THE LAST ROMANCE Theater Fundraiser at The Barth Hotel

"The Last Romance," written by Joe DiPietro and directed by Christy Montour-Larson, is the ninth 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 "The Odd Couple (Female Version)" (2015), "On Golden Pond" (2014), "Steel Magnolias" (2013), and "Driving Miss Daisy" (2012).

Our all-star cast and crew is led by award-winning director Christy Montour-Larson, who has directed over 75 productions and teaches at both Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Denver Center Theatre Company.

We are also thrilled to announce the pairing of two acclaimed Colorado actors who will perform together for the first time: Jim Hunt, Colorado Theatre Guild's Henry Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2013, and Billie McBride, who has 3 Henry Awards including the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. Together these well-loved performers have over 100 years of combined experience in theater! McBride has appeared multiple times on the stage at The Barth Hotel, including SHO's productions of "Chasing Manet," "Steel Magnolias," "Driving Miss Daisy," and "On Golden Pond."

Anne Oberbroeckling joins SHO for the first time this year, with recent appearances at the Cherry Creek Theater, Arvada Center, and Curious Theatre Company. Rounding out the cast are Jeffrey Parker, who has performed on stages from Los Angeles to NYC, and also teaches at MSU and the Denver Center for Performing Arts, and Benjamin Wood, opera singer and musical theater performer who has performed with Central City Opera and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Playwright DiPietro ("Memphis," "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," "Over the River and Through the Woods") explores the bittersweet nuances of rediscovering love and romance in one's golden years. Widower Ralph once aspired to be an opera singer, but chose a more practical path to support a growing family. Ralph's younger sister Rose clings to her older brother - and a distant, fading hope of renewed happiness - after being abandoned by her husband over 20 years ago. And when Ralph chances upon the elegant, distant Carol, the solidity of old family ties and the delicacy of a blossoming new love affair collide with both humorous and bittersweet truths.

"The Last Romance" performs in the historic lobby of The Barth Hotel (1514 17th St.) in the heart of downtown Denver. The Barth is one of SHO's 13 residences and is home to 62 elderly and disabled adults. With only 12 performances, the play opens Thursday, July 28 and runs every Thursday, Friday andSaturday at 7:30 p.m. through August 20. Tickets are $25 for reserved seating and $35 for preferred reserved seating. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.seniorhousingoptions.org or call 303-595-4464 x14

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