Little did T.J. Mullin know that the capacity crowd at the Aug. 23 performance of Heritage Square Music Hall’s “Retro Loud” were in fact all invited guests gathered by castmate Annie Dwyer to celebrate Mullin’s 60th birthday.
Mullin, who is marking 33 years at Heritage Square, came out for his customary introductory remarks only to be greeted by 307 guests holding photos of Mullin (as Charlie Chaplin) in front of their faces. Only when former castmates starting showing up on stage was the jig up.
Former Squares in attendance included Bob and Wendy Moore, Alex Ryer, Mark Rubald, Amie MacKenzie, Melissa McCarl, Melinda Foster, Randy St. Pierre, Renato Lunnon, Dan Engelhart and Mike Skillern. Friends includedMichael E. Gold, Paul Dwyer, Dan Dobbinsand many more, including “So You Think You Can Dance?” choreographer Mandy Moore.
The highlight was an appearance by Bryan Foster, who reprised his most famous character with Mullin, Toad. Paul Dwyer called the pair the Lewis & Martin of Denver comedy teams. “They were absolutely astounding together,” added Wendy Moore. “They created comedy out of nothing.”
Video from the Mullin celebration
The video above shows the moment – during the Aug. 23 performance of “Retro Loud” – when T.J. Mullin realized the entire house was there to celebrate his 60th birthday.The video below shows the moment when former comedy partner Bryan Foster emerged to surprise Mullin with an appearance by his famous Toad character. Videos by John Moore, The Denver Post.
Our audio podcast from the Mullin celebration
Denver Post theater critic John Moore’s interviewees include T.J. Mullin, Annie Dwyer, Mark Rubald, Rory Pierce, Amie Mackenzie, Melissa McCarl, Bob Moore, Wendy Moore, Mandy Moore, Dan Dobbins, Renato Lunno and Melinda Foster. Recorded July 23, 2008. Run time: 17 minutes. To listen,
