The coming months will bring Colorado theater audiences a refreshing mix of regional premieres and newly relevant classics but a disappointing dearth of new works.
Leading the way again is the Curious Theatre Company, which will premiere the two most recently available Tony winners for best play (“The Goat” and “Take Me Out”) while commissioning an original work that will bring a crucial period of Denver history back to life (“Paris on the Platte”).
Here are 10 recommended plays to watch (Denver Center shows will be previewed separately as their openings approach), with comments from featured actors.
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| Ken Fenwick in “Copenhagen”
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OpenStage & Co.’s “Copenhagen”
“I am amazed that the man who gave us the funniest farce in recent history (‘Noises Off’) could turn around and give us something with the intensity and fascination of ‘Copenhagen.”‘ – Ken Fenwick (Neils Bohr), best-known as Falstaff in OpenStage’s Henry IV Part One”
When: Now through Feb. 5 at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins (970-221-6730)
The story: In 1941, during the early part of the Nazi occupation, German physicist Werner Heisenberg visited mentor and friend Neils Bohr in Denmark, setting in motion a long-lasting series of conjectures. What did they talk about, and how has it since affected the world?
The intrigue: This is the first local company to mount the 2000 Tony winner since the Denver Center Theatre Company’s regional premiere last March.
Aurora Fox’s “Retreat From Moscow”
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| Post / RJ Sangosti |
| Martha Harmon Pardee in “Retreat From Moscow”
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“I know many women who have found themselves traded in for a younger model. But Alice is neither saint nor victim. She’s a conflicted, wounded wife and mother, and I’m more than a little overwhelmed at the opportunity to portray her.” – Martha Harmon Pardee (Alice), best- known as “the reprehensible Ann Coulter” in Stories on Stage’s “Politically Outrageous”
When: Jan. 21-Feb. 20 at 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora (303-739-1970)
The story: Three family members gather as a 34-year marriage enters into its final stage of dissolution. This is a straightforward examination of family dynamics, but just below the surface of the story is turmoil and chaos.
The intrigue: The Fox has lured Curious Theatre artistic director Chip Walton to direct this regional premiere of William Nicholson’s acclaimed script.
Arvada Center’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
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| Cajardo Rameer Lindsey in “A Raisin in the Sun”
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“Langston Hughes wrote: ‘What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?”‘ – Cajardo Rameer Lindsey (Walter Lee Younger), best-known as Zachariah in Shadow’s “Blood Knot”
When: Feb. 1-March 6 at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada (720-898-7200)
The story: In one South Side Chicago family’s struggle to overcome the ugly realities of racism, Lorraine Hansberry’s classic shows how the enduring human spirit yields familial and individual growth – not the kind that can be purchased, but only experienced through perseverance.
The intrigue: The play is now 46 years old but continues to resonate, as evidenced by its record-breaking Broadway revival that starred Sean Combs in 2004. To Lindsey, “It is pure poetry. And great poetry should be heard as much as it is read.”
Shadow Theatre Company’s “Paul Robeson”
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| Russell Costen in “Paul Robeson”
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“This is such an important opportunity to re-create the life of a great man whose history was consciously obliterated in retaliation for his fighting for human rights.” – Russell Costen, best-known as Toledo in TheatreWorks’ “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
When: Feb. 3-March 5 at the Emerson Center, 1420 Ogden St. (303-837-9355)
The story: This true one-man play concerns a black All-American athlete and graduate of Columbia Law School who was never allowed to practice as an attorney. His powerful voice led him instead to the stage and screen, where he appeared in more than 20 films.
The intrigue: Robeson became a global spokesman for human rights until the U.S. government revoked his passport. An appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee ended his career.
Germinal Stage Denver’s “Fool for Love”
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| Emily Paton Davies in “Fool for Love”
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“It’s definitely a kick to offer this up just in time for Valentine’s Day.” – Emily Paton Davies (May), best-known as Paulina in Paragon’s “Death and the Maiden”
When: Feb. 4-March 6, at 2450 W. 44th Ave. (303-455-7108)
The story: This toxic love story is laced with dysfunction, dark humor and elements of Greek tragedy. And it’s wrapped up in a package only Sam Shepard can deliver.
The intrigue: Though this brutal story is now 21 years old, the quest for happiness and love – and “the muck we slog through along the way,” as Davies puts it – remain fascinating because they’re universal and utterly human. “Add the mythology of the Old West and the sins of our fathers into the mix, and you’re in for a mesmerizing evening of theater.”
Alliance Stage’s “The Syringa Tree”
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| Karen Slack in “The Syringa Tree”
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“You don’t often get a challenge of this magnitude, and I’ve found that in my life, the things that are most difficult yield the most beauty.” – Karen Slack (Elizabeth Grace and 23 other characters), best-known as Frida Kahlo in Theatre Group’s “Painted Bread.”
When: Feb. 18-March 13, at the Buntport Theatre, 717 Lipan St. (720-946-1388)
The story: This is the regional premiere of the Obie-winning play based on Pamela Giens’ true-life childhood experiences. This inspiring, one-person story follows a girl from the age of 6 to adulthood, spanning the height of apartheid in South Africa from 1963-94.
The intrigue: “The Syringa Tree” gives voice to and awareness into one of the most tumultuous periods in world history.
TheatreWorks’ “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
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| LIDA Project / Eric Weber |
| Brian L. Giannini Upton in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
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“Perhaps some people will come to realize that, under our costumes, makeup and public persona, we are all quite the same. We need tolerance, acceptance and inspiration if we are to grow and survive, both as people and as nations.” – Brian L. Giannini Upton, best-known as Hedwig in the LIDA Project’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
When: March 4-27 at the Bon Vivant Theatre, 3955 Cragwood Drive in Colorado Springs (719-262-3232)
The story: On the surface, “Hedwig” is the story of a botched sex-change escapee from communist East Berlin turned internationally ignored rock-song stylist – as told by Hedwig in a cabaret concert with her rock band, “The Angry Inch.” But more so, “Hedwig” is rock ‘n’ roll meets Plato. It’s an opportunity for people to recognize themselves in someone they might normally have avoided on the street.
The intrigue: This production reunites in Colorado Springs (of all places) the cast and all but one band member from the LIDA Project’s seminal 2002 production in Denver.
Next Stage’s “Recent Tragic Events”
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| Jenny Hecht in “Recent Tragic Events”
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“There are some who feel we are still too close to 9/11, and therefore the subject should not yet be tackled artistically. Next Stage felt it’s time now.” – Jenny Hecht (Nancy and Joyce Carol Oates), best-known as Shelly Parker in Theatre Group’s “Bat Boy: The Musical”
When: March 11-26 at the Phoenix Theatre, 1124 Santa Fe Drive (720-209-4105)
The story: The setting is Sept. 12, 2001, in the Minneapolis apartment of a young advertising executive. She is preparing for her blind date when she discovers her twin sister has not yet been heard from in New York.
The intrigue: Though most of the work about 9/11 has centered on the tragedy itself, Craig Wright’s celebrated play – which includes a sock puppet as Oates – gives insight into families and friends who looked on helplessly from around the world.
Curious’ “Paris on the Platte”
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| Jada Roberts in “Paris on the Platte”
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“I think this play will have folks examining their own personal levels of resistance versus sacrifice. Many believe the path to greatness is sacrifice. Without it, there is no reward, growth or success.” – Jada Roberts (Dolores), best-known as Lady Macbeth in Shadow’s “Macbeth”
When: March 12-April 23 at the Acoma Center, 1080 Acoma St. (303-623-0524)
The story: This groundbreaking original work, formerly titled “The Speer Project,” will intertwine political battles and personal stories during the regime of Mayor Robert Speer, who transformed Denver into “The City Beautiful” while running one of the most powerful political machines in the country.
The intrigue: “Paris on the Platte” is being developed by the legendary Joan Holden of the San Francisco Mime Troupe. Curious’ innovative strategy – to commission national-caliber talent to develop new works of vital interest and relevance to local theatergoers – could become a national model.
Curious’ “Take Me Out”
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| Erik Sandvold in “Take Me Out”
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“This play features a lot of naked men on stage. Thankfully for all concerned, I’m not one of them.” – Erik Sandvold (Mason Marzac), best-known as the narrator in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol”
When: May 7-July 2 at the Acoma Center, 1080 Acoma St. (303-623-0524)
The story: A young, Derek Jeter-type baseball star casually announces he’s gay, which brings enormous fallout. At the same time, a lonely accountant just discovering his love of baseball finds his life filled with new emotions and a sense of belonging.
The intrigue: “Take Me Out” will be Curious’ second 2005 regional premiere of a Tony-winning play. The story triggered a national controversy, in part because no professional athlete on a major team sport has yet come out as gay while still an active player. But the script is equally remarkable to linguists and baseball fans for its poetic new arias about the beauty of the game.
