To be 27, to be in New York City, to be in love – and to be a producer of a hit Broadway show, well, Tara Smith is living the dream.
She was raised in Denver, a grad of Kent Denver and the daughter of Michael and Iris Smith, former Denverites best known for big-time philanthropy.
She’s an “above title” producer of the new B’way smash “Xanadu,” loosely based on the disastrous 1980 movie of the same name – a movie so bad it almost ruined the career of Olivia Newton-John and shut down for decades the Hollywood musical.
Smith’s story starts when Denverite Lisa Gilford fixes her up with Brian Swibel, who was already mounting a production of “Xanadu.” That was in August 2006. Act two, one year later, Smith’s in love with Swibel and the show’s on Broadway.
The average age of the production team is about 30, with Smith being the youngest. “Prior to going to the show, the critics thought we were these crazy young producers,” Smith says. “They thought we were nuts. It’s been really fun.”
It’s been fun because the critics love this show, which deals with a muse who comes to Earth to inspire a roller disco. Check it out at . The New York Times called it “Heaven on wheels, and in leg warmers.” The New Yorker cried out, “‘Xanadu’ is so ridiculously brilliant, so lavish and sublime a confection. It’s probably the most fun you’ll have on Broadway.”
It’s such a hit, people are coming to see it multiple time, calling themselves “fANADus.” A London production is in the works – as well as a touring company that I hope stops in Denver, and so does Smith.
“I grew up going to theater at the Buell,” she says. “It would be overwhelming and exciting to see it there.”
Then again – you can catch it in New York. With the disco score, rave review and rabid fans, “Xanadu” could run like “Mamma Mia.”
Bikers
About 250 people put on their colors and headed to Erico Motorsports on Thursday night to help owners John and Tai Beldock open their new Ducati showroom on 2855 Walnut St.
Checking out the sleek Italian motorcycles: Steve Chotin, Fox 31’s Heidi Hemmat and Leland Vittert, Councilmen Charlie Brown and Ryan Frazier, hotelier Michael Brenneman, David Sumrak, Nancy Clark, Patty Calhoun, Rick Reilly, Cynthia Puchniarz, and Darrell Anderson.
Go Jesus! Go Broncos!
The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital are big Broncos fans. They watch every game in a special room, filled with Broncos paraphernalia, where they each have their own recliner. They’re now featured in ads for the team on buses and billboards, and starting this weekend in a commercial on CBS4. You can watch it now by .
City spirit
Sightem: Jay Cutler and family celebrating his sister Jenna’s birthday Thursday night at Prime 121 … Cindy Johnson from SOL (Store of Lingerie) is on “Today” Sunday morning doing “Sleepwear Makeovers.” Saturday she was on doing “Bra Makeovers” … Sez who: “You can’t make the club if you’re in the tub.” Rod Smith
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at .
