Billie McBride News

"On Golden Pond," written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Ashlee Temple, is the seventh annual summer theater fundraiser for Senior Housing Options (SHO), a non-profit organization providing quality affordable housing and services for 500 adults in Colorado. The production is SHO's major -- and only -- annual fundraiser and builds on the success of past runs such as "Steel Magnolias" (2013), and "Driving Miss Daisy" (2012).

"On Golden Pond," written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Ashlee Temple, is the seventh annual summer theater fundraiser for Senior Housing Options (SHO), a non-profit organization providing quality affordable housing and services for 500 adults in Colorado. The production is SHO's major -- and only -- annual fundraiser and builds on the success of past runs such as "Steel Magnolias" (2013), and "Driving Miss Daisy" (2012).

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this fun-filled children's show and found myself laughing throughout from the adult humor sprinkled in the script.

Families and school groups will marvel at the magic of the live theatre production of 'Rumpelstiltskin'. This show takes the stage in the Elaine Wolf Theatre at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center (MACC) at 1 p.m. on Sundays from March 9 through April 27 (no performance April 20). Tickets: $10/general admission; $9/children, students & seniors. For tickets or more information, call 303-316-6360. MACC is located at 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver, CO 80246.

On Thursday, February 13 at noon, the Arvada Center opens the children's theater production Lyle the Crocodile adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling with music by Richard Gray. The play is based on Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber. Lyle the Crocodile will run February 13 - May 23, 2014. Performances are 10:00 a.m. and noon, most Tuesdays through Fridays, and some Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $8 weekdays and $10 weekends and holidays for reserved seating. Lyle the Crocodile will be Audio Described for the sight impaired on March 4 at 10:00 a.m. and noon and Shadow performed for the hearing impaired on March 5 and 6, at 10:00 a.m. and noon. Shadow- interpreted theater utilizes specially trained American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to perform as 'shadows' on stage alongside actors. To purchase tickets and for more information call 720-898-7200 or go to www.arvadacenter.org. Lyle the Crocodile is recommended for all ages.

Cherry Creek Theatre presents Morris Panych's 'Vigil' October 4 - 27 at the Shaver-Ramsey Showroom, 2414 East 3rd Ave. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $28 Adult; $25 Student/Senior and are available by calling 303-800-6578 or online at www.cherrycreektheatre.org

'Steel Magnolias,' written by Robert Harling and directed by Ashlee Temple, is the sixth annual summer theater fundraiser for Senior Housing Options (SHO), a non-profit organization providing quality affordable housing and services for 500 adults in Colorado. The production is SHO's major -- and only -- annual fundraiser and builds on the success of past runs such as 'Chasing Manet' (2011), and 'Driving Miss Daisy' (2012). Check out a first look at the cast in action below!

"Steel Magnolias," written by Robert Harling and directed by Ashlee Temple, is the sixth annual summer theater fundraiser for Senior Housing Options (SHO), a non-profit organization providing quality affordable housing and services for 500 adults in Colorado. The production is SHO's major -- and only -- annual fundraiser and builds on the success of past runs such as "Chasing Manet" (2011), and "Driving Miss Daisy" (2012).

I have to compliment these two stunning actresses on one of the best pairings I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing onstage; elevating this show to an exceptional night of theater!

Ruth Steiner (Billie McBride) is a teacher and respected short story writer. Her student and protegee is Lisa Morrison (Devon James). Over the course of 6 years, Lisa journeys from insecure student to successful writer. After publishing a well-received collection of short stories, Lisa writes a novel based on Ruth's affair with the poet Delmore Schwartz. The women deal with the moral dilemma of whether a person's life events are suitable for another to use in their own creative process.

Ruth Steiner (Billie McBride) is a teacher and respected short story writer. Her student and protegee is Lisa Morrison (Devon James). Over the course of 6 years, Lisa journeys from insecure student to successful writer. After publishing a well-received collection of short stories, Lisa writes a novel based on Ruth's affair with the poet Delmore Schwartz. The women deal with the moral dilemma of whether a person's life events are suitable for another to use in their own creative process.

Lilly is an exuberant young mouse facing all-too-familiar issues at home and in school. Although she courageously stands up to bullies and delights in teaching her friends to spell backwards, Lilly still needs to learn important lessons about family, friendship and forgiveness. Through clever dialogue, fast-paced scenes, realistic characters, and yes, even cheese, the award-winning playwright Kevin Kling creates an entertaining and insightful tale.

Lowis Lowry's powerful award-winning novel, THE GIVER, comes to life in a thought provoking production by the Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC). Dramatized by Eric Coble, THE GIVER plays The Ricketson Theatre now through November 18, 2012. Tickets may be purchased by calling 303.893.4100 or visiting www.denvercenter.org. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

Lowis Lowry's powerful award-winning novel, THE GIVER, comes to life in a thought provoking production by the Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC). Dramatized by Eric Coble, THE GIVER plays The Ricketson Theatre now through November 18, 2012. Tickets may be purchased by calling 303.893.4100 or visiting www.denvercenter.org. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

Reminiscent of Asimov with a hint of The Hunger Games, this show explores the possibility of humans being micromanaged in every aspect of their lives and humanity being reduced to a calculation.

Lowis Lowry's powerful award-winning novel, THE GIVER, comes to life in a thought provoking production by the Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC). Dramatized by Eric Coble, THE GIVER plays The Ricketson Theatre September 28 - November 18, 2012. Tickets may be purchased now, by calling 303.893.4100 or visiting www.denvercenter.org.

This will be the first opportunity for audiences to see the $2.5 million renovation of the Elaine Wolf Theatre - home of the Denver Children's Theatre!

This show has the cutting wit that I so enjoy and almost literally had me on the floor with laughter.

While I do appreciate the liberties some directors take in exploring classics with alternative/parallel universes and the whole "what if?" scenario, sometimes a classic is best left a classic.

The Arvada Center will open Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest directed by the Center's Artistic Producer, Rod A. Lansberry on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.