Editor’s Note: This review was from a production of “Cups” in Manitou Springs. It is currently being performed at the Bas Bleu Theatre Company in Fort Collins. Showtimes: 6:30 p.m. June 8-9, 16-18, 23-25, 29-30. Tickets: $5-22. 401 Pine St., 970-498-8949 or
Like T.S. Eliot, who measured his life by coffee spoons, playwright and performer Joni Sheram has found a perfect metaphor for her tales of womanhood: brassieres. As odd as the choice may seem, it works perfectly to explore the arc of her life, the key frames of the maturation process of the fairer sex, and the last half-century of American culture.
While writing the piece, Sheram wasn’t sure she’d live to perform it, as she was in the throes of stomach cancer; yet, here she is, having tenaciously overcome her greatest challenge, before immersing herself in rewrites under the seasoned eye of Brigitta De Pree, her director and co-founder of Manitou Art Theatre in Colorado Springs.
On the second night of the run, Sheram steadily warmed up to her alternately humorous and poignant material, flexing her comedic timing and making the most of a steady stream of zingers and insightful observations that bring home her witty and seasoned perspective on life.
Consider how the following bras mark rites of passage: training, front-hooked, strapless, push-up, nursing, foundation, prosthesis and stays, as in your grandmother’s corset.
It’s remarkable what such a survey brings up: the consideration of size and its relationship to sexual behavior, the security systems of bras relative to male make-out strategies, bra burning in the ’60s, the effect of lingerie on male desire, children, the Vietnam war, marriage, mastectomies, reconstructive and plastic surgery, and the aging process, just to skim a few references.
Sheram’s script captures many of the remarkable, kaleidoscopic events witnessed by the past three or four generations, as well revealing a reflective and inquisitive spirit that artfully applies a liberal dose of humor to it all.
The scene changes highlight a snappy choice of musical selections that reflect the pop music of the times, from “At the Hop” to “The Times They Are A-Changin’ ” to the present.
While this may seem like a “girls only” show, it isn’t. The depth of Sheram’s writing transcends gender, asking us to consider the touchstones of our own life.
Bob Bows also reviews theater for Variety, for KUVO/89.3 FM, and for his own website, . He can be reached at bbows@coloradodrama.com.
Correction
Editor’s note: A reference in the second paragraph above to “breast cancer” has been corrected to “stomach cancer.”
“Cups” *** (out of four stars)
Comedy bio. Presented by Manitou Art Theatre, 1367 Pecan St., Colorado Springs. Written and performed by Joni Sheram. Directed by Brigitta De Pree. 1 hour, 50 minutes. Through Feb. 1. 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $18. 719-685-4729 or
This weekend’s theater openings
“Inana” On the eve of the U.S. invasion of Baghdad, an Iraqi museum director desperately plots to safeguard an ancient statue from the looting he fears will come. He flees to London with his young bride, but before he can begin a new life there, he must reveal his own past and the fate of the statue of Inana, Goddess of War. A Denver Center Theatre Company commission and world premiere presentation by Michele Lowe. Through Feb. 28. Ricketson Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets, 303-893-4100 or
“The Full Monty” Fun musical based on the popular British film. Five unemployed steelworkers (moved here to Buffalo, N.Y.,) come up with a bold way to make some quick cash: by taking off their clothes. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun. Through Feb. 15. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 719-634-5583 or
Compiled by John Moore
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