The Arvada Center announces auditions for the play "Harvey"

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for the play Harvey on October 27 and 28. Callbacks are scheduled for October 30.

Auditions are on October 27 and 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. Call the Arvada Center Box Office at 720-898-7200 to schedule an appointment time. Actors must be 18+ to audition.

Experienced actors with strong acting abilities are needed. See the character breakdown (after the cut) for specifics on available roles. Actors should prepare one minute dramatic monologue of the style and period of the piece. A current headshot and résumé are required. Audio and video submissions will not be considered. Equity members must have a current equity ID card. This is an Equity LORT D production, non-equity actors will be considered. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are needed and encouraged to audition for all roles. 

Auditions: The Great Gatsby

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for The Great Gatsby at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., February 10 and 11, 2014. The Great Gatsby will be directed by Gavin Mayer, the Arvada Center Artistic Producer is Rod A. Lansberry.

Auditions are February 10 and 11, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. Call the Arvada Center at 720-898-7200 to schedule a time. Actors must be 18 years & older to audition.

Call for Auditions: A Christmas Carol, The Musical at The Arvada Center

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for the musical, A Christmas Carol, The Musical at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., August 5 & 6 (Chorus Dance Call on August 9) and in New York City, August 19, 20 and 21. The Arvada Center production will be directed by Gavin Mayer with musical direction by David Nehls and choreography by Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck. The Arvada Center Artistic Producer is Rod A. Lansberry.

Click here for more information.

The Arvada Center announces auditions for the musical, Camelot

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for the musical, Camelot at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., June 6 and 7 (Chorus Dance Call on June 11) and in New York City, June 12, 13 and 17. The Arvada Center Artistic Producer, Rod A. Lansberry will direct Camelot with musical direction by David Nehls and choreography by Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck.

Colorado auditions are June 6 and 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Women’s Chorus Dance call 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Men’s Chorus Dance call 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. will be held on June 11 by appointment only. Call the Arvada Center Box Office at 720-898-7200 to schedule an appointment time. With the exception of one child’s role, actors must be 18 years & older to audition. The role of one boy (Tom of Warwick) age range 8-12 years old will be auditioned in Denver on Tuesday, June 11, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wojcik/Seay Casting will coordinate the New York City auditions, June 12, 13 and 17. To be considered for a New York audition, mail a hard copy of your headshot and résumé and indicate the role you are interested in (if known) to the following address:

Wojcik/Seay Casting
Attn. Camelot, Arvada CO production
247 West 38th Street 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Experienced performers with strong acting and singing abilities are needed. Good movement abilities are required. See the character breakdown (below) for specifics on available roles. Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of show. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Recorded music or a cappella audition will eliminate casting consideration. A current headshot and résumé are required. Equity members must have a current equity ID card.

This is an Equity LORT B production, non-equity actors will be considered. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are needed and encouraged to audition for all roles.

Rehearsals for Camelot begin on August 20, 2013. The show opens on September 10 and runs through October 6 2013. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of eight shows per week.

Character breakdown after the jump.

Theater Review: Arvada Center's Blithe Spirit Sophisticated, Funny

By Philip Doyle

Oscar Wilde, Noël Coward, Truman Copote. Three men graced with social super-powers of impeccable timing, fine tuned vocabulary, and a keen sense of perception.  These men hold a place in my gay history playbook for two reasons:  

1. They could really keep a party going.  

2. They no doubt elevated the demand placed on everyone around them to simply keep up.  When playing with the big boys of rapier wit you better bring it, or don’t show up at all.  The Arvada Center steps up, and meets the challenge.

Blithe Spirit is a fanciful comedy that was quite a sensation when it premiered in London’s West End in 1941.  Written by Noël Coward, it is a comedy that embraces a level of social discourse that rises above today’s over simplified communication.  A sophisticated and funny foray into an endearing place and time.

The play begins with a round of martinis.  Charles Condomine, a novelist looking for material for his new book, has invited some friends over for drinks, dinner, and a séance.  More martinis are served, and soon the libation flows as freely as wit.

Things go awry when medium Madame Arcati, breaches the astral plane and summons the ghost of Charles's first wife, Elvira. Charles is the only person who can see Elvira, and his second wife, Ruth, is none to pleased. Ruth thinks her husband has lost his marbles, until she realizes the haunting is for real.

What develops from that point is clever and fun, as Ruth demands that Charles get rid of Elvira, but Elvira has plans of her own.

Director Rod A. Lansberry has dutifully constructed a production of Blithe Spirit that really works.  Scenic designer Brian Mallgrave and costume designer Chris Campbell provide the play with perfect atmosphere of time and place. 

The entire cast should be commended.  Steven Cole Hughes is dashing and has a voice that is a delight to listen to.  Kate Berry plays the scorned second wife, Ruth.  Berry approaches her character as a devoted and doting wife, who finds herself backed into an impossible otherworldly corner.   

Leslie O’Carroll instills the clairvoyant Madame Arcati with grand idiosyncratic zeal.  O’Carroll is a comedic force of nature, a perfect storm where an actor’s ability is a perfect match for a character. 

It’s always a great pleasure to see the charming Mark Rubald and the talented Alex Ryer.  Boni McIntyre as Edith the maid, makes her character an audience favorite.

My highest praise for this production goes to Heather Lacy as the ghostly Elvira, for possessing the stage with enchanting presence and beauty.  Lacy’s performance is grand and graceful.  She flutters about the stage as if she is lighter than air.

I have had the opportunity to see a few productions of Blithe Spirit, and this current incarnation is the best yet.  If you believe in ghosts and the occult, you will sense the presence of Noël Coward in the house; gratified that proper attention has been paid to his work.  

Supported with a sure hand by the Arvada Center’s skilled directors, designers, actors and staff, Blithe Spirit will haunt you in the spirit in which Coward intended. 

Blithe Spirit at The Arvada Center’s Black Box Theatre runs through February 17th

For tickets or information call  720-898-7200 or visit www.arvadacenter.org.

Auditions: The Arvada Center Announces Auditions for the musical, Man of La Mancha

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for the musical, Man of La Mancha at the Arvada Center,  November 29 and 30; and in New York City, December 11-13. Arvada Center Artistic Producer, Rod A. Lansberry will direct Man of La Mancha with musical direction by David Nehls and musical staging by Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck.

Denver auditions are November 29 and 30, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. Call the Arvada Center at 720-898-7200 to schedule a time.

Wojcik/Seay Casting will coordinate the New York City auditions, December 11-13. To be considered for a New York audition, mail a hard copy of your headshot and résumé and indicate the role you are interested in (if known) to the following address:

Wojcik/Seay Casting

Attn. Man of La Mancha, Arvada CO production

247 West 38^th Street 10^th Floor

New York, NY 10018

NO CALLS PLEASE – qualified actors will be contacted to schedule an audition

Experienced performers with strong acting and singing abilities are needed. Strong movement abilities are required.  See the character breakdown (below) for specifics on available roles. Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of show. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Recorded music or a cappella audition will eliminate casting consideration. A current headshot and résumé are required. Equity members must have a current equity ID card.

This is an Equity LORT B production, non-equity actors will be considered. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds including a wide range of ages, physiques are needed and encouraged to audition for all roles.

Rehearsals for Man of La Mancha begin on March 5, 2013. The show opens on March 26 and runs through April 14, 2013. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of eight shows per week.

The Arvada Center Announces Auditions for Blithe Spirit

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for Blithe Spirit at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., November 14 and 15; and in New York City, December 10, 2012.  Blithe Spirit will be directed by Arvada Center Artistic Producer Rod A. Lansberry.

Denver auditions are November 14 and 15, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. Call the Arvada Center at 720-898-7200 to schedule a time. Actors must be 18 years & older to audition.

Wojcik/Seay Casting will coordinate the New York City EPA auditions, December 10, 2012. To be considered for a New York audition, mail a hard copy of your headshot and résumé and indicate the role you are interested in (if known) to the following address:

Wojcik/Seay Casting

Attn. Blithe Spirit, Arvada CO production

247 West 38^th Street 10^th Floor

New York, NY 10018

NO CALLS PLEASE – qualified actors will be contacted to schedule an audition

Rehearsals for Blithe Spirit begin on January 2, 2013. The show opens on January 22 and runs through February 17, 2013. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of eight shows per week.

Arvada Center wins big in 7th Annual CTG Henry Awards

The Arvada Center came away with the top honor this past Monday at the 7^th Annual Colorado Theatre Guild Henry Awards, a local celebration of the theatre community. The event, attended by 500 theatre supporters was held at the L2 Arts and Culture Center in Denver.

Nominated for 25 awards, the Arvada Center won in four categories including the coveted “Outstanding Season for a Theatre Company”.  Other honors include “Outstanding Production of a Musical” for Ragtime that opened the 2011-12 theater season last September. Megan Van De Hey won “Outstanding Actress in a Musical” for her brilliant portrayal of “Mother” in Ragtime and Tally Sessions who starred as “Anatoly” in the musical Chess received the award “Outstanding Actor in a Musical.”

“We are excited to be recognized by the Colorado Theatre Guild for our work this past season.” said Arvada Center’s Artistic Producer Rod A. Lansberry, "This award recognizes everyone involved in all of our productions and the elements that made them a critical success. From the actors to the artistic and creative teams, box office, city and center administration and of course our audiences who's loyal  support allows us to continue to create the quality we strive for.” 

Established in 2006, the Henry Awards honor outstanding achievements during the past season and serves as the Colorado Theatre Guild’s annual fundraising event. The awards are named for longtime local theatre producer Henry Lowenstein. Nominations are determined through a judging process conducted by more than 30 local theatre reporters, reviewers and assigned judges. The Henry Award is considered the highest honor in Colorado Theatre.

In its 36-year history, the award winning Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities has grown to become one of the nation’s largest multidisciplinary arts centers, devoted to all aspects of the arts and generously supported in part by the City of Arvada and by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Arvada Center is located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. and provides free parking for all its patrons. For more information go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.

Casting Call: Miracle on 34th Street

The Arvada Center will hold auditions for the musical, Miracle on 34^th Street at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., July 26 and 27; and in New York City, August 6-8. Gavin Mayer will direct Miracle on 34th Street with musical direction by David Nehls and musical staging by Piper Arpan. The Arvada Center Artistic Producer is Rod A. Lansberry.

Denver auditions are July 26 and 27, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. Call the Arvada Center at 720-898-7200 to schedule a time. With the exception of the children roles required in the script, actors must be 18 years & older to audition. The roles for three boys and three girls (including the role of Susan) between the ages of 6 – 12, will be auditioned in Denver on Tuesday August 14, from 3 – 5:00 p.m.

Wojcik/Seay Casting will coordinate the New York City auditions, August 6-8. To be considered for a New York audition, mail a hard copy of your headshot and résumé and indicate the role you are interested in (if known) to the following address:

Wojcik/Seay Casting

Attn. Miracle on 34^th Street, Arvada CO production

247 West 38^th Street 10^th Floor

New York, NY 10018

NO CALLS PLEASE – qualified actors will be contacted to schedule an audition

Experienced performers with strong acting and singing abilities are needed. Strong movement abilities are required.  See the character breakdown (below) for specifics on available roles. Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of show. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Recorded music or a cappella audition will eliminate casting consideration. A current headshot and résumé are required. Equity members must have a current equity ID card.

This is an Equity LORT B production, non-equity actors will be considered. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds including a wide range of ages, physiques are needed and encouraged to audition for all roles.

Rehearsals for Miracle on 34^th Street begin on November 6, 2012. The show opens on November 27 and runs through December 23. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of eight shows per week.

Character breakdowns after the jump.

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Arvada Center Summer Gallery Exhibitions

The nationally recognized Arvada Center will open its latest art gallery exhibition, FACES, PLACES & SPACES sponsored by Exempla Lutheran Medical Center with a public reception on Thursday, June 7 from 6-9 p.m. FACES, in the main gallery, goes beyond the traditional portrait show focusing only on the face, the quintessential expression of humanity. Through painting, photography and sculpture, PLACES, in the upper gallery, will highlight the juxtaposition of the interior, intimate and exterior, urban spaces created by humans. SPACES, in the theater gallery and in collaboration with Michele Mosko will feature large encaustic work by Earl Schofield and ethereal paintings by Lanny DeVuono, two artists who tackle open spaces.

New this summer is the introduction of “Smart Art”, exciting, interactive technology that will allow patrons to use their personal smart phones to connect with the artists in dynamic and interesting ways. Enhancing the existing “Guide by Cell” audio tour, the galleries will initiate “Augmented Reality” technology on select pieces representing every artist in the show. Visitors will have the option to download “Layar”, a free app, allowing them to use their smartphone to fill their screens with additional information about the art and artist, links to video, and other features. Using iPads provided for onsite use by the Arvada Center, a fun, new interactive photo app will give visitors the opportunity to create their own art to share in a digital space. This new technology will further enhance the gallery experience for long time art aficionados and novices alike.

"The Arvada Center is proud to be presenting a major exhibition featuring 36 of the region’s top artistic talents.” Remarked Collin Parson, Exhibition Manager, “From emerging to internationally known, these artists aim to explore the artistic dialogue that these genres have created in art and the continued evolution of their various representations. We are honored to be partnering with eight of the state’s top galleries to help secure these top-flight artists." The galleries represented are Walker Fine Art; David B. Smith Gallery; Michele Mosko Fine Art; Plus Gallery; Rule Gallery; Sandra Phillips Gallery; Shark’s Ink. and William Havu Gallery. Prominent artists featured in this invitational series will include Bill Amundson, Noah Kalina, Monique Crine, Jenny Morgan, Rick Dula, and Alan Chimacoff.

More information after the jump!

Arvada Center Announces Cast of Legally Blonde - Mondo Guerra to Design Costumes!

The Arvada Center Artistic Producer, Rod A. Lansberry has announced the cast for Legally Blonde, The Musical. Perfectly pink and infused with fun, fashion and frivolity, this delightful musical comedy follows the academic adventures of Elle Woods, a blonde sorority darling, who turns “stereo types” upside down, as she heads to Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend, a big case, and our hearts. Don’t miss this Broadway hit produced right here in Colorado by the Arvada Center’s award winning creative team.

The principal cast features: Hayley Podschun (Elle Woods); Norrell Moore (Vivienne Kensington); Sarah Rex (Paulette); Molly Tynes (Brooke Wyndham); Amanda Earls (Enid); Julia Perrotta (Margot); Heather Doris (Serena); Aisha Jackson (Pilar); Curt Hansen (Warner Huntington lll); Brett Ambler (Emmett Forrest) and Jeffrey Roark (Professor Callahan). Ensemble members are Allegra Rose Edwards; Emily Luhrs; Stephanie Nelson; Stephanie Park; Katlin Thistle; Katie Ulrich; Ben Dicke; Randy Dierkes; Joel Domenico; Rikki James; Matt LaFontaine; Jonathan D. Lovitz; Andrew Russell; Hayden Stanes; Johnny Stewart; Markus Warren and P. Tucker Worley.

In addition to director Gavin Mayer, the creative team includes David Nehls (musical director), Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck (choreographer), Brian Mallgrave (scene design), Tonya Moake Neely (light design) and Steve Stevens (sound design). The Arvada Center welcomes back costume designer Mondo Guerra , recent winner of Project Runway All Stars. Mondo designed costumes for the Arvada Center’s hit musical Hairspray last summer.

The show runs June 12 – July 1, 2012 in the Main Stage Theater. Performances are Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 pm, Wednesday at 1pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.  Preview performances are June 8 - 10. Moderated talkbacks with the cast are offered on Friday, June 22 after 7:30 p.m. show and Wednesday, June 27 after 1:00 p.m. show.  Ticket prices range from $35 (previews) - $72. Group rates are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200. Legally Blonde is part of the Arvada Center’s celebrated Summer at the Center Series and proudly sponsored by Exempla Lutheran Medical Center.

Theater Review: CHESS

By Susan Hennessey

If you missed CHESS at the Arvada Center, fear not, you can still catch it at its new home, the Lone Tree Arts Center.  You won’t miss it – it’s big, big, big!  CHESS, written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus with lyrics by Tim Rice, allows no time for the viewer to get complacent.  As soon as you’ve been seated, there is an immediate onslaught of songs that quickly establish the story, which is set during the Cold War and played out via a National Chess Match in Merano, Italy between the Soviet champion Anatoly Sergievsky and US champion, Frederick Trumper. 

The game of chess acts as a powerful allegory between these powerhouses throughout the play. CHESS is directed with clever staging by Rod Lansberry, suggesting The Arbiter has his hands on the game at all times. (SPOILER) The Soviets clearly have the upper hand in this one, not only in their inevitable win at the chess match, but also in the music that was written for them, which favors the angst and passion of the Soviets, namely the character of Anatoly, who is masterfully played by Tally Sessions. (END SPOILER) In Act I his “Where I Want to Be” holds the audience captive.  “Anthem” the final number in Act I is so riveting, you’re glad that there’s an intermission.

There aren’t many productions of CHESS still being offered 30 years after it was first written. Mostly because it’s a difficult musical to do well.  In this version, there are 23 songs in Act I and 18 in Act II - and this music is demanding.  With such a challenging musical, it seems that a director has two options - to pick either a clear story with less music, or go for all of the music that was added over several productions over the course of several years with the result being a convoluted outcome.  For the size of stage available at the Lone Tree Arts Center, less would have been preferred as it would have allowed the story to unfold while still retaining the musical numbers the audiences long to hear. 

Act II opens with crowd favorite “One Night in Bangkok," with flashy costumes and lots of skin.  Very fun!  This Act also features solos by Anatoly’s wife Svetlana, played by Megan Van De Hey.  She fights for Anatoly in “You and I” and keeps the audience spellbound.  Passion reigns in this two and half hour piece, and love allows the natural course of things to settle, but like any game, someone will lose.  Who?

The Arvada Center production of CHESS, A MUSICAL is at the Lone Tree Arts Center plays through April 29. For dates and times visit LoneTreeArtsCenter.org. 

(Editor's Note: Video of One Night in Bangkok is the classic Murray Head version from the 1980s)

La Cage Aux Folles at The Arvada Center

La Cage aux Folles, a flamboyant and humorous musical graces the Main Stage this holiday season. La Cage winner of the 2004 Tony Award® and Drama Desk Award for the Best Revival of a Musical was also popularized by the very successful 1996 comedy remake, 'The Birdcage' starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. It is a story of middle-aged gay couple – Georges, the manager of the St. Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment and his Albin, the club’s star attraction. Having lived happily together for many years, their lives are turned upside down when Georges’ son announces he is getting married to the daughter of a local morals crusader! The show runs November 16 - December 23. Check out www.arvadacenter.org for tickets or more information.

2007 La Cage Auditions for the Arvada Center