OnStage Colorado podcast

Alex and Toni return from their theater road trip to Steamboat Springs to discuss the 27th Annual Colorado New Play Summit, dive into the 2025 Henry Award nominations, and interview two Bobby G Awards winners heading to Broadway.HighlightsColorado New Play Summit (01:18) - We experienced four compelling new works at this prestigious festival that boasts a 75% success rate of plays moving to regional theaters or NYC. Shows included "Creature Feature" (Roundabout Theater), "Vienna, Vienna, Vienna" (Six Point Theater), "Dawn" by Tuyết Thị Phạm and Lauren Gunderson's "Muse of Fire" where she starred as Anne Hathaway opposite Shakespeare.Henry Awards Discussion (16:22) - Analysis of the newly announced nominations, including the major shift to gender-neutral performance categories. Denver Center leads with 29 nominations, while Little Shop of Horrors, Music Man, and Waitress top the nomination counts. Ceremony: July 28th at Lone Tree Arts Center.Bobby G Winners Interview (26:00) - Grayson Graham (Lutheran HS) and Hannah Schnorr (Fossil Ridge HS) discuss their winning moments, upcoming Jimmy Awards trip to Broadway, and advice for aspiring young performers. Hannah heads to NYU's Tisch School while Grayson is now seriously considering theater programs.Key TakeawaysSteamboat's festival directly partners with theaters, creating built-in production opportunitiesThis year's Henry Awards feature tier-based categories instead of gendered divisionsColorado continues nurturing theater talent from high school to professional levelsNext Week: Full episode topic TBD. Subscribe to our Thursday newsletter for the latest Colorado theater updates.Sponsored by Town Hall Arts Center, Miners Alley, Rocky Mountain Rep, Colorado Candlelight, Aurora Fox, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and Boulder Ensemble Theater Company.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca began by discussing our Colorado theatre experiences since the last episode. Alex reviewed & Juliet at the Denver Center, describing it as surprisingly enjoyable despite disliking the pop music soundtrack. He also attended the 24 Hour Plays fundraiser at Curious Theatre, featuring six playwrights creating original works in 24 hours, with notable performances from Denver theater veterans.Toni covered several productions including Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song (which we discussed in detail on a bonus episode), the interactive art installation Oracle at Union Hall, Comedy Works' New Faces competition (25th year, 168 local comics competing), Little Miss Sunshine at Aurora Fox (which he found problematic as an adaptation), and The Tempest at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, which he praised for its visual magic and strong performances.Denver Fringe Festival RecapTime: 24:30 - 33:30We both attended the sixth annual Denver Fringe Festival, which kicked off with a showcase at Cleo Parker Robinson Theater hosted by Juice the Clown. Alex saw three shows including a cabaret performance and Plant the Musical (a confusing two-person show where both actors played the same character). Toni saw eight shows and published seven reviews, with Ben Franklin Sex Party at Rise Comedy being his favorite — an immersive comedy involving the audience in founding a new country called “Birdlandia” that ended with a group orgy scene and syphilis outbreak.Tony Awards DiscussionTime: 33:30 - 42:45We discussed the relevance of the Tony Awards for Colorado theatergoers, noting that while the shows are only in New York initially, Tony wins can help shows tour nationally. Major winners included Maybe Happy Ending (Best Musical) and Purpose (Best Play). Toni watched clips of the ceremony, praising host Cynthia Erivo's opening and noting that the Hamilton reunion performance was the evening's highlight, though it overshadowed other nominees.Colorado Theater NewsTime: 42:45 - 49:45Theater Funding Crisis: As reported by the Denver Gazette's John Moore, two northern Colorado theatres - Bas Bleu (33 years old) and OpenStage (50 years old) – are both facing financial shortfalls due to reduced public arts funding, needing emergency fundraising of $40,000 and $15,000 respectively. This contrasts with Denver metro theaters that benefit from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).Other News:Colorado Renaissance Fair opens June 14th for its 48th season, though elephants may be banned due to legal challengesDenver native Annaleigh Ashford returns for DCPA's Saturday Night Alive gala on June 14thBreaking news: We announced the 19th Annual Henry Award nominees, with the ceremony scheduled for July 28th at Lone Tree Arts Center. Notably, this is the first year without gendered performance categories.Interview: Sasha Cucciniello, Telluride TheaterTime: 49:45 - 1:15:15We interviewed Artistic Director Sasha Cucciniello about her journey from avant-garde theater in New York (Performance Space 122) to founding Telluride Theater 18 years ago with just $68. The theater has grown to three full-time employees including new Operations Manager Kevin Douglas and Executive Director Ryan Heidenreich.Key Topics We Covered:Unique Programming: Combines traditional theater with burlesque performances through their troupe “House of Shimmie Shake,” which sells out annuallyOriginal Works: Cucciniello has written over 20 plays, mostly devised collaboratively with ensemble castsRecent Success: Ski Bum the Musical by local ski bum Li

Bonus episode: Toni and Alex review the latest show at Denver's Garner Galleria — plus, an interview with performers at UpStart Theatre's upcoming production of ‘Hold Onto Your Butts' in Ouray In this bonus episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller comment on the new show at Denver's Garner Galleria: Forbidden Broadway – Merrily We Roll Along. The latest iteration of the long-running franchise features some newer musicals to spoof (& Juliet, The Outsiders, etc.) as well as beloved classics from Gypsy to The Lion King and plenty of Sondheim.Also featured in this episode is an interview Alex did with Kate Kissingford at the UpStART Theater in Ouray. They are presenting Hold Onto Your Butts — a spoof of the Jurassic Park films — June 6-8 at the Wright Opera House. They're joined by three of the performers, who will also present the show in Denver at the Clocktower Cabaret June 6.

A deep dive into Denver Fringe featuring an interview with Ann Sabbah, plus our weekly Top 10 Colorado HeadlinersIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca go big on Denver Fringe Festival — coming up June 4-6. We take a look at 20 of the dozens of shows coming up and chat with Denver Fringe founder and director Ann Sabbah along with performers Soleil Kohl, True Smith and Megan Dille.Later in the episode, we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows around the state that might be of interest. Chapter BreakdownOpening & Recent Theater Experiences (00:00 - 12:00)• Welcome and catch-up after previous week's hiatus• Discussion of John Moore's guest appearance on previous episode• Alex's experience at The Narrators at Buntport Theater - monthly storytelling event celebrating its 15th anniversary• Toni's coverage of The Narrators for Westword • TV/Film discussion: Mission Impossible Final Reckoning and Netflix's The Four SeasonsRecent Productions & Reviews (12:00 - 19:00)• Toni's review of Exhibit at Curious Theatre - one-woman show by Regina Taylor• Discussion of Hundreds of Beavers film screening at Sie Film Center with actress Olivia Graves in attendance• Preview of Oracle immersive art installation at Union HallTheatre News & Industry Updates (19:00 - 26:00)• Bobby G Awards coverage (Denver Center's high school theatre competition)• Sundance Film Festival's $34 million incentive package to move to Boulder• OpenStage Theater's cancellation of Agnes of God production mid-run• Discussion of funding challenges for local arts organizationsDenver Fringe Festival Main Coverage (26:00 - 39:00)• Overview of the sixth annual Denver Fringe Festival (June 4-8)• Festival statistics: 200+ performances, 75 shows, 20 venues• Ticket pricing and artist revenue sharing (70% to performers)• Toni's curated show selections across three days• Alex's anticipated picks including family-friendly and experimental worksFeatured Show Highlights Include:• Nuptial Nightmare (horror comedy)• Mouse City Podcast (mice starting a podcast)• Arkham Ass-Sylum (Batman villain burlesque)• Rocky Mountain Puppet Slam• Dichotomize Me (immersive absurdist play)• Various experimental, comedy, and performance art piecesColorado Theatre Headliners (40:00 - 53:00)Top 10 Upcoming Shows:• On Your Feet, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, May 23-June 22• Xanadu, Creede Repertory Theatre, Creede, May 24-Sept. 7• Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, DCPA, Denver, May 28-June 29• Torch Song, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, May 30-June 29• [title of show], Little Theatre of the Rockies, Greeley, June 5-15• Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, Miners Alley, Golden, through June 28• A Tuna Christmas, Bailey Theatre Company, Glen Isle Resort in Bailey through June 8• Something Rotten!, Thingamajig Theatre Company at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, through Aug. 30• Another Medea, Bas Bleu, Fort Collins, Through June 15• Ripcord, Firehouse Theatre Company at John Hand Theatre, Denver, through June 29

Decimation of NEA hits state theatre companies In this episode of the OnStage Colorado podcast, host AlexMiller is joined by special guest host John Moore — arts writer for the Denver Gazette. They dig into the harm being done by the Trump Administration's cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts and its impacts on Colorado theatre organizations.Later in the podcast they review the Colorado Headliners— upcoming shows that might be worth checking out.

We were at the opening night of The Hot Wing King onMay2. It's the final show of the 2024-2025 season for the Denver Center TheatreCompany, and they went out with a bang. Here's our wrapup review.

A rundown of best practices and alternatives for theatremarketing. Plus, Colorado theatre news, an interview with ‘Little Shop of Horrors' sound designer Elisabeth Weidner and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners. In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts ToniTresca and Alex Miller get in the weeds of social media and how theatres can use it (or not). Everyone may be hating on Facebook for its annoying-as-hell algorithms and it's sketchy political stances these days, but it still has relevance. It's important to diversify how theatres are reaching audiences, and the two give plenty of examples about how to reach beyond simple social posts to drive real engagement and authenticity.Later in the episode is an interview Alex did with freelancesound designer Elisabeth Weidner, who talks about her standout work on the Denver Center Theatre Company production of Little Shop of Horrors and what it's like to focusentirely on the audio component of a theatrical production.Also this week, our roundup of the Top 10 Colorado Headliners— shows to be on the lookout for. This week's list, in no particular order:  Remember Me, Aurora, The People's Building, May 1-11Ride the Cyclone, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, May 2-June 8Pericles: An Adaptive Show for People with CognitiveDisabilities, Touring show with stops in Aurora, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, May 7-24The Sala Project: Echoes of Curtis Park, Theatre Artibus in The Savoy Denver, May 8-18Space Cowboy, Wonderbound, Denver, May 8-18Romeo and Juliet – A Circus Adaptation, Lightbulb Theatre Company at Woodland Park Library, May 3-11Romeo & Juliet, Upstart Crow Theatre Company, Boulder Dairy Center May 1-18Cruise to Nowhere, Steel City Theatre Company, Pueblo, May 2-10The Cottage, Platte Valley Theatre Arts, Armory, Brighton, May 9-17First Date: A Musical Comedy, Coal Creek Theatre of Louisville,May 2-17 

Sci-fi musical classic soars in a meticulously craftedproduction helmed by Chris Coleman.In this bonus edition of the OSC podcast, hosts ToniTresca and Alex Miller switch things up from the usual weekly podcast. They'll do that one, with guest hosts, interviews, Top 10 Colorado Headliners and all that every other week. In between, they'll be serving up some alternative fare. This week, since both were at opening night for the Denver Center Theatre Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors, they did a joint review of the show. Spoiler alert - they both loved it. Enjoy.

The Colorado Theatre Guild president joins the guys to talk about the year ahead and more. Plus, our Top 10 Colorado Headliners.In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Toni Tresca and Alex Miller welcome guest host Betty Hart. As the president of the Colorado Theatre Guild, Co-Artistic Director at Boulder's Local Theater and avid show-goer, Hart has a unique perspective on — and deep knowledge of —theatre in the state.Later in the show, we review our weekly lists of Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows to keep an eye out for. This week's list: Pippin, Fort Lewis College, Durango, April 11-19Seams, The Agenda Theatre, Buntport Theater, Denver, April 11-26New Faces Rd. 1, Comedy Works Downtown, Denver, April 16-May 28Denver's Got Talent, RISE Comedy, Denver, April 19Raw Groove Presents: Life of the Party, Manos Sagrados, Aurora, April 19Happily Ever After, Windsor Community Playhouse, April 11-27Little Women, Main Street Live, Trinidad, April 18-27Field Trip!, Control Group Productions, Denver - Colfax areaThe Hot Wing King, Denver Center, April 25-May 25These Shining Lives, Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale, May 2-18OnStage Colorado Podcast - April 15th Episode OutlineIntroduction (00:01 - 02:20)• Hosts Alex Miller and Tony Tresca introduce special guest Betty Hart• Betty's roles: President of Colorado Theater Guild, Co-Artistic Director at Local Theater CompanyRecently Seen Shows (02:21 - 15:46)• Betty discusses nine shows she recently saw (02:55 - 06:37)• Discussion of "The Wiz" at the Buell Theatre (06:38 - 12:00)• Alex discusses "The White Chip" from Boulder Ensemble Theater Company (12:01 - 15:46)Discussion About Theatre Criticism (15:47 - 19:34)• Betty questions reviewers about their criteria for excellence• Conversation about what constitutes a "new" theatrical experienceMore Recently Seen Shows (19:35 - 22:06)• Alex mentions finishing "The White Lotus" TV series• Discussion about weekly vs. binge-watching TV showsTony's Recent Show Experiences (23:51 - 29:08)• "Inheritance Kitchen" immersive theater experience (23:51 - 26:00)• Chinese mystery game Jubensha in Louisville (26:01 - 29:08)• "Bright Star" at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse (29:09 - 33:15)Theatre News (33:16 - 36:37)• Leadership changes at Colorado Springs theaters (33:16 - 34:41)• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center season announcement (34:42 - 36:37)Media Recommendations & Theater Discourse (36:38 - 44:14)• Freakonomics podcast series on theater (36:38 - 37:37)• Discussion about giving feedback to friends after seeing their shows (37:38 - 44:14)Colorado Theater Guild Updates (44:15 - 52:48)• Unified Auditions on May 4-5 at Aurora Fox Arts Center (44:15 - 48:31)• State of Colorado theater post-pandemic (48:32 - 54:42)• New CTG initiatives regarding theater safety (54:43 - 57:48)Local Theater Company's Local Lab (57:49 - 1:06:01)• Overview of the 14th annual Local Lab festival (57:49 - 59:56)• Discussion of featured plays: o "Batshit" by Stephen Burge (59:57 - 1:01:35)o "A Bedtime Story for Black Boys on the Moon" by Kori Alston (1:01:36 - 1:03:00)o "Bloodsucking Leech" by Amy Tofte (1:03:01 - 1:06:01)Colorado Headliners - Upcoming Shows (1:09:10 - 1:20:27)Wrap-Up and Announcements (1:19:34 - 1:22:08)• Upcoming website content (1:19:34 - 1:20:27)• Podcast scheduling changes - moving to bi-weekly format (1:20:28 - 1:22:08)• Information about the next episode on social media in theater (1:20:28 - 1:21:27)

The DU theatre professor joins to talk about the value oftheatre training, plus Greener Theatre Colorado with Megan Holdeman and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Alex andToni are joined by special guest host Anne Penner. The well-known actor, director and professor of theatre at the University of Denver weighs in on the many benefits of theatre education — whatever career you may end up in. Later in the episode, Alex chats with Meagan Holdeman, founder of Greener Theatre Colorado. The organization looks to help state theatres reduce their waste, recycle things like set pieces, props and more and to mobilize and organize theperforming arts community toward climate-positive practices.  And as uzh (yoozh?), we run down our Top 10 ColoradoHeadliners — upcoming shows to keep an eye out for on Colorado stages. This week's list: Annie, Jesters Dinner Theater, Longmont, April 4-June 15The Wiz, Denver Center, April 8-20Collecting Myself, And Toto too Theatre Company, Roaming Gnome, Aurora, April 10-19Doubt: A Parable, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Colorado Springs, April 10-27Live: An Evening of Dance with 3rd Law, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, April 11-13Bright Star, Candlelight, Johnstown, April 10-June 8Ballet Masterworks, Colorado Ballet, Denver Center, April 11-20Little Shop of Horrors, Denver Center, previews begin April 11; it officially opens on April 18-May 25Little Shop of Horrors, Steele City Theatre Co., Pueblo, April 11-27The White Chip, BETC, Boulder, April 10-May 4

Leadership changes, season announcements and more – plus an interview with National Bohemians playwright Luke Sorge and Miners Alley's Len MatheoIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts AlexMiller and Toni Tresca take a look at some of the big A&E news in Colorado — starting with the move of the Sundance Film Festival from Utah to Boulder (sorry Cincinnati!). We also track some leadership changes in Colorado Springs at the Fine Arts Center and Theatreworks and Aurora's Vintage Theatre.Also in the news, a new season announcement from Denver'Curious Theatre, which will include:Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector (September)Job by Max Wolf Friedlich (November) - Regional premiereBad Books by Sharon Rothstein (January-February) - Rolling world premiereAnother Kind of Silence by LM Feldman - Bilingual in English and American Sign LanguageFurlough's Paradise by A.K. Payne - Regional premiereWe also have a lineup announcement for this year's Local Lab new play festival in Boulder, which will feature Stephen J. Burge's autobiographical solo piece Bat Shit, Kori Alston's Bedtime Story for Black Boys on the Moon and Amy Toftes' dark comedy BloodSuckingLeech.Later in the episode, Alex talks with Luke Sorge, whose new play National Bohemians is now up at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. Joining in the conversation is MAP Artistic Director Len Matheo, who plays Thom in the darkcomedy. Len also announced some of MAP's upcoming season:Ring of Fire- An eight-week summer runStephen Sondheim's Assassins with music direction by David NehlsThe regional premiere of Jeff Daniels' Diva RoyaleA new, yet-to-be-named production in repertory with It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play around the holidays.We also run down our usual Top 10 list of ColoradoHeadliners — shows you may want to keep an eye out for. Here are our picks for shows to watch for in the coming weeks, in no particular order:The Clean House at Bas Bleu in Fort Collins, April4-6:A reader's theatre production about a career-oriented doctor who hires a Brazilian maid too depressed to clean because she dreams of being a comedian.Perfect Arrangement at Firehouse Theater Company (April 4-May 9): Set in the 1950s, this play follows two gay State Department employees who've married each other's partnersas cover while being tasked with identifying "sexual deviants" in their ranks.Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Lone Tree Arts Center (April 3-13): Directed by Matt Zambrano and featuring Gareth Saxe as Holmes and Cameron Davis as Watson.Above My Pay Grade at What If Theater, Lakewood (Fridays and Saturdays in April): A comedy about workplace dynamics and the people who get you through the workday.Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival in Durango (April 3-6): Four days of concerts, silent movies, seminars and jam sessions at the Durango Art Center and Historic Strater Hotel.Swan Lakeat Parker PACE Center (April 2): Featuring dancers from the Ukrainian National Opera and Ballet Theater.Motus Playback Theater at Boulder Dairy Center (April 5): An improv theater experience where audience members share stories that are enacted on the spot.Boulder Ballet Red Ball Annual Benefit at Corrida in Boulder (April 3): Includes rooftop  dance performances and culinary delights.Stories on Stage: Maybe You Should Stop Talking at Su Teatro, Denver (April 6): Featuring Jessica Robblee, Kristina Fountaine and Geoffrey Kent.Stoned Twelfth Night, Bowls with the Bard: 12th Night atThe Coffee Joint in Denver (April 3-14): A queer take on Shakespeare's classic that allows audience members to partake in cannabis consumption alongside the performers.

A roundup of what's in store through June plus LynneCollins from the Arvada Center and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts ToniTresca and Alex Miller look ahead to the huge crop of new shows hitting Colorado stages in spring. We stick to the actual dates — March 20-June 20 — and found lots of great stuff from Durango to Fort Collins. In the news, we run down the just-announced Broadway season at the Denver Center and report on the latest about the Sundance Film Festival possibly landing in Boulder. Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Lynne Collins,the Artistic Director at the Arvada Center. The theatre recently announced its upcoming season, so we ask Lynne to tell us all about it. And as usual we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners —upcoming shows in the next week or so that might be worth checking out. This week's list: The Minutes, OpenStage Theatre & Company, Fort Collins, March 22-April 19National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, Golden, March 28-April 20Once, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, March 28-April 27A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center, March 28-May 11Defying Gravity: Bewitching Broadway, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, March 29Turn of the Screw, Ent Center, Colorado Springs, ends April 6The Kitchen Witches, Longmont Theatre Company, ends March 30Ruby & Price Start a Cult, Rattlebrain Productions,People's Building, Aurora, ends April 6Grand Horizons, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, ends April 27Burlesque - The House of Shimmy Shake, Telluride Theatre, ends March 29

A look at the state's many new-play festivals, plus achat with Brian Colonna and Regan Linton about Buntport's new show ‘The Menagerist' In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podast, hostsToni Tresca and Alex Miller celebrate the many opportunities to hear new theatrical works in Colorado. From the Denver Center's Colorado New Play Summit to Creede Repertory Theatre's Headwaters Festival, we run down some of the places you can hear new plays over the year. Also in this episode, we talk to Brian Colonna and Regan Linton about The Menagerist — the latest original work from Buntport Theater.  And as usual we review our weekly Top 10 list of Colorado Headliners — shows coming up in the next week or so we think you should keep an eye out for. Here's this week's list: To the Bone, Three Leaches Theater, Lakewood, March 12-22Every Brilliant Thing, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, March 12-29Zyanya Always & Forever, Su Teatro, Denver, March 13-30 Downstate, Curious Theatre Company, Denver, previews March13-14; runs March 15-April 13STRANGE CREATURES: A Bizarre Mythos for All Ages,Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater, March 15You Can't Take It With You, Magic Circle Players, Montrose, March 14-29The Lost Years, Millibo Art Theatre, Colorado Springs, March 13-23The Ever and After, Miscreant Theatre Collective at Roaming Gnome Theatre, Aurora, March 13-30Celtic Awakening, Denver Brass, Denver Newman Center, March 15-16Life of Pi, Denver Center Buell Theatre, March 18-30

BETC's Mark Ragan joins to offer tips on big shows in the Big Apple, plus BETC updates and a conversation with Birgitta DePree from Millibo Art Theatre. In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Alex and Toni are joined by special guest host Mark Ragan. Mark is the executive producer at the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, and he gives some updates on what's happening at BETC — including the “Plays With Fire” festival of readings this month as well as a sneak peek into some of the shows the theatre will mount in its upcoming season.In the main segment this week, we turn to theatre tourism and, more specifically, heading to New York. Mark is a frequent visitor to the city to see shows and dispenses some great advice for anyone looking to do the same. BETC is also sponsoring a group trip May 12-18 to NYC, and he gives us the skinny on that.Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Birgitta DePree from Millibo Art Theatre in Colorado Springs. The MAT is doing a COVID-themed theatre festival this month called “The Lost Years,” where playwrights and performing artists from around the state take stock of the upheaval and its aftermath.And as usual we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows or events worth noting around the state. Here they are, in no particular order:Telluride Fringe Festival, The Palm Theatre, Telluride, March 4-9ALICE (in wonderland), Colorado Ballet, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, March 7-16BETC's Plays with Fire, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, March 7-30The Book Club Play, Theatre SilCo, Silverthrone, March 8-23The Menagerist, Buntport Theater, Denver, March 9-Dog Man: The Musical, Newman Center, Denver, March 8-9Hansel & Gretel, Parker Pace Center, March 8School of Rock, The Arts Hub, Lafayette, March 7-16Rex's Exes, Historic Rialto Theatre, Florence, produced by Fremont Civic Theatre, March 13-16Turn of the Screw, ENT Center, Colorado Springs, March 13-April 6

Tips for arts orgs looking to get the word out – cheap!Plus, we meet the D-Town boys — Denver's over-30 boy band In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts ToniTresca and Alex Miller revamp a workshop they did last year on marketing for theatres. The two cover social media, earned media and owned media as well as tips for managing photos, building community support and a variety of other free or low-cost suggestions. Later in the podcast, Alex has a fun conversation with Nick Rigg Johnson and Jake Bell — two of the five members of D-Town. Billed as “Denver's over-30 boy band,” D-Town has a performance coming up March 6 at the People'sBuilding in Aurora. Also reviewed are the week's Top 10 (or so) ColoradoHeadliners — upcoming shows to keep an eye out for. This week's list: Mean Girls, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Feb. 25-March 2Ride the Cyclone, Colorado Mesa University, Asteria Theatre, Grand Junction, Feb. 27-March 8Agent Romeo, Wonderbound, Denver, Feb. 27-March 9Chess, The People's Building, Aurora, Feb. 28-9Here to Pee, Junkyard Social Club, Boulder, March 1The Tin Woman, Impossible Players, Pueblo, Feb. 29-March 14Becky's New Car, Coal Creek Theater of Lousville, Feb. 28-March 15Colorado New Play Summit, Denver Center, March 1-2 Bogfriends by Jose Sebastian Alberdi If God Were Blue by Carey Perloff Rust on Bone by Bianca Sams How to Conquer America: A Mostly True History of Yogurt by David Myers

Thoughts on how theatres can up their game for patrons, plusDCPA Theatre Company's Chris Coleman on the upcoming Colorado New Play Summit In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts AlexMiller and Toni Tresca draw on many years of attending live theatre to serve up a batch of suggestions for improving the patron experience. From informing theatregoers fully about the show itself to being mindful of what concessions are being served, we dig into lots of ideas on how to make the full journey a good one.Later in the podcast, Alex catches up with DCPA TheatreCompany Artistic Director Chris Coleman for a preview of this year's Colorado New Play Summit. The annual event showcases new works from four playwrights, and Chris goes over the scripts, the authors and the event itself.And as always we go over our Top 10 Colorado Headliners —upcoming shows that caught our eye. In no particular order, here's this week's list: Love Stories: 2 One-ActRomantic Comedies, Butte Theater, Cripple Creek, Feb. 14-23 Chasing Breadcrumbs, Dairy Arts Center,Boulder, Feb. 20-March 9 It's My Head!, The Bug Theatre, Denver,Feb. 21 La bohème, Ellie Caulkins OperaHouse, Denver, Feb. 22-March 2 Mean Ghouls, Live, Laugh,Lovecraft, Chaos Bloom Theater, Denver, Feb 23 Le Patin Libre, Newman Center, Denver,Feb. 22 In Her Bones, Colorado Springs FineArts Center, Feb. 13-March 2 The Play That Goes Wrong, Steel City Theatre,Pueblo, Feb. 21-March 9 The Servant of Two Masters, Fort Lewis College, Feb.21-March 1 Naked Mole Rat GetsDressed, The Rock Experience, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center,Feb. 28-March 30

A look at some of the funny, bad and just plain weird performative aspects from the game, plus an interview with ‘The Suffragette's Murder' playwright Sandy Rustin In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller ventured outside Colorado to talk about Super Bowl LIX from the point of view of the non-sporty performances. From Kendrick Lamar's exuberant, well-choreographed halftime show to the goofy ads to some of the other odd messaging and big stars, we Tuesday-morning-quarterback the whole shebang. Later in the podcast, Alex catches up withSandy Rustin, whose new playThe Suffragette's Murder just opened in a world premiere at the Denver Center. And we also run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows you may want toconsider checking out. This week's list, in no particular order, includes:The Suffragette's Murder, DCPA, Denver, PreviewFeb. 7-13; runs Feb. 14-March 9Long Day's Journey Into Night, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Feb. 13-23Guys and Dolls, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Feb. 14-March 23Clybourne Park, Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Feb. 14-March 30 The Nasty Show, Comedy Works Downtown (Denver) and South (Greenwood Village), Feb. 16-March 12Baskerville, Main Street Live, Trinidad, Feb. 14-24Humble Boy, Springboard Productions at Three Leaches Theater, LakewoodOn Clover Road, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Feb. 13-March 2Tiny Beautiful Things, Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale, Feb. 14-March 2If It's Monday, It Must Be Murder,Longmont Theatre Company, Feb. 7-16

A rundown of cultural activities for BHM, plus an interview with Zachary Chiero from Durango's Merely Players   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a swing around the state to see how Colorado is celebrating Black History Month. From exhibits to theatrical performances and much more, there's plenty to see and do to mark the month-long observance.   Later in the podcast, Alex catches up with Zachary Chiero with Durango's Merely Players. For 30 years, the theatre has been providing lively productions in Southern Colorado, including their upcoming production of 'Swing Stag'' by Rebecca Gilman, opening Feb. 7  And as usual we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows of interest opening in the next week or two. Here's this week's list, in no particular order: LOVESEAT with Mouse Couch, RISE Comedy, Denver, Feb. 7 (and every first Friday of the month) If It's Monday, It Must Be Murder, Longmont Theatre Company, Feb. 7-16 Swing State, Merely Players Underground, Durango, Feb. 7-16 I and You, Windsor Community Playhouse, Feb. 7-23 The Tragedy of Medusa, The People's Building, Aurora, Feb. 8-22 Curtains, Porchlight Players, Brush Creek Pavilion, Eagle, Feb. 14-22 A Brush with Murder, Iron Springs Chateau, Manitou Springs, Feb. 14-16 Love Letters, Funky Little Theater Co., Palmer Lake Town Hall Feb. 14-16 Love Stories, Butte Theatre, Cripple Creek, Feb. 14-23 Maytag Virgin, BETC, Dairy Center, Boulder, Feb. 12 Chapters 00:00 - Intro 02:42 - Recent Theater Experiences 05:45 - Theatrical Innovations and Performances 08:42 - Arts Funding and Political Challenges 11:44 - Honoring Black History Through Arts 14:48 - Community Engagement and Local Events 23:37 - Celebrating Black Culture Through Events 29:14 - Exploring Black History Exhibits 31:12 - Theater and Arts in Black History Month 39:13 - Colorado Headliners - Upcoming Shows and Performances 01:03:29 - Interview with Zachary Chiaro from Merely Players

A look at the highs and lows of adaptations, plus interviews with Chuck Wilts from UNA Productions and Oskar Eustis from New York's Public Theatre   In this week's episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca run down what's on stage around the state now and coming up in the next few weeks. Our main topic this week is adaptations — screen to stage or stage to screen. After seeing the production of Back to the Future: The Musical at the Denver Center recently, we were inspired to look back on adapations that worked and some … not so much.   Later in the episode, Alex has two separate interviews related to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Cabaret Club series. The first is with drag performer and choreographer Chuck Wilts, who will appear at the ENT Center over Valentine's Day Weekend in a production called Infinity. The other Cabaret Club production, The Forgotten Arm, is already past, but it was a fascinating conversation with Oskar Eustis. In addition to directing this work in progress, Eustis has been the artistic director at New York's Public Theater for 20 years, so he goes into some of that fascinating experience.  And we also review our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows coming up we think you might want to check out. Here's this week's list:  Oklahoma!, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown, Jan. 23-March 30 Morning After Grace, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, Golden, Jan. 24-March 2 Rainbow Cult Presents: Wizard of Oz, Meow Wolf, Denver, Jan. 28 The Mariposa Collective Presents Momentum, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 Casanova, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Jan. 31-Feb. 9 The Heart Sellers, ENT Center Colorado Springs, Jan. 30-Feb. 16 We're Still Here, Empathy Jam at Boulder Dairy Center, Jan. 24-Feb. 9 Gee's Bend, Aurora Fox, Jan. 31-Feb. 23 Hope and Gravity, BETC, Jan. 23-Feb. 6 at Savoy Denver; Feb 21-23 at Nomad Playhouse in Boulder Monthly Women's Open Mic, Junkyard Social, Boulder, Feb. 2    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Recent Shows 06:37 Exploring 'The Reservoir' by Jake Brash 13:43 A Unique Take on 'Jane Eyre' 20:47 Theater Events in Vail and Community Engagement 26:40 Discussion on 'A Case for the Existence of God' 28:37 Main Topic: Adaptations Between Stage and Screen 29:00 Back to the Future: A Musical Disappointment 30:46 The Nature of Adaptations in Theater 33:44 Successful Stage-to-Screen Adaptations 36:06 The Flops: Failed Adaptations 38:28 Screen-to-Stage Adaptations: The Good and the Bad 43:34 Back to the Future: A Deeper Dive 45:02 Lessons from Adaptations: What Works and What Doesn't 56:50 Interview with Chuck Wilt 1:06 Interview with Oskar Eustis

Our second annual theatre awards recognize artists from around Colorado; listen to the rundown of the full list   In this special episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Alex Miller and Toni Tresca did a live stream on Jan. 19 to announce the winners and add some detail about why the individual artists recognized rose to the top.   See the full list here.

A month of great theatre stories, plus we speak to Denver-born playwright Jake Brasch, whose play ‘The Reservoir' gets its world premiere at the Denver Center   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcasts, Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by special guest host John Moore. A longtime theatre writer in Colorado and senior arts reporter at the Denver Gazette, John is also the creator of the annual True West Awards honoring local theatre folks. He's also the founder of the Denver Actors Fund, which to date has raised and donated over $1.5 million to theatre folks (and in some cases, their pets).   Also in this episode, Alex interviews The Reservoir playwright Jake Brasch. The Denver native has their first professionally produced work in a world premiere at the Denver Center, opening in previews Jan. 17.   And we're back with our Top 10 Colorado Headliners, which this week include:   The 39 Steps, Jan. 11-Feb. 8, Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, Fort Collins The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Jan. 16-26, The People's Building, Aurora A Case for the Existence of God, Preview Jan. 16-17, runs Jan. 18-Feb. 16, Curious Theatre Company, Denver Jane/Eyre from Grapefruit Lab with live music by Teacup Gorillat at Buntport Theatre in Denver Jan. 17-Feb. 1 She Kills Monsters, Jan. 17-Feb. 23, Vintage Theatre, Denver Mary Poppins, Parker PACE Center, Jan. 17-Feb. 9 Kid Detective, A Bildungsroman from Shifted Lens Theatre Company at Roaming Gnome in Aurora, Jan. 11-26 Ghost Quartet, The Catamounts at the Boulder Dairy Center, Jan. 18-Feb. 8 The Time is Always Right from BETC at the Dairy Center in Boulder, Jan. 19 at 2 and 7 Still We Rise from Motus Theater, Jan. 20 at the Dairy Center in Boulder

A look at what's coming up onstage in 2025, plus an interview with Vail's Jill Gordon and the upcoming Weekend with Will   In our first episode of the New Year, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca pored over the upcoming calendar and picked out a bunch of cool shows coming up onstage this year. From Denver to Durango, Fort Collins to the Springs and everywhere else around the state, we created a list of shows that are new or new-ish to Colorado as well as some old favorites that we haven't seen in a while.   Later in the episode, Toni catches up with Jill Gordon, who's organizing the Weekend with Will festival in Eagle County Jan. 23-24.

Actor Brian Landis Folkins talks stage and screen, plus our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, the last one of 2024, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by award-winning Colorado actor and all-around great guy Brian Landis Folkins. Know by his handle ‘The BLF,' Brian has been a fixture on Colorado stages for quite some time, and he's also become more active in film and TV. We ask him about how actors can put together a career on stage and screen to make it all work.   Also this week, we run down our usual list of Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows of interest to keep an eye out for. This week's Headliners:   LuneAseas presents The 5 Points Nutcracker: A Jazz Experience, Dec. 20-22, The Savoy Denver HoliSLAY, Dec. 20-22, Meow Wolf Denver The Second City: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Sweater, Dec. 21, Northglenn Arts, Dec. 22, Lone Tree Arts Center A Roast of 2024: The 5th Annual Year-End Comedy Roast, Dec. 28, Bug Theatre, Denver A 1940's New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder Rocky Mountain Revels presents: The Ghosts of Hilbert's Hotel, Dec. 20-22, Boulder A Christmas Carol Participation Play, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, ends Dec. 21 The Nutcracker Ballet, Colorado West Performing Arts Company, Grand Junction, Dec. 19-23 Home for Christmas, Colorado Brass, King Center, Denver, Dec. 21-22 (free) Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Denver, through Dec. 22

A month-by-month review of 2024, plus a chat with Leslie O'Carroll and Branden Smith from Breckenridge Backstage Theatre   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a walk down memory lane and review some of the big stories of the year. From some theatres closing to others expanding, new plays, exciting playwrights and lots more, we touch on every month of an eventful year in theatre. Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Leslie O'Carroll and Branden Smith, who are co-directing a production of Every Christmas Story Ever Told at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre this month. Leslie is a well-known face on Colorado stages, and here she's lending her comic chops from the director's chair with this high-speed spoof along with Branden, BBT's creative producer.   As usual we hit our Top 10 Colorado Headliners, our weekly list of shows you might want to check out. This week's list:   Christmas en Colorado, Su Teatro, Denver, Dec. 5-22 Yule Be Naughty, Millibo Art Theatre, Colorado Springs, Dec. 12-21 The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane & Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol (in rep), Merely Players, Durango, Dec. 5-22 Idiot Theatre, Chaos Bloom Theatre, Denver, Dec. 13 2 Guys 1 Mic: Noman Hosni and Zach Mama, The Bug Theatre, Denver, Dec. 16 Amahl and the Night Visitors, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec. 14 The Adventures of Pinnochio, Dec. 14-15, Boulder Opera, eTown A Christmas Story, Steel City Theatre Company, Pueblo, Dec. 6-22 Funny Girl, Denver Center, Dec. 10-22 Who's Holiday, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Dec. 2-31

Going over sleigh-loads of holiday shows around Colorado, plus our weekly Top 10 Headliners   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a look at the many holiday-themed shows taking place this month all around Colorado. From the many productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker to some lesser known plays and musicals, we run down everything we could find from all corners of the state.   And as usual we pick our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows of note to keep an eye out for. This week's include:   Airness, Bas Bleu Theatre, Nov. 29-Dec. 22 The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Merely Players, Durango, Dec. 5-21 Saturday Night Standup, Denver Comedy Lounge, Dec. 7 (also happens pretty much every Saturday) Free Improv Jam & BYOT, Chaos Bloom Theater, Denver, Dec. 7 Little Women, BETC, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Dec. 5-29 alone: un/tethered, HOLDTIGHT, Newman Center, Denver Dec. 5-7 Ski Bum: The Musical, Telluride Theatre, Sheridan Opera House, Dec. 13-22 Sense and Sensibility, ENT Center, Colorado Springs, Nov. 29-Dec. 22 The Lifespan of a Fact, Three Leaches Theater, Dec. 4-14 Eva Noblezada holiday concert, Lone Tree Arts Center, Dec. 20

Plus, the standing-O conundrum and this week's Top 10 Colorado Headliners   In this week's episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca talk Wicked — an early look on the new film version of the popular, long-running musical. Toni got to see an early press screening and says the film delivers pretty well on the promise of translating the musical to the silver screen. This film includes only the first act of the musical; the second half will be in another film released sometime in the future.   Also, cuing off a piece in the New York Times, we get into the ever-popular topic of standing ovations. Are they being overused? Do you have to stand even if you weren't utterly wowed by the show? And is clapping while you head for the doors a dick move? And of course we review our Top 10 Colorado Headliners for the week:   Once Upon a Mattress, Arvada Center, Previews Nov. 20-21, Nov. 22-Dec. 29 Queen50, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Nov. 22-24 Meredith Willson's Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, Nov. 22-Dec. 29 Little Women, Firehouse Theatre Company, Denver. Nov. 23-Dec. 23      Scrooge – The Musical, Candlelight, Johnstown, Nov. 21-Jan. 12 The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, OpenStage, Lakewood Cultural Center, Nov. 22-Dec. 28 A Christmas Carol, DCPA Theatre Company, Denver, Previews. Nov. 22-27, Nov. 29-Dec. 29 The Little Mermaid, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Nov. 21-Dec. 29 GloWING, Theatre Artibus at Denver Savoy, Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Moms Unhinged, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Nov. 23

A deep dive into theatrical superstitions, plus checking in with Kate Hertz at Springs Ensemble Theatre and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners   In this week's episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller stop to wonder what's behind theatrical myths like not saying “Macbeth” in a theatre or not whistling around the stage.  Later in the episode, Alex interviews Kate Hertz, who's directing the Springs Ensemble Theatre production of The Thanksgiving Play. The show runs Nov. 14-24 and Hertz speaks about her directorial debut, what SET is all about and what this play has to say about the risks of trying to depict the challenges of another ethnic group. And as usual we pick our Top 10 Colorado Headliners for the week, which include:   Behind Me is Silence, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango, Nov. 14-16 Civic Love Stories With Undocumented Coloradans, Boulder Public Library, Nov. 15 The Old Man and The Old Moon, The People's Building, Aurora, Nov. 15-26 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Spark, Boulder, Nov. 15-22 2024 Wild & Scenic Film Festival Denver, The Bug Theatre, Denver, Nov. 19 Clownsgiving, Junkyard Social, Boulder, Nov. 16 Abby Apple Boes - ‘She's Here all Evening,' Aurora Fox, Nov. 15-16 24-Hour Theatre, Durango Arts Center, Nov. 16 Raised on Ronstadt, Local Theater, eTown, Boulder, Nov. 17 Jolly Moxie, Wonderbound, Boulder, Dec. 12-22

What it takes to film a show, plus a conversation with theatre artist Abby Apple Boes and our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners *This podcast is 100% free of election news of any kind!   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at the whole concept of filming theatre. From high-end productions like Hamilton and Shrek to bootleggers recording entire shows on the sly, we dive into what it takes to record a show, why more theatres don't do it and some of the many considerations to take into account.   Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Abby Apple Boes, a well-known theatre artist in Colorado who sings, acts and directs. Abby has a couple of one-woman cabaret performances coming up at the Aurora Fox Nov. 15 and 16 and also will be in the director's chair for a few shows upcoming.   And as usual we work through our Top 10 list of Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows of note. Here they are:   Into the Woods, CSU University Theatre, Fort Collins, Nov. 1-10 The People's Cadillac, Atomic Theatre, Wheat Ridge Grange Hall, Nov. 8-16 Antigone, University Theatre Building, Boulder, Nov. 8-17 Mixed Company, Stories on Stage, Su Teatro, Denver, Nov. 10 Denver Immersive Invitational, Denver Immersive, El Jebel, Denver, Nov. 10  The Man Who Came to Dinner, Viva Theatre, Boulder, Nov. 8-10 INTERZONE, 3rd Law Dance Theater, Boulder, Nov. 8-17 Daughter of the Regiment, Opera Colorado, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Nov. 9-17 The Thanksgiving Play, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Nov. 7-24 Confederates, Curious Theatre, Denver, Nov. 7-Dec. 8    Chapters   00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Election Day Context 01:00 - Bootlegging vs. Film Theater: An Overview 02:21 - Weekly Roundup: Recent Shows and Festivals 06:47 -Denver Film Festival Highlights 10:54 - Reefer Madness: A Unique Production 13:02 - Theater News and Announcements 16:09 - Main Topic: Digital Theater and Bootlegging 22:21 - The Debate on Bootlegs and Accessibility 26:01 - Comparing Concerts and Theater: Recording Practices 29:51 - The Evolution of Theater in the Digital Age 31:11 -The Impact of Hamilton on Theater Accessibility 34:05 - Creative Solutions for Regional Theaters 36:03 - The Role of Trailers in Promoting Theater 37:02 - Upcoming Colorado Theater Highlights 52:00 – Conversation with Abby Apple Boes 01:11:08 - Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Themes

Phamaly Theatre Company's Ben Raanan joins us, plus catching up with Audacious Immersive's Ren Manley and our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by special guest host Ben Raanan. Ben is the artistic director of Phamaly Theatre Company — Colorado's creative home for theatre artists with disabilities. Ben gives us the scoop on how he came to Phamaly as well as some thoughts on working with actors, how the public should view this work and a look at the just-announced new season for 2025.   Later in the episode, Toni catches up with Ren Manley, artistic director for Audacious Immersive. She can be seen now in their production of Frankenstein and she talks with Toni about how it all started, what immersive is all about and their ever-popular production of Drunk Christmas, now in its eighth year.   And as always we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows around the state you might keep an eye out for. This week's Headliners: As You Like It, The Coffee Joint, Denver, Oct. 31-Nov. 9 Stop Kiss, Louisville Center for the Arts, Nov. 1-16 Gutenberg! The Musical, Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, Nov. 2, 2025-May 5, 2025 Reefer Madness: The Musical, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Nov. 2-30 Denver Film Festival, Nov. 1-10 The City Dog and the Prairie Dog, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Nov. 2-24 Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!", Denver Center, through Dec. 22 The Squirrels, Westcliffe Community Players, Nov. 1-3 Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport, Denver, Nov. 1-23 Disney Descendants - The Musical, Steel City Theatre, Pueblo, Oct. 18-Nov. 3

We look at scares throughout the ages, ‘Blair Witch' producer Gregg Hale joins us … plus Blaine Krauss from ‘Hamilton' tells what it's like to play the big man and our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners   In this jam-packed episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca look at all the spooky happenings going on this month on Colorado stages and take a deep dive into the origins of people scaring people. From stories from ancient Romans to Get Out, what's behind the appeal to be scared?   For this discussion we also have a special guest: Gregg Hale, the producer of 1999's bonkers-scary Blair Witch Project. Gregg offers some insight into what made the film resonate so strongly and how it came into being. Later in the podcast, Alex catches up with Blaine Krauss, who can be seen on stage at the Denver Center in the touring production of Hamilton. After understudying both Hamilton and Aaron Burr, Krauss is in the big man's shoes, and he talks about how he got here and how he views the relationship between the two historic figures.   And as usual we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows or events we think you should keep an eye out for if you have a chance to see them. This week's Headliners:    Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Oct. 25-26 Mindgame, Wheat Ridge Theatre Company, Oct. 25-Nov. 10 A Twilight Zone Parody: Serling Centennial, Oct. 25-Nov. 10 Matt & Ben, UnLeashed Theatre Company, Oct. 25-Nov. 30 Cannibal the Musical, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, Oct. 25-Nov. 3 Monopoly Lifesized Travel Edition, DCPA Off Center, Broadway Park Denver, Oct. 22-Jan. 5 Nunsense, Parker Arts Pace Center, Oct. 25-Nov. 7 Hadestown, Fort Collins Lincoln Center, Oct. 25-27 Ghostlight, Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale, Oct. 25-31 Why Theatre Matters Today with David Hyde Pierce, Mizel Center, Denver, Oct. 26 at 4    Links: John Moore's story about David Hyde Pierce in the Denver Gazette Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Upcoming Shows 02:05 - Diving into Hamilton: A Cultural Phenomenon 05:53 - Exploring Dance: Wonderbound's Devil's Crush 09:56 - Frankenstein: An Immersive Experience 14:11 - Million Dollar Quartet: A Musical Journey 18:05 - Political Satire: The Ballet of Paula Aguilar 22:05 - Ghost Stories and Haunted Tours in Colorado 25:54 - The Evolution of Scary Stories 29:55 - Monsters Through the Ages: Vampires and Revenants 33:55 - Gothic Literature and Its Impact on Horror 34:52 - Native American Folklore and Horror 37:15 - The Evolution of Horror Films 40:30 - Iconic Horror Films and Their Impact 46:38 - The Rise of Slasher Films 49:25 - Modern Classics featuring Gregg Hale, producer of ‘The Blair Witch Project' 53:01- Social Commentary in Contemporary Horror 56:43 - Upcoming Horror Events and Cultural Reflections 1:19:30 - Interview with Blaine Krauss from ‘Hamilton' Broadway touring production

MSU prof Jeffrey Parker joins the pod, plus an interview with Deb Persoff and our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by special guest host Jeffrey Parker. A theatre professor at Metro State University and also a dialect coach, Parker is currently on stage in the Platte Valley Players production of Cabaret. He joins the podcast to talk about his own path as a theatre professional and also how he views the young adults he teaches at MSU. Also in this episode, we have an interview with Deb Persoff — a veteran performer who can be seen in two shows right now at Vintage Theatre in Aurora: Murder on the Orient Express and Eleanor. She speaks about her life as a performer and the challenge of doing two shows at once. We also go over our weekly Colorado Headliners — a Top 10 list of interesting shows coming up in the next week or so. This week's Headliners:   Victorian Horrors, Molly Brown House, Denver, Oct. 10-26 Denver Sketch Comedy Festival, RISE Comedy, Denver, Oct. 17-19 Devil's Crush, Wonderbound, Denver, Oct. 17-27 The Ballot of Paola Aguilar, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Oct. 17-Nov. 3 A Better Trip with Shane Mauss, The Perplexiplex, Meow Wolf Denver, Oct. 20 The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Littleton United Methodist Chur, Oct. 18-20 Talk About a Murder, Moon Theatre Company, Berthoud, through Oct. 19 Spirit Level, Evergreen Players, Oct. 18-Nov. 20 Blithe Spirit, Main Street Live, Trinidad, Oct. 18-27 Improv Thunderdome, Rattlebrain Productions, Parker, Oct. 19 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:46 Theatrical Performance Insights 04:44 Theater Education and Young Audiences 08:45 Recent Shows and Performances 11:46 Dialect Coaching and Accent Challenges 17:37 The Role of Accents in Theater 21:47 Fantasy Accents and Cultural Perceptions 24:14 Exploring the Catamounts' Latest Production 28:39 A Review of 'Funny as a Crutch' 30:31 Diving into 'A Vase' and Cultural Narratives 31:47 The Feminist Twist in 'Dracula' 34:42 The Impact of Family Theater on the Community 38:41 The Importance of Theater Education 49:40 Student Perspectives on Theater and Industry 52:58 Building Teaching Skills in Performance 56:22 Talent vs. Technique in Acting 01:00:28 The Importance of Theater Education 01:01:04 Upcoming Shows and Events in Colorado 01:11:00 Interview with Deb Persoff

A Top 5 list of great places to see shows (that aren't the Denver Center), catching up with Kelly Van Oosbree and our weekly Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the podcast, Toni Tresca and Alex Miller look at a Top 5 list Toni did for the Bucketlist Community Café site about what he thinks are the top 5 Denver theatres that aren't part of the Denver Center. The list includes Buntport Theater, Firehouse Theater, The Denver Savoy, Curious Theatre and Su Teatro, and we go through all of them to talk about their particular areas of excellence. Note: This short list only includes theatres within Denver city limits. Later in the pod at around the 1:00 minute mark is Alex's interview with Kelly Van Oosbree. Currently the artistic director of the Platte Valley Players in Brighton, Van Oosbree is a familiar face in Colorado theatre, having directed and choreographed for a variety of theatre companies. Her latest show is a banger production of Cabaret (read our review), and she talks about her path to where she is today, where she's going and how she does what she does.   And as usual we go through our weekly Colorado Headliners, a Top 10 list of upcoming shows we think are worth a look. This week's Headliners include: Phamaly Theatre in Rep at The People's Building in Aurora — Funny As a Crutch, Oct. 11-20; The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls, Oct. 17-20 Frankenstein, Nomadic (Odell's Brewing-Oct. 11-12, Fiction Beer Company-Oct. 18-19, Hudson Gardens & Event Center-Oct. 20 and Fiction Beer Company (Parker)-October 25, 26, & 31) Let the Right One In, Loft Theatre, University of Colorado Boulder Theatre Building, Oct. 11-20 The Fall of the House of Usher, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct. 11-26 Hamilton, Buell Theatre, Oct. 16-Nov. 24 Stormy Daniels, Denver Improv Oct. 10, 11 Fringe Reprise, Oct. 19-20, Denver Savoy Iolanthe, Loveland Opera Theatre at the Rialto Theater, Oct. 12-19 Haunting of Breck Theatre, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, Oct. 10-26 The Last Night of Red Barker, The Catamounts at Westminster Grange Hall, Oct. 10-Nov. 2 Links referenced: Go Fund Me for Westcliffe Performing Arts Center new projector: https://gofund.me/b77d814b *Note: As of Oct. 8, they've surpassed their goal!    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 02:09 Theater Highlights: Cabaret and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and others 12:49 Exploring Denver's Theatres: Top Five List 41:05 Weekly Headliners and Upcoming Shows 1:00: Interview with Kelly Van Oosbree      

A look at top shows for the season, plus Top 10 in Colorado for the week and a chat with Aisha Ahmad-Post from the DU Newman Center   In this week's episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Toni Tresca and I take a look at the annual list from American Theatre that details the most-performed shows and playwrights for the 2024-2025 season. It's an interesting journey into what plays get the most play and the playwrights theatres just can't seem to get enough of.   Also in this episode, I sat down with Newman Center Executive Director Aisha Ahmad-Post to hear about her journey and what's on tap for Newman Center Presents as its new season starts. And as always we talk through shows we've seen, shows we're going to see or have reviews of on the website and our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners. Here they are:   Carrie the Musical, The Spark, Oct. 4-20 Avaaz, DCPA Theatre Company, previews Oct. 4-9 and runs Oct. 10-Nov. 17 Spamalot, Butte Theater, Oct. 5-Nov. 2 Around the World in 80 Days, Aurora Fox Arts Center, Oct. 5-27 The Talking Dead: A Haunted Pub Crawl, The Golden Mil, Oct. 5-26 The All American Haunting, Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct. 4,5 Cabaret from Platte Valley Players, Armory Performing Arts Center, Brighton, Oct. 4-19 Beer for Breakfast, Windsor Community Playhouse, Oct. 4-20 Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear, Miners Alley, Golden, Oct. 4-Nov. 10 The Girl on the Train, Firehouse Theater at the John Hand Theater, Denver, Oct. 5-Nov. 3 Chapters 00:00: Theatrical Reviews and Performances 07:01: Top 10 Most Produced Plays and Playwrights 22:06: Trends in American Theater 26:58: Upcoming Shows and Events 46:40: Interview with Aisha Ahmad-Post

Guest host Kevin Douglas joins to talk ‘Rocky,' talking ‘Henry' with Max Shulman plus weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by Kevin Douglas, executive director at Two Cent Lion Theatre Company. Kevin is the perfect guest for our main topic this week: Why The Rocky Horror Show continues to be so popular after 50 years. Two Cent Lion's production is now up at the People's Building in Arvada.   Later in the episode, Alex catches up with University of Colorado-Colorado Springs theatre professor Max Shulman. Max adapted and is directing the Theatreworks production of Shakespeare's Henry – a mashup of Henry IV, Parts 1&2 and Henry V. And as usual we run through our Top 10 Colorado Headliners, which this week include:   Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Sept. 25-Nov. 3 I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Kilstrom Theatre, Denver Center, Oct. 4-Nov. 3 Stockade, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Previews Sept. 26-27, Sept. 28-Oct. 13.  October Surprise, OpenStage, Fort Collins, Sept. 28-Oct. 12 It's A Beautiful Day in This Neighborhood, Bug Theatre, Denver, Sept. 28 -The Book of Will, Merely Players, Durango, Sept. 27-Oct. 6 -What the Constitution Means to Me, Thunder River, Carbondale, Sept. 12-29 -Everybody, CSU Studio Theatre, Fort Collins, Sept. 27-Oct. 6 -Stealing Starlight, Cypherbird Projects at Trident Books, Boulder, Sept. 29   Chapters: 01:42-The Rocky Horror Show Opening Weekend 02:33-Recent Theater Productions Reviewed 06:51-The Impact of The Rocky Horror Show 17:33-Exploring the Cultural Significance of Rocky Horror 22:58-The Role of Audience Participation in Theater 30:14-The Queer Representation in Rocky Horror 34:01-Personal Connections to Rocky Horror 37:40-Upcoming Colorado Headliners 46:24-Interview with Professor Max Shulman

Plus, a chat with Jenn Zuko at Blue Dime Cabaret and our weekly Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca get immersed in the immersive theater scene in the state. Touching on two Westword stories Toni wrote this week, we get into what makes an immersive production immersive, the companies creating it in the state and what the future looks like for this growing art form.   Later in the episode, Toni catches up with Jenn Zuko from Blue Dime Cabaret. The popup cabaret was performing at DV8 in Boulder, but with the venue recently closing they'll be at Liquor Pie in Westminster in the coming months. Blue Dime Cabaret serves up a mix of burlesque, vaudeville, comedy and more.   And as usual we'll walk through this week's Colorado Headliners, our Top 10 list of cool stuff to check out onstage in Colorado. This week's Headliners:   Always … Patsy Cline, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown, Sept. 17-Nov. 10.  Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Sept. 20-Oct. 20  Wicked Wanderings, Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Sept. 21-Oct. 27 The Rocky Horror Show, Two Cent Lion, The People's Building, Aurora, Sept. 21-Oct. 3 Kimberly Akimbo, Buell Theatre, Denver Center, Sept. 22-Oct. 5 Murder at Haunted Blood Mansion, Adams Mystery Playhouse, Denver, thru Nov. 10 Dial M for Murder, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Sept. 19-Oct. 6 The Bluebird, Millibo Art Theatre, Colorado Springs, Sept. 19-22 Enemy of the People, BETC, Denver Savoy, Sept. 26-Oct. 13 Devil's Crush, Wonderbound, Denver, Oct. 17-27 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Upcoming Shows01:26 Reviews of Recent Theater Productions05:12 Audience Engagement and Feedback08:45 Theater Criticism and Community Response15:18 Exploring Immersive Theater in Denver26:47 The Evolution of Immersive Experiences35:56 Upcoming Shows and Colorado Headliners45:53 Interview with Jen Zuko of Blue Dime Cabaret

Julia Tobey joins the pod to talk about the future, plus catching up with Rich Crowden from the Aurora Fox and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by Julia Tobey from Give 5 Productions. Responding to a story about theatres closing in the Denver Gazette by John Moore, Julia jumped onto a Facebook thread and wrote: “Theater companies need to stop putting gasoline in electric cars. It's time to wake up and realize times have massively changed.” So we go through some of the ways theatre is, indeed, changing and contemplate ways our local performing arts organizations can rise to the challenge.   Also in this episode, a walk-through interview at the Aurora Fox with Artistic Director Rich Crowden. The theatre is celebrating its 40th anniversary and just announced its new season. Also on tap are a lot of upgrades and improvements to the old building, including new seats to replace the ancient ones in there now.   We also go through our Colorado Headliners — shows of interest coming up in the next week. This week's Headliners: Wait Until Dark, Durango Arts Center - Sept. 13-29 Hamlet, Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company, preview begins Sept. 13, opens Sept. 20 through Oct. 6 Black Orpheus, Cleo Parker Robinson, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex - Sept. 14-15  RUSH, Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, - Sept. 14-15 High Plains Comedy Festival, South Broadway, Denver - Sept. 19-21 The Pillowman - Miscreant Theatre Collective, Creeepatorium - Denver, Sept. 13-29  The Critic, 10(23) Productions, Buntport Theatre - Denver - Sept. 12-22 Man of La Mancha, Ovation West at Evergreen Center Stage - Sept. 13-29 Reply All Improv, Theatre Silco - Silverthorne - Sept. 14 Stories on Stage: The Sporting News - Su Teatro, Denver - Sept. 15

It's easier than you think, but it takes a little legwork   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca tackle the issue of theatre ticket prices. While many Colorado theatres have quite reasonable regular prices, many also offer discounts through subscriptions, discounts for special groups like seniors and students and packages that can significantly lower the cost of going to theatre. We also get into this week's Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 list of shows and other events you might want to think about checking out. This week's Headliners include:  POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive - Curious Theatre Company, Denver, previews Sept. 5-6, opens Sept. 7 and runs through Oct. 13 Jersey Boys - Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, preview Sept. 5, opens Sept. 6, and runs through Oct. 6  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Performance Now at Lakewood Cultural Center, Sept. 6 through Sept. 22 Motus Music to Restore the Heart with violinist Anthony Salvo, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Sept. 7 FernGully Burlesque Parody - Junkyard Social Club, Boulder, Sept. 8 The Cat in the Hat - Vintage Theatre, Aurora - Sept. 7 and 14 Run for Your Wife - Sharkbox Theatre at Conifer's StageDoor Theatre Sept. 6-21 All My Sons - Magic Circle Players, Montrose - Sept. 6-21 I Left My Heart: A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett - Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake - thru Sept. 28 Saturday Night Naughty Show - Denver Comedy Lounge, Saturdays at 10 p.m.

>Plus, an interview with our very first guest in 2019: Missy Moore from Thunder River Theatre Company In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca celebrate the 100th episode of the pod. It all started back in May of 2019 with our first guest, Missy Moore. Now the artistic director at Carbondale's Thunder River Theatre Company, Moore joins the pod to mark our 100th episode and to update us on what's up with TRTC.   This episode also includes a deep dive into the world of alternative Shakespeare. From Merry Wives of Windsor done as a '70s sitcom to versions of Hamlet written in Klingon, we take a look at some of the many curious ways in which the Bard's work has been reinterpreted over the centuries.   And we also discuss this week's Colorado Headliners, our Top 10 list of interesting shows and events upcoming. This week's Headliners:  21st Annual Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema — Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 at the Museum of Boulder Don't Tell Comedy - Aug. 30 in Denver's Baker area and Aug. 31 in Clayton. 2024 Queer Reading Series - And Toto Too Theatre Cp,[amu at Roaming Gnome Theatre, Aurora, on Sept. 3 Second Star on the Left - A burlesque musical from Bender Flames at Meow Wolf on Sept. 5-6 The Android's New Soul - A sci-fi musical by Dana Cain at 17 at the Bug Theatre, Sept. 6-15 Aurora Fox 40th Anniversary Gala - Sept. 7 Waitress - Arvada Center Aug. 30-Oct. 13 Afterschool Power Hour at Chaos Bloom - Aug 31 Headwaters New Play Festival at Creede Repertory Theatre - Aug. 30 Erma Bombeck at Wit's End – Denver Center Garner Galleria Sept. 4-22

A look at what's coming up for September and October in Colorado   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca look into the fall as the summer season winds down and, for many theatres, their new seasons are starting up. From Durango to Fort Collins, we check in on what's coming up and what to look out for. Also in this episode, an interview with playwright Kirsten Dahl, whose new play Della Doucet opens this week at Vintage Theatre in Aurora.

A roundup of the growing list of comedy clubs and performances in the state, plus a look at the Historic Elitch Theatre and our weekly Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at the many places to see standup and improv comedy in the state. From stalwarts like the Comedy Club and Denver Improv to newcomers like Dude, IDK Studios and Peak Improv Theater, Colorado is a legit hotspot for comedy. We run down many of the venues you may want to check out for a few laughs.   Also this week we catch up with Roberta Hamilton-Griggs to talk about the Historic Elitch Theatre. The 100+ year-old venue has been undergoing a serious renovation and will host its first live theatre shows this month with The Bonfils Girl. How the theatre came back from the brink and its storied history is the focus of the interview.  And as usual we go over the weekly Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 list of shows or events you may want to check out. This week's list: Circus of the Night — Millibo Art Theatre in Colorado Springs, through Aug. 24 Twelfth Night — Shakespeare in the Wild, DeKoevend Park, Centennial - Aug. 16-Sept. 2 Primas Guide to Funerals — Creede Repertory Theatre through Sept. 14 Dover Road — Upstart Crow, Boulder Dairy Arts Center Aug. 22-Sept. 1 Della Doucet — Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Cruel Intentions: The Musical — Shifted Lens Theatre at the People's Building, Aurora, Aug. 16-Sept. 1 The Mystery of Edwin Drood — Durango Arts Center, Aug. 16-Sept. 1 Momentum — Dance Aspen, Aspen District Theater, Aug. 16 Adam Cayton Holland's Happy Place — Bug Theatre, Denver, Aug. 17 An Evening of Colorado-Grown One Acts, Louisville Center for the Arts, Coal Creak Theater Aug. 22-24

There's a boom in performance space around the state – plus, a conversation with the folks at the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition and our weekly Colorado Headliners In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at the growing list of new or reimagined venues around the state. From new tenants at tiny 40 West in Lakewood to multi-million new spaces in Colorado Springs and Grand Junction, we take a look at the newest places to see a show.   We also take a look at this week's Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 list of the most titillating shows and other events coming up in our oh-so-square state. Which begs the question: How did such a square state get so darn cool?? This week's Headliners, in no particular order:   Colorado Community Theatre Coalition festival – Aug. 9-11, Evergreen Dear Jack, Dear Louise - Bailey Theatre at Glen Isle Resort – Aug. 9-18 Improv & Fun - What If Theatre in Lakewood, Aug. 10-31 A Chorus Line – Phamaly, Denver Center Aug. 8-25 After the End - The Catamounts Aug. 10-Sept. 14 at Anythink Huron in Thornton Empire of Solitude - Flamboyán Theater @ Buntport Theater - Aug. 9-18 9th Annual Afrik Impact Community Cultural Celebration and Concert –  Arvada Center, Aug. 10 The 48 Hour Film Project – The Bug Theatre, Aug 11 and 23 Catfish Comedy – Aug. 11 at Comedy Works Downtown The Sin - Blunt Force Drama at Boulder Dairy Center Aug. 15-18   Later in the pod we caught up with Brad Moore and Brian Dowling with the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition, which has its annual festival Aug. 9-11 in Evergreen. It's an interesting story about an organization that's all about Colorado theatres sharing their art and knowledge while also going head to head in theatre competition pieces as part of the festival.

A look back on all the winners, plus our Top 10 Colorado Headliners and a visit with the Band of Toughs   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a deep, deep dive into this year's Colorado Theatre Guild Henry Awards. The ceremony announcing all the winners was Monday night at Lone Tree Arts Center, and it was a true celebration of the Colorado theatre community and a well-organized event that clocked in at a little over two hours. Check out the whole list of winners and nominees here.   Also in this episode, I caught up with Colleen and Janet Mylott with Band of Toughs. This is an immersive theatre company that's done a number of interesting productions in the past, and they return this week after a three-year hiatus with Gin & Gothic: A Brontë Rock Tale taking place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center.   We also go over the Colorado Headliners – our Top 10 list of upcoming shows and events around the state to keep an eye out for. In no particular order, here are this week's Headliners:  Grease, StageDoor Theatre in Conifer - through Aug. 3 Beautiful – the Carol King Musical and Escape to Margaritaville - Thingamajig summer rep at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts through Aug. 31 Much Ado About Nothing, at Littleton's Clement park from Foothills Theatre company. Free - Aug. 2 &3  Opera in the Park at the Boulder Band shell - Boulder Opera - Aug. 3 Gin & Gothic: a Brontë Rocktale - Band of Toughs at Ellie Caulkins Opera House - Aug. 2-24 The Democracy Cycle: We the People (World Premiere). Aug. 1 in Gunnison, Curious Theatre Company, Denver, Aug. 3 Last Train to Nibroc - Funky Little Theatre Company in Palmer Lake August 2-17 After the End (World Premiere) – The Catamounts at Anythink Huron Street Library, Thornton, Aug. 5-Sept. 14 Alice by Heart - At The Spark, Boulder, August 9-11. Also, Arts Hub in Lafayette will be doing this production Aug. 17-25.  Pretty in Punk: THE FINAL SHOW - Junkyard Social Club, Boulder, August 10

A look at some of the great venues in the state, our Top 10 Colorado Headliners for the week and a conversation with ‘Banned' composer April Alsup   This week on the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a virtual ride around the state to talk about some of our favorite places to see theatre. It's not about our favorite theatre companies, but the venues themselves. How comfortable are they? How's the parking? How about the bar?   Later in the podcast we have Toni's interview with April Alsup, a composer whose new show Banned is a modern-day musical that follows a group of gender misfits through the events leading up to their debut at a local performing arts festival. Banned will be presented at Aurora's Vintage Theatre July 25-28 before it goes on to more dates at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. As usual we also have our Colorado Headliners, our weekly Top 10 list of the shows or other events we think you should check out.   This week's Colorado Headliners:   Hedwig and the Angry Inch - Give 5 productions at The Arch in RiNo Aug 1-17 Wicked – Denver Center Buell Theatre July 24-Aug. 25 We the People, Democracy Cycle, Local Theater + Gunnison Theatre Festival and Curious Theatre Company. July 27 at Boulder Library, Free.  Rise Comedy Festival - July 26-Aug. 3 - Denver A Manny for Us, Wheat Ridge Theatre Company - July 26-Aug. 11 Underground Music Showcase: July 26-28. 4000 Miles - Insight Colab at Vintage Theatre, Aurora - July 25-Aug. 4 School of Rock - The Musical - Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden - July 26-Sept. 15 Mile High Dance Festival – Cleo Parker Robinson, Denver - July 27 Til Death Do Us Part ... You First! - Lakewood Cultural Center, Aug. 1–18   Favorite theatre venues discussed in this episode:   Arts HUB in Lafayette  Arvada Center Aurora Fox Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Buntport Candlelight  Colorado's historic opera houses Comedy Works South CU-Boulder Roe Green and Mary Rippon theatres Denver Center, particularly the Kilstrom Theatre and Ellie Caulkins Opera House Denver Savoy  ENT Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs Evergreen Players Black Box Theatre, Evergreen Center Stage Meow Wolf - The Perplexiplex SilCo Theatre Su Teatro Thunder River Theatre Vintage Theatre Wheat Ridge Theatre Company Wonderbound    *Mentioned in the episode: John Moore's story in the Denver Gazette about shuttered theatre spaces  

Plus, catching up with Rocky Mountain Rep's Michael Querio and our weekly Colorado Headliners   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca look back on the first six months of the year. We call out some of the best productions on stage in Colorado as picked by the OSC Review Crew. Later in the podcast, we review this week's Colorado Headliners – our Top 10 upcoming shows of note.   Also in this episode, an interview with Michael Querio, long-time artistic director at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake. This summer, RMRT is doing Kinky Boots, Come From Away, The Music Man and I Left My Heart.   Colorado Headliners this week:   1. Once Upon a Mattress at the Arts Hub Lafayette - through July 21 2. Grounded - BETC with Anne Penner - through July 21 at the Dairy 3. Chicago - Merely Players in Durango - through Aug. 3 4. Emperor of the Moon - ENT Center/Theatreworks through Aug. 4  5. Twelfth Night - Telluride town park stage through July 28 6. The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody (Tour) - Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver Center Performing Arts Complex, from July 17-August 11 7. Broadway Rave - the Fox Theatre in  Boulder on July 19 8. The Vagina Monologues - Theatre Company of Lafayette/Arapaho Center from July 19-July 28.  9. Colonizing America – An evening of standup with TJ. The Bug Theatre, Denver, on July 20 10.  Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words - July 21 at the Center for Musical Arts in Lafayette.   The best shows on stage in Colorado so far in 2024 (in alphabetical order)   237 Virginia Ave. – Local Theater Company Art - Aurora Fox Cheyanne - Control Group & Cipriano Ortega Clink Clink - 2 Cent Lion Cost of Living - Phamaly Theatre/Curious Crazy For You - Candlelight Emma – DCPA Theatre Company Impossible Things - Catamounts Jukebox for the Algonquin: Miners Alley Misery – Miners Alley Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 - Arvada Center Othello – ENT Center Othello 2024 – Firehouse Theater Proof - Springs Ensemble Theatre School of Rock - Veritas Productions at PACE Sweeney Todd - StageDoor The Bluebird - Theatre Artibus  The Glass Menagerie - Vintage Theatre The Lightning Thief - Aurora Fox Truth Be Told - Curious Theatre  Urinetown - Town Hall Arts Center What the Constitution Means to Me - BETC 

The Colorado Theatre Guild President joins the pod to talk Henry Awards, theatre challenges, hot new shows and more   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca welcome Betty Hart, President of the Colorado Theatre Guild. With some of the usual sturm und drang over the recent Henry Awards nominations and recent news about some theatres in trouble, it seemed like a good time to have Betty on to talk things over.   We also go over our Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 list of shows and events to keep an eye out for. This week's Headliners include:   A Chorus Line – Phamaly Theatre Company, Aug. 8-25, Denver School of Rock – Miners Alley, July 26-Sept. 15, Golden Othello 24 – Firehouse Theatre, June 29-July 27, Denver Alice in Wonderland – Arts in the Open, July 6-14 at Chautauqua Park, Boulder Cabaret, Backstage Theatre through Aug. 11, Breckenridge The Matriarchy Presents – RISE Comedy, July 6, Denver In Concert, Sondheim & Schonberg – The Spark, June 27-July 7, Boulder Thingamajig Theatre in Pagosa Springs summer rep season through Aug. 31 Troy Walker, comedian, Comedy Works July 5-6, Denver The Bonfils Girl, July 11, 12 at Studio Loft, Denver and Aug. 17 at Historic Elitch Theatre

A look at the hits and misses of this year's Henry Award nods and a conversation with Jenna Pastuszek and the songs of Judy Garland In this episode of the OnStage Colorad Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca dish on the Henry Award nominations. The annual theatre awards from the Colorado Theatre Guild came out last week, and as usual there's plenty to talk about. Who didn't get a nomination? Who got too many? Who got some well-deserved recognition?   We also run down this week's Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 list of shows to watch out for in the coming weeks. This batch of Headliners includes:   Crow's Fest summer theatre festival , Upstart Crow at the Boulder Dairy Center Shakespeare's Two Gents from ENT Center, various locations around Colorado Springs, Pueblo Millibo Ice Cream Theatre, Colorado Springs What If Theatre - Improve (A)nd (F)un in Lakewood Othello 2024, Firehouse, John Hand Theater - Denver The Pirates of Penzance at Central City Opera Greater Tuna, Bailey Theatre in Bailey Good Night Denver at Dude, IDK Studios in Denver. Every Brilliant Thing at Little Theatre of the Rockies in Greeley The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder. Later in the podcast, Alex interviews Jenna Pastuszek, who brings her Judy Garland show Get Happy! to Denver's Four Mile Historic Park June 26.

A look at some of the theatre companies losing their spaces, our Top 10 for the week and an interview with Caroline Bowman of ‘Frozen' In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at how some local theatres like Curious and Benchmark are giving up their homes due to cost. What does that say about the state of Colorado theatre, and why are some in the theatre community pointing fingers?   We also run down this week's Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 list of shows to watch out for in the coming weeks. This batch of Headliners includes:   Disney's Frozen at the Denver Center Buell Theatre Broadway's Next Hit Musical, Denver Center Garner Galleria POTUS or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive at Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale Kinky Boots at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake Twelfth Night at OpenStage in Fort Collins Boulder Comedy Festival at Junkyard Social, Dairy Arts Center, Finkel & Garf, and Boco Ciders in Boulder  Legally Blonde: The Musical at Parker Arts PACE Center High School Musical at Candlelight Dinner Theatre in Johnstown Durango PlayFest at the Durango Arts Center Grounded from BETC in Boulder   Later in the podcast, Alex interviews Caroline Bowman, who plays Elsa in the touring Broadway production of Disney's Frozen. Bowman, who's been in the role since 2019, will be on stage at the Denver Center's Buell Theatre for the shows run June 19-July 3.

A look at outrageous ticket prices, top shows coming at Denver Fringe Festival and an interview with Fringe performer Jack Dawkins   Olivia Rodrigo is 21 years old and has released just two albums, yet tickets for her upcoming show at Red Rocks have topped $4,000 on the secondary market. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department is suing Live Nation/Ticketmaster over alleged monopolistic practices. What does this all mean for Colorado concertgoers, and how do concert ticket prices compare with those of live theatre? (Hint: theatre is a lot cheaper!)   Also in this episode, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca do a special edition of Colorado Headliners — our top 10 most interesting shows or programs coming up around the state. This week's focus will be on the Denver Fringe Festival (June 6-9) and include:  1.       Oh, What a Beautiful Morning 2.      Cabaret of the Unexpected 3.      He-Man is the Devil: A Satanic Panic Tale 4.      She Was a Conquistawhore 5.      American Whore Story 6.      Josie's Diner 7.      Kid's Fringe 8.     FringeART 9.     Fringe Free-For-All 10.  Fringe Workshops: VisionBox Studios, Jack Dawkins   Also discussed in this episode: Impossible Things from The Catamounts  Later in the podcast, Alex interviews Jack Dawkins, who'll perform at Denver Fringe Festival and also host a workshop. His show, Integration, incorporates rap music and storytelling and details in part the artist's experiences with self-discovery taking ayahuasca in Costa Rica.

Plus, our Colorado Headliners for the week and an interview with Naomi Grossman, who brings her ‘American Whore Story' to the Denver Fringe Festival   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at Colorado's growing reputation as a hotspot for immersive theatre. From Denver Center's Off-Center program to The Catamounts, Audacious Theatre, Control Group and more, immersive-style performances are gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional theatre.   We'll also check out this week's Colorado Headliners — our top most interesting shows or programs coming up around the state. This week's Headliners (in no particular order) are:  1. Creede Repertory Theatre summer season 2.  Rocky Mountain Repertory summer season 3.  Little Theatre of the Rockies summer season 4.  Junestasy Pride Drag Cabaret 5.  Bill Burr 6.  Sarah Silverman 7.  Arvada Center summer concerts   Later in the podcast, Alex interviews Naomi Grossman, who played the super-creepy character of Pepper on American Horror Story. Her one-woman show American Whore Story relates that experience as well as other parts of her life and will be at this year's Denver Fringe Festival.

Plus, our Top 10 Colorado Headliners for the week and an interview with Candace Joice and Josh Robinson with ‘Good People' at Ouray's UpstART Theatre In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca talk about Toni's recent story in the Boulder Weekly about Actors' Equity. The union has about 400 members in Colorado and around 13 Equity theatres. Membership has its pluses and minuses, and we get into what those are and more.   We'll also check out this week's Colorado Headliners — our Top 10 (or 11) most interesting shows or programs coming up around the state. This week's Headliners (in no particular order) are:  1. Glenwood Vaudeville Revue 2. Waiting for Godot at Bas Bleu 3. Darkfield from Denver Center Off-Center 4. Something Rotten at Magic Circle Players 5. Impossible Things from The Catamounts 6. The Fever from Counterweight Theatre Lab 7. Fuenteovejuna at Wheat Ridge Theatre Company 8. In Celebration of Collaboration from Third Law Dance Theatre 9. Theatre Silco summer season 10.  Rocky Horror from Elusive Ingredient at The Arts HUB 11.  Rent at the Arts HUB   Later in the podcast, Alex catches up with Candace Joice and actor Josh Robinson. Candace is directing a production of David Lindsay-Abaire's Boston-based dramedy Good People and Robinson plays the role of Mike. The play runs May 31-June 3 at UpstART Theatre in Ouray.

Plus, another look at theatre criticism and a chat with Chris Medina at Funky Little Theater Company   In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca introduce "Colorado Headliners” — a rundown of the Top 10 (or 11) most interesting shows coming up around the state. This week's Headliners (in no particular order) are:  1.       The Lehman Trilogy – Denver Center 2.      Whiskey From Strangers – Grapefruit Lab 3.      Kelsey Cook - Comedy Works 4.      The Hombres - Vintage Theatre 5.      Company – Denver Center 6.      The Prom – Town Hall Arts Center 7.      Les Sylphides – Boulder Ballet 8.     Cullad Watah – Curious Theatre 9.     Baskerville – Creede Repertory Theatre 10.  Durango 10-Minute Play Festival   Also in this episode, we take a look at a social media kerfuffle involving another theatre writer and a fight about the role of theatre criticism – and a few other things. This leads to a discussion about what we should expect from a review and the role of the critic.   The episode wraps up with a conversation with Chris Medina, founder of Colorado Springs' Funky Little Theatre Company. Their new show is Four Old Broads, and Alex and Chris also talk about the theatre scene in the Springs, Funky's history and a few other things.