Buntport Theater, which is under commission to write an innovative multimedia play about inventor Nikola Tesla for the Denver Center Theatre Company, has passed a major milestone in the process. Its work-in-progress will be introduced to the public at next month’s Colorado New Play Summit.
“An Extraordinary Demonstration of Nikola Tesla’s Most Recent Discoveries,” is being developed by the award- winning Buntport ensemble — Erin Rollman, Brian Colonna, Hannah Duggan, Samantha Schmitz, Erik Edborg and Evan Weissman — along with DCTC multimedia specialist Charlie Miller.
The play’s working description: “Nikola Tesla, the Yugoslav inventor whose AC beat out DC, died leaving his long-rumored Death Ray under wraps. Two FBI agents and two Slavic boxers frantically search for it, while Tesla whispers to the audience from beyond the grave.” Meaning Tesla never appears in the play. But his caustic thoughts on the proceedings are wirelessly transmitted to the audience, who will be listening in on headpieces.
The “multimedia workshop performance” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Jones Theatre. Tickets are free, but must be reserved at 303-893-4100, starting Jan. 17.
While it’s unlikely the play will ever find its way onto the DCTC’s mainstage season, it is being considered for a coming initiative that will present technologically form-bending new works to the public in the underused Jones Theatre.
The other featured plays at the New Play Summit Feb. 10-12 will be “Great Wall Story,” by Lloyd Suh, “Cecilia Marie,” by Octavio Solis (who wrote “Lydia”), “The Whale,” by Samuel D. Hunter and “Two Things You Don’t Talk About at Dinner,” by Lisa Loomer.
“Great Wall” is based on a true story in 1899, when three Denver news reporters decided to perpetuate a hoax that the Great Wall of China was being torn down.
Rollman said the ensemble feels “incredibly happy” to be in that same company, but admits they will be beyond cripplingly nervous. “More like, on the ground writhing in the fetal position,” she said.
Shadow eviction begun
Cornerstone Equity has begun the legal eviction of Aurora’s Shadow Theatre Company after its board of directors let pass a deadline to accept an offer that would have fully forgiven the company’s six-figure debt in exchange for vacating, and leaving all light and sound equipment behind. …
Meanwhile, Shadow has been welcomed “with open arms,” says artistic director Hugo Jon Sayles, by its newest guardian angel: Charlie Packard of the next-door Aurora Fox. Packard has made his studio theater available for Shadow to present “An Evening with Nina” through Jan. 31 (303-739-1970) …
And Sayles is assuring the community that CRUNK, Shadow’s annual summer initiative that pays young apprentices $300 each to write and perform a play exploring topical issues, will go on. The $38,000 program has managed to escape the financial tumult of the larger company because its funding is separately secured through the Colorado Council on the Arts, corporate and individual donors.
“This is nothing new,” Sayles said of Shadow’s sudden nomadic status. “I’ve done shows at just about every venue in town. The Aurora Fox is a second home to me.”
Briefly…
The 24-year-old Avenue Theater has announced its first-ever real, full season. It’s anchored by a remount of last year’s hit rock musical, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” running May 5-28. It again will star Nick Sugar and Amanda Earls (303-321-5925). . . .
For years, the Avenue has teased a forthcoming staging of “Bunny Bunny,” Alan Zweibel’s homage to late comic Gilda Radner, to star Maggie Roswell (the voice of Maude Flanders on “The Simpsons”). While that’s still yet to be, Roswell and former DCTC actor Aaron Serotsky will read this intimate account of Radner’s life and battle with cancer for “Stories on Stage” at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Denver Civic Theatre, 721 Santa Fe Drive. $15-$25, (303-494-0523) or . . . .
Now that Anthony Powell is the new artistic director of Stories on Stage, he won’t be directing “The Lion in Winter” for the Arvada Center, opening Jan. 25. Instead, Colorado Shakespeare Festival artistic director Philip Sneed will be making his Arvada debut, with John Arp and Rachel Fowler in starring roles (720-898-7200).
John Moore: 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com
This week’s theater openings
Opening Thursday, Jan. 13, through Jan. 30: PHAMALy’s “The Diviners,” at the Aurora Fox
Opening Thursday, Jan. 13, through Jan. 16: Manitou Art Theatre’s “Every Job I’ve Ever Had” Colorado Springs
Opening Thursday, Jan. 13, through Jan. 16: The Avenue’s “Mekong Joe”
Thursday, Jan. 13 and 20 only: BurlyCute’s “Too Sexy for the Stock Show,” at Bender’s Tavern
Opening Friday, Jan. 14, through Feb. 27: Miners Alley Playhouse’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Golden
Opening Friday, Jan. 14, through Feb. 12: Firehouse’s “Art”
Opening Friday, Jan. 14, through Feb. 19: Backstage’s “On Golden Pond” Breckenridge
Opening Friday, Jan. 14, through Jan. 30: Evergreen Players’ “Story Theatre”
Opening Friday, Jan. 14, through March 29: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret’s “Unforgettable” (Fridays only)
Saturday, Jan. 15, only: Stories on Stage’s “Bunny Bunny,” at Denver Civic Theatre
This week’s theater closings
Sunday, Jan. 16: “Next to Normal” national touring production, at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Sunday, Jan. 16: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse’s “Will Rogers Follies” Johnstown
Sunday, Jan. 16: Theatre ‘D Art’s “Stop/Kiss” Colorado Springs
Best bet: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
This little musical is by far the most-produced theater production of the past two years, with 11 separate stagings by local companies in the books or in the works. Next up: The Littleton Town Hall Arts Center casts its spell on this offbeat musical comedy about six awkward adolescents taking part in an actual spelling bee that rallies audience members into playing additional contestants. These overachieving kids with steely ambition confront the pitfalls of puberty while spelling their way through the biggest night of their young lives. Performances Thursdays-Sundays at 2450 W. Main St. $18-$36. 303-794-2787 or
Most recent theater openings
“Bedroom Farce” Alan Ayckbourn’s relationship comedy focuses on a couple whose marriage is on the rocks, and they inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest friends — three couples whose own relationships are tenuous at best. Through Feb. 6. Vintage Theatre, 2119 E. 17th Ave., 303-839-1361 or
“Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” A comic attempt by three actors to perform (in shortened form) all the plays written by William Shakespeare, in less than 90 minutes. Through Feb. 13. Presented by OpenStage & Company at the Masonic Temple, 225 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, 970-221-6730 or
“An Evening with Nina” The Shadow Theatre Company is being evicted from its current home, but the show goes on, only at the nearby Aurora Fox studio theater. This original musical play by Hugo Jon Sayles, one of the company’s popular titles from last year, is set on an overcast day a few days after the death of Nina Simone. It’s made curious by the appearance of a mysterious woman, who says she knew the famous singer. Through Jan. 31. 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 720-857-8000 or
“Next to Normal” The national touring production of this Tony-and Pulitzer-winning musical traces the disintegration of a family that has battled the effects of bipolar disorder for two decades. Through Jan. 16. At the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th and Curtis streets, 303-893-4100 or and here’s and here’s
“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” This popular musical revue is filled with chart-topping ’50s and ’60s pop songs by the hall of fame songwriting duo of Leiber and Stoller. Songs include “There Goes My Baby,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Spanish Harlem” and more. Through March 19. Presented by the Carousel Dinner Theatre at the Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, 970-225-2555 or
“Stop/Kiss” When Sara and Callie meet, friendship quickly turns to potential romance. But when violence touches their relationship, they must choose: Speak up, or remain silent? A drama by Diana Son. Through Jan. 17. Presented by Theatre ‘D Art at University Hall, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, 719-357-8321 or email info@theatredart.org
Complete theater listings
Go to our complete list of in Colorado, including summaries, run dates, addresses, phones and links to every company’s home page. Or check out our listings or
The Running Lines blog
Catch up on John Moore’s roundup of theater news and dialogue.
