Theater Openings
Heritage Square Music Hall’s “American Idols”
Through Sept. 29: Americans have idolized entertainers from the silver screen since long before the popular TV show. This musical revue is a variation on the Music Hall’s popular “Loud” series. 18301 W. Colfax Ave., Golden, 303-279-7800 or
And Toto Too Theatre’s Annual Play Crawl
Wednesday only: Theatergoers will gather at the Oriental Theatre beginning at 6 p.m. and then set out to “crawl” the Tennyson Street cultural district, taking in 10 short new plays by local female playwrights at 10 venues. Start at 4335 W. 44th St., 720-583-3975, or
Little Theatre of the Rockies’ “The Boys Next Door”
Through July 22: This heartfelt comedy focuses on four mentally handicapped men who live in a communal residence under the watchful eye of an increasingly burned-out young social worker. At the University of Northern Colorado’s Norton Theatre, Greeley, 970-351-2200 or
Sis Tryst Productions’ “Crimes of the Heart”
Through June 10: Beth Henley’s ubiquitous Southern drama about a family crisis that brings three quirky sisters home to Mississippi for a soapy and melodramatic reunion. Directed by Larry Hecht (currently starring in Curious Theatre’s “Red”). At the University of Denver’s Johnson-McFarlane Hall, 1903 E. Iliff Ave., 303-947-0221
Mo Productions’ “The Grapes of Death”
Saturday only: This noirish murder-mystery comedy is set at a gathering of winemakers in 1942. Some audience members become characters in the show. Rated PG (for sexual humor).
At the Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, 303-688-4600 or
Cherry Creek Theatre’s “A Grand Night For Singing”
Through July 1: Musical revue showcasing the music of Richard Rodgers and the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein. Featuring songs from “Carousel,” “Oklahoma!” “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “Cinderella” and “The Sound of Music.” At the Shaver Ramsey Showroom, 2414 E. Third Ave., 303-800-6578 or
Midtown Arts Center’s “Hairspray”
Through Sept. 1: The upbeat Broadway musical about the chubby little white girl who single-handedly integrates Baltimore in the 1960s. Based on the John Waters film. 3750 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, 970-225-2555 or
Arvada Center’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical”
Through July 1: In this musical stage adaptation off the hit 2001 film, sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. On Broadway, “Legally Blonde” earned seven 2007 Tony Award nominations, including one for the book writer, University of Colorado graduate Heather Hach. This is the first locally produced staging of the musical. 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., 720-898-7200 or
Band of Toughs’ “(re)production”
Saturday and Monday only: This developing new play, written by Steve Wangh, explores sex, abortion and other unmentionables while mixing the mythical with the earthly and ethical. Free. 7 p.m. Saturday at the Naropa Performing Arts Center, 2130 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, and 7:30 p.m. Monday at 2701 Lawrence St., Denver, 303-641-3872 or
Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s “Twelfth Night”
Through Aug. 4: The venerable Colorado Shakespeare Festival opens its summer season with the cross-dressing comedy it debuted last month at the Arvada Center. It’s Shakespeare’s tale of Viola, who is shipwrecked in a violent storm so she disguises herself as a boy and becomes a page in the service of the Duke. It’s a comedy in which no one loves anyone who loves them back. At first. Seven performances only. At the Mary Rippon Amphitheatre on the CU-Boulder campus, 303-492-0554 or
Arvada Festival Playhouse’s “What is Susan’s Secret?”
Through June 17: The Cider Mill Inn is a run-down country inn owned by an endearing couple who appear to be bordering on senility. Turns out they are clever con artists preying on their unsuspecting guests. 5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., 303-422-4090 or
Compiled by John Moore, Special to The Denver Post
