Though there never seems to be a shortage of theater offerings in Colorado, we usually experience a brief lull in May, the end of what is traditionally defined as the theater season. Not this year. This weekend alone, 15 new productions launch, making for one of the busiest opening weekends of recent memory. The rundown, in alphabetical order:
TheaterOpenings
“Amphitryon 38”
In this perceptive comic romp about the nature of fidelity and the arbitrary whims of the gods, Jupiter falls for a mortal woman who is steadfastly faithful to her husband. By Jean Giraudoux (“The Madwoman of Chaillot”); adapted by S.H. Behrmand. Through June 13. Germinal Stage-Denver, 2450 W. 44th Ave., 303-455-7108 or
“The Bootyguard”
Ruthless comic parody of the pill-popping, booze- soaked entertainment world inspired by the ’90s romantic thriller “The Bodyguard,” starring Whitney Houston. Written by and starring Denver native Andrew Shoffner. Through May 29. The Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave., 303-321-5925 or
“Crazy for You”
The popular musical about Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy who heads west to realize his dream to dance. Starring Michael E. Gold. Gershwin score includes “I Got Rhythm” and “Someone To Watch Over Me.” Through May 30. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 719-634-5583 or
“Dietrich & Chevalier”
This biographical musical tells the compelling, true tale of entertainment giants Marlene Dietrich and Maurice Chevalier, who met in 1932 and whose lifetime romance culminated with Dietrich’s dramatic appearance at his trial for treason. Through June 20. Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington St., Golden, 303-935-3044 or
“The Diviners”
In a small farm community during the Depression, where water and faith are in short supply, a charismatic preacher drifts into town and meets a misunderstood boy with the gift of divining water. Through May 22.Longmont Theatre Company, 513 Main St., 303-772-5200 or
“The Little Dog Laughed”
Douglas Carter Beane’s tabloid spoof follows the adventures of a movie star who could hit the big time if only his agent can keep him in the closet. Through May 30. Lake Dillon Theatre, 176 Lake Dillon Dr., 970-513-9386 or
“The Mommy Rants”
This one-act play by local writers Connie Ferger and Christie Winn explores all the wacky things that happen when you become a mother. Your ticket includes food, drinks and a massage for an hour before the show. Through May 9. Presented by Ranting Mommy Productions at Theatre O, 5311 Western Ave., Boulder, 720-890-6141 or
“Ring ‘Round the Moon”
Jean Anouilh’s updated romantic class comedy, set in the sparkling 1920s, about a twin who initiates a scheme of confusion and pretense to save his lovesick brother from an unhappy marriage. Translated by Christopher Fry. Through May 22. Presented by Upstart Crow at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-7328 or
“The Secret Garden”
Classic family musical about young orphan Mary Lennox, who is sent to England to live with a distant relative and discovers a magical garden with the power to change many sad lives. Through June 6. Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-794-2787 or
“Shining City”
Conor McPherson’s Irish ghost story about a man who seeks help from a counselor after having seen the appirition of his recently deceased wife. Through May 30. Presented by openstage etc. at the Center for Fine Art Photography, 400 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, 970-221-6730 or
“Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone”
Third time’s the charm: Shadow Theatre’s twice-delayed musical bio on the life of singer and activist Nina Simone, as portrayed by four different actresses, opens tonight. Through June 5. Shadow Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora, 720-857-8000 or
“The Sound of a Voice”
This haunting Japanese fable by David Henry Hwang begins with a beautiful woman living alone in the woods. She offers food and shelter to an aging samurai who happens upon her and decides to remain with his benefactress. Through June 5. Paragon Theatre, 1385 S. Santa Fe Dr., 303-300-2210 or
“tick … tick … Boom!”
“Rent” creator Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical rock musical about a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and falling into oblivion. Through May 23. Presented by Evolution Theatre at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-7328 or
“True West”
Austin is a successful Hollywood screenwriter; Lee is his menacing, vagabond brother, and this is the story of their attempt to trade lives. A disturbing comedy by Sam Shepard. Through June 26. Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker St., 303-433-4343 or
“The Wizard of Oz”
Dorothy’s classic odyssey to the land of Oz. Through May 15. Curtains Up, 3900 W. 32nd Ave., 720-308-2920 or
Complete theater listings
Go to our list of every currently running production in Colorado, including summaries, run dates, addresses, phones and links to each company’s home page: .
