Explore a Lost Dimension at Stanley Marketplace with DCPA's Off-Center

There's a lost dimension where space worms will eat everything but your shoes, but you can only get there if you hitch a ride through a portal at the new Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Just don't forget to pack some air in a balloon first.

This adventure is what you'll get from TRAVELERS OF THE LOST DIMENSION, an immersive improv-adventure taking place through May 21. It's what the Denver Center's Off-Center calls "experiential theatre," a 360-degree experience where you're led through both public and private spaces, catching short skits along the way. The show is similar to last year's Sweet & Lucky, but leaning a little more toward the improv side of theatre, utilizing more of the existing spaces rather than complex set design.

Off-Center partnered with Denver-based comedy trio A.C.E., creators behind DCPA favorite Girls Only - The Secret Comedy of Women®. The cast features a collection of local actors including Leigh Miller, Diana Dresser, Adrian Egolf and Bruce Montgomery playing a variety of characters throughout the venture.

Essentially you're traveling to a lost dimension as research subjects, letting the scientists stay behind and track your journey. Led by the son of a former scientist who never returned from his last mission, you're guided through the marketplace as you encounter stops like Olympic-style shopping-cart dancing and an interpretive dance between balloons and sharp objects. You might even get a killer backrub during a massage train. The experience is so random, I almost don't want to ruin anything for you. The thrill of it all is having no clue what's next.

It's balanced as a clever marketing tool for the Stanley, as a majority of the experience is seeing what the new marketplace has to offer. You also get a passport book to assist with your return, containing exclusive deals for attendees, including a free beer after your voyage.

While this one isn't as emotionally captivating as Off-Center's prior immersive endeavors, it still proves theatre is a lot more than just watching. It's witty and sweet. There's still heart, and it's smart, opening your mind to ideas you don't expect. Perhaps whatever lost dimension this is has more to do with discovering the creative one within ourselves.

Or you could just feel really awkward having a balloon attached to your back for an hour. Give it a shot.

TRAVELERS OF THE LOST DIMENSION is at the Stanley Marketplace (just 20 minutes from Downtown Denver at 2501 Dallas Street in Aurora) through May 21, after being extended due to popular demand. Tickets are available at TravelersoftheLostDimension.com. Check out the "About" tab to learn how to prep for your journey.

Photos by AdamsVisCom