera companies and Music Colleges, such as The Metropolitan Opera New York, Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and London's Royal Opera of Covent Garden.

In addition to attending classes, the Young Artists will sing in the opera chorus of Le Nozze di Figaro, be featured in comprimario roles and cover the main production roles. The Young Artists will also be performing two recitals: Arias with Altitude on July 8 and Scenes in Paradise on July 11. Masterclass performances will be on July 14, July 17 and July 21. And, for parents who want to introduce opera to their kiddos, the one act opera L'Enfant et les Sortileges written by Maurice Ravel will be performed. The opera tells the story of a child who is reprimanded by the objects in his room that come to life after he has thrown a tantrum and destroyed them. The performance is free and will be offered on July 25.

Subscriptions for the 2009 Festival will go on sale in March, and ticket prices will range in price from $10 to $200 (not including the Festival's free performances). For more information on the 2009 Festival, call 970-349-0619 or visit www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com About the Crested Butte Music Festival Celebrating its 12th season, the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) brings world-class musicians, singers and dancers each summer to the wildflower capital of Colorado. The goal of the CBMF is both to enrich the community by offering affordable and free music, opera and dance performances, and educate a diverse audience in music, opera and dance. .

Curious Theatre Announces Season 12

Denver, CO- Celebrating one of its most successful seasons to date in 2008, Curious Theatre Company has been the recipient of The Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, named ‘Best Theater Company’ by 5280 Magazine, received eight Denver Post Ovation Awards, including ‘Best Year for a Company’ and succeeded in the purchase and partial renovation of its long-time home at 1080 Acoma in Denver.

“It’s a great challenge to build on the success of a season as wonderful as the one we are now finishing, and constructing a subsequent season that is as exciting — if not more exciting — than 2008/09. I’m confident that this line-up of shows accomplishes precisely that, and I am eager to share them all with our Denver audiences!” says Chip Walton, Curious’ Producing Artistic Director “What strikes me about our 2009/10 Season, is how each of these plays—in remarkably different ways—explore our shifting perceptions of identity, both of ourselves, and collectively as a nation. Together, they explore our hopes, fears and dreams—and how those all make us exactly who we are—in poignant and unforgettable ways. This season represents the best and most exciting new work in American theatre.”

YANKEE TAVERN
By Steven Dietz
Directed by Chip Walton
September 12-October 24, 2009
*A National New Play Network World Premiere
From Denver native Steven Dietz, comes a new play filled with mystery, conspiracy and thrills. Set in a crumbling tavern in New York City, a young man is saddled with questions about his father’s best friend, their mysterious past, and a stranger who knows much more than he should. In an instant, outlandish hypotheses become dangerous realities as surprising revelations continue to emerge in this eye-opening look at our government and the theories behind the events that have shaped our country.

AMERIVILLE
Written and Created by UNIVERSES
Directed by Chay Yew
November 14-December 5, 2009
*Regional Premiere
In an explosive fusion of poetic storytelling and the infectious rhythms of jazz, Gospel and hip-hop, UNIVERSES puts the state of the Union under a microscope—race, poverty, politics, history and government—examining our country through the lens of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. A theatrical tour-de-force premiering at the Humana Festival of New Plays in March 2009 (directed by Chay Yew), UNIVERSES returns to Curious Theatre in November 2009 with this exciting new work.

HOME BY DARK
By Terry Dodd
Directed by Jaime Horton
January 9-February 6, 2010
*World Premiere
Curious Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of HOME BY DARK by Denver based playwright, Terry Dodd. On a snowy morning in 1986, a father makes a surprise visit to his son in Boulder, Colorado to confront him about a secret, and reveal one of his own. A compelling story of a young man and his father grappling to turn their fear of the truth into acceptance, HOME BY DARK is a truly heartwarming story about the risks of love, secrets, and compassion. Presented in Association with Denver Center Attractions.

OPUS
By Michael Hollinger
Director TBA
February 20-April 3, 2010
*Regional Premiere
In a world where characters are instruments and scenes are movements, a world-class, high-strung, string quartet prepares for their highest-profile performance ever. As musical ambitions collide with personal dynamics, their rehearsal room becomes a pressure cooker and their world begins to fall apart. Passions rise, personalities clash, and the players are forced to confront the ephemeral nature of their life's work.

UP
By Bridget Carpenter Directed by Chip Walton
April 24-May 29, 2010
*Regional Premiere
“People search their whole lives to find one thing they’re good at…to find the one thing that makes them special.” Meet Walter Griffin, who, on the best day of his life, built a flying lawn chair that managed to carry him 16,000 feet in the air. He’s never quite come down from his 15 minutes of fame, and he’s spent the last 16 years trying to invent new ways to fly while his wife keeps the family afloat. UP is a quirky, bittersweet tale about escaping the boundaries of the everyday and how we dream ourselves into a future.

Economic Recovery Package Includes $50 Million for National Endowment for the Arts

(Washington, DC) On January 28, the U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the Economic Recovery Package by a vote of 244 to 188, which successfully included $50 million in supplemental grants funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)!

This provision was threatened throughout the House process by opponents of the NEA who questioned its effectiveness in providing economic stimulus. Today, the NEA offered the following statement ,“the arts and culture industry is a sector of the economy just like any other with workers who pay taxes, mortgages, rent and contribute in other ways to the economy; and that the National Endowment for the Arts is uniquely positioned to assist in job stimulation for that industry.”

Thanks to the thousands of advocates who contacted their Members of Congress and let them know the importance of maintaining funding for the NEA!

However, our work is not finished yet as the U.S. Senate starts their debate on the bill tomorrow and continues through next week. The Senate Appropriations Committee did not include an arts jobs funding provision in their version of the bill, but advocates still have an opportunity to change the final outcome.

Please take two minutes to take action and ask your Member of Congress and Senators to support the arts in this legislation . Americans for the Arts has supplied you with fresh research and key quotes that support this funding -- your help in communicating this information to your Member of Congress is critical.

Please help us continue this important work by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. Play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today -- it's free and simple.

OPERA COLORADO ANNOUNCES 2009/2010 SEASON

DENVER, CO — Opera Colorado General Director Gregory Carpenter announced plans for the company’s upcoming 2009/2010 Season. “Our new season includes three beloved selections from the operatic repertoire that represent both traditional and innovative approaches to the art form,” Carpenter said. Carpenter stated that the artistic goals for the new season build on the company’s recent successes. “As we move into the future, Opera Colorado will strive to present at least one opera per season that is either new to Opera Colorado, new to Denver audiences or rarely performed in Colorado, Carpenter said. “We are particularly excited that the 09/10 season will also introduce Denver audiences to many new artists, including conductors, designers, directors, and singers.” All together, twenty-nine artists will make their Opera Colorado debuts next season when all casting is complete.

Carpenter believes this artistic strategy will build Opera Colorado audiences for the future. “So far this season, we have seen great success with this approach,” Carpenter stated. “Our fall performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly was a runaway hit. That success has continued into the new year as we are experiencing strong ticket sales for our production of The Pearl Fishers, the first performance of this opera in the Rocky Mountain region. Giving our audiences both familiar options and opportunities to explore unfamiliar works and experience the work of new artists will build a diverse audience and donor base which is vital to our company’s future.”

The 2009/2010 Opera Colorado Season is generously sponsored by Ellie Caulkins and Jeremy and Susan Shamos
The Tales of Hoffmann
By Jacques Offenbach
November 7, 10, 12 and 15, 2009

The season begins in November when Offenbach’s vivid fantasy The Tales of Hoffmann springs to life in the stories of a poet obsessed with four remarkable women, and the four villains bent on his destruction. “This will be the first time Opera Colorado has produced this masterpiece in twenty-five years,” Carpenter announced. Produced in cooperation with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Boston Lyric Opera, Opera ColoradoÂ’s new production was created by the noted French-Canadian team of stage director Renaud Doucet and set and costume designer Andre Barbe. The team has created productions in Europe for l’Opera National du Rhin and the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. In North America, their work has been seen at l’Opera de Montreal and Florida Grand Opera among others. This production marks their Opera Colorado debut. Inspired by the tales of the German Romantic poet E.T.A. Hoffmann, the opera tours a dramatic dreamscape populated with beautiful courtesans, magical portraits and fantastical automatons. “Offenbach’s lush music fuels the visual style of the stage design inspired by 19th century couture and Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher,” Carpenter said. “The innovative approach to the design beautifully compliments the fantasy elements of this masterwork,” he continued.

French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak makes his Opera Colorado debut leading a stellar cast. Maestro Joel-Hornak’s credits include many of the major French and European opera houses and festivals as well as many major American companies such as New York City Opera and San Francisco Opera. Australian tenor Julian Gavin (Carmen, 2004) returns to Opera Colorado to portray the title character, a role he recently sang to great acclaim in Vienna. He is joined by baritone Gaetan Laperriere as the villains Lindorf, Coppelius and Dr. Miracle. Laperriere has performed leading roles with San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, The Washington National Opera, Santa Fe Opera and many others.

In an unexpected casting twist, soprano Pamela Armstrong (La traviata, 2008, La boheme, 2004) returns to sings the three roles of Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta. “There are very few singers in the world who are able to sing all three of these remarkable characters in one performance,” noted Greg Carpenter. “I am delighted that we have engaged Pam Armstrong to take on this exceptional challenge.” Julie Simson will sing the role of Antonia’s mother. Matthew DiBattista takes on the roles of Cochenille, Pitichinaccio and Franz. Mezzo-soprano Katherine Rohrer sings the role of Nicklausse.

The Barber of Seville
By Gioachino Rossini
February 6, 9, 12 and 14, 2010
The world’s most celebrated barber is coming to Denver next February, but haircuts aren’t the only thing on his mind. Rossini’s The Barber of Seville plays the Ellie in a charming production from Canadian Opera Company. The story surrounds Figaro joining forces with Count Almaviva to win the object of his obsession, the beautiful Rosina. Pure joy and silliness abound in an opera filled with disguise, mistaken identities and madcap mayhem. “Rossini’s quick-witted comic style and warmly expressive melodies will be well served by David Gately’s lively direction,” Carpenter said. “The traditional setting and costumes work wonderfully with David’s gift for comedy.” Italian conductor Leonardo Vordoni (Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Diego Opera) makes his Opera Colorado debut with this production. The cast includes the debut of four leading artists: Lucas Meachem (Santa Fe Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden) as Figaro; Isabel Leonard (Metropolitan Opera, l’Opera National de Bordeaux) as Rosina; Brian Stucki (Seattle Opera, American Symphony Orchestra) as Count Almaviva; and Wayne Tigges (Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Opera) as Basilio. Thomas Hammons, who last appeared at Opera Colorado as Henry Kissinger in Nixon in China, returns to sing the role of Dr. Bartolo.

Tosca
By Giacomo Puccini
April 24, 27, 30, May 2, 2010
The season comes to a close with an opulent production of Puccini’s intense drama Tosca. “Director Ron Daniels, who had great success at Opera Colorado with Madama Butterfly this past fall, will return to stage the operatic thriller set among the historical landmarks of Rome,” Carpenter announced. Designed by Thiery Bosquet, the production comes from San Francisco Opera. Stephen Lord, an Opera Colorado favorite, will return to lead the orchestra. American-born soprano Sondra Radvanovsky sings her first Tosca in her Opera Colorado debut. The 1995 winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Ms. Radvanovsky has sung leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera, The Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera and many leading European companies.
When tenor Roberto Alagna walked out of the Zefferelli production of Aida in 2006, Italian tenor Antonello Palombi was thrust into the international opera spotlight when he stepped in to take over the role on a moment’s notice. His U.S. credits include appearances at Seattle Opera, Cincinnati Opera and Michigan Opera Theatre. His performance as Cavaradossi marks his Opera Colorado debut.
Bass-baritone Greer Grimsley reprises his acclaimed performance as the lecherous Scarpia who is obsessed with the beautiful opera singer Floria Tosca. Mr. Grimsley’s international career includes performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera and many European companies

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Opera Colorado to present first Czech opera in 2011
Antonin Dvorak’s
RUSALKA
Starring Kelly Kaduce in the title role
Opera to serve as centerpiece for community-wide cultural festival
In a signal to the community about Opera Colorado’s commitment to expanding the company’s repertoire, Carpenter also announced that during the 2010-2011 season, Opera Colorado will perform its first Czech opera, Rusalka by composer Antonin Dvorak. The performances will take place in February 2011.
“There are many works in the standard repertoire that have never been presented to Denver audiences,” Carpenter said. “Dvorak’s tragic fairytale about a water nymph who longs to be human includes some of opera’s most beautiful music. Our production will star soprano Kelly Kaduce in the title role. Kelly is one of the most exciting young singers working today. We are thrilled to welcome her back to Opera Colorado to perform this challenging and beautiful role.” Carpenter noted that Ms. Kaduce was a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions competition in 1999. She sang the “Song to the Moon” from Rusalka to win the competition. Ms. Kaduce has earned praise singing leading roles at major opera companies across the U.S., including Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Florida Grand Opera, Santa Fe Opera and many others. Entertainment News praised her work, writing "In a career- making role, Kelly Kaduce dominates the stage. With high notes that thrill and a creamy middle range, this gifted young soprano delivers vocal velvet. But she is also a great singing actress...This is an authentically great performance." The Dallas Morning News stated, "Kelly Kaduce's performance in the title role is a tour de force. “The reason we are announcing this project this early is to have the opportunity to create long-term education programs that will engage the community in this exciting festival concept,” Carpenter stated. “We look to this project as a way to foster a deeper awareness of Opera Colorado’s commitment to our community and to promote collaborations with other arts organizations throughout the metro area. To celebrate this new production, Opera Colorado will create a cultural celebration of Czech culture surrounding the performance. The festival will take place under the name Czech Point Denver. Opera Colorado will partner with arts and cultural groups throughout the community to explore the musical and artistic contributions of Czech artists to world culture. “Czech artists of all genres have created some of the world’s greatest artworks,” Carpenter said. “We will seek out other cultural partners to create a community-wide celebration that will honor these contributions.” In addition to musical performances in the community and on the air, Opera Colorado hopes to include visual arts, film and other performing arts as part of this special series of events.

Season tickets to the 2009/2010 Season will go on sale to renewing subscribers on February 9, 2009. Season subscribers get access to tickets before individual tickets go on sale to the general public. “Renewing subscribers are seated before new subscribers, so it is important for opera lovers to get their season ticket orders in early, ” Carpenter noted. Opera Colorado will begin selling season tickets to the general public in mid-March. Additional information about season tickets is available at the Opera Colorado website, www.operacolorado.org or by calling Opera Colorado’s season ticket office: 303-468-2030.

OPERA COLORADO ANNOUNCES YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

DENVER, CO — Opera Colorado General Director Gregory Carpenter and Leigh Holman, Director of Education and Community Programs, announced the formation of the Opera Colorado Young Artists Program. Beginning in September 2009, the current program will grow from a five-month program to a nine-month, season-long program that will greatly enhance Opera Colorado’s presence in the Denver community.

“Opera Colorado Education and Community Programs served over 20,000 students throughout the state in 2007 and served an additional 20,000 adults,” Holman said. “The current five-month program could no longer meet community demand for our performances with our limited schedule.”

Holman has overseen Opera Colorado’s Education and Community Programs since 2006. During that time period, the program has grown by leaps and bounds. Opera Colorado artists now perform outreach programs for thousands of residents of Colorado communities. The programs include in-school performances of operas such as Rossini’s Cinderella and Richard Wargo’s The Music Shop. Opera Colorado artists also present in-school residency programs, in-school workshops and master classes as well as performing opera music programs for community groups. The artists also perform a special matinee each season of one of the company’s main-stage operas; in 2009 the ensemble will perform Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte for a student audience.

Because of these extensive performance opportunities, Carpenter and Holman both noted that the quality of singer auditioning for the ensemble has improved greatly in recent years. “Seeing the high quality young singers that we are attracting made me believe that we could serve the needs of young singers and the needs of Opera Colorado in a new way,” Carpenter said. “Young singers just starting out are hungry for the opportunity to perform on the main stage. By expanding this program, we can offer singers much-needed performing opportunities while increasing the excellence of our programs.” Thanks in part to a grant from the Boettcher Foundation, Opera Colorado will be able to expand this program to meet community demand.

Opera Colorado will audition singers in both New York and Denver in March. Six singers will be cast to perform with the Opera Colorado Young Artists Program, singing small roles in our productions of The Tales of Hoffmann, The Barber of Seville and Tosca, alongside their community programs activities. The program will also engage a coach/accompanist.

“It’s part of my personal goal as a teacher and an opera stage director to give these young singers valuable performance opportunities and give them real-life onstage experience,” Holman said. “So many singers come out of academic programs with vocal technique and musical expertise but little actual onstage performing experience. Our program will now offer these young singers the valuable experience they need working with seasoned professionals from the opera field so that they can advance their singing careers.”

New York auditions for the Opera Colorado Young Artists Program are scheduled for March 13 and 14. Denver auditions are scheduled for March 27. Applications and complete program details will be available at the Opera Colorado website: www.operacolorado.org/education/

More information about Opera Colorado Education and Community Programs is also available on the website. Schools and community groups can reserve a performance by calling Opera Colorado’s Education Department at 303-778-0371.

California News From Dan Wiley

Good day.

I'm sending a note to say hi, update and let you know I'm thinking about you.

If you would have told me a year ago that I'd be the top publicist and president of a PR firm in Los Angeles, I might not have heard.

Lucky for me, there's a higher power at play sometimes, eh? It's wonderful, challenging and familiar soaking up the sun and getting to work with clients all over the country.

I still act and do comedy. And hmmm, a publicist in L.A. with my favorite actors and comedians?...as Crowded House says, "Who knows where this might lead?"

If we can make you or your friends, families and businesses more successful by getting some ink or TV love, please call us. Because you know me, you know I'll deliver the goods for your people.

I'm happy and grateful to know you. I hope this day (and your whole life) is well and filled with joy.

Dan Wiley

Denver Center Theatre Company Hires Cactus as Agency of Record

Jan. 27, 2009 – The Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC) has tapped Denver-based advertising agency Cactus to grow the Company’s brand, to promote its world-class productions and to cultivate appreciation for theatre in the region. This contract reunites Cactus and DCTC, who formerly partnered together in the late 1990’s.

“As a performing arts organization, we have a very specialized product and a unique business model. We need an agency that is supremely creative and excels in strategic thinking to help us communicate to our patrons the distinctive attributes of our ever-changing lineup of shows,” said Jeff Hovorka, director of media and marketing for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

“Cactus’ reputation in Colorado is unparalleled and we look forward to partnering with them to realize our goals in the coming seasons.”

The Tony Award-winning DCTC is committed to producing the best classic and contemporary plays that explore what it means be an American in the 21st century. Each season, DCTC’s resident company of artists, craftspeople and managers seeks to reflect the many cultures and communities of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.

“Denver is fortunate to have one of the nation’s best theater companies. Our team is looking to produce world class work that matches the extraordinary caliber of talent and creativity of DCTC productions,” said Joe Conrad, Cactus founder, CEO and strategic director.

“Our focus will be to package the heart and soul of the Company’s productions and bring their essence to life in timely, socially relevant ways through break-through advertising.”

Cactus has added a dozen new team members in the last four months, has doubled its revenue in the last two years, and is quickly approaching $20 million in client billings. Other clients include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Lottery, University of Colorado Hospital and Westwood College.

About Cactus
Cactus is a full-service advertising agency providing business solutions for like-minded brands and causes through advertising, design, interactive, media services and public relations. Cactus has been nationally recognized for its break-through creative executions by The One Show, Communication Arts, The Webby Awards, South by Southwest, Favourite Website Awards, Advertising Age, Creativity and Print’s Regional Design Annual. Current clients include the Denver Center Theatre Company, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Lottery, University of Colorado Hospital and Westwood College. To learn more about Cactus, visit the agency’s blog (http://blog.sharpideas.com or Web site (http://www.sharpideas.com

About Denver Center Theatre Company
The Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC) is the region’s largest resident professional corps of actors, designers, craftsmen and technicians, and annually produces a season of classic and contemporary dramas and new works on the four stages of the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex: The Stage, The Space, The Ricketson and The Jones. Artistic Director Kent Thompson leads the Rocky Mountain West’s flagship professional resident theatre in its 30th Season, with a renewed excitement to explore the future of American theatre in the pioneering spirit of the West. Since the Tony Award-winning company’s opening performance in 1979, DCTC has nurtured a commitment to classics, the best of contemporary plays and the development of new works. Building upon the past successes of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s new play program – from Quilters to The Laramie Project, 1001, Lydia, Plainsong and Our House – Thompson is positioning The Denver Center to take the lead as a center of great new American writing for the stage.

Buntport Debuts Original Musical

By now you may be used to the notion that every Buntport show is a world premiere production.

You also may be used to the fact that they enjoy defying expectations by giving you something a little different than the previous Buntport creation.

But this time, they may even be surprising themselves.

This time, they are doing something that they have definitely never done before...

This time, they are debuting an all-new ALL ORIGINAL musical:

Using the post office as a central metaphor for mankind's interconnectedness, Seal. Stamp. Send. Bang. follows four different protagonists through an ordinary day...a day that weaves their lives together in a way that is sure to change their futures. Coincidences abound, fates are sealed, the past is addressed...all with a little singing and dancing Buntport-style. Written and created by the six members of Buntport Theater with their friend Adam Stone taking on the daunting task of writing the original music and lyrics. See Calendar for details.

Avenue Theatre seeks Volunteers for The Woman Show

You've heard about this year's installment of the Avenue Theater's "Girls Night Out" series, haven't you? "That Woman Show" is opening soon, and runs February 6th through March 15th...and it's selling out fast. We need your help!

The Avenue Theater is looking for volunteers to help out with our upcoming production of "That Woman Show!" If you'd be willing to usher for a performance or give us two hours of your time, we'd love to give YOU a ticket to the show!

If you usher, you can stay for that evening's performance for free! But we only need one usher per show, so call or email now to grab the date you want! And if you've got a couple hours to give to help us get the word out about this fun, fabulous show, we'll give you a ticket to come see any one of the performances you'd like (unless it's already sold out, that is!).

Call 303-321-5925 or EMAIL today to get in on the action!

Arts for Colorado Legislative Update, 23 January 2009 Arts for Colorado Call to Action on Proposed Arts Council Budget Cuts! Governor Proposing 50%

Colorado’s State budget faces an immediate deficit in 2009 and another in 2010. The Governor has proposed cutting the Colorado Council for the Arts budget by 50% in each of those years. The Joint Budget Committee of the Legislature will now review the Governor’s proposed cuts and make its own proposals to the full Legislature about what should be cut. Everyone who cares about arts and culture must communicate with the JBC immediately about the importance of preserving the State’s investment in the CCA. This is what you can tell the JBC and your own elected officials:

• Don’t Cut a Successful Economic Stimulus Program: The State’s investment in the CCA is an existing economic stimulus program with a proven track record of leveraging State dollars 12 to 1, creating jobs, and helping educate young people for employment in the creative economy. The most valuable asset in our State is creative people. Creative industry is the 5th largest industry group in Colorado, right after bioscience and information technology. Colorado also ranks 5th in the nation for the number of employees in creative industries. Art is not a commodity, but rather a fundamental element of a successful economic and educational engine. It would be unwise for the State to cut an existing and proven economic stimulus program when economic stimulus is precisely what government needs to provide.

• Keep Colorado Competitive in Creative Industry: Colorado has made great strides in building a nationwide reputation as a state that values and supports the creative community. That Colorado was chosen to host the National Performing Arts Convention, bringing nearly 4,000 participants to Denver last year, is but one indicator of the hard-won reputation that Colorado enjoys. Cutting the State’s investment in the creative community by 50% would send exactly the wrong message to businesses and individuals considering Colorado as a home, making it harder for Colorado to compete against other states and nations that are investing in such programs.

• Ensure Receipt of New Federal Arts Stimulus Money: The Obama economic stimulus package recently introduced in Congress calls for an extra $50 million to be devoted to the National Endowment for the Arts, 40% of which is earmarked for distributions to state councils on the arts. But NEA money is usually given to states as a match for state dollars. Thus, if Colorado were to cut its own funding of the CCA, we might not qualify to receive the additional stimulus dollars. We simply cannot run the risk of leaving new federal money on the table.

AFC is working, through its volunteer board members and professional lobbyist, to carry this message to our elected representatives – Preserve, don’t cut, this existing economic and community stimulus program. We urge you, immediately, to contact your own elected representatives, but also all the members of the Joint Budget Committee, to reinforce this message.

Joint Budget Committee: Senator Moe Keller District 20- Jefferson County moe.keller.senate@state.co.us

Senator Abel Tapia District 31- Pueblo County abel.tapia.senate@state.co.us

Senator Al White District 8- Eagle, Garfield, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt Counties al.white.senate@state.co.us >

Representative Jack Pommer District 11- Boulder County jack.pommer.house@state.co.us

Representative Mark Ferrandino District 2- Denver County mferrandino@yahoo.com

Representative Don Marostica District 51 - Larimer County don@donmarostica.com

Become an AFC Member to Support Our Advocacy Work for You! Arts for Colorado is a statewide member-based advocacy group. We have no full-time staff, but we do employ an artist part-time for program management, and we hire a lobbying firm to represent the interests of our members and ColoradoÂ’s cultural community during each legislative session. That’s why you should join NOW – so the creative community can maintain a consistent, professional presence in the halls of State government. Membership is inexpensive and provides a great return on investment.

www.artsforcolorado.org to join! Thank you!! Arts for Colorado | info@artsforcolorado.org Want to find out who your elected officials are using only your zip code? http://capwiz.com/artsusa/dbq/officials/?affiliate_lookup=1

Arts for Colorado is a 501(c)4 organization dedicated to improving the climate for culture throughout the state. To unsubscribe from future notification emails from Arts for Colorado please reply to this email with "remove me" in the subject line of the email. Thank you for being an advocate for arts and culture!

Opera Colorado To Announce 2009/2010 Season

DENVER, CO—Opera Colorado General Director Greg Carpenter will announce the company’s 2009/2010 season on Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 pm at the Chambers-Grant Salon at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The announcement will be part of a complimentary reception for contributors and will include performances of arias and ensembles from each of the operas to be presented in the 2009/2010 season.

“I am pleased to report that the coming season includes some exciting new productions and some thrilling artists new to Opera Colorado and Denver audiences,” said Carpenter. “The season reflects some bold new choices for Opera Colorado moving forward.”

Candlelight Announces Schedule Change

The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is pleased to announce its next production, "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline". This production has replaced the previously scheduled "Singin' in the Rain".

The Candlelight strives to bring the highest quality production possible to its stage. In this economic climate, we believe "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline" provides us the ability to continue the quality our patrons have come to expect.

"A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline" is a family musical that tells the life story of Patsy Cline. It is filled with Patsy Cline hits, including "Walking after Midnight", "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces" and has been a consistent hit across the nation. Told through the eyes and ears of radio DJ and comedian, Little Big Man, this show hasn't been seen on area stages in almost fifteen years.

To complement this production, Executive Chef Josh Thompson is pleased to introduce our Signature American Buffet. Now, patrons can try numerous homemade appetizers, side dishes and entrees. As well as many favorites, the American Buffet may include such selections as Parmesan Baked Chicken, Chipotle BBQ Glazed Meatloaf, Bourbon Glazed Spiral Ham and Baked Cod with lemon fennel marmalade. Patrons can also order for an additional charge a tableside flambé pasta dish served personally by the chef and À la carte desserts made from scratch in our kitchen.

As always, affordable tickets for dinner and show are available. And for the first time, patrons will be able to purchase "Show Only" tickets and still be able to order beverages and dessert for an additional charge.

Patrons who have tickets to attend "Singin in the Rain" will be contacted directly about their options, including keeping their current reservation and table choice. We know you will enjoy "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline".

For tickets and additional information, call the box office at 970-744-3747 or visit the website at www.coloradocandlelight.com

SU TEATRO WILL BE AMONG THE 2008 RECIPIENTS OF MAYOR’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

(DENVER) Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The 2008 honorees are Charles Burrell, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, Su Teatro and The Bloomsbury Review. In addition, the Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award will be presented to Noel Congdon. More information on the honorees is included below.

The 2008 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts reception will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th St. & Curtis St. Mayor Hickenlooper will present the awards to the honorees at the event. The public is invited to attend this free community celebration. Seating will be first-come, first-served; no RSVP necessary.

Performances for the evening will include: Rocky Mountain ChildrenÂ’s Choir, Sweet Edge Dance Company and Purnell Steen & Le Jazz Machine.

Arts For Colorado Urges Writing To State Legislature

As the new session of the state legislature begins, Arts for Colorado knows how important it is to continue our work promoting the arts statewide. For your information, we are including in this email a sample letter for your representatives that describe Arts for Colorado’s efforts, and which emphasizes the ongoing importance of the arts in todayÂ’s challenging economy. We hope you will take a few moments to mail a similar letter to your own elected officials.

Sample letter text:
Dear _____________:
Congratulations on your election to the [Congress of the United States]. We are grateful for your willingness to serve your constituents in the ___ District and the citizens of Colorado.
Arts for Colorado is the state-wide advocacy group committed to enhancing the civic and economic vitality of Colorado through supporting arts and culture. In Colorado, the arts represent a major industry and are a key element in building community. At the state level, we advocate for the investment of public dollars in the arts and culture, and we work with the Colorado Council for the Arts to support artists and arts organizations throughout Colorado. We provide community officials with information about the economic impact of the arts, and provide technical assistance in the development of local arts policy. Through our communications program, we raise public awareness of, and support for, the arts in Colorado. At the national level, we are affiliated with Americans for the Arts which has a similar mission for America.
In an era when innovation and creativity serve as the primary drivers for economic growth, a strong American economy depends upon public investment in the arts and in arts education. In todayÂ’s economy, that investment has never been more critical. You can help provide support to this by your participation in the Congressional Arts Caucus. The Arts Caucus comprises Representatives and Senators who recognize the value of the arts and arts education to our society. The current Democratic Co-Chair of the Caucus is Representative Louise Slaughter. Her arts staff person, Martha Goodman, can be reached at 202/225-3615 or Martha.goodman@mail.house.gov.
More information about our work and the work of the Colorado Council on the Arts can be found at www.coloarts.org and www.artsforcolorado.org . Should you wish to discuss anything regarding the above, or get additional information, please feel free to contact me or Matt Strauch our State captain for Americans for the Arts. Matt can be reached at 970.310.7813 or matt@basbleu.org .

DCPA Announces New Accessibility Services

DENVER - The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) has implemented new and enhanced accessibility services for its patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and blind or have low vision. With a commitment to providing high-caliber theatrical productions to everyone in the community, Denver Center Attractions, Denver Center Theatre Company, National Theatre Conservatory and Denver Center Theatre Academy paid productions will be equipped with the latest assistive services.

We are pleased to provide new accessibility services, including state-of-the-art open captioning, to enhance the experience for patrons of all abilities,” said DCPA President Randy Weeks. “Theatre should be enjoyed by all and we hope to enhance our services to enable the best experience available.”

The Denver Center’s new services include: • Open Captioning for most Broadway tours beginning with The Color Purple in January • Applause program magazine in Braille, large print and MP3 audio files for all productions • An Accessibility Services Guide produced in conjunction with the City of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas

Through its new open captioning service, Denver Center Attractions theatre-goers with mild to severe hearing loss may enjoy theatre without missing quick punch lines, fast-patter lyrics and hushed dialogue attendance. The open captioned performance features a text display located to the side of the stage that scrolls the dialogue and lyrics synchronization with the performance. The open captioning service is made possible through the DCPA’s partnership with Theatre Development Fund through its TDF Accessibility Programs (TAP). TAP has provided open captioning for more than 125 on- and off-Broadway productions. More information on TAP is available at www.tdf.org.

Additionally, The Denver Center has enhanced some of its existing services including:
• ASL interpreted and audio described services for all theatrical productions (one performance per show unless otherwise noted)
• Wheelchair and companion seating in all theatres
• Assistive listening devices in all theatres
• A reader-friendly website that meets or exceeds WCAG Priority 1 Requirements
The following titles, in date order, are a list of all audio-described and ASL-interpreted performance dates for the Denver Center Theatre Company and Denver Center Attractions. As is the nature of live theatrical bookings, times and dates are subject to change.

* PLEASE NOTE: At this time, only those productions with an asterisk (*) offer open captioning.
Quilters ..................................................... Stage Theatre - July 11 at 1:30pm
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ............................. Buell Theatre - July 26* at 1pm
August: Osage County .............................. Ellie Caulkins Opera House - Aug 2* at 1pm
Wicked ....................................................... Buell Theatre - Nov 15* at 2pm
Spring Awakening ..................................... Buell Theatre - TBD Dec, 2009
Little House on the Prairie ........................ Buell Theatre - Jan 3, 2010*

Theatre tickets may be purchased by calling 303.893.4100, TTY 303.893.9582 or online at denvercenter.org. Patrons may ask ticketing agents for information regarding ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open captioning performances and specify if wheelchair seating is required.