The Arvada Center Opens Creede Repertory Theatre’s IS HE DEAD?, 10/2

The Arvada Center will host the critically acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre's presentation of Is He Dead? adapted by David Ives from an unpublished story by Mark Twain in the intimate Black Box Theater. Previews are September 28 through September 30 at 7:30 p.m. nightly, opening Tuesday, October 2 through October 28. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. For ticket pricing and additional information or to order tickets, call 720-898-7200 or go online to www.arvadacenter.org.

Pre-Show talks will be offered for all preview performances, and the following dates closing weekend: October 25, 26, 27, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m. Designed to immerse audiences in the world of the play before the curtain rises, these entertaining talks explore the historical context of the play, essential themes, significance the play holds for Creede Rep, and challenges faced during production. Talks are free of charge, will begin 30 minutes prior to these select shows and last approximately 15 minutes. Audience Talk Backs with the cast will be offered Friday, October 12 after 7:30 p.m. show and Wednesday, October 17 after 1:00 p.m. show. Is He Dead? will be American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted for the hearing impaired on Friday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Is He Dead? directed by Michael Perlman is the wildly hilarious "new" farce from the father of American wit, Mark Twain. Jean-Francois Millet (Steven Cole Hughes), a young painter of genius, is in love with the beautiful Marie Leroux (Caitlin Wise) but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer, Bastien Andre (John Arp). Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor's prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes the only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all the while passing himself off as his own sister, the homely Widow Tillou. Now a rich "widow," he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie. The romp is on in this delightful farce as he pursues his passion for painting, his fortune and the woman he loves.

Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) is an award-winning theater company located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The Company presented the world premiere of Is He Dead? as part of its recently completed 2012 summer season. The comedy marks the third collaboration between the Arvada Center and CRT.

About the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities:
In its 36-year history, the award winning Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities has grown to become one of the nation's largest multidisciplinary arts centers, devoted to all aspects of the arts and generously supported in part by the City of Arvada and by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Arvada Center is located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. and provides free parking for all its patrons. For more information go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.