The Little Dog Laughed: Can His Hollywood Career Survive a Run-In with a New York Call-Boy?

Mitchell Green is a Hollywood star on his way to the A-list -- if he can only keep that pesky “recurring case of homosexuality” under wraps. When Mitchell falls for a young call-boy while in New York for a premiere, his acerbic, fast-talking Hollywood agent, Diane, takes matters into her own hands. Meanwhile, the call-boy, Alex, is trying to figure out what he wants: Mitchell, or best friend/lover Ellen. He is torn between his desires for glitter and money and his longing for love, with all its requisite complications. Throughout all this, the tabloid-mad public keeps at everyone’s heels, waiting anxiously for someone to fall.

Vintage Theatre presents the Denver premiere of “The Little Dog Laughed” September 8 through October 22*. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays and Monday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010. Tickets are $15 - $30 and available online at www.vintagetheatre.com or by calling 303-856-7830.

Illumination Theatre Premiers "Sordid Lives" this Friday!

Illumination Theatre Productions' Sordid Lives opens this Friday, July 26 at 7:30 pm at the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver, CO 80230. The evening will be highlighted by the attendance of the play's author Del Shores, both at the opening night performance and at a post-show reception.

Equinox Theatre Company Presents Evil Dead: The Musical

Equinox Theatre Company continues their cult season with the regional premier of the hysterical and very bloody musical “Evil Dead: The Musical” August 23 through September 14. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM. With an Industry Night on Thursday, August 29. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 for splatter zone; or $22 at the door and $27 for splatter zone at the door. Tickets are available online at www.EquinoxTheatreDenver.com and performances will be at The Bug Theatre.

Based on Sam Raimi’s 80s cult classic films, EVIL DEAD tells the tale of 5 college kids who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. The songs are hilariously campy and the show is bursting with more farce than a Monty Python skit. EVIL DEAD unearths the old familiar story: boy and friends take a weekend getaway at abandoned cabin, boy expects to get lucky, boy unleashes ancient evil spirit, friends turn into Candarian Demons, boy fights until dawn to survive. As musical mayhem descends upon this sleepover in the woods, “camp” takes on a whole new meaning with uproarious numbers like “All the Men in my Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons,” “Look Who’s Evil Now” and “Do the Necronomicon.”

Comment to Win Free Tickets to Jekyll & Hyde

Jekyll & Hyde has come to Denver! This dark and dangerous love story is brought to thrilling, chilling new life by Constantine Maroulis (“American Idol”) and Grammy-nominee Deborah Cox. 

Now in a newly-reimagined production bound for Broadway, this classic tale of good and evil still features audience favorites, “This is the Moment,” “A New Life” and “Someone Like You.” 

I've got two pairs of tickets for the Sunday, February 3 show to give away courtesy of the gorgeous and talented Erica Cobb (left: I know, right?) Just leave your name in the comments (and whether you prefer the to see the 1pm or 6:30pm performance) and I'll choose two winners by 5pm today. 
Winners will have 24 hours to confirm or another winner will be chosen.

Thanks and good luck! According to Ms. Cobb, "This is an AWESOME show!"

Theatre Review: Flaming of the Shrew, a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic

By Philip Doyle

Lucky 20 Productions is comprised of Samantha McDermott and Jerian Franco who present the very clever and inventive 'The Flaming of the Shrew'.

Lucky 20 Productions is a new theatre company dedicated to reinventing Elizabethan works with a modern day twist.   A percentage of every ticket sold goes to charity.  Words fail to express my enthusiasm for a burgeoning theatre company’s dedication to the creative arts for such a noble cause.

Shakespeare’s 'The Taming of the Shrew' contains many of the bard’s typical conventions found in his later comedies, but stands out for being less lighthearted.  It is a controversial play that reveals how men can achieve their hearts desire through deceptive manipulation.

'Taming of the Shrew’s' worldview highlights chauvinistic entitlement of men over women, and the presumption of power held by men of high social class.  In brief, the male characters disguise themselves, in order to win the devotion (and mastery) of two women, Bianca and Katherine.  The discontented and fierce Kate becomes the object of desire to Petruchio, who eventually obtains his object.

'Flaming of the Shrew' retains the archetypes of Shakespeare’s characters and adds a twist.  As its title suggests, the re-imagined characters in this version are gay.  Some may argue that changing the gender and sexual orientation of the characters alters the misogynistic tones of Shakespeare’s original work.

As a lover of Shakespeare and all things gay, I must confess that mere suggestion of adapting Shrew in this way takes major cojones.  I applaud Lucky 20 Productions for this effort.

'Flaming of the Shrew' is set in modern day New Orleans in the Mardi Gras shop of the Krewe De Vieux, within we find a mixed bag of surprises.  The ensemble provides an entertaining variety of complicated family dynamics and drag performance, duals of witty banter and comedic slapstick.

Standouts include Tim McGrath as the shrewd and headstrong KD.  McGrath displays a confident understanding of what his character says and perceives. 

Damon Guerrasio as Hortensio is comfortable on stage, and a joy to watch.  Scott Jones is convincing as the patriarchal Baptiste. Brian Anderson as Graham has some delightfully funny moments.  Damien Dane has a strong drag presence and singing talent as Dion Bello. Tyler Mauro as Peter is young, cocky, and has an attractive presence.  Expecting an all-male cast, I was pleasantly surprised by Cassandra Steinhauser, who stepped into the role of Tranio.

I wouldn’t be doing my job without throwing in some tough love, so here goes. The "flaming" concept suggests a bold intention, and The Betsy Stage is a very intimate space, but there are moments where the actors lack the courage of their convictions.  At these times, it would have been nice to see some "sparks," but eventually the cast did manage to bring the show back up to temperature.

All things considered, the 'Flaming of the Shrew' is a refreshing reconsideration of one of Shakespeare’s earliest and controversial comedies. 

Flaming of the Shrew runs through December 17 at The Betsey Stage, 1133 S. Huron Street in Denver, and a portion of all proceeds goes to Project Angel Heart.

Hot, Hot, Hot! The Flaming of the Shrew

The cast of Flaming of the Shrew

Lucky 20 Productions' version of 'Flaming of the Shrew' is a re-consideration of - you guessed it! - Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew'.  Set in present-day New Orleans in the Mardi Gras shop of the Krewe De Vieux, the male cast is a throwback to traditional Shakespeare. But the characters are all gay, and the cast is an ensemble; a non-traditional interpretation lending itself to a completely new story.

MileHighGayGuy had the chance to do a quickie Q&A with writer/director Samantha McDermott and here's what she had to say about the show.

Beautiful shrew?

MHGG: Why is now the time for a gay parody/retelling of this Shakespeare classic?
Samantha: This was the perfect time to re-examine 'Taming' because we could simultaneously cast (almost) all men yet maintain the edgy examination of relationships that this play is all about.

When casting the role, were you casting mostly for flamey or shrewy?
When casting the role we were looking for a beautiful shrew with an inner flame. ;)


Why should readers of MileHighGayGuy come see the show? 
Readers who are looking for a thought-provoking and comedic experience should definitely attend. Or ... just come see all the pretty boys! ;)


'Flaming of the Shrew' runs through December 17 at The Betsey Stage, 1133 S. Huron Street in Denver, and a portion of all proceeds goes to Project Angel Heart.

Rawr! The Lion King is the king of The Buell Theatre's jungle

With eight performances still remaining in Denver, Disney’s THE LION KING is already celebrating a sold-out, record-breaking engagement at The Buell Theatre.  By the time the triumphant, five-week return engagement concludes on Sunday, December 4, it will have entertained nearly 110,000 people and grossed over $8.5 million at the box office.  The award-winning musical grossed over $2 million during the week of November 21, making it the highest-grossing week of any theatrical production in the venue’s history.    

 “The return of THE LION KING to Denver and its overwhelming success is a tribute to the entire Disney Theatrical team and the incredibly talented people involved in the creation of the show,” said President and COO of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Randy Weeks.  “Additionally, it is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Disney company maintaining their productions at the highest possible standards.  Is it possible that THE LION KING is better now than it was when it first opened here?  I believe so.” 

This is THE LION KING’s third visit to Denver.  The North American Tour launched in Denver in April 2002 where it played a sold-out 10-week engagement at The Buell Theatre.  The production returned to The Buell Theatre in September 2006 where it played a seven-week sold-out engagement. 

National Theatre Conservatory grads to star in NTC Rep 2010

At the culmination of their three-year graduate school experience, ten National Theatre Conservatory (NTC) graduates will star in NTC Rep 2010, which will feature Hamlet and Tartuffe.

Just when you thought you knew Shakespeare comes the NTC Rep’s Hamlet — an electrifying ghost story brought to life as a living graphic novel. Working with acclaimed British director Robert Richmond the NTC actors shake the dust from this story of murder, betrayal and revenge to discover why it is arguably the greatest play in the English language.

Tartuffe, the villainous scoundrel, use faith as a means to infiltrate a nobleman’s home where he tries to seduce the wife, gull the husband and steal all the money. Tartuffe is ultimately brought down; the day is saved by the King but not before everyone is exposed.

Both plays will be performed in The Conservatory Theatre at 1101 13th Street in the Robert & Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education, adjacent to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets may be purchased by calling 303.893.4100, 800.641.1222, TTY 303.893.9582 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

Legally Blonde comes to Denver

It's coming to Denver's Buell Theatre on February 2 at 8 p.m., and it's "AN ELLE OF A SHOW" (Time Magazine).

The hilarious MGM film 'Legally Blonde' is now a smash-hit musical that follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer.

When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

After turning Broadway and MTV hot pink, this “Feel-Good Song and Dance Juggernaut” (New York Magazine) is “The Best New Musical Around”(WOR).

MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Denver Center Theatre Academy

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts offers acting instruction year-round through the Denver Center Theatre Academy. Led by professional actors and teaching artists, classes are offered for both the beginning and advanced actor. The Denver Center Theatre Academy offers intensive one- or two-day sessions as well as multi-week courses.

Remember, when you shop local gay and gay-friendly businesses, the money you spend remains in, and benefits, the LGBT community.

Cats returns to Denver

'Cats' returns to Denver's Buell Theatre this Wednesday, January 13 at 8 p.m.

I can't believe that in all my years I've never seen this show.

Word on the street is that there’s no better way to introduce your family and friends - or a reluctant date - to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of 'Cats'- one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history.

The winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, 'Cats' features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song, “Memory.”

Tickets and more info at www.denvercenter.org.

BALLS!

"BALLS! A Holiday Spectacular (PG 16)" is a new-fashioned variety show conceived and performed by Melanie Owen Padilla and Mare Trevathan, with flashy guest stars and a chorus of sock puppets.

See www.lida.org for more information and a complete schedule of guest stars, including Steven Burge, Regan Linton, John Common, Karen Slack, Eric Elkins, Candy Brown, DJ Savior Breath, Santemu Aakhu, Diana Dresser, Diane Wziontka, GerRee Hinshaw, Emily K. Harrison, Meridith Crosley, Patty Kingsbaker and more.

The 75-minute show is followed Thursday-Saturday, December 3-19 by an Afterglow party at BINDERY|space (2180 Stout St in Denver, next to the Mercury Cafe) beginning at 7:30 p.m.

As for price, it's a pay-what-it's-worth type of deal and an offering plate will be passed around - cash or check only, please! Reservations are strongly recommended so call 720-221-3821 or email lida@lida.org.

Curious Theatre presents Ameriville

Curious Theatre Company is thrilled to bring the Bronx based ensemble, UNIVERSES, to Denver for a limited engagement run of their latest work, 'Ameriville'. A true theatrical force, 'Ameriville' premiered at the Humana Festival of New Plays in March 2009, directed by Chay Yew. 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 the city of New Orleans.

“I am more than excited at the opportunity to bring this incredible group of artists to Curious, and better yet - to Denver,” says Curious’ Artistic Director, Chip Walton. “It’s like nothing you’ve seen in the area, they truly represent some of the most innovative and progressive artists in the country.”

Denver Center announces 2010 season - includes faves like Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins, South Pacific, Young Frankenstein, and Shrek

Denver Center Attractions announces a “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” season of Broadway hits headed for Denver in 2010. With shows hot off the Great White Way, new takes on classic favorites, and fresh new musicals, the 2010 season is not to be missed.

Denver will go blonde when LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL plays The Buell Theatre February 2–14. When sorority star Elle Woods gets dumped for someone more “serious,” she puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE earned seven 2007 Tony® Award nominations, ten Drama Desk Award nominations and an Outer Critics Circle Award. As on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell is the director and choreographer, and the award-winning book of the musical was written by Colorado’s own Heather Hach.

Check out the rest of the season's lineup after the jump.


Beginning March 4, the world’s most famous nanny will arrive at The Buell Theatre for a five week run. Combining the best of the original stories by P. L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film, the Tony Award-winning MARY POPPINS is everything you’d hope for in a Broadway musical—and more. Produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the show includes classic songs “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and of course, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” The NY Daily News hails MARY POPPINS as “a roof-raising, toe-tapping, high-flying extravaganza!”

Subscribers will next see MAMA HATED DIESELS, a world premiere musical produced by Denver Center Theatre Company, in The Stage Theatre March 19–May 9. Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman, co-authors of the Denver Center hits Fire on the Mountain and It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, create a rambunctious musical portrait of America’s long-distance truckers. Drawn from interviews with the men and women who criss-cross the country in their 18-wheelers, the musical marries Myler’s gift for real-life grit and high-rolling entertainment with Wheetman’s ear for the midnight jukebox sounds of a truck stop café.

Next up, winner of four 2008 Tony Awards and the 2008 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album, IN THE HEIGHTS dances into The Buell April 28–May 9. IN THE HEIGHTS tells the universal story of a vibrant community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures—where the biggest struggle can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. The Washington Post said IN THE HEIGHTS is “pure Broadway…an evening of old-style, innocent pleasure,” and Ben Brantley of The New York Times enthused, IN THE HEIGHTS is “an exuberant, animated shrine to the importance of family ties and being faithful to where you come from.”

Mel Brooks is at it again, following up his smash hit The Producers with the stage adaptation of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, playing The Buell Theatre June 15–27. The classic movie is ALIVE in a spectacular new production, winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Musical. A sensational cast delivers all the classic moments from the film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers for the stage, including "Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and “Puttin' on the Ritz." This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster—but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three- time Tony-winner Mel Brooks himself—who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book—along with his record-breaking team from The Producers, five-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman and three-time Tony-winning writer Thomas Meehan.

Lincoln Center Theater’s triumphant reinvigoration of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC comes to The Buell Theatre stage July 20–August 1. SOUTH PACIFIC swept the 2008 Tony Awards, winning seven honors including Best Musical Revival and Best Director for Bartlett Sher. This breathtaking new production has created a sold-out sensation on Broadway, lauded by the critics as “Simply wonderful…Beguiling theatrical magic” (New York Post), “ravishing and overwhelming” (Variety) and “rapturous and revelatory” (The New York Times). Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples – US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Navy Airman Joe Cable and young local native girl Liat – and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Considered by many the finest musical ever written, the score’s songs include such classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “A Wonderful Guy.”

THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL hits The Buell August 31–September 12, when one of the world’s most beloved stories comes to life on the national stage for the first time. Based on the book by Dodie Smith, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a one-of-a-kind adventure for the entire family, all about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. The musical is led by an award-winning creative team including four-time Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks (A Bronx Tale, Smokey Joe’s Café, Guys and Dolls), acclaimed bookwriter and co-lyricist BT McNicholl (Billy Elliot, Spamalot, The IT Girl), and Dennis DeYoung, founding member of the legendary rock band STYX, as composer and co-lyricist. In keeping with the spirit of the original story, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL promises a quirky, upside-down view of the world, where the audience sees life from a dog’s point of view. In addition to the bevy of talented human actors, the musical will showcase fifteen talented Dalmatians, many of which were rescued from animal shelters across the country and given a new lease on life with this starring role.

Rounding out the season will be SHREK The Musical, coming to The Buell Theatre in November 2010. Based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, SHREK tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. SHREK features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and is directed by Tony Award-nominee Jason Moore (Avenue Q). Full of big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, SHREK is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone.

2010 season ticket packages start at just $219.25 for new subscribers. To purchase a subscription, please call Denver Center Ticket Services: 303.893.4100 or 800.641.1222, or visit the ticket office located in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex at Speer & Arapahoe. Subscription packages can also be purchased online at www.denvercenter.org/bwaysubs. Single tickets are not available at this time.




My Big, Phat, Gay Musical

'My Big, Phat, Gay Musical' is an off-color musical comedy about a gay singer/songwriter who just happens to wait tables with his best friends, a dancer and an actress. When a mysterious hot guy shows up at the restaurant, everyone is caught off guard and soon they come to realize that he may be more than just a pretty face! Chockfull of original music by John Paul Sharp, this production is a shockingly funny and endearing self-portrait of the life of the artist himself.

Quilters returns to 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.

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).

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Phantom of the Opera

Be sure to check out 'Phantom of the Opera' at the Buell Theatre. It's always a crowd-pleaser and the reviews for this production are fantastic.

Check out Season 12 at Curious Theatre Company

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.”

See what's in store after the jump.


Season 12 at Curious Theatre Company


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.

Steven Dietz is the acclaimed playwright of Curious’ FICTION and INVENTING VAN GOGH. YANKEE TAVERN was featured this past December as part of the National New Play Network’s (NNPN) National Showcase of New Plays and comes to Curious as a part of the NNPN Continued Life Project. He teaches at playwriting and screenwriting at the University of Texas at Austin.


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.

UNIVERSES is an ensemble of multi-disciplined writers and performers who fuse poetry, theater, rhythm and politics to create moving, challenging and entertaining theatrical works, breaking the bounds of traditional theater to create their own brand. The ensemble staged a hugely successful workshop presentation of AMERIVILLE at Curious during the National Performing Arts Convention this past summer (2008). Steven Sapp and Mildred Ruiz were commissioned in Season 8 for THE WAR ANTHOLOGY and again in Season 10 to co-write Curious’ THE DENVER PROJECT.

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.

Curious is thrilled to welcome long time Denver audience favorite, Jamie Horton, back to its ranks in Season 12. At Curious he directed FICTION in Season 8, and starred in TRUMBO in Season 7. Curious is also excited to partner with Denver Center Attractions, who has held the option on this new play, and with Randy Weeks in particular, who has been centrally involved in the development of this project. Playwright Terry Dodd has been a central figure in Denver theatre for many years, both as a playwright and a director, and he has an extensive local and national theatrical resume.

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.

OPUS first premiered at Arden Theatre Company, City Theatre Company, and Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (2006). Optioned for a Broadway production last year, that option expired this past December, and it is likely to be one of the most produced plays in American theatre this coming season. 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.

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.

Nationally, UP is sure to be one of the hottest plays of the coming season for theatres around the country. UP was commissioned by Perseverance Theatre in 2002 and premiered there in 2003. Currently scheduled productions include: Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Steppenwolf. Bridget Carpenter was a guest playwright for Curious New Voices during its first year.



OUT@Curious

A unique and fun evening of entertainment, OUT@Curious brings together the LGBT community to support Curious Theatre Company while having a fabulous night out. Pre-show cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception begins at 6:30p.m. with a pre-show performance featuring NuClia Waste at 7:30p.m.. The curtains will raise at 8:00p.m. and the post-show bash at Santa Fe Tequila Company will be the perfect way to cap off the night.

Tickets for OUT@Curious ate $50 before October 31 and $55 after October and like my grandmother Princess Manyflowers, the oldest living Matinnecock Indian, used to say during games of Monopoly, "$5 is $5."

And she was right.

This is MileHighGayGuy: Vicki Smith, Scenic Designer for Noises Off

Vicki Smith, Scenic Designer of 'Noises Off' at The Denver Center, gives a shout out to MileHighGayGuy.com.

She was kind enough to give me a behind-the-scenes look at the amazing set she designed for the production and if you haven't seen the show onstage before, you're in for quite a surprise.

'Noises Off' plays at The Denver Center through November 1 in the Stage Theatre.