This weekend’s 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
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
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.
