BroadwayWorld.com Colorado Stories

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TOYS to Make World Premiere at Buntport Theater

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:57:46 PST

‘ArounD the WorlD in 80 ToyS', created & performed by Thaddeus Phillips, with co-creation & direction by Tatiana Mallarino, will have its World Premiere at Buntport Theater in Denver before heading to the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival. Performances will run July 16 to August 2, 2026.

Denver native, Thaddeus Phillips, will return Buntport in a new work that is a surprising hybrid of theatre and film that is at once highly theatrical and wonderfully cinematic. Paris, 1925. In a tiny toy shop inside the Montparnasse train station, film and special effects pioneer Georges Méliès, now forgotten, faces eviction. A toy comes to life. Using hidden cameras, a movie screen, miniatures and magic, Georges creates an epic cinematic universe & voyage that leads to his rediscovery. Phillips and 80 eclectic vintage toys star.

Phillips performed a limited run workshop of '80 Toys' last summer at Buntport. Since then, the show has been in development and will open at Buntport and then head to the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival at the prestigious Summerhall venue. Across Buntport's 25 years, Phillips has returned to present theater creations from ‘Shakespeare's Storms', ¡El Conquistador!, Capsule 33, '17 Border Crossings' & ‘Zoo Motel' online. Phillips works as a director and creator internationally and is fresh off the heels of devising, designing and directing Disney's new international musical, “Disney The Magic Box”.

‘ArounD the WorlD in 80 ToyS', is co-created and directed by Colombian director Tatiana Mallarino with magic and illusions by New York magician Steve Cuiffo. The New York Times said ‘Thaddeus Phillips could have been a great silent film comedian', and in this new work he plays Georges Méliès, in a entirely visual ode to cinema and pure theatricality. A wildly inventive use of micro-cinema and live action creates is a totally unique blend of theater and film and it a tribute to re-invention and the history of cinema.

Phillips states: “We wanted to make the World Premiere for ‘ArounD the WorlD in 80 ToyS” be at Buntport as Denver and Buntport audiences are the most receptive, unique and fun anywhere. It is also great that this premiere coincides with Buntport's 25th anniversary.”

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TOYS to Make World Premiere at Buntport Theater

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:57:46 PST

EARTH TO KENZIE Children's Opera to Tour Colorado in Co-Production

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:38:51 PST

Central City Opera and Opera Colorado has announced a co-production of Earth to Kenzie, a critically celebrated children's opera composed by Frances Pollock with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo.

Bookings for school and community performances are now open for fall 2026. Specifically designed for grades 3-6, this production is perfect for student audiences of all ages and community groups across the region.

The co-production of Earth to Kenzie marks a landmark in collaboration between the two largest Colorado opera companies and reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to live opera for young and first-time audiences across the state.

The story of Earth to Kenzie follows Kenzie–a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a boundless imagination–as she and her mother navigate life in a family shelter. Escaping into a world of video games and space adventures alongside her avatar Edwin, Kenzie discovers courage she didn't know she had, and she learns that home is less a place than a feeling. The 45-minute, English-language production features four professional singers accompanied by piano.

Originally co-commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera, the work has been praised for meeting young audiences where they are by addressing themes of housing insecurity and resilience without talking down to children or reducing complex circumstances to a lesson.

"This collaboration is an exciting moment in the history of our two companies," said Adam Scurto, Managing Director of External Affairs at Central City Opera. “A partnership between Central City Opera and Opera Colorado just makes sense. By combining our resources and creativity, we'll be connecting more students and community members to opera than either company could on its own.”

"This partnership allows us to deepen our collective impact while providing meaningful arts experiences for students throughout Colorado," said Dennis Robinson, Jr., Director of Programs & Partnerships at Opera Colorado. "Earth to Kenzie invites young audiences into a story that is imaginative, authentic, and emotionally resonant. We are grateful to collaborate with Central City Opera on this production and to combine our strengths in service of expanding access to opera for schools, families, and communities across the state. We believe opera can be a powerful tool for learning, reflection, and connection, and we're excited to share this work with new audiences throughout Colorado."

The production is particularly suited to classroom preparation and post-performance discussion. Educators will receive curriculum resources in advance of performances, and the story naturally supports conversation around social-emotional learning, community belonging, and the role of imagination in navigating adversity—themes that resonate across grade levels and learning environments.

School and community groups interested in booking a performance may contact María José Fabara at programs@operacolorado.org. Performances begin at $900 with discounts and scholarships available. Early booking is encouraged.

EARTH TO KENZIE Children's Opera to Be Presented by Central City Opera and Opera Colorado

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:47:27 PST

Central City Opera and Opera Colorado today announced a co-production of Earth to Kenzie, a critically celebrated children's opera composed by Frances Pollock with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo. Bookings for school and community performances are now open for fall 2026. Specifically designed for grades 3-6, this production is perfect for student audiences of all ages and community groups across the region.

The story of Earth to Kenzie follows Kenzie – a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a boundless imagination – as she and her mother navigate life in a family shelter. Escaping into a world of video games and space adventures alongside her avatar Edwin, Kenzie discovers courage she didn't know she had, and she learns that home is less a place than a feeling. The 45-minute, English-language production features four professional singers accompanied by piano.

The production is particularly suited to classroom preparation and post-performance discussion. Educators will receive curriculum resources in advance of performances, and the story naturally supports conversation around social-emotional learning, community belonging, and the role of imagination in navigating adversity — themes that resonate across grade levels and learning environments.

Rodrigo y Gabriela to Perform at Boulder Theater on OURHOME Tour

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:51:03 PST

Grammy-winning Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela return with OurHome, a bold new album and global tour that invites audiences into a dreamlike universe of rogue monsters, celestial birds, stardust, savage landscapes, and the search for inner peace. They will stop at Boulder Theater on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Self-produced in Tokyo, OurHome is both a love letter to Japan and a meditation on what it means to find home within yourself, delivered through the wildly expressive instrumental guitar music that has made Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero one of the most electrifying live acts in the world. For more than two decades, Rodrigo y Gabriela have pushed acoustic guitar into new territory, blending classical, rock, metal, cinematic atmosphere, and spiritual exploration into a sound entirely their own.

From their early days busking on Dublin's Grafton Street, they have gone on to win a GRAMMY Award for Mettavolution, headline Glastonbury, and sell out iconic stages including the Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Royal Albert Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. On OurHome, the duo returns to the textural beauty of acoustic instrumentation while expanding their world with guests including Marty Friedman and Hiromi. Live, Rodrigo's lightning-fast lead lines and Gabriela's hypnotic, hard-hitting rhythms become a pulse-raising journey of stillness, intensity, and unstoppable momentum.

For longtime fans and first-timers alike, this is a rare chance to experience two master musicians at their most adventurous, intimate, and powerful.

SERIAL KILLERS WITH DR. SCOTT BONN to Come to The Stanley Hotel

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:29:09 PST

Comedy Works Entertainment and The Stanley Hotel proudly present SERIAL KILLERS WITH DR. SCOTT BONN: THE CURIOUS APPEAL OF THE WORLD'S MOST TERRIFYING MURDERS coming to The Stanley Hotel Concert Hall in Estes Park, CO on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:30pm.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available which includes premium seating. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 10th at 10:00am at StanleyHotel.com/calendar/drscottbonn.

This show is for ages 21+ only!

ABOUT DR. SCOTT BONN

Spend a deliciously chilling evening with renowned criminologist and serial killer expert, Dr. Scott Bonn, as he takes you inside the minds of the world's most savage and prolific murderers.

In this thrilling 90-minute show, Dr. Bonn reveals the insatiable, psychological hungers that drive the likes of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer to kill repeatedly with impunity and no remorse. He explains why the majority of serial killers are either psychopaths or sociopaths, how the two differ, and he reveals that every serial killer is compelled to murder by a unique fantasy need. He also explains how/why serial killers are able to successfully avoid apprehension, blend into a crowd and become invisible.

Dr. Bonn is a best-selling author, professor, public speaker, and he has interacted with such notorious serial killers as Dennis Rader (“Bind, Torture Kill”) and David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”). He shares shocking tales from his actual experiences with these killers. Dr. Bonn also developed a profile of the unknown “Long Island Serial Killer” in 2011 that matches the alleged perpetrator, Rex Heuermann, perfectly. He shares the secrets of how he was able to predict the psychological and behavioral makeup of the Long Island Serial Killer with such incredible precision years before his capture.

Bonn has comprehensively studied, extensively corresponded with, personally interviewed, and accurately profiled some of the world's most notorious predators. Rather than employing a pop psychology or checklist approach to describe serial killers, Dr. Bonn relies on his direct interactions to explain that serial killers are psychologically complex, diverse and evolve from forces of both nature (biology) and nurture (environment). Simply put, Dr. Bonn takes his audience inside the minds of some of the world's most terrifying killers from his own unique experiences rather than from a textbook. Dr. Bonn has also communicated with infamous mass murderer Colin Ferguson and notorious one-time killers Jodi Arias and Pamela Smart.

In addition, Dr. Bonn explains our curious fascination with serial killers and true crime. Finally, you can ask anything you ever wanted to know about serial killers in a dynamic, live Q&A session with Dr. Bonn. Don't miss out on this exciting event.

*Due to the nature of the topic and material, this show might not be appropriate for children. We recommend adults only.

JOSH BLUE: LIVE SPECIAL TAPINGS to Film at Newman Center in Denver

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:27:18 PST

Comedy Works Entertainment will present JOSH BLUE: LIVE SPECIAL TAPINGS! at Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver for two shows on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 6:00pm & 8:30pm. These shows will be taped for an upcoming comedy special. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 12 at 10am and can be purchased at NewmanTix.com.

NOTE: By purchasing tickets and/or coming to the show, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry will constitute your consent to photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with the production.

Ticketholders must be flexible to move seats per producers' discretion on show night if necessary.

Please arrive early, no one will be permitted into the showroom late due to filming.

ABOUT JOSH BLUE:

After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. In 2018, Josh crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In the same year, he was honored with a performance at the William H. Macy Gala at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. He wrapped up 2018 by recording his fifth hour special, Broccoli, at his home club, Comedy Works in Denver, CO. In 2021, following his 3rd place finish on NBC's America's Got Talent, Josh Blue hit the road with his As NOT Seen on TV Tour. Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike.

Josh represented the United States in 8 countries as a member of the US Paralympic Soccer Team. Josh and his team were thoroughly disgraced in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece by not scoring a single goal. He is a single father living in Denver, CO with his son and daughter.

BOMBARGO to Perform at Fox Theatre

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:50:11 PST

Bombargo will bring its Love, In Spite of Everything Tour to Fox Theatre on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Known for its energetic live performances, sing-along anthems, and uplifting message, the Canadian-based touring band has built an international following with its signature blend of soul-infused vintage pop. The group has earned praise for its high-energy Stage Presence, with frontman Nathan Thoen's dynamic performance style even drawing comparisons to Mick Jagger from Virgin Records founder Sir Richard Branson.

Bombargo was formed after lead vocalist Nathan Thoen and guitarist Spencer Chilliak met and embarked on a spontaneous 16-hour road trip to the Sasquatch Music Festival, where they were inspired to start a band. Their debut single, "Let It Grow," was featured on the EP Back on Main, which was named one of SaskMusic's Top 10 Saskatchewan Albums of 2015.

The group later expanded into a five-piece band featuring Anthony Thoen, Matt Folkersen, Sammy Folkersen, and Niall Cubbon. Since then, Bombargo has continued to grow its audience through touring, streaming success, and festival appearances.

In 2018, the band's single "Mr. No Good" received a major boost when Taylor Swift included it on her Spotify playlist Songs Taylor Loves alongside artists including Ed SHeeran, Camila Cabello, and Kendrick Lamar. The exposure led to coverage from outlets including Billboard, NME, CBC, Exclaim!, Fashion, Noisey, and People.

Bombargo's single "Oxygen" later reached the Canadian Hot AC Top 40, and the band made its U.S. touring debut in 2019 with its 33-date North American Dream Tour. The group has also shared stages with artists including John Butler Trio, Allen Stone, RIPE, and Joel Plaskett, and appeared in the 2020 film Bill & Ted Face the Music.

To date, Bombargo has accumulated more than 10 million streams across digital platforms and more than one million YouTube views, while earning multiple Saskatchewan Music Award nominations.

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

LOCKER ROOM TALK to Make World Premiere in Brooklyn After Boulder Readings

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:42:15 PST

From June 12-14th, Upstart Crow Theatre will be putting on Crow's Fest, their summer play festival featuring Colorado and NYC playwright Drake Susuras and his full-length dramedy entitled Locker Room Talk or: How to Survive in a "Straight" Man's World.

Originally making its CO premiere in a 2024 staged reading for Visionbox Studio's Queer Theatre Project, Upstart Crow will take Susuras' work to the Dairy Arts Center (2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302) on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th at 7:30pm and Sunday, June 14th at 2pm. Jennifer McCray Rincón will once again be leading the project as director.

This is one of many plays that Susuras has shared with Colorado audiences. Prior, Susuras has written for Visionbox Studio, the 2025 Denver Fringe Festival, Roshni Theatre's New American Arts Festival, IGNITE New Play Festival (Fireside Ink Writers Workshop). His work tends to focus on the nuances of queer identity and expression through unconventional lenses such as the executive office of an NFL CEO, through the eyes of one of America's most famous illustrators on Fire Island, and now, in a high school locker room showcasing how the worst boys in school grow up to be the worst men towering over us all today.

Locker Room Talk or: How to Survive in a "Straight" Man's World is a manospheric retelling of every man's experience in their high school locker room. However, the added baggage of a queer relationship makes this environment like a loaded gun ready to take anyone and anything down in its path. The only question is who's going to pull the trigger?

After the play makes its way through Boulder in June, Susuras will be taking the piece back to Brooklyn, NY for a production run on July 22nd and 23rd at the Brooklyn Art Haus in his NYC playwriting premiere.

Drake J. Susuras is a multidisciplinary theatre artist based in Brooklyn, NY. He has been able to collaborate artistically and technically with some of the most prestigious theaters and companies across the country including the James Earl Jones Theater, Audible's Minetta Lane Theater, New York City Center II, The Vineyard Theater, Women's Project Theatre, the New Harmony Project, and Curious Theatre Company among others. Drake's written work has been read, workshopped, and staged throughout the U.S. including a recent staged reading at the Denver Center for Performing Arts (Champa Arts Studio), a sold out run at the 2025 Denver Fringe Festival, and an upcoming performance run at the Brooklyn Art Haus. Drake is the recipient of the Jack Reynolds Outstanding Thespian Award, the Virginia Lowell Grabill Award for Playwriting, the 2025 Henry Award for Best Production of a Play (Downstate, Curious Theatre), and the winner of the 1st Annual IGNITE New Play Festival. He holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Evansville.

Will Burkart to Perform at Comedy Works Landmark in Denver

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:46:02 PST

Comedian Will Burkart, who headlined the Netflix Is A Joke festival and amassed over 150 million social media views, will perform a multi-night run at Comedy Works Landmark in Denver. Performances will take place o Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 PM; Friday, June 12 at 7:15 and 9:15 PM; Saturday, June 13 at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

Will Burkart is a Los Angeles based standup comedian and actor. After growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he moved out to Los Angeles and quickly established himself as one of the hardest working young comics on the scene. Given the massive popularity of his stand-up clips on social media, Will's fan base has skyrocketed over the past few years amassing over 500k followers and more than 150 million views.

In 2023, Will embarked on a forty-five-city nationwide tour selling out venues across the country. As the tour continues this year, Will also headlined the Netflix is a Joke festival.

FROM SEED TO SONG: HEARTWOOD Will Come to the KVNF Community Room

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:32:06 PST

On Wednesday, June 24 at 5:30 PM, Juniper Circle Productions, The Learning Council, and Paonia Literary Project will welcome audiences to From Seed to Song: Heartwood, an evening of music, storytelling, and conversation inspired by the natural world and the stories that connect us to it.

Presented live in the KVNF Community Room with portions streaming later online, this June event features acclaimed Colorado singer-songwriter Gabrielle Louise, award-winning playwright and novelist Gina Femia, in conversation with the book Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees and author, Lindsay Branham.

Part performance, part literary exploration, Heartwood commissions artists from different genres to create original pieces based on a shared theme - fostering dialogue between rural and urban creatives.

"One of the things that excites us most about this project is the collaboration - what happens when artists encounter each other across disciplines," said Michael Cooper, Executive Artistic Director of Juniper Circle Productions. "From Seed to Song creates sacred space where those encounters become brand new work."

This month's offering explores forests, ecology, healing, and the hidden networks that sustain both natural and human communities. Through original song and monologue the performance asks what we can learn from the living world around us, and from one another.

Gabrielle Louise is known for her original Americana music that blends folk traditions with sophisticated musicality and a deep love of storytelling. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she has toured extensively throughout the country and earned recognition for her thoughtful songwriting and captivating live performances.

Gina Femia is an award-winning playwright, performer, and novelist whose work has been developed at leading theaters including The Goodman Theater, MCC Theater, Playwrights Horizons, and New Georges. Gina's writing has received numerous national honors, with their debut young adult novel, Alondra, recognized as one of the best books for teens in 2023.

Launched in partnership with The Learning Council, Arbol Farmers Market, and Paonia Literary Project, From Seed to Song: Heartwood is a free summer program that cultivates connections between writers, readers, and community members.

THE HENRY CLYDE CANNING MURDER HOUSE to Play Durango PlayFest

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:54:58 PST

Playwright Christian Missonak will premiere his dark, psychological drama, The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House, with a cast of rising screen and stage stars, at the 8th Annual Durango PlayFest, June 23-28. In less than a decade, PlayFest has matured into a coveted incubator for well-known and emerging playwrights, actors, and directors to develop new works and test them with live audiences.

Synopsis: Years after their father is convicted for the murder of sixteen women, siblings Elise and Harry are forced to confront their own buried secrets when Harry comes home with plans to exploit their infamous past by converting the family homestead into a murder house tourist attraction.

Trained at Columbia University and The Second City Conservatory, Missonak is now a New York-based playwright and screenwriter whose short plays have been performed on stages across New York and Chicago. In 2021, Christian made his professional regional debut at Madlab Theatre Co. in Columbus, OH, for his play, Sheridan, which premiered to positive reviews. His short plays have been performed all over Chicago, New York, and have been produced as audio dramas. Other theatrical production credits include Save Ferris (Under the Gun Theatre), and Cooperative (Metropolitan Playhouse). Film credits include Something of a Monster, a psychological thriller Missonak co-wrote, which is available on Apple TV and Prime Video. The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House was recently named the second runner up for the 2026 Stanley Award and a second rounder in Austin Film Festival's Stage Play category.

The 2026 PlayFest is excited to welcome the following cast:

Jason Lythgoe - Durango resident and So-Cal native who has performed on stages across the country from The Old Globe in San Diego to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He has appeared in several productions at the Durango Arts Center Theatre Company, which he created, and Merely Players.
Ivy King - Pagosa Springs, CO-based actor whose theatre credits include The Odd Couple, Tiny Beautiful Things, Last Call at the Riptide, and Siberia with a View, all with Thingamajig Theatre.
Lennox T. Duong - Juilliard-trained, NYC-based actor whose most recent role included Hannah (understudy) in the Off-Broadway production of Shit. Meet. Fan. with Neil Patrick Harris. She participated in the 2022 PlayFest.
Adam Fontana - New York City-based stage and television actor who's had roles in Swing State, As You Like It, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mary Poppins, The Shape of Things, Dames at Sea and Forever Plaid, all with Merely Players.

Directing the play will be Melissa Firlit, national and international director, producer, and educator, with works seen in Denver, New York, Ireland, and Scotland.

The festival will also feature readings of The German by two-time Tony nominee, Lyle Kessler, Hazel and Bea in the In-Between by New York-based emerging playwright Zoe Stanton-Savitz, and the absurdist comedy A Deal Picked Just for You by award-winning Iranian-American writer and director John Farmanesh-Bocca.

Co-founded by actors Wendie Malick and Dan Lauria, PlayFest features both esteemed and emerging playwrights alike, including Lee Blessing, Kathleen Cahill, Richard Dresser, James Anthony Tyler, Lia Romeo, and David Myers. The event also attracts acting talents, with notables such as Dylan Baker, Richard Kind, Jane Kaczmarek, Jodi Long, Tom Wright, Ray Abruzzo, Jon Tenney and Mike Farrell. Ten plays have achieved full production following development at PlayFest.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR to Open Outdoor Season for OpenStage

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:29:49 PST

OpenStage Theatre & Company will present William Shakespeare's THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR from June 7 through July 11 at The Center for Creativity.

Directed by Kate Austin-Gröen, the comedy follows Sir John Falstaff, who devises a scheme to court two wealthy married women in hopes of gaining access to their fortunes. The women quickly discover his plan and respond with a series of tricks and deceptions that turn the tables on the would-be suitor.

One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR combines farce, mistaken identities, and social satire while centering the wit and ingenuity of its female characters.

Austin-Gröen's work spans directing, writing, improvisation, and new play development. She currently serves as OpenStage's Resident Intimacy Director and has also been active in community arts leadership and advocacy. For this production, she aims to emphasize the play's comedic energy and farcical elements.

The Merry Wives of Windsor plays from June 7 through July 11. All performances start at 7:00 pm. Visit www.openstage.com/the-merry-wives-of-windsor/ for a complete list of performances, including a free student/educator performance (June 4), a pay-what-you-can performance (June 11), and FAB Friday (June 12), which includes a free beer compliments of Odell Brewing Company.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR to Open Outdoor Season for OpenStage

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:29:49 PST

OpenStage Theatre & Company will present William Shakespeare's THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR from June 7 through July 11 at The Center for Creativity.

One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR combines farce, mistaken identities, and social satire while centering the wit and ingenuity of its female characters.

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

HAZEL & BEA IN THE IN-BETWEEN to Make World Premiere at Durango PlayFest

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:45:20 PST

Playwright Zoe Stanton-Savitz will premiere their tender queer drama, Hazel & Bea in the In-Between, at the 8th Annual Durango PlayFest, June 23-28. In less than a decade, PlayFest has matured into a coveted incubator for well-known and emerging playwrights, actors, and directors to develop new works and present them to live audiences for feedback.

In the play, two elderly women - Hazel, sharp-tongued and fiercely independent, and Bea, warm but forgetful - meet as roommates in a nursing home. They clash over space, noise, and personality. As they reminisce about the lives that they've lost, Hazel comes to believe Bea is the Beatrice she loved as a teenager.

Stanton-Savitz (she/they) is a third-year MFA Playwriting student at Columbia University and a freelance sound designer based in New York City. Productions include Selkie Woman (2025) and Rachel Berry Saved My Life (2024) at Columbia University, and Agatha at Sarah Lawrence College (2022). Readings include Agatha at Lakewood Playhouse New Voices Festival (2025), Pennies for Forgotten Words at La Mama Manifestation Reading Festival (2023), and Twice Gone at Sarah Lawrence College (2021). Other recognition includes semi-finalist for TNT Pops! Playwriting Competition (Agatha, 2025), long-listed for the 2026 Distillery New Works Festival (Hazel & Bea in the In-Between, 2025), semi-finalist for the 47th Bay Area Playwright's Festival (Twice Gone), and winner of David Lindsay-Abaire award for excellence in playwriting at Sarah Lawrence College.

The 2026 PlayFest is excited to welcome the following cast:

Patty McCormack - Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated actor with eight decades of experience in stage, television and film. She is known for her performances in The Bad Seed, Frost/Nixon and The Master.
Kathleen Noone - Emmy Award-winning actress who starred as Ellen on All My Children. Theatrically, she worked off-Broadway at The Roundabout Theatre, and at many regional theatres. Kathleen has also starred in many feature films including Citizen Ruth and Don't Mess With The Zohan. On television, she was a series regular on Knots Landing, and guest-starred on numerous series such as Party of Five, According to Jim, and Frasier.
Tara Demmy - Durango, CO-based clown, theatre artist, and historian originally from Philadelphia. She is a company member with Merely Players in Durango. Her original show, Clown Sex Ed, just completed a Colorado tour. She has a PhD in theatre and performance studies from the University of Maryland.

Directing the play will be Nikki DiLoreto. As a director and associate director, DiLoreto has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, the West End, and on regional theater productions across North America, including the global hit SIX: The Musical, Soft Power, The Magnificent Seven, and the recent Broadway revival of Kiss Me, Kate. She has collaborated with Roundabout Theatre Company, The Public Theatre, Rattlestick Theatre, WP Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, IAMA Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, and Center Theatre Group among others.

The festival will also feature readings of The German by two-time Tony nominee, Lyle Kessler, A Deal Picked Just for You by award-winning Iranian-American writer and director John Farmanesh-Bocca, and the dark thriller The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House by Christian Missonak.

Sinfónica de Minería to Return to Bravo! Vail for 40th Anniversary Season

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:50:32 PST

Bravo! Vail Music Festival (Bravo! Vail) will present the return of Mexico's Sinfónica de Minería (the Orchestra) for a four-concert residency on June 25-27 and 30, 2027, opening its 40th Anniversary Festival season. Led by Artistic Director and renowned Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, the acclaimed ensemble will be Bravo! Vail's 2027 international chamber orchestra-returning for its third residency.

As part of its residency, the Orchestra will perform an expansive breadth of repertoire and will also participate in education and engagement programs throughout Colorado's Eagle County communities, including a special concert at Nottingham Park in Avon on June 30.

Sinfónica de Minería made its 2024 debut as Bravo! Vail's international chamber orchestra, becoming the first Latin American orchestra featured at the Festival. The Orchestra returned in 2025 for a three-day residency, with small ensembles performing throughout the Vail Valley community and a free orchestral concert at Nottingham Park in Avon.

Since 2016, Bravo! Vail has featured a chamber orchestra residency each year at the Festival alongside its resident orchestras: the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Other chamber orchestras have included the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Chamber Orchestra Vienna-Berlin, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

Bravo! Vail will announce additional details of the Orchestra's residency and full details of its 2027 Festival on December 1, 2026. The 40th Anniversary season of Bravo! Vail Music Festival Orchestral Series will take place beginning June 25, 2027, with full Festival scope to be announced.

Veronica Swift to Perform with Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra at Arvada Center

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:19:50 PST

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra big band welcomes international recording artist Veronica Swift to the Arvada Center outdoor Amphitheatre. One of the most compelling voices in jazz today, Swift brings a dynamic style that moves across genres while staying rooted in tradition.

“We're incredibly excited to present our first concert with Veronica Swift,” said CJRO Artistic Director Drew Zaremba. “She is not only an impeccable vocalist, but she also shares our commitment to exploring jazz alongside America's rich musical heritage. We're cooking up some special arrangements to premiere at this concert, and we can't wait to see you there!”

Veronica Swift has established herself as one of her generation's defining voices in jazz. As a child, she toured nationally with her parents—jazz musicians Hod O'Brien and Stephanie Nakasian—appearing at leading clubs and festivals including Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Jazz Standard (NYC), Jazz Showcase (Chicago), and the Telluride Jazz Festival. She recorded her first album at age nine and has since built a career spanning two decades.

Her credits include:

a second-place finish in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition,
a twice-yearly residency at Birdland Jazz Club,
touring with Chris Botti and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and
recording with Jeff Goldblum.

Her 2021 album This Bitter Earth earned a five-star review and the cover of DownBeat, and in 2024, she was named a Chevalier in France's Order of Arts and Letters.

Her 2026 release Home explores themes of loss, identity, and belonging through a wide-ranging repertoire, offering a personal and expansive view of what “home” can mean.

This one-night-only performance takes place on Saturday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003. Tickets are $29 - $58 and available at www.coloradojazz.org or by calling the Arvada Center Box Office at 720-898-7200.

Immersive Office Comedy DO YOU FEEL ANGER? to Open in Lakewood, CO

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:39:51 PST

The Moot Point Project will bring Mara Nelson-Greenberg's sharp play Do You Feel Anger? to life like never before. Directed by Sarah Ausloos, the audience is invited to join "your friendly neighborhood debt collection agency" for their HR-mandated empathy conference.

You will be a part of a night of networking, corporate connections, and moderate to severe workplace violence, where, yes, a business casual dress code is strongly preferred. At this hands-on conference, the audience will experience an exhilarating comedy that forces engagement in a world where empathy is often forgotten, with limited showings running from Thursday, June 18th, through Sunday, June 21st.

Showing Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, 2:00pm Pay What You Can showing on Saturday the 20th, and with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm, at The Three Leaches Theater in Lakewood, CO. Tickets are only $15, and can be purchased through themootpointproject.com.

Do You Feel Anger? has all the charm of a classic office comedy, with an edge of absurdity, answering the question "do you feel anger?" with a resounding yes! Through an unsettling comedic lens, the audience will join their new empathy coach, Sofia, as she attempts the unimaginable: turning a harsh team of debt collectors into an empathy engine. Audience members, conference attendees, will be given an ID badge, participate in empathy exercises, and learn, with these larger than life corporate characters, how to navigate empathy in a world where the feelings of men in power are prioritized. Sit back and witness a dark series of events unfold through wit and sharp comedic timing, designed to provoke attendees to reflect on their own empathy

Starring local actors Gisselle Gonzalez, Jacob David Smith, Carson Coffey, Joshua Wilson, Emma Grace Bradley, Nicole Caron, and Stefi Adams. With a team of early career designers Dang Pham (Lighting Designer) an upcoming senior designer major at The University of Northern Colorado, Ava Carey (Props Designer) University of Northern Colorado alumni, Cole Dille (Sound Designer) a multi media producer based in Toronto Canada, Robin O'Connell (Dramaturg) recent graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University and with in-house designs from Megan Dille (costumes) and True Smith (scenic) with the help of Harrison Rosenberg (Scenic Consultant).

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

Jeremiah Watkins to Perform at Comedy Works Landmark in Denver

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:42:35 PST

Jeremiah Watkins will perform at Comedy Works Landmark on Thursday, June 4; Friday June, 5; and Saturday, June 6.

Jeremiah Watkins is heralded as the comedian for making Judd Apatow fall in love with comedy again, and that's a direct quote from Judd himself!

His debut one hour standup special Jeremiah Watkins: Family Reunion is streaming now on Amazon Prime and his second hour special DADDY is streaming now on YouTube.

You can hear him as the voice of the iconic role of The Joker on DC Superhero Girls and you can see him weekly as the co-host of the Trailer Tales Podcast. His hit series Stand-Up On The Spot continues to receive viral attention as well as his numerous sketches online that he also directs and writes.

Other credits include Carpool Karaoke, Roast Battle, Lights Out with David Spade, Netflix's Historical Roasts, Jimmy Kimmel Live, HBO's Crashing, Nickelodeon's The Casagrandes, Dr. Phil LIVE & more! Jeremiah's off-the-cuff and physical standup style guarantee you a memorable show experience like you've never seen before!

THE MUSIC OF STAN KENTON & ART PEPPER to Be Performed by CJRO Big Band at Dazzle Denver

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:26:20 PST

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra 17-piece Big Band brings the music of Stan Kenton and Art Pepper to Dazzle on Sunday, June 28, at 6:00 p.m. for an evening of bold arrangements, driving ensemble work, and West Coast jazz influence. Dazzle Denver is located at 1080 14th St, Denver, CO 80202.

Stan Kenton reshaped the sound of American big-band music with his forward-leaning approach, fusing jazz and classical influences with a bold orchestral palette. Known for his powerhouse ensembles and his commitment to musical innovation, Kenton championed complex harmonies, adventurous arrangements, and a sweeping, cinematic style that pushed jazz into new territory. His legacy endures not only in his recordings but in the generations of musicians he mentored and inspired through his influential clinics and educational programs.

Art Pepper remains one of the most emotionally direct and unmistakable voices in West Coast jazz, celebrated for his luminous alto saxophone tone and deeply expressive phrasing. Rising to prominence with the Stan Kenton Orchestra before forging a powerful solo career. His recordings continue to resonate with audiences and stand as essential landmarks in modern jazz.

The CJRO is one of the region's premier jazz ensembles, featuring top-tier musicians dedicated to honoring and expanding the jazz tradition. Known for their innovative programming and electrifying performances, the CJRO continues to push boundaries while preserving the rich legacy of jazz.

MY FAIR LADY Will Come to Lakewood Cultural Center From Performance Now Theatre Company

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:43:47 PST

Performance Now Theatre Company will present Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady June 12 - 28 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $33 ($5 service fee included) and are available online or by calling 303-987-7845.

Eliza Doolittle is a young flower seller with an unmistakable Cockney accent which keeps her in the lower rungs of Edwardian society. When Professor Henry Higgins tries to teach her how to speak like a proper lady, an unlikely friendship begins to flourish.

Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is that rare musical by which all others are measured - the tale of a Cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady.

Featuring one of musical theatre's greatest scores including: “Wouldn't It Be Loverly?” “With a Little Bit of Luck,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” and “I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”

The cast features Charlotte Campbell as Eliza Doolittle, Bill Diggle as Professor Henry Higgins, Jim Hitzke as Alfred P. Doolittle, Wes Munsil as Colonel Hugh Pickering, Mary Campbell as Mrs. Higgins, Lars Preece as Freddy Eynsford-Hill and Ashlie Kirkpatrick as Mrs. Pearce. A stellar ensemble of 22 rounds out the cast.

MY FAIR LADY Will Come to Lakewood Cultural Center From Performance Now Theatre Company

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:43:47 PST

Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is that rare musical by which all others are measured - the tale of a Cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady.

Julie Benko, Christopher Sieber and More to Star in GUYS AND DOLLS IN CONCERT at Theatre Aspen

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:42:36 PST

The Aspen Music Festival and School and Theatre Aspen have revealed the cast for their seventh annual co-production: a musical fable of Broadway, Guys and Dolls in Concert, starring Julie Benko (Funny Girl, Theatre Aspen’s recent My Fair Lady in Concert) as ‘Sarah Brown,’ Tony Award winner Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo, Head Over Heels) as ‘Miss Adelaide,’ Tony Award nominee Christopher Sieber (Death Becomes Her, Spamalot) as ‘Nathan Detroit,’ and Ryan Vasquez (The Notebook, Hamilton) as ‘Sky Masterson.’ Guys and Dolls in Concert will be directed by Tony Award-nominated Jeff Calhoun and conducted by Andy Einhorn, returning for his sixth production.

Guys and Dolls in Concert will be presented with a full orchestra on Monday, July 13 at 7:30 PM and Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30 PM in the Michael Klein Music Tent.

Guys and Dolls, the classic Broadway musical comedy about gamblers, showgirls, and unlikely romances, features music and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon. Filled with vivid characters and iconic songs, it follows a high-stakes bet that entangles a high roller and a straight-laced missionary in a rollicking story about love, luck, and the hustle of 1950 New York City.

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 35 years as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, Senbla and SEGA today announced Sonic Live In Concert (www.sonicliveinconcert.com). This new concert experience brings the music and moments of the beloved video games to the stage.

Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the production will debut in the U.S. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London's Eventim Apollo on September 30. The U.S. tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. More European dates will be announced at a later time. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

As part of a global rollout celebrating the franchise's milestone anniversary, Sonic Live In Concert features the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists, and electronic elements. The setlist includes fan-favorite tracks and an incredible array of music from the very first game through to today accompanied by synchronized HD footage of iconic levels, moments and boss battles from the franchise. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic's world vividly to life on stage.

The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations.

"Sonic has some of the most distinct and celebrated music in gaming," says Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of Senbla. "We wanted to create a live show that stays true to what the fans love about Sonic's music, from the electronic and melodic themes to high-energy rock."

“Music has always been a core part of Sonic's identity, shaping how fans experience this world across generations," said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer at SEGA of America, Inc. "With this concert, we're looking forward to celebrating that legacy in a live setting; bringing together the energy, emotion, and creativity of Sonic's music in a way that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy together.”

Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become a global entertainment icon spanning video games, film, television, and consumer products. With renewed momentum driven by recent film releases, new game titles, and a global brand campaign tied to the 35th anniversary, the franchise continues to reach new generations of fans worldwide.

The performance schedule includes:

September 20, 2026 – Spokane, Washington – First Interstate Center for the Arts
September 22, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (preview)
September 23, 2026 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (preview)
September 25, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre (preview)
September 26, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
September 27, 2026 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
September 29, 2026 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theater
September 30, 2026 – London, U.K. – London Eventim Apollo
October 1, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
October 2, 2026 – Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre
October 3, 2026 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
October 4, 2026 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
October 6, 2026 – Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
October 8, 2026 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 9, 2026 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
October 10, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
October 11, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 13, 2026 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
October 15, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
October 16, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
October 17, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 18, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 19, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 20, 2026 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
October 22, 2026 – Brandon, MS – City Hall Live
October 23, 2026 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
October 24, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
October 25, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts
October 27, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
October 28, 2026 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
October 29, 2026 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
October 30, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
October 31, 2026 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Au Rene Theater
November 1, 2026 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
February 17, 2027 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
February 18, 2027 – Edinburgh, UK – Usher Hall
February 19, 2027 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
February 20, 2027 – Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.sonicliveinconcert.com.

A DEAL PICKED JUST FOR YOU to Premiere at 2026 Durango PlayFest

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:59:52 PST

Playwright John Farmanesh-Bocca will premiere and direct his absurdist comedy, A Deal Picked Just for You, at the 8th Annual Durango PlayFest, June 23-28, with a star-studded cast of Hollywood favorites. In less than a decade, PlayFest has matured into a coveted incubator for well-known and emerging playwrights, actors, and directors to develop new works and present them to live audiences for feedback.

In the play, shut-ins Maggie and Brenda have sworn off the chaos of the outside world and focus their obsessions on Amazon packages, food-delivery, and denial — that is, until a string of uninvited guests upends their fragile bubble. It's a play about what happens when absurdity becomes the new normal, and why we keep searching for connection anyway.

“John's work is totally different from anything we've done at PlayFest, and that's what makes it exciting,” said Felicia Lansbury Meyer, PlayFest Artistic Director. “He uses sharp satire and absurd humor to take a bold, surprising and relatable look at how we all try to cope with this crazy world.”

The Iranian-American creator is best known for his modern adaptations of ancient theatrical works, including Lear Redux, named one of the Top 10 Productions of 2025 by Arts Beat LA. Bocca-Farmanesh founded Los Angeles' award-winning Not Man Apart Physical Theatre Ensemble, ranked top among the most innovative companies nationally and internationally. He trained at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in Acting before serving as a directing fellow at the Juilliard School Drama Division.

The 2026 PlayFest is excited to welcome the following cast:

Wendie Malick – PlayFest co-founder, and well-known face in television, film and stage. Malick has more than 190 acting credits. She currently stars in the AppleTV+ comedy Shrinking with Harrison Ford.
Marg Helgenberger – Emmy-award-winning actress best known for her roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Las Vegas, and China Beach.
Brenda Strong – Two-time Emmy nominee and multi-SAG-award-winning actress known for her seminal role as Mary Alice Young, the dearly departed narrator on Desperate Housewives.
Ahkei Togun – Up-and-coming young actor, producer and poet from Los Angeles, and founder of Sippin Poetry.

The festival will also feature readings of The German by two-time Tony nominee, Lyle Kessler, Hazel and Bea in the In-Between by New York-based emerging playwright Zoe Stanton-Savitz, and the dark thriller The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House by Christian Missonak.

Visit durangoplayfest.org for ticket information and the full festival schedule.

A DEAL PICKED JUST FOR YOU to Premiere at 2026 Durango PlayFest

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:59:52 PST

The 2026 PlayFest is excited to welcome the following cast:

Wendie Malick – PlayFest co-founder, and well-known face in television, film and stage. Malick has more than 190 acting credits. She currently stars in the AppleTV+ comedy Shrinking with Harrison Ford.
Marg Helgenberger – Emmy-award-winning actress best known for her roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Las Vegas, and China Beach.
Brenda Strong – Two-time Emmy nominee and multi-SAG-award-winning actress known for her seminal role as Mary Alice Young, the dearly departed narrator on Desperate Housewives.
Ahkei Togun – Up-and-coming young actor, producer and poet from Los Angeles, and founder of Sippin Poetry.

The festival will also feature readings of The German by two-time Tony nominee, Lyle Kessler, Hazel and Bea in the In-Between by New York-based emerging playwright Zoe Stanton-Savitz, and the dark thriller The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House by Christian Missonak.

Visit durangoplayfest.org for ticket information and the full festival schedule.

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre Unveils 2026 Professional Company

Tue, 26 May 2026 21:58:25 PST

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre has announced the company members for its 2026 season, featuring a lineup of beloved musicals, returning artists, and exciting new talent from across the country.

The season opens June 5 with Shrek The Musical, followed by Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on June 19 and Urinetown The Musical on July 3. The fall production, Never Can Say Goodbye: The 70s Beehive Musical, opens September 4.

The performers in the 2026 professional company were selected from more than 1,200 auditions held nationwide. This year's company includes Xander Benton, Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Gray Calderone, Sophia Campagna, Brandi Campbell, Jack Cipriani, Kristen Das, Lydia Diekmann, Shannon Foley, Brecken Hummer, Logan Johnson, Josh Kellman, Tori Kocher, Mitchell Lewis, Wedler Lordeus, George Lorimer, Jared Martin, Brandy Miller, Rachel Miller, Yazmine Moore, Megan Opalinski, Maura Rose Pawelko, Nicholas A. Petrelli, Rebecca Rand, Brooklynn Stanley, Tyler Symone, and Noah Warner.

Returning for another season at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre is Michael Querio, who will direct Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and serve as music director for Shrek The Musical and Urinetown. Jeff Duke will direct Shrek and Never Can Say Goodbye, while Suzanna Champion will direct Urinetown. Michael Jordan (not pictured) rejoins the creative team as music director for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Jennifer Lupp will choreograph Shrek and Never Can Say Goodbye, while Christopher Rice-Thomson will choreograph Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Stephanie Hansen will choreograph Urinetown. Costume designers for the season include Jesus Perez for Shrek; Lindsay McDonald for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Urinetown; and Jeff Duke and Jennifer Lupp for Never Can Say Goodbye. Additional designers include Ethan Newman (lighting), Cody Tellis Rutledge and Tucker Topel (scenic), Joshua Nguyen (sound - not pictured), and Lili Federico (projections).

The theatre also welcomes back several returning members of the professional production staff, including Amy Radebaugh as stage manager and company manager, Ethan Newman as production manager, and Jesse Wade as technical director.

It takes a lot of people to make Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre come alive. We are excited to welcome both returning artists and new company members for another unforgettable summer season in Grand Lake.

For a complete list of company members — including musicians, additional production staff, guest artists, and administrative staff — visit the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre website and click “Backstage” and then “Meet the Company.”

Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now. Patrons may stop by the administrative office across the street from the theatre, call 970-627-3421, or visit rockymountainrep.com for tickets and information.

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