“Travelers of the Lost Dimension,” the latest from the Off-Center branch of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, has less to do with theater than marketing.
Billed as an “adventure comedy” and a 360-degree experience in the manner of last year’s “Sweet & Lucky,” which took over an empty warehouse on Brighton Boulevard, this bit of comedy improv is more a commercial collaboration with the new.
“Sweet & Lucky” was truly immersive theater, an engrossing storytelling effort in which audience members walked though a number of scenes and settings, solving questions, interacting with actors and following a story.
“Travelers” is more party game and promotional draw for Stanley. The “passport” or program is full of discount coupons for retailers in the building. It’s proving a popular night out. With 45 “travelers” per 90-minute performance, the run has been extended to May 21; in fact, the franchise could run indefinitely.
Targeted to millennials, perhaps appropriate for a first date by those wary of making conversation, the show seems best suited to the under-12 crowd. Families appeared to be having the best time as the crowd was moved around the public spaces of the former airplane hangar, wearing balloons and drawing attention.
The intrepid actors — Barbara Gehring, Linda Klein and Matthew of A.C.E. comedy troupe — are best known for “Girls Only — The Secret Comedy of Women.” The trio performed well in a sequence of humorous sketches and improvised interactions. Their improv chops are evident as they make use of the vast space. The best pieces (a send-up of Olympics ice skating, a Jacques Cousteau parody) have nothing to do with the tissue-thin storyline. The tone and technology is cutely “lo-fi,” in further contrast to the high-fidelity production values of “Sweet & Lucky.”
Bringing an arm of the DCPA to non-traditional audiences and sites is a bold move to be applauded, a high-minded intertwining of art and community life. Here’s to more experimenting in the future — with more dramatic results.
By all means, visit Stanley Marketplace, a creatively revitalized, massive structure. Have a meal, shop, have a beer. But don’t go expecting theater.
Travelers of the Los Dimension ** (two stars)
DCPA Off-Center presents an adventure comedy created by A.C.E. With Barbara Gehring, Linda Klein and Matthew Taylor. Through May 21 at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora.
