DCPA Announces Cast and Creative of NATIVE GARDENS

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is proud to announce full casting and creative team for the Theater Company's production of Native Gardens, directed by Lisa Portes.

Dealing with neighbors can be thorny, especially for Pablo and Tania, a young Latino couple who have just moved into a well-established DC neighborhood. Though Frank and Virginia have the best intentions for making the new couple feel welcome next door, their newly budding friendship is tested when they realize their shared property line isn't where it's supposed to be. Frank is afraid of losing his prized garden, Pablo wants what is legally his, Tania has a pregnancy and a thesis she'd rather be worrying about, and Virginia just wants some peace. But until they address the real roots of their problems, it's all-out war in this hilarious and heartfelt play about the lines that divide us and those that connect us.

Playwright Karen Zacarías (Just Like Us, The Book Club Play) is one of the most-produced Latina playwrights in the nation and the creator of multiple award-winning plays. She is a core founder of the Latino/a Theatre Commons, alongside Director Lisa Portes. Primarily tackling new plays and musicals, Portes serves on the board of Theatre Communications Group, heads the MFA directing program at DePaul University and has directed at dozens of theatres around the country.

The Denver production of Native Gardens will feature John Ahlin (Broadway's Tony-Award winning revival of Journey's End) as Frank Butley, Jordan Baker (Broadway's Suddenly, Last Summer, The Normal Heart) as Virginia Butley, Mariana Fernández (DCPA's FADE) as Tania Del Valle, Ryan Garbayo (Red Bull Theater's The Government Inspector Off-Broadway) as Pablo Del Valle. Ensemble members will include Anthony V. Haro (University of Northern Colorado Opera's La Cenerentola), Brandon Lopez (Lucent Performing Arts' American Idiot) , Gustavo Marquez (Colorado Shakespeare Education's Comedy of Errors), and Gia Valverde (Su Teatro's Enrique's Journey).

The production will include designs by Lisa M. Orzolek (Scenic Designer), Raquel Barreto (Costume Designer), Charles R. MacLeod (Lighting Designer), Rick Sims (Sound Designer),Douglas Langworthy (Dramaturg), Elissa Myers Casting/Paul Foquet, CSA(Casting), and stage management by Heidi Echtenkamp (Stage Manager) and Kailey Buttrick(Assistant Stage Manager).

Native Gardens

By Karen Zacarías

Directed by Lisa Portes

April 6 - May 6, 2018

Space Theatre

Tickets for Native Gardens may be purchased at denvercenter.org, 303-893-4100 or in person in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex at 14th and Curtis.

ABOUT THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is the largest non-profit theatre organization in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive plays. Last season the DCPA engaged with more than 1.2 million visitors, generating a $150 million economic impact in ticket sales alone. Additionally, DCPA Education serves more than 105,000 students of all ages and skill levels through classes, in-school programs, matinees and audience engagement opportunities.

Programming at the DCPA is made possible through the generous support of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District; Theatre Company sponsors Wells Fargo, Larimer Square and Daniel L. Ritchie, and media sponsors The Denver Post and CBS4. Please be advised that the DCPA is the ONLY authorized ticket seller for Broadway tours and shows by DCPA Theatre Company, Cabaret and Off-Center. Tickets bought through secondary ticket vendors may exceed face value or be invalid.