Applause -- Hamlet, September 13-October 6, 2024

ILLUSTRATION BY KYLE MALONE

VOLUME XXXV NUMBER 2 SEP – NOV 2024

Its time for your wealth to take center stage www.invictuspw.com • 720-734-2454

Michael S. Caplan Forbes/Shook Top RIA Firms (2023) Forbes/Shook Top 5 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor (2022/Colorado) Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors in America (2022) Best of Vail Financial Planners (2023/2024) Adjunct Professor/International Economic Fellow Georgetown Law Northwestern University - Honors in Mathematics The ranking for Forbes/Shook 2023 Top RIA firms were published in 2023 based of calendar year 2022. The rankings for 2022 Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors in America were published in 2022 and based off calendar year 2021.The rankings for Forbes/Shook 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors were published in 2022 and based off calendar year 2021. No direct or indirect cash or non-cash provided to third-party entities in relation to these rankings. Invictus Private Wealth, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser. This advertisement is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Invictus Private Wealth, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed and a client service agreement is in place. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Member FINRA/SIPC Headquartered at 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and Invictus Private Wealth LLC are not affiliated companies.”

Furniture Row Companies® is a group of specialty home furnishings and mattress stores, carrying a variety of brand names, all available at one convenient location. We focus on providing a shopping experience that is tailored to your needs. Our specialized buying teams are constantly combing the globe in search of the hottest trends and best values available. In addition, incentives like our no interest financing and our highly knowledgeable, specialized sales staff, make Furniture Row one of the most enjoyable furniture buying experiences you’ll find in the country today.

VISIT US ONLINE AT FURNITUREROW.COM FOR STORE LOCATION NEAREST YOU.

APPLAUSE

SIGHTLINE

M

BY JANICE SINDEN

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

VO LU M E X X XV • N U M B E R 2 • S E P - N OV 2 0 24

EDITOR: Suzanne Yoe DESIGN DIRECTOR: Kyle Malone DESIGNER: Brenda Elliott CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS: Paul Koob, Lucas Kreitler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Misha Berson, Linnea Covington, Emma Holst, Marlowe Moore, Joanne Ostrow

W

Welcome to the launch of our 2024/25 season!

For those joining us for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, you are in for a treat… and an exclusive first look at this national tour, which kicks off in Denver. We are delighted to have been selected to launch our fourteenth national tour thanks to the incredible enthusiasm of our local audience.

Across the galleria in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex is a three-show lineup that kicks off the Denver Center Theatre Company’s 45th season: Hamlet, directed by none other than our Artistic Director Chris Coleman; Avaaz, the hysterical story of an Iranian immigrant written and performed by her son, and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter based on the acclaimed novel and soon-to-be movie.

Over in the Weeks Conservatory Theatre on October 18, we’re opening a charming production of Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” designed to introduce PreK through third graders to the joy of theatre.

Plus, if you’re out and about in the community, join us for two events. First, Off-Center’s MONOPOLY LIFESIZED: Travel Edition makes its US premiere at Broadway Park® (Broadway & Alameda) and DCPA Education’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot travels throughout the metro area with free abridged versions of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Visit denvercenter.org/community for details.

Finally, starting this season, you will see a change in how we display ticket prices. Rather than adding fees as the final step of your purchase, you will see the total price up front. This is not a price increase; rather, this change aligns with Colorado’s new ticketing transparency law. The price you see on our website is the price you’ll pay — including the base ticket cost, all fees, and the city seat tax.

Whether you’re a loyal season subscriber or a first-time theatregoer, thanks for joining us for our 2024/25 season.

We’re glad you’re here.

Vladimir Script

Warm regards,

Janice Sinden

Janice Sinden, President & CEO

HONORING OUR ELDERS

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts honors and acknowledges that it resides on the traditional and unceded territories of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary Indigenous Tribes and Nations who have historically called Colorado home.

IN THIS ISSUE

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter .................................pg 10 Avaaz.........................................................................pg 14 Hamlet.......................................................................pg 18 KIMBERLY AKIMBO ...................................pg 22 4

LEARN MORE

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF UPCOMING SHOWS:

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Applause is published eight times a year by Denver Center for the Performing Arts in conjunction with The Publishing House, Westminster, CO. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Call 303.893.4000 regarding editorial content.

Applause magazine is funded in part by

Angie Flachman, Publisher For advertising 303.428.9529 or sales@pub-house.com coloradoartspubs.com PRIMARY LOGO + VARIATIONS

Primary Logo

Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that engages and inspires through the transformative power of live theatre.

One Color Reversed Logo

One Color Logo

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Hassan Salem, Chair Ruth Krebs, Vice Chair David Jacques Farahi, Secretary/Treasurer Nicole Ament Dr. Patricia Baca Brisa Carleton Jerome Davis Deb Kelly Kevin Kilstrom Lynn McDonald Susan Fox Pinkowitz Manny Rodriguez Alan Salazar Richard M. Sapkin Martin Semple William Dean Singleton Robert Slosky Tina Walls Dr. Reginald L. Washington Sylvia Young

Kevin Kilstrom Ruth Krebs Susan Fox Pinkowitz Hassan Salem Robert Slosky

Gradient Reversed Logo - Web Use Only

Logo w/ Division

Minimum Size Requirements

Minumum Width 2”

Minumum Width 2”

HONORARY TRUSTEES Navin Dimond Margot Gilbert Frank Jeannie Fuller Robert C. Newman Daniel L. Ritchie Cleo Parker Robinson HELEN G. BONFILS FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Martin Semple, President William Dean Singleton, Vice President Dr. Reginald L. Washington, Secretary/Treasurer Nicole Ament Marco D. Chayet

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Janice Sinden, President & CEO Jamie Clements, Vice President, Development Chris Coleman, Artistic Director, Theatre Company John Ekeberg, Executive Director, Broadway & Cabaret Lydia Garcia, Executive Director, Equity & Organization Culture Angela Lakin, Vice President, Marketing & Sales Glen Lucero, Vice President, Venue Operations Laura Maresca, Chief People & Culture Officer Charlie Miller, Executive Director & Curator, Off-Center Lisa Roebuck, Vice President, Information Technology Charles Varin, Managing Director, Theatre Company & Off-Center Allison Watrous, Executive Director, Education & Community Engagement Jane Williams, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Minumum Width .75” Maximum Width 2”

LEGACY MONTH

MAKE A LEGACY PLEDGE TODAY!

Adams Design + Photo

Photo by McLeod9Creative

If you believe in the transformative power of live theatre, we invite you to make your legacy a part of ensuring our future.

Connect with us, share your story, and make a legacy pledge to include the DCPA in your will, IRA, or retirement giving.

Scan the QR code below to learn more!

To connect with us about your DCPA legacy or to learn more about Legacy Month and the various opportunities and benefits of legacy giving, check out our website or reach out to Connor Carlin, Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts: ccarlin@dcpa.org | 303.446.4842 | denvercenter.org/legacy

Leslie Alexander and Sophia Dotson in A Little Night Music.

Photo by Amanda Tipton Photography

Every September, we celebrate Legacy Month at the DCPA. Our mission as a non-profit — to engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre — is made possible each generation thanks to the generosity of donors and the legacies of those who came before.

Bobby G 2023, photo by McLeod9Creative

HONORING OUR HISTORY AND THE LEGACIES THAT ENSURE OUR FUTURE

PRESENTING OUR 2024/25 BROADWAY SEASON The Broadway season is finally here! Subscribe now to secure your seats to eight sensational shows and unlock exclusive DCPA subscriber perks, including pre-sale access to Added Attractions. It’s never been easier to experience the thrill of live theatre with subscriptions starting at just eight payments of $67.*

WINNER 5 TONY AWARDS INCLUD ING

Illustration by Anita Kunz

BEST MUSICAL

Sep 22 – Oct 5 Buell Theatre

Dec 10 – 22 Buell Theatre

Jan 22 – Feb 9 Buell Theatre

Mar 18 – 30 Buell Theatre

Gutenberg!

The Musical!

Apr 8 – 26 Buell Theatre

Jun 4 – 15 Buell Theatre

Jul 8 – 20 Buell Theatre

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! OFFICIAL TICKETS AT

303.893.4100 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES • 303.893.6100

2024/25 BROADWAY SEASON SPONSORS

Nov 2 – May 4 Garner Galleria Theatre

UPCOMING ADDED ATTRACTIONS Complement your 2024/25 season with perennial Broadway hits and fresh new shows that have been taking the industry by storm!

Oct 16 – Nov 24 Buell Theatre

Nov 29 – Dec 1 Buell Theatre

Dec 2 Buell Theatre

Dec 6 – 8 Buell Theatre

Feb 25 – Mar 2 Buell Theatre

May 2 – 4 Buell Theatre

May 6 – 18 Buell Theatre

Jun 25 – 29 Buell Theatre

Aug 5 – 10 Buell Theatre

& PLAYLIST 2024/25 BROADWAY

* Payment plans are available; a one-time $10 per-package processing fee applies.

All prices are for eight productions and include handling fees.

Performances in city-owned venues include FDA tax.

Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all presentations, prices and dates are subject to change.

SCAN TO ENJOY SONGS FROM OUR UPCOMING SHOWS!

W

A CONVERSATION BETWEEN FRIENDS The Making of

I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER

Illustration by Kyle Malone

with Playwright Isaac Gómez and Director Laura Acalá Baker

10

BY MARLOWE MOORE

What’s going to happen at the Denver Center Theatre Company starting in September has been years in the making.

Longtime friends and collaborators Isaac Gómez, playwright, and director Laura Alcalá Baker reunite for the first time since the pandemic for I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, an adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez’s award-winning novel. For the first time, the play will take place in-the-round, giving audiences unprecedented access to the rich, inner world of Júlia, the main character who is painfully aware of how much she is not the perfect Mexican daughter.

Isaac picked up Sánchez’s novel shortly after its publication in 2017. From the first words, they knew they were reading something crackling with life, transmitting a razor-sharp, inescapable truth: YOU ARE SEEN. Júlia struggles. She laughs. She dances. She grieves, she says the wrong things, she hurts. Júlia loves.

She fails. She causes the most awkward public scene at the worst possible time. Her rage is real, her despair is real, her flawless sarcastic timing never fails to make the exact point no one else dares to confront. Isaac read the opening line in the bookstore, then immediately shut the book. “I couldn’t read it in public. The book was going to make me feel a lot of things I knew would touch on parts of me that I hadn’t experienced in literature before.”

Isaac was sitting in the tech rehearsal of their play La Ruta for Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company when they finished the book. “I was so blown away by it, and I thought ‘this would make an excellent play,’” Isaac says.

They pitched the idea to Hallie Gordon at Steppenwolf, and she immediately bought in after reading the novel.

“I’ve told Erika that, from the opening line, there’s something about the way that this story is written that makes me feel very naked and vulnerable.”

“I identify as non-binary,” says Isaac, “but I was raised in a household of all brothers. And as the outspoken, surly rebel of my family who was very alternative and the daughter that my mom never had but always wanted — I, too, wasn’t the perfect Mexican daughter. Because I couldn’t be. For me, there was so much about Júlia’s story and her voice…when I talked with Erika about this, she was like, ‘the person most like Júlia is you’.”

Isaac adapted the novel, preserving the crackling energy and unflinching vulnerability, as they are known for in their work. “Finding my way to this story and adapting it for the stage remains one of the greatest honors of my career,” says Isaac. “This story just feels very close.”

The story grabbed Laura, too. “This play feels so raw,” says Laura. “I had to put it down multiple times while reading it. The vulnerability thing is really real.

It feels like it is cutting so close to the vein — really fast, too. She shows all of her ugly. It’s so brutal, it’s so hard. And with a story like this, the playwright has to embody the narrator to pull the story and the audience along.”

“I find, inherent with all of Isaac’s work,” says Laura, “that we are speaking the same language.

Isaac has this way of making people feel known.

There’s something about an Isaac Gómez play

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

I find, inherent with all of Isaac’s work, that we are speaking the same language. Isaac has this way of making people feel known. There’s something about an Isaac Gómez play where I go “oh! I know these people! I know how it breathes, I know the heartbeat,” and that makes my work exciting.

— LAURA ALCALÁ BAKER, DIRECTOR

where I go ‘oh! I know these people! I know how it breathes, I know the heartbeat,’ and that makes my work exciting.

“So, Isaac called recently and was like this [Mexican Daughter] is happening in Denver, and I put your name forward. You’re the one I want for it. There’s nothing like having a friend and a person you admire say you’re the one for this. It makes you feel chosen and seen. At this point, I have an understanding of their writing. Even as I read the first page, I was like ‘I know what this is, let’s go.’”

When we enter Júlia’s story at the start of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, a terrible thing has happened. From the moment the lights go up, we’re on this turbulent ride with Júlia, rolling up and down in her mind, her writing, her memories, as she tries to make sense out of a fatal accident that undoes her sense of reality. “The mental health piece of it is probably the most significant part of Júlia’s journey,” says Isaac. “This is the story of a young woman who desperately wants to feel seen, to feel heard, and whose dreams are bigger than anyone else’s.”

When Isaac and Laura reunited for this play, they knew the challenge of staging it in the round. “When you’re in the round, you’re on display all the time. Every single thing has to be so intentional, everything is on purpose,” says Laura. Inspired by the energy of Isaac’s script, she decided to create a version of this play, as she says, “that no one has ever seen before.” The openness of the theater-in-the-round lets her take I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter deeper into Júlia’s “mind palace,” so that the space itself becomes Júlia’s rich, complex, funny, and complicated inner world, with the textures of Chicago, Mexico, and her home life woven into it.

“I’m most excited to see Laura’s vision,” Isaac says. “She’s one of the most brilliant directors I’ve ever worked with. This is going to be a notyour-typical production of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.”

“I’m so glad to be back in the room with Isaac,” Laura says. “It’s going to be an incredible adventure, and we’re not letting the audience go.”

I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER

SEP 27 – NOV 3 • KILSTROM THEATRE ASL Interpreted and Audio Described performance: Oct 13 at 1:30pm Stay for a post-show discussion on select dates following our 7pm performances: Oct 10, 17 & 22

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

• All people are equal • Moments are shared • Differences are valued • Discussion is encouraged We respect that everyone experiences our stories differently.

MARC COHN | PHOTO BY: KIM MANCUSO PHOTOGRAPHY

FLAMENCO ÍNTIMO | PHOTO BY: K. SAN MARTIN

THE MAGIC OF JEN KRAMER

LADY SINGS THE BLUES WITH TATIANA MAYFIELD

PRESENTED THROUGH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI)

WELCOMES A SEASON OF SPARKLE!

LOCATED MINUTES SOUTH OF DENVER • FREE PARKING • DOORS OPEN 90 MIN BEFORE PERFORMANCES

OFFICIAL TICKETS AT

Cultural and Scientific Commission

PARKERARTS.ORG

BOX OFFICE: 303.805.6800

THEATER . DANCE . MUSICALS . CULTURAL . FAMILY & MORE!

Spring: New Life, New Energy and Great Performances!

Thank you DCPA.

Proudly representing Denver’s Family Law needs for over 30 years.

Child Custody, Divorce, Estate Planning, & Tax Law

The Harris Law Firm is here for you!

303.515.5000 Denver, Boulder, Englewood, & Colorado Springs

www.harrisfamilylaw.com

Browse and request books, DVDs, CDs - 24/7 in the palm of our hand Access audio and eBooks, music, movies, and more

DenLib.org/App

Download the Solus Library App & Search "DENVER" as the location ID

Checkout materials at any of our 27 locations

Manage your family’s accounts all in one place

AVAAZ: A VAAZ: VAAZ:

SUCCEEDING AGAINST ENORMOUS ODDS

Illustration by Kyle Malone, inspired by original art courtesy of Olney Theatre Center.

BY MISHA BERSON

14

I

In a workshop on playwriting some years ago, Michael Shayan was instructed by the leader to put a hand over his heart, to feel the heartbeat of a character — and to “just listen.”

The voice he heard was one Shayan had known all his life. It was that of his remarkable Jewish-Iranian mother, Roya.

Writing about one’s mom is not an easy exercise — though many playwrights (and other scribes) have been moved to do it. And immigrant parents often have fascinating stories to tell.

Roya is one such colorful and extraordinary person. And her relationship with her son is both close and complex, as many parent-child kinships are. So that assignment eventually blossomed into the critically acclaimed new play, Avaaz, which comes to Denver Center Theatre Company this fall and marks the beginning of a national tour.

“It’s an honor to take Avaaz across the country, particularly at a time of overwhelming anti-immigrant sentiment,” says Shayan. “Avaaz offers a different narrative and grapples with complex truths in a fabulous, decadent party on stage.”

“Avaaz,” in Farsi and several other languages including Hindu and Urdu, means (aptly) “voice” or “song,” more specifically “a song as it is being sung.”

And to portray her in this solo theater piece, Shayan adopts his mother’s unique voice, her love of Iranian culture, her bitter and sweet memories in her homeland and adopted country.

Avaaz proved to be not just a great vehicle for Shayan the actor-playwright (he has also worked as an Emmynominated screenwriter and television producer) but also an opportunity to learn more about the woman who raised him.

Avaaz was also a chance to meld his mother’s extravagant humor and joy with a serious exploration of the hardships Roya faced as a political refugee, the difficulties and rewards of raising her son after departing an abusive marriage, and the challenges of accepting Michael’s open homosexuality.

What first beguiled Denver Center Theatre Company Artistic Director Chris Coleman about Avaaz, however, was Shayan’s comic flair.

“I saw Avaaz in its world premiere at South Coast Repertory Theatre, and I had no idea what to expect,” recalls Coleman. “At first, I just thought it was hilarious. Michael has standup comedian skills, and was ridiculously funny.”

But as the show unspooled, continues Coleman, “I realized how political and poignant it is too. That was tucked so deftly inside the humor, you were happy to digest it.”

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Coleman’s admiration for Avaaz and decision to share it with Denver theatergoers in DCTC’s 2024/25 season, spurred his own research into the history of ancient Persia and its modern equivalent, Iran.

Though Denver has a relatively small Iranian community, he tapped into it via discussions with investor-philanthropist and Denver Center for the Performing Arts Board member David Jacques Farahi, whose Jewish family also hails from the country.

“Jews have been in Iran for several thousand years,” notes Coleman.

“Actually, most of us in America know little about Iran, other than from current news headlines. We don’t know what it’s like to live there, how deep the intellectual and literary community is, how old the culture is, or the Jewish community’s place in the country’s history.”

Avaaz alludes to all of that, beginning with the spread of foods, flowers and cultural objects arrayed on an eye-popping set created

by Tony Award-winning Broadway designer Beowulf Boritt, and with Roya’s flowing brocade robes, an Iranian-style garment designed by Emmy winner Joshua “Domino” Schwartz. The production is helmed and directed by the celebrated Tony Award-nominated director Moritz von Stuelpnagel (I Need That, Hand to God).

A witty, elegant woman, Roya graciously invites the audience into this decorous environment to celebrate Nowruz with her. She explains that Nowruz is a traditional New Year’s holiday observed for centuries each spring (by Iranians, but also by people in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Kurdish Iraq and other nations). She’s prepared a larger-thanlife celebration that features music, dancing, storytelling, as well as symbolic foods laid out in a ritual arrangement called a haft-sin.

As the play unfolds, Roya waits for her son to show up (they haven’t been on good terms recently, she confesses). She speaks of fleeing to the United States as a young adult and finding refuge in an area of Los Angeles where many Iranian expats have settled. And she jokes about the culture adjustments and culture clashes she encountered in her new country.

With little money, Roya and Michael shared a small L.A. apartment in Westwood. In the only bedroom, they slept on twin beds “so close we could feel each other breathe” and studied together as they each pursued their educational goals.

But that bond was tested once Michael grew up and came out as a gay man. Roya’s pride in his attending Harvard University and becoming a professional actor-writer, was tempered by her difficulty in fully accepting his queerness.

Shayan doesn’t glide over the difficulties in their relationship. But it is clear that, despite the tensions and differences, their fondness for one another remains. Avaaz offers a fresh, new perspective on mother-son dynamics that is both specific and deeply universal; it’s one we rarely see on stage.

At the performance of Avaaz he attended, Coleman got a look at the real-life Roya — a glamorous woman, Sheri Rabeie, who has a successful career as an engineer.

The play, says Coleman, “is a success story. It’s about somebody who against enormous odds comes to this country, and builds a life.

It’s enormous fun, and we can learn from it. But it’s not a lecture.

It’s a discovery.”

Denver Center Theatre Company presents the Olney Theatre Center production of

AVAAZ

OCT 4 - NOV 17 • SINGLETON THEATRE ASL Interpreted and Audio Described performance: Oct 20 at 1:30pm Stay for a post-show discussion on select dates following our 7pm performances: Nov 6 & 13

WOMEN’S VOICES FUND

Help us give equal voices to women in theatre.

Join the DCPA in creating dedicated opportunities for female artists and leaders in theatre.

Established in 2005, the Women’s Voices Fund is an initiative designed to foster and elevate the work of women in the theatre. The fund helps create, develop, and support the voices of women – past, present, and future – and advances their work in the American theatre repertoire.

Become a Women’s Voices Fund member today and help support women in theatre!

For more information please contact: Caitie Maxwell cmaxwell@dcpa.org 303.446.4840

(above) Samantha Steinmetz and Amelia Pedlow in Emma. (left) Minita Gandhi. Cowboys and East Indians, Colorado New Play Summit 2024. Photos by Jamie Kraus Photography

TICKETS ON SALE NOW | LAUNCHES OCT 2024 DENVERCENTER.ORG/MONOPOLY DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park® | 407 S Broadway

OFF-CENTER SPONSOR:

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and character, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board, cards, and the playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment. © 2024 Hasbro.

Celebrating Artistic Perspectives We’re proud longtime supporters of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

SUSAN OAKES Partner | 303.295.8000 555 17th Street, Suite 3200 Denver, Colorado 80202 | www.hollandhart.com

UNWRAP THE PERFECT GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING

1100 14th Street Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone: (888) 727-1200

HotelTeatro.com

Revisiting HAMLET Through New Eyes

C

Chris Coleman never aspired to direct Hamlet.

The Artistic Director of the Denver Center Theatre Company never saw himself in that role. He had played the title character onstage twice — senior year in college at Baylor University and again at Actor’s Express, a theater company he founded in Atlanta — and “literally never wanted to direct it because I couldn’t get those (productions) out of my head.”

But now, as director of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s season opener, Coleman said, “it’s like visiting an old friend, seeing it through new eyes.”

His understanding of the play has evolved as he has aged. He now sees it as “a play about growing into your destiny. What’s at stake politically in that kingdom is giant.

I don’t know that I felt that or got that in earlier times.”

The setting Coleman has created for his Hamlet is inspired by Norse legends, referring back to the peak of the Viking period. “I told the costume designer everybody should look like they could go into battle within half an hour. We’re not trying to be literal about it, but that gives us permission to have the story make sense.”

Coleman is a self-described history nut, political junkie and lover of Shakespeare. Those interests all come together in directing this play — he sees parallels and historic relevance everywhere.

In the course of discussing Hamlet, he references a number of historic and contemporary world figures and cultural moments that echo for him. Elizabeth I (someone who was groomed for the throne from childhood,

18

unlike Hamlet), Barack Obama (a professorial leader and nuanced thinker who, like Hamlet, could be slow to act), Alexander the Great, Elizabethan theater and preChristianized Viking Scandinavia.

The history and politics combined with the incredible language, he said, “just feels so rich and fun to play with.”

Two of his undergrad professors first turned Coleman on to Shakespeare and he’s felt connected ever since.

“Every time I’ve worked on one (of his plays), I’ve learned a little bit more about how to decode the structure of the language.” Directing Hamlet has been “the most glorious pleasure in the world,” he said.

In Elizabethan times, Coleman said, the revenge story was the runaway hit of the day, akin to our actionadventure story. Audiences couldn’t get enough. What Shakespeare did that was revolutionary was allow the audience to see inside the mind of the hero in a way they hadn’t before.

“Shakespeare revealed consciousness before psychology was defined as a science,” Coleman said.

“It’s almost like Hamlet’s psyche is transparent to us.

We get to see every internal twist and turn that he is struggling with.”

Rather than depict Prince Hamlet as depressed or inactive, as some literary critics suggest, Coleman prefers to believe “he’s heartbroken at the beginning of the play.” He feels deceived by his mother, Gertrude, who has married his uncle, Claudius, shockingly soon after the death of his father. Hamlet takes a long time testing

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Illustration by Kyle Malone

BY JOANNE OSTROW

whether the ghost encouraging him to avenge his father’s death is a benevolent spirit or, as he says, “a demon come to lure me into hell.”

“What I never considered as a young man,” Coleman said, “is, if Hamlet were a more intuitive politician, like Alexander the Great, who charged into battle when his father was stabbed in the middle of the court…” things would have gone differently. Imagining an alternative fictional history, Coleman wonders, for instance, what if Hamlet had met Fortinbras and his army at the border, where the Norwegian crown prince is waiting to regain territory his father lost?

“But that’s not who he is.” A different political mind could have pursued it, Coleman said, but not Hamlet.

Instead, “it takes Hamlet the whole play to become the man who is as ruthless as he needs to be to operate at this political level.”

In most productions, Hamlet is cast as a mature man. But Coleman believes the character is quite unformed. “I think he’s a kid, he’s in

LET’S ELEVATE WORDS INTO SOMETHING MORE. 4 New Play Readings 2 World Premieres

Every time I’ve worked on one [of his plays], I’ve learned a little bit more about how to decode the structure of the language.…

[Directing Hamlet has been] the most glorious pleasure in the world.

Special Events | Meals | Party

— CHRIS COLEMAN, DIRECTOR

college, completely unprepared to step onto the throne.”

Coleman cast actor Ty Fanning to play Hamlet, an accomplished actor who, Coleman is happy to say, can appear to be mid-20s. That suits the director’s idea of the prince as youthful, even immature.

The character is “very overwhelmed with his emotions at the top of the play. He’s got an amazing mind…he’d be a great professor. He can see every facet of a possible action. But that can be paralyzing. I think in some ways about Obama, such an inspiring speaker and person but if your thinking is that nuanced…it was tougher for him to get to a solution.”

Given his many insightful reflections on history and the relevance of Shakespeare’s play, does Coleman perhaps see parallels to a certain modern revenge-seeking politician in the play that is all about revenge?

“I would rather leave you room to see the correlations that you find,” he said. “Certainly there’s a lot to be thought about.”

Ultimately, how does a director approach such an iconic play, often cited as the greatest of all time?

“It’s like, how do you eat an elephant? A bite at a time,” he said. “You take it a piece at a time and pay attention to the story, that’s the exciting part, decoding the language enough to get to hear the truth of the story.”

HAMLET

SEP 13 - OCT 6 • WOLF THEATRE ASL Interpreted, Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: Sep 22 at 1:30pm Stay for a post-show discussion on select dates following our 7pm performances: Sep 24 & Oct 1

March 1 & 2, 2025 Packages on sale this fall LEARN MORE

2024/25 THEATRE COMPANY SEASON

THEATRE, UP CLOSE A MASTERPIECE, UP CLOSE

TEENAGE YEARS, UP CLOSE

SEP 13 – OCT 6

SEP 27 – NOV 3

BIGHEARTEDNESS, UP CLOSE

AN EPIC PERSIAN NEW YEAR, UP CLOSE Denver Center Theatre Company presents the Olney Theatre Center production of

OCT 4 – NOV 17

JAN 17 – MAR 9 • WORLD PREMIERE

A WHODUNIT, UP CLOSE

A MAN-EATING PLANT, UP CLOSE

FEB 7 – MAR 9 • WORLD PREMIERE

APR 11 – MAY 25

THE SECRET SAUCE, UP CLOSE

TICKETS & PACKAGES ON SALE NOW!

APR 25 – MAY 25

denvercenter.org 303.893.4100 SEASON SPONSOR:

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

Financial Clarity & Direction F R O M A T E A M YO U CA N T R U S T Osaic Institutions, Inc. located at Bellco Credit Union branches

THE

best collection I S Y O U R S .

Convenient access to a variety of investment services located right at your local branch.

STELLAR

style

Colfax & I-225 • Havana & Mississippi 9th & Colorado Blvd. • Grand Junction • Clifton 303-367-9768 Michael Mullen, CFP®, CRPS®, CRPC® Executive Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. mmullen.bcufinancial@bellco.org

combining design & quality

Justin Parks Financial Advisor Osaic Institutions, Inc. jparks.bcufinancial@bellco.org

for a stylish wardrobe that’s uniquely yours.

View new arrivals on Instagram

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through OSAIC INSTITUTIONS, INC., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and Bellco Credit Union (“Bellco”) are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the NCUA or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any credit union or credit union affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal. The past performance of any investment product should not be considered an indication of future results. Insurance products may be purchased from a producer of your choice without affecting your relationship with Bellco. Bellco has contracted with Osaic Institutions to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

@barbaraandcompany

DENVER • 303.751.2618 • 1067 SOUTH GAYLORD Mon~Sat, 10-6 BOULDER • 303.443.2565 • 1505 PEARL STREET Sunday, 11-5

barbaraandcompany.net

shop online & by appointment

KIMBERLY AKIMBO’S

JEANINE TESORI AND DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE

BY JOANNE OSTROW

K

Kimberly Akimbo is one of those magical musicals that makes you wonder, “how did they pull that off?” An intimate, smart, deeply human musical that arrived on Broadway without a big star or a recognizable title, it nevertheless became the talk of the town by winning over audiences and critics alike and by making them rethink what a Broadway musical can be.

And while the story of Kimberly Akimbo may seem atypical for a Broadway musical, its combination of heart and humor has earned it five Tony Awards, including 2023’s award for Best Musical, with a score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home) and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole).

The story concerns a New Jersey teenager who is about to turn 16 but who looks 70-something. Kimberly Levaco has a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly.

The show is both laugh-out-loud funny and heart wrenchingly sad, a wise collision of humor and suffering with mortality at its core.

“That’s where David’s house is built,” Tesori said in a joint interview, “at the corner of Humor Street and Heartbreak Avenue.”

“It’s why Jeanine and I connect so much and collaborate,” Lindsay-Abaire said. “We have a similar sensibility. We both grew up in a very specific way, working-class, our family experienced a lot of pain and suffering. The way we mostly coped with that is through humor. And so it’s not something we try to do, it’s where we live.

“Our show is about living life to the fullest in whatever

22

time you have left.” he said. “It’s funny, it’s life-affirming, but it’s also about a teenage girl facing her own mortality and facing her first experience of first love and she has a deeply dysfunctional family, but everybody’s trying to be better. It says life is as funny as it is sad and at least for us, maybe most people, that’s the way they experience life. It’s complicated.”

Their shared worldview allows them to dig into the sad-funny themes with a punch. When asked how their personalities work together, Tesori just laughs. And laughs.

When she finally stops laughing, she says, “I think David is the most hilarious person I’ve ever met. He’s not about jokes, he’s about finding things very funny, and that life is heartbreaking and hilarious and his plays are a deep reflection of that…it’s like if Christopher Durang and Thornton Wilder had a baby…”

“I wish they did have a baby.”

“They did, and it’s you.”

They banter breezily. “Obviously, Jeanine and I share a sensibility and a very twisted sense of humor,” he said. “We are so similar in our tastes and also very different in the way we approach the craft of it sometimes. I am much more a control freak than Jeanine is, and I structure; Jeanine is very free-wheeling. She pokes at things and breaks things apart in a way that makes me uncomfortable.”

Only occasionally will she go too far, he said, and he’ll have to pull her back.

The play is about growing up and growing old, not necessarily in that order. But it’s more profound than that.

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

The Original Broadway Company of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, photo by Joan Marcus.

A DYNAMIC DUO:

COMING UP FROM BROADWAY

“I really think it’s about the time of your life,” Tesori said, “I mean that both ways. People can have the time of their life even when your life is timed. I mean she knows—and don’t we all know—that life ends. I don’t think it’s fun to talk about and it can be seen as something that’s morbid, or it can be seen as an opportunity to look at the time that you have.”

It’s about living in the moment.

Tesori references Thornton Wilder once again, paraphrasing a line from Our Town: “does anybody really know about life while they’re living it? “I think that’s why the play is so great,” Tesori said, “like, this play’s going to remind you to go outside and live differently.”

HAMILTON

Hamilton is returning to the Buell Theatre this fall. This epic saga following the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway. Hamilton features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography

by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire.

Hamilton took the world by storm in 2015. Did you know these five fun facts about the revolutionary musical?

Our show is about living life to the fullest in whatever time you have left. It’s funny, it’s life-affirming, but it’s also about a teenage girl facing her own mortality and facing her first experience of first love…

1

Hamilton began as a project by Lin-Manuel Miranda called The Hamilton Mixtape.

2

Hamilton premiered Off-Broadway in February 2015, where its severalmonth engagement was consistently sold out. It wasn’t until August 2015 that the musical officially opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

3

The original Broadway cast recording for Hamilton debuted at 12 on the Billboard 200, making it the earliest entrance for a cast recording since 1963.

4

The first non-English version of Hamilton opened in Hamburg, with the production translated into German.

5

When the filmed stage production premiered, the film was one of the most-streamed films of 2020 and was named one of the best films of the year by the American Film Institute.

Lindsay-Abaire recalls the time during previews when an older man was exiting the theater, looking angry. Lindsay-Abaire braced for negative feedback as he approached. “The man asked, ‘are you with the production?’ He said, ‘I just want you to know that tomorrow I’m going to live more fully because of this!’ He had tears in his eyes, he just walked out the door. I thought, ‘Good lord, that’s the nicest gift you could give to a writer.’ So, it worked for him that night. If people walk away with that, then we’ve done our job.”

Besides living at the intersection of tears and laughter, Kimberly Akimbo lives in the world of smart, small-scale tragicomedy while much of Broadway is given over to huge spectacles tied to superheroes or superstars. Is it a continual struggle?

“If you look at the history of Broadway,” Tesori said, “it came from operetta and vaudeville. It’s always going to be a dance between those things. One says ‘come here and leave life,’ one says ‘come here and look at life’.”

“There will always be those mega-hits based on movies audiences know the names of,” Lindsay-Abaire said, “and people will plunk down some money to see that and that’s fantastic. The good news is, there’s also room for Kimberly Akimbo to go into a little room and win the Tony Award. There are nine people in our show and we won Best Musical!”

So, what’s next for this team, the multi-Tony and Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright and lyricist, and the most prolific and honored female theatrical composer in history?

That’s under wraps for now. The good news is, “we’re working on something.”

KIMBERLY AKIMBO

SEP 22 - OCT 5 • BUELL THEATRE ASL Interpreted, Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: Sep 29 at 2pm

Company - HAMILTON National Tour- (c) Joan Marcus.

— DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE, BOOK & LYRICS

Don’t throw away your shot to see Hamilton in Denver from October 16 to November 24.

Explore the wonder of ICE!, where the timeless story of The Polar ExpressTM is brought to life in stunning ice sculptures. Slide, explore, and marvel at the breathtaking creations, hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice.

Nov. 22 - Jan.1 • ChristmasAtGaylordRockies.com THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements ©️ & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

present

HAMLET BY

William Shakespeare

With Shannon Altner, Brik Berkes*, Anatasha Blakely*, Seth Andrew Bridges*, Todd Cerveris*, Jacob Dresch*, Ty Fanning*, Erick González*, Ðavid Lee Huỳnh*, Corey Jones*, Xavier Edward King*, Maeve Moynihan*, Mark Rubald*, Shannan Steele*, Brian Vaughn*, Moses Villarama*, Rebecca Watson* Stage Managers: Sage Hughes*, Kristen Mun* SCENIC DESIGN BY Chika Shimizu

COSTUME DESIGN BY Meghan Anderson Doyle

LIGHTING DESIGN BY Paul Whitaker

ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY Lindsay Jones

DRAMATURGY BY Leean Kim Torske

PSYCHODRAMATURGY BY Barbara Hort, PhD

FIGHT DIRECTION BY Sordelet, Inc./Rick Sordelet

VOICE AND TEXT BY Robert Ramirez

CASTING BY Grady Soapes, CSA And Chad-Eric Murnane, CSA Murnane Casting

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT BY Matthew Campbell

DIRECTED BY

Chris Coleman The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.

THE WOLF THEATRE • SEP 13 – OCT 6, 2024

SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR

DIANA & MIKE

KINSEY IN HONOR OF

ISABELLE CLARK

DIANA & MIKE

KINSEY IN HONOR OF

ISABELLE CLARK

SEASON SPONSORS

HAMLET

Chris Coleman, Artistic Director Charles Varin, Managing Director

HAMLET

CAST

(In order of appearance) Barnardo/Lucianus/Captain....................................................................................................................Xavier Edward King* Francisco/Reynaldo/Osric................................................................................................................................Moses Villarama* Horatio............................................................................................................................................................. Seth Andrew Bridges* Marcellus/Fortinbras....................................................................................................................................................Corey Jones* Hamlet’s Ghost/Cornelius/Player King/Gravedigger 2...............................................................................Brik Berkes* Claudius........................................................................................................................................................................... Brian Vaughn* Voltemand/Priest......................................................................................................................................................... Mark Rubald* Laertes..................................................................................................................................................................... Ðavid Lee Huỳnh* Polonius/Gravedigger 1.......................................................................................................................................... Todd Cerveris* Hamlet....................................................................................................................................................................................Ty Fanning* Gertrude...................................................................................................................................................................Rebecca Watson* Ophelia...................................................................................................................................................................... Maeve Moynihan* Rosencrantz........................................................................................................................................................... Anatasha Blakely* Guildenstern............................................................................................................................................................... Erick González* Player Queen............................................................................................................................................................. Shannan Steele* Understudy..................................................................................................................................................................Shannon Altner Understudy....................................................................................................................................................................Jacob Dresch* ENSEMBLE Moses Villarama* (Player/Sailor); Brik Berkes* (Attendant/Follower); Corey Jones* (Follower); Xavier Edward King* (Player/Follower/Attendant/Ambassador); Maeve Moynihan* (Court); Mark Rubald* (Attendant/Follower/Solider); Shannan Steele* (Courtier/Messenger/Attendant) UNDERSTUDIES

Understudies never substitute for the listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.

Shannon Altner (Rosencrantz/Ophelia/Player Queen); Moses Villarama*(Laertes); Brik Berkes* (Polonius/Gravedigger 1); Anatasha Blakely* (Voltemand); Jacob Dresch* (Barnardo/Francisco/Marcellus/Guildenstern); Erick González* (Horatio); Corey Jones* (Hamlet’s Ghost); Xavier Edward King* (Hamlet); Mark Rubald* (Claudius) HAMLET will be performed with a 15-minute intermission.

Assistant Director.......................................................................................................................................................Candace Joice Stage Manager.................................................................................................................................................................Kristen Mun* Assistant Stage Manager.........................................................................................................................................Sage Hughes* Stage Management Apprentice...............................................................................................................................Ayana Yokie *Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

ACTING COMPANY (In order of appearance) XAVIER EDWARD KING (Barnardo/ Player/Lucianus/ Captain/Follower/ Attendant/ Ambassador).

Regional credits: Relentless and The Winter’s Tale (The Goodman Theatre); Dracula (Actor’s Theatre); Titanic (Court Theatre); The Star (ACT); Defacing Michael Jackson (Miami New Drama); Write Me A Murder, The Rainmaker and Ripcord (Peninsula Players); Hamlet and A Midsummer’s Night Dream (St. Louis Shakespeare and Notre Dame Shakespeare); Hamlet, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labour’s Lost, and Pericles (Notre Dame Shakespeare). TV/Film: “61st Street,” “4400,” “The New Edition Story,” “Sweet Vicious,” “Mary & Jane.”

MOSES VILLARAMA (Francisco/ Reynaldo/Player/ Sailor/Osric) (He/ Him) has worked with some of the most prestigious directors and playwrights in American Theatre. Most recently he was on Broadway playing the DJ in Here Lies Love written by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, directed by Alex Timbers. Moses was also in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Lauren Yee’s Cambodian Rock Band at Signature Theatre, directed by Chay Yew. He was a company member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for five seasons, working with influential directors such as Bill Rauch, Lileana Blain-Cruz, and Mary Zimmerman.

Moses holds an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory at DCPA. SETH ANDREW BRIDGES (Horatio) (He/Him) is a NYC based actor and stuntman and is happily making his DCPA debut. OffBroadway: Mint Theatre Company.

Regional: Alley Theatre, Indiana

Repertory Theatre, Pioneer Theatre Company, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Riverside Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre Center, Florida Repertory Theatre, Westport Country Playhouse, TheatreSquared. Film/TV: Over 100 credits, including “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Severance,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Succession,” “American Horror Story,” “FBI,” “Modern Love,” and “Law & Order.” Interactive: Red Dead Redemption 2. Training: NYU COREY JONES (Marcellus/Player/ Fortinbras).

Broadway: The Book of Mormon (First National Tour).

Regional: Intimate Apparel (Arizona Theatre Company); Raisin in the Sun, King John, Titus Andronicus, The Tempest (Utah Shakespeare Festival); A Distinct Society (Pioneer); A Few Good Men (La Mirada); Million Dollar Quartet and Our Town (South Coast Repertory); Grinch (Old Globe); Wild With Happy (Pittsburgh City Theater); The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Dallas Theater Center); The Color Purple (Celebration Theater); Gee’s Bend (Arkansas Repertory); Othello (Shakespeare Santa Cruz); Macbeth, Ragtime (PCPA). Education: UT-Austin, Washington University BRIK BERKES (Hamlet’s Ghost/ Cornelius/Player King/Attendant/ Follower/ Gravedigger 2) (He/ Him). Regional credits: Moon Over Buffalo (Oregon Cabaret Theater); The Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence (Relative Theatrics); Charm (Salt Lake Acting Company); The Little Dog Laughed (Portland Center Stage); Proof, Glengarry Glen Ross, Medea with Phylicia Rashad (Alliance Theatre); The Tempest, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The 39 Steps, among others with Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Film credits: Kill the Messenger; Run, Ronnie, Run!, and Ruby in Paradise. TV credits: “Good

Eats” with Alton Brown and “Foods That Built America” on the History Channel.

BRIAN VAUGHN (Claudius). At the DCPA: A Christmas Carol. Broadway/ National Tours: Beetlejuice the Musical. Regional: Multiple productions as an actor and director at The Utah Shakespeare Festival; 13 seasons as a Resident Company Member at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Red Bull Theatre, Renaissance Theatreworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Northlight Theatre, PCPA, Skylight Music Theatre, South Coast Rep. brianvaughnofficial.com / @brianvaughn11.

MARK RUBALD (Voltemand/ Attendant/Follower/ Priest/Soldier). At DCPA: A Christmas Carol, Comedy of Errors, Arcadia, The Winter’s Tale, Man Of The Moment, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Lonesome West, Measure for Measure, Sideman, Merchant Of Venice, John Brown’s Body, Servant of Two Masters, The Taming Of The Shrew, Ladies Of The Camellias, The Misanthrope, The Imaginary Invalid, The Tempest, The Madwoman Of Chaillot, A Flea In Her Ear, Grapes of Wrath, Room Service, and others. He has also worked at the Arvada Center, Lone Tree Arts Center, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Theatreworks, Central City Opera, Old Globe, New York stage and film. ÐAVID LEE HUỲNH (Laertes) (He/They) is an award-winning actor and writer based in NYC. OffBroadway: The Merchant of Venice (TFANA); Once Upon A (korean) Time (Ma-Yi Theatre Company); the Drama Desk-nominated Henry VI (NAATCO); Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Gingold Theatrical Group); Trial of the Catonsville Nine (Transport Group); No-No Boy and Emperor’s Nightingale

HAMLET

WHO’S WHO

HAMLET

(Pan Asian Rep). Regional: Yale Rep, Alley Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare, Everyman Theatre, Mixed Blood, The Shakespeare Theatre, and many others. TV/Film: “Blue Bloods,” “FBI,” Solitary, Children of the Dust. Starring in the Dungeons & Dragons series “Encounter Party” streaming on Freevee and Plex. MFA: University of Houston | davidleehuynh.com | Insta: huynhsome TODD CERVERIS (Polonius/ Gravedigger 1).

Broadway: South Pacific and Twentieth Century. OffBroadway: A Man for All Seasons, Yours Unfaithfully, Southern Comfort, Almost Maine, The Butcherhouse Chronicles, Time and the Conways, Somewhere Someplace Else, Dick in London. National tours: War Horse, Spring Awakening, Twelve Angry Men, and The Acting Company.

Film/TV: “East New York,” “The Other Two,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Madame Secretary,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Homeland,” “Allegiance,” A Stage of Twilight, One True Thing. Regional: DCPA, Long Wharf Theater, A.C.T., Arena Stage, Old Globe Theater, Actors Theater of Louisville, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Play House, TheaterWorks S.V., Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

TY FANNING (Hamlet) (He/Him).

Off-Broadway: Spain (Second Stage) and Boswell (59E59). Chicago credits: Lindiwe (Steppenwolf Theatre Company – World Premiere), Teenage Dick (Theater Wit – Chicago Premiere), and multiple productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. He spent five seasons at American Players Theater where some of his credits include An Iliad, Three Sisters, She Stoops to Conquer and Sense and Sensibility.

Other credits include Writers Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival (two seasons), Indiana Rep, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. TV/Film: “Search Party,” “Chicago Med” and “Hot Mess Holiday.” Training: BFA, Oklahoma City University.

REBECCA WATSON (Gertrude).

Broadway: To Kill a Mockingbird.

Regional: To the Lighthouse (World Premiere/Berkeley Rep); Realistic Joneses (A.C.T.); A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sunday in the Park (Rep of St. Louis); Much Ado About Nothing (Pioneer Theatre); Julius Caesar (Portland Stage); Old Times (Shakespeare Theatre); 1776 and Me and My Girl (Goodspeed Opera); Sweeney Todd (Human Race); Ring Round The Moon (Barrington Stage). Film/TV: The Great Lillian Hall, The Good Nurse, “Fallout,” “The Gilded Age,” “The Night Agent,” “Looming Tower,” “The Good Fight,” “High Maintenance,” “Difficult People,” “Normal Heart,” “FBI.” Rebecca is Black Belle in Red Dead Redemption II. MAEVE MOYNIHAN (Ophelia/Court).

First National Tour: To Kill a Mockingbird.

Regional: Steel Magnolias (Milwaukee Repertory Theater); Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Music Man, The Master Butcher’s Singing Club, Little House on the Prairie the Musical (Guthrie Theater); Hamlet (Park Square Theatre); While You Were Out (Red Eye Theater); Richard III and The Comedy of Errors (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks); Violet (Theater Latté Da); The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella (The Children’s Theatre Company); The Grapes of Wrath (The Minnesota Opera). TV: “Blue Bloods.”

Education: BFA, University of Minnesota/Guthrie.

ANATASHA BLAKELY (Rosencrantz) (She/Her). Theatre: Richard III (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Coriolanus, Timon of Athens, All’s Well That Ends Well, The Tempest (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Julius Caesar and Macbeth (Alabama Shakespeare Project); The Comedy of Errors and The Winter’s Tale (Kingsmen Shakespeare Company). TV/Film: “Colony,” Inch Thick, Knee Deep, Death Parts Us, Maladjustment. Best Actress Awards: Filmquest, Houston Horror Film

Festival, Horror Haus, Haunted Fear Fest. Improv Comedy: Buddy Puzzle (Second City LA), Stormchaser (iO West), Three Beautiful Lips (Rise Comedy).

SHANNAN STEELE (Player Queen/ Courtier/Messenger/ Attendant) (She/ Her). At the DCPA: Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol and Animal Crackers (DCTC); My Way, The Taffetas, The Last Five Years and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, (DCPA Cabaret). Regional credits: Noises Off, Into the Woods, Mamma Mia, Tarzan, and The 1940’s Radio Hour (The Arvada Center); Chicago (Breckenridge Backstage Theatre).

Film: Ink. Special awards/Education/ Training: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Denver Post Ovation Award and Henry Award nominee.

ERICK GONZÁLEZ (Guildenstern) (He/Him). At the DCPA: Twelfth Night.

Off-Broadway: El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba, La Dama Boba, Valor Agravio Mujer, En el Nombre de Salomé, El Loco por Fuerza, Aire Frío (Repertorio Español); Marfa Lights (INTAR Theatre); Noche Tan Linda (Pregones/PRTT). Regional: Native Gardens (Portland Center Stage, Geva Theatre, Syracuse Stage); Farragut North (Premiere Stages).

Other NY credits: La Caída de Trujillo (Teatro Círculo); Pericles, Measure for Measure, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar (Hip to Hip); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth (Frog and Peach). TV/Film: “Evil,” “Madam Secretary,” “StartUp,” A Nice Girl Like You. SHANNON ALTNER (Understudy) (She/ Her). Select credits include Shakespeare In The Parking Lot and Uncle Vanya (DCPA Education); As You Like It and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare In The Wild); Our American Cousin: A Nation Divided (Benchmark Theatre); Steel Magnolias (Cherry Creek Theatre); Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (BETC), and 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (Avenue

JACOB DRESCH (Understudy).

Favorite credits: The School for Scandal (Off-Broadway; Red Bull Theater); It’s A Wonderful Life (2022 Henry Award Winner; Breckenridge Backstage); A Christmas Carol (DCPA); One Man, Two Guvnors, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Colorado Shakespeare Festival); Lend Me a Tenor, The Foreigner, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Macbeth (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival); The Comedy of Errors (Chautauqua Theater Company); Twelfth Night, The Great Gatsby (Orlando Shakespeare Theater). Currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at MSU Denver, Dresch received his MFA from the University of California, Irvine. Full credits at jacobdresch.com.

PLAYWRIGHT WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE was born in late April 1564 in Stratfordupon-Avon. As a young actor, poet and playwright, he joined The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, one of the most successful acting troupes in London.

In 1599, the troupe lost the lease of the theatre where it performed and built its own theatre across the Thames, south of London, which it called The Globe. The new theatre opened in July of 1599 built from the timbers of the old theatre. In 1603, when James I came to the throne, the new king designated the troupe as the King’s Company. Shakespeare entertained the people of London at The Globe until June 19, 1613, when a cannon fired from the roof of the theatre during a performance of Henry VIII set the thatch roof on fire and burned the theatre to the ground.

Shakespeare retired from the stage but continued to write until his death in 1616 on his 52nd birthday. To this day, Shakespeare is the most widely admired and well-known poet and playwright in English literature.

DIRECTOR CHRIS COLEMAN is passionate about the connection between stories and community. He joined the Denver Center Theatre Company as Artistic Director in November of 2017 and has directed Rubicon, A Little Night Music,

Hotter Than Egypt, Much Ado About Nothing, Rattlesnake Kate, Twelfth Night, A Doll’s House, Anna Karenina, and Oklahoma!. Previously, Chris served as Artistic Director for Portland Center Stage in Oregon for 18 years.

Under his leadership, PCS renovated the city’s historic Armory into a new home, saw annual attendance nearly double, workshopped 52 new plays that went on to productions at over 100 theaters around the US and UK, and became a national leader in how theaters engage with their community.

In 1988, Chris founded Actor’s Express in Atlanta (in the basement of an old church), a company that continues to be a cultural force in the Southeast today. He has directed at major theaters across the country, including Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Alliance Theater, Dallas Theater Center, Baltimore Center Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, ACT/Seattle, the Asolo, Pittsburgh Public, 59E59, and New York Theater Workshop. He and his husband, actor/writer Rodney Hicks, live in Reunion with their 18 lb. terrier mix.

Since moving to Colorado, he has hiked Dominguez Canyon, wandered the Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde, explored a working mine in Creede, and rafted down the Arkansas River.

Act of God. Other select credits: Noises Off!, The Drowning Girls, and others (Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities); The Book of Will, King Lear, and others (Colorado Shakespeare Festival); The Secretary, The Cake, The Brother/Sister Plays, and others (Curious Theatre Company). Special Awards: Henry Award Outstanding Costume Design – A Doll’s House 2020. Training: BA-University of Denver, MFA-University of Florida.

DoyleCostumeDesign.com BARBARA HORT, PHD (Psychodramaturg) has maintained a private practice in Portland, Oregon for over three decades, based on the work of the psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Dr. Hort has served as psychodramaturg on numerous productions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Portland Center Stage, providing material on the play’s psychological dynamics that is used by the artists creating the production. She is the author of Hollow Crown of Fire: A Discovery of Meaning in the Coronavirus Pandemic and Its Predecessors (2023) and Unholy Hunger: Encountering the Psychic Vampire in Ourselves and Others (1996).

MATTHEW CAMPBELL (Production Manager) is grateful and honored to support, collaborate, and work with our brilliant and outstanding production team, shops, crews, artisans and guest artists to create extraordinary theatre. Previously a stage manager at a few stops in the mid-west as well as numerous Colorado theatres, and Assistant Professor of Theatre at Brooklyn College in New York. Joined the DCPA stage management team in 2010 and after several years moved over to the production management team. Every show along the way is a favorite, but some DCPA and Off-Center highlights have been Sweet & Lucky, The 12, Lord of the Flies, Animal Crackers, Frankenstein, The Book of Will, Rattlesnake Kate, The Chinese Lady, and Wild Fire.

LINDSAY JONES (Composer and Sound Designer) (He/Him). Broadway: Slave Play (Tony nominations for Best Original Score, Best Sound Design of a Play), The Nap, Bronx Bombers, A Time to Kill. Off-Broadway: Privacy (Public Theater), Bootycandy (Playwrights Horizons) Feeding the Dragon (Primary Stages), and many others. Regional: Guthrie, Center Stage, ACT, Hartford Stage, Alliance, Goodman, Arena Stage, Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, and many others. International: Stratford Festival (Canada), Royal Shakespeare Company (England), and many others. Audio dramas: Marvel, Audible, Next Chapter Podcasts, awardwinning “The Imagine Neighborhood.”

Film/TV scoring: HBO Films A Note of Triumph (2006 Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short Subject).

Other: Co-Chair – Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA). lindsayjones.com.

MEGHAN ANDERSON DOYLE (Costume Designer) (She/Her). At the DCPA: 30+ productions. Select credits: Rubicon, The Chinese Lady, A Doll’s House, A Doll’s House, Part II, American Mariachi, The Wild Party, Sweet & Lucky, Xanadu and

CHAD ERIC MURNANE (Casting) (He/Him) is a New York-based creative professional and the founder of Murnane Casting. Previously, Chad enjoyed six years as a casting director at Binder Casting, a renowned office within the theatre industry, where he

CREATIVE TEAM

HAMLET

Theater). Special Awards: Henry Award nominee, Our American Cousin: A Nation Divided. shannonaltner.com

HAMLET

collaborated on dozens of high-profile projects. Career highlights include casting Into the Woods (Hollywood Bowl), Emojiland (Off-Broadway at The Duke), along with national/ international tours of Lincoln Center Theater’s My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Tootsie, and the Tony Awardwinning revival of The Color Purple.

On film, Chad worked on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and the reboot of Friday the 13th (Paramount).

ROBERT RAMIREZ (Voice and Text Coach) has worked as an actor, director, voice artist, and voice and text coach at theaters across the country including the Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Cleveland Play House, Hartford Stage, Alley Theater, Public Theater, American Players Theatre, as well as numerous Shakespeare festivals in every region. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Los Angeles Theatre Academy at Los Angeles City College and earned his MFA at the University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program.

Robert is currently the Head of the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University. This is his DCPA debut!

CHIKA SHIMIZU (Scenic Designer).

Regional: Signature Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Alliance Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Paper Mill Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre, Portland Center Stage, TheatreSquared, Yale Rep (The Caucasian Chalk Circle, CT Critics Circle Award Nom). OffBroadway: WP Theatre, Irish Rep, The Pond Theatre Company, Epic Theatre Ensemble, The Barrow Group, Yangtze Repertory Theatre. Installation: “Another Dream, Un(re)solved” (Ado Ato Pictures, 2022 SXSW Innovation Award, Emmy Award). Other recent projects include Soft Power (Signature Theatre) and Furlough’s Paradise (Alliance Theatre). MFA in Design from Yale School of Drama. chikashimizu.com SORDELET, INC/RICK SORDELET (Fight Director) and sons, Christian and Collin Kelly-Sordelet, created SordeletInc.com, a Native-owned action movement company with 80 Broadway productions, including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Tina. Resident fight/intimacy directors at Santa Fe Opera since 2015, Moby Dick at the MET. Film: The Game Plan, Dan in Real Life, Ben is Back starring

Julia Roberts, Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson, One True Loves starring Simu Lim. Instruction: William Esper Studio, HB Studio, CUNY Harlem, Montclair State and 22 years at Yale School of Drama. Rick and David Blixt run a publishing company at Sordeletink.com. @Sordeletinc on Instagram.

GRADY SOAPES, CSA (Casting) (He/Him) is the Director of Casting and Artistic Producer with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Grady has cast over 40 DCPA productions including Rattlesnake Kate, Theater of the Mind, The Chinese Lady, The Who’s Tommy, and The Wild Party.

Choreography credits include A Christmas Carol, Twelfth Night, Goodnight Moon, Anna Karenina, As You Like It, Drag Machine, Lord of the Butterflies, DragON (Denver Center); Into the Woods, The Liar (Arvada Center); Comedy of Errors (Colorado Shakespeare Festival). Grady also works as a Casting Director for Sylvia Gregory Casting where he has cast multiple commercials, TV, film and video game projects.

LEEAN KIM TORSKE (Dramaturg) is the Director of Literary Programs for the Denver Center Theatre Company. In the past, she’s served as the Literary Manager and Casting Associate at Northlight Theatre, Director of the Russ Tutterow Fellowship at Chicago Dramatists, and a publicist and discussion facilitator at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. As a freelance dramaturg and theatre artist, she worked with theatres throughout the Chicagoland area including A Red Orchid Theatre, Congo Square Theatre, Definition Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, and more. Her play Pity Party is featured in Smith & Kraus’s 105 Five-Minute Plays for Study and Performance. Most recently, her play And the Wind Howls was commissioned and produced by Relative Theatrics with support from the Wyoming Arts Council.

PAUL WHITAKER (Lighting Designer).

At the DCPA: Much Ado About Nothing, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. New York credits include work at The Public Theater, MCC Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Second Stage Theatre, Atlantic Theater Company and others. Regional credits include The Guthrie, The Alley, Yale Repertory Theatre, The Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, The Children’s Theatre Company, The

Long Wharf Theatre, The Huntington Theatre Company, Center Stage, Hartford Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Minnesota Opera, San Diego Opera, and others. Paul is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. Paul is a Principal Lighting Designer/Theatre Consultant for Schuler Shook. www.schulershook.com www.paulwhitakerdesigns.com.

STAGE MANAGEMENT SAGE HUGHES (Assistant Stage Manager) (She/Her). Previously at the DCPA: Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, Emma, Cebollas, A Little Night Music, Theater of the Mind, Colorado New Play Summit, Choir Boy, Rattlesnake Kate, and A Christmas Carol. Other regional credits include UNDONE: The Lady M Project and Local Lab 12 (Local Theater Company), Kinky Boots, The Revolutionists, and The Phantom Tollbooth (Hangar Theatre Company), and Shoes for the Santo Niño (Santa Fe Opera). Production management credits: Sweeney Todd, Queens Girl in the World, Lost Girl, and The Sun Serpent (Hangar). Sage holds a BA in Theatre and English from the University of New Mexico.

KRISTEN MUN (Stage Manager) was born and raised on the island of Oahu and is a proud AEA stage manager who has been working in Portland, OR for over 10 years. She started her stage management journey in Ashland, Oregon at Southern Oregon University where she received a BFA in Theatre Arts and at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she was the stage management intern on Don Quixote (2009) and Throne of Blood (2010). At the DCPA: Choir Boy. When Kristen is not stage managing, she is a fight choreographer.

THEATRE COMPANY LEADERSHIP TEAM CHRIS COLEMAN (see Director) CHARLES VARIN (Managing Director) and his team are responsible for the administrative, financial, and business operations for Theatre Company and Off-Center productions and other artistic initiatives. Since joining the Theatre Company in 2006, he has played a major role in executing the artistic vision of the organization and facilitating the production of shows such as Sweet & Lucky, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Sense & Sensibility the Musical, The 12, Sweeney Todd with DeVotchKa and many more. Charles is passionate about artistic innovation and firmly

In addition to DCPA staff, the following crew worked on this production: Delaney Althauser, Arbor Arzola, Andy Bruening, Lisa Ehrle, Katarina Kosmopoulos, Kyle Lawrence, Katie Marting, Nikki Mayer, Fox Rhodvin, Ann Sanchez.

The Director and Fight Director are members of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.

The actors and stage managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

Backstage and Ticket Services Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada. (or I.A.T.S.E.) The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented

by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

PLEASE BE ADVISED •

LATECOMERS and those exiting the theatre are seated at predetermined breaks in designated areas.

•

CHILDREN 4+ are welcome in our theatres and must be ticketed.

•

ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS & BOOSTER SEATS are available in most theatres. Ask an usher to direct you.

•

BRAILLE PROGRAMS are available with 2 weeks’ notice to accessibility@dcpa.org

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and immersive productions.

In its 2022/23 season, the DCPA engaged with nearly 865,000 visitors, generating a $205.6 million economic impact.

The Theatre Company is grateful for the funds provided by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Special thanks also to grants from the Helen G. Bonfils Foundation; and contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals. The Theatre Company is a division of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, a non-profit organization serving the public through the performing arts.

The Theatre Company operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States; and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. The Theatre Company also operates under an agreement with Denver Theatrical Stage Employees Union, Local No. 7 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada.

The Theatre Company is constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for not-for-profit resident theatre companies.

The costumes, wigs, lighting, props, furniture,scenic construction, scenic painting, sound and special effects used in connection with this production were constructed and coordinated by the Theatre Company’s Production Staff.

We Fund Culture.

TAKING PHOTOS AT THE THEATRE We welcome you to take photos in the theatre before and after the performance.

If you post on social media, please credit, and tag the DCPA and the design team: @denvercenter #DCPATheatreCompany #Hamlet Director: Chris Coleman @chriscdenver Scenic Designer: Chika Shimizu @chikashimizu Costume Designer: Meghan Anderson Doyle @mdoyle19 Lighting Designer: Paul Whitaker Composer and Sound Designer: Lindsay Jones @mrlindsayjones Dramaturg: Leean Kim Torske Psychodramaturg: Barbara Hort, PhD Fight Director: Rick Sordelet @sordeletinc Voice and Text Coach: Robert Ramirez @robearamirez Casting: Grady Soapes, CSA @grayzvander and Chad Murnane, CSA/Murnane Casting Photos and the video and/or audio recording during any part of the performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited.

SCFD.org

HAMLET

believes in DCPA’s long-standing commitment to new plays and new voices.

MAKE SHOWTIME A NIGHT ON THE TOWN! DRINK, DINE AND DELIGHT IN THE CULTURAL HUB OF DENVER. Consider joining one of the DCPA’s premium membership societies for an exclusive experience before and after the curtain rises.

BEST OF BROADWAY SOCIETY

For unforgettable evenings all Broadway season long, treat yourself to first-class dining and seats. Enjoy the best seats in the house, pre-show cocktails, dinner in Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House and private intermission in the fabulous Wolf Room.

Contact: Marc Ravenhill • mravenhill@dcpa.org • 303.572.4594

DIRECTORS SOCIETY

Want the premium subscription experience at all of Denver Center Theatre Company’s subscription shows for you or your clients? Enjoy our most exclusive seating, fine dining pre-show in the Seawell Ballroom, post-show parties with artists and creatives, behind-the-scenes discussions, and more.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP DCPA Corporate Member nights help you enhance client relationships, make new connections, motivate employees, and improve your bottom line. In addition to insider ticketing and pre-show cocktails and dining for eight of our most popular shows each season, your company will receive brand recognition and exclusive perks for your employees.

Contact: Caroline Eppers • ceppers@dcpa.org • 303.446.4873

Soara-Joye Ross in A Little Night Music. Photo by Amanda Tipton Photography

Contact: Marc Ravenhill • mravenhill@dcpa.org • 303.572.4594

Colorado Magazine

Find in-depth coverage of ...

Outdoor experiences statewide Beer, wine, spirits & food Historical hotspots & cultural gems And much more at ThirstColorado.com

Get the Colorado experience delivered to your email.

Sign up with the QR Code

A fun-filled musical based on Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books

Get ready for a fun-filled musical experience, leaping from the pages of Mo Willems’ award-winning, best-selling children’s books, that will leave you doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long!

Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure brought to you by DCPA’s Theatre for Young Audiences program, which is tailored to Pre-K through 3rd grade audiences but welcomes all ages.

OCT 18 – DEC 22 RANDY WEEKS CONSERVATORY THEATRE

OFFICIAL TICKETS

LEARN MORE

DENVERCENTER.ORG

$20 CHILDREN* | $25 ADULTS* Weekday Student Matinees available!

Contact Group Sales at 303.446.4829 for more information.

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”

Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PREMIERE SPONSOR

SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR

Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Based on the Elephant & Piggie books

by Mo Willems Directed by Allison Watrous

This play was commissioned by and first produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

*When purchased in person. A service fee is applied to purchases made online or by phone.

THE MAKING OF

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKING LOT

Education & Community Engagement

Photo by McLeod9Creative

IN THE COMMUNITY

The idea for Shakespeare in the Parking Lot came from teachers who wanted to bring to life the Bard’s beautiful plays to help students truly understand why the works have been so important for centuries.

“It is meant as a dramatic text and meant to be performed rather than reading it like a novel,” said Allison Watrous, Executive Director of DCPA Education & Community Engagement.

In 2015 Watrous had a wild idea to start having performances in public spaces, namely, parking lots. After all, she said, creativity isn’t bound to brick-and-mortar locations.

“Now it happens everywhere, and we bring it to schools directly so more students can enjoy it this way,” she said, adding each performance is an abridged rendition of either Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Macbeth.

“I just wanted to say thank you again for this wonderful opportunity, the kids loved it and were talking about it all day,” a Denver Public School middle school teacher wrote to the DCPA. “This was once again the experience of a lifetime for many of our kids and you have inspired a new kind of love for Shakespeare in your viewers.”

Directed by Watrous, the show travels to other venues too, from libraries to recreation centers to parks and more. Through the generosity of donors, the plays are provided free to the community. Plus, the funds provided the means to buy a prop truck, which gets pulled by a bigger truck to each location. The actors crawl all over it, popping inside, balancing on the roof, and using it as a dramatic backdrop.

The troupe is made up of eight players who do all the roles, often gender-bending the way the original actors in William Shakespeare’s day did. Between in-school and community performances, they often perform six days a week each fall and spring. But already the actors, some who have been a part of the event since the beginning, are ready for next season.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot returns this fall with free performances every Saturday September 7 through October 12.

For locations, visit denvercenter.org/community-events

Photo by McLeod9 Creative

T

BY LINNEA COVINGTON

Join us for FREE public performances of

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKING LOT Abridged versions of some of the Bard’s most beloved plays performed in and around a pick up truck “set” Performances take place throughout the community on Saturdays from Sep 7 – Oct 12.

LEARN MORE

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PREMIERE SPONSOR

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

Capital support for vehicles generously provided by the Morgridge Family Foundation

MAKE YOUR SEASON BRIGHTER HOLIDAY PARTIES AT DCPA

Throw a party to remember at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, complete with hassle-free event planning plus optional theatre entertainment!

Pair your room rental with group tickets to any of the DCPA’s holiday productions for the ultimate show of appreciation for your clients or employees!

Working with our in-house Event Services team with its decades of theatrical experience, you can select from the spectacular Seawell Ballroom or intimate Directors Room plus your choice of:

• Eight caterers • Customized bar package from Sodexo Live!

• Dramatic lighting design and Broadway-caliber sound

Ask about our holiday package when you book today

denvercenter.org/venue-rentals/holiday

“Let us be grateful for the people who make us happy...” — Marcel Proust

A

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED MORTUARY

•Immediate Need or Pre-plan Services •Available 24/7 Statewide

•On-Site Crematory •Serving All Faiths •Veteran’s Benefits •Save by Pre-planning

303.837.8712

monarchsociety.com 1534 N. Pearl Street Denver CO 80203

AGES 3 - 18 CAMPS, CLASSES & SHOWS + ADULT CLASSES

4 2 0 2 l l Fa

SHOWS FOR GRADES K 12TH GRADE

DANCE, VOICE, ACTING, MAKEUP & TECHNICAL THEATRE CLASSES

ENROLL TODAY!

303-900-7041 paacolorado.org

SEE YOURSELF ON STAGE Theatre Education at the DCPA PreK - Adult | No Experience Required 1-Day Workshops | Multi-Week Courses Daytime, Evening, and Weekend Classes

ENROLL TODAY

Education & Community Engagement

Sponsored by

DENVERCENTER.ORG/EDUCATION

6 CORE VALUES. 1 DENVER CENTER.

4. CREATIVITY

AB IL

Y NIT

MU

M

Y

We cultivate open, responsive, affirming relationships and partnerships for a greater collective impact.

T RI EG

3. COMMUNITY

I NT

We produce our best possible work together by engaging people with diverse perspectives, lived experiences and talents around our shared goals.

C O

2. COLLABORATION

SUST AIN

We build a respectful and empathetic culture through our active commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

CO L

Y IT

TION RA BO LA

1. BELONGING

BELONGING

CREATIVITY

We embrace innovation and imagination in our daily work to advance our mission.

5. INTEGRITY

We act responsibly, with honesty, accountability and transparency.

6. SUSTAINABILITY

We prioritize the wellbeing of our team, our finances and the environment to ensure our thriving future.

Learn more about what drives the DCPA, and where we’re going, at denvercenter.org/plan

Is the person in seat D3

your next client?

Just look around.

Your ticket to successful advertising is one call away.

303.428.9529 sales@pub-house.com ColoradoArtsPubs.com

AUG 30 - OCT 13, 2024 BOOK Jessie Nelson

MUSIC AND LYRICS Sara Bareilles

Purchase tickets at arvadacenter.org or call the Box Office at 720.898.7200 Underwritten by Diana and Mike Kinsey

PROUD SPONSOR OF DCPA BROADWAY

A SPOONFUL OF SHAKESPEARE TO CURE ALL AILS

BY LINNEA COVINGTON

J Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is a unique way to bring the arts into the community and allow more people to experience the health benefits that the arts can provide.

— MANNY RODRIGUEZ, UCHEALTH’S CHIEF MARKETING AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE OFFICER

32

Just as the great Bard had patrons to help produce what would become iconic plays at the Globe Theatre, so does the DCPA’s annual Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. One of the major supporters is UCHealth, which understands the importance of theater, art, and music for the human condition.

“UCHealth is pleased to partner with the DCPA,” said Manny Rodriguez, UCHealth’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is a unique way to bring the arts into the community and allow more people to experience the health benefits that the arts can provide.”

The community is exactly who the program benefits. After all, the gist of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is to bring theatre to schools and community centers. It does this thanks to donors who not only support the event, but helped pay for the prop truck that acts as a home, wall, destination, secluded alcove and more during the live performances.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot typically runs for six weeks in early fall (this year it’s running September 7-October 12) and late spring (April through mid-May). It features eight actors playing all the roles.

Each performance showcases an abridged version of either Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Macbeth. The actors gender bend and work so hard that, by the end of the six-week run, they have done more than 30 shows.

It’s a lot of effort to put on the shows, and production costs are steep. This is where UCHealth comes in. Its contribution largely helps cover the costs, making community performances entirely free and school engagements affordable. The later part allows students not only to enjoy the magic of Shakespeare through live performance, but also provides in-class workshops that take a dive deep into how the plays’ themes still resonate today.

“UCHealth is committed to sharing the health benefits of the arts with our youngest community members,” said Rodriguez. “By creating a fund to cover the cost of tickets, classes or workshops, we hope to inspire the next generation of artists and fans.”

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot began in 2015. Allison Watrous, Executive Director of DCPA Education & Community Engagement, not only directs the event, but also built the program too. The idea, she said, was to open up theatre to unconventional places and allow creativity to thrive outside the traditional stage. That, and she wanted to help teachers bring to life the vibrancy of the Bard’s great works, something that’s much better understood live than by reading quietly at home.

The best part is seeing these plays come alive for people in their very own neighborhood, which couldn’t happen without the generous support of loyal patrons of the arts.

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

incredible outdoor spaces Making Dreams a Reality For over Thirty Years

Contact us today for your complimentary Design/Build consultation

303.750.6060

PhaseOneLandscapes.com 303.750.6060 email@phaseonelandscapes.com PhaseOneLandscapes.com

email@phaseonelandscapes.com

Get Season Tickets to all five Masterworks for as low as $99

Amaryn Olmeda, violin

Te ss a L a r k , v i o l i n

B OU LD E R P H I L . O R G 3 03 . 44 9. 13 43 NO MOR E TI C K E T PR OC ES SI N G F EE S

S e p t e m be r 8 , 2 0 2 4 TCHAI KOVS KY & MEN DE LSS O HN N ove m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 4 HEINS & H O LST’ S T HE P L A N E TS J a n ua r y 1 2 , 2 0 2 5 DVO Ř Á K SY MP H O N Y N O . 9 M arc a h 3 0, 2 0 2 5 R ACHM A NI N O F F & STR AV I N SK Y M ay 4, 2 0 2 5 M I S S A S O L E MNI S

A l e ss i o B a x , p i a n o

V i s i t U s O n l i n e To d ay

EX PL OR E T HE EX CIT ING SEASON S IN G LE TI CK ET S ON S ALE JULY 9

PROUD SPONSOR OF DCPA EDUCATION’S BOOK STARS

P

PNC aims to strengthen and enrich the lives of our neighbors in the communities where we live and work, and, with funding from PNC Foundation, we are pleased to once again support the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) in this season’s Book Stars program.

Since 2004, PNC Grow Up Great, our $500 million, bilingual early childhood education initiative, has helped prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life by supporting programs, resources and experiences that plant the seeds for a lifetime of opportunities. DCPA Book Stars likewise supports early childhood educators to enhance early literacy in pre-K by working with Title I schools throughout metro Denver.

This innovative program encourages children to become characters and solve problems through creative play and theater-based learning, with teaching artists building relationships with students and teachers over time. By offering Book Stars to schools at no cost, in English and Spanish, we can increase accessibility and help eliminate achievement gaps before they start.

By focusing our support on high-quality early childhood education, we aim to positively impact school readiness, setting children on a path for success. We’re proud to help DCPA continue to grow this program and build more relationships with teachers, students, and families in our region.

Thank you for your continued support for the arts, and enjoy the show!

— RYAN BEISER, REGIONAL PRESIDENT FOR PNC BANK IN COLORADO

34

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

“

“

PNC is firmly committed to early education in Colorado. Investing and advocating for high-quality early education is a logical extension of our commitment as a national main street bank to supporting our communities, and Book Stars is a unique and creative way to develop critical literacy skills in our youngest learners.

Centennial Cuts centennialcuts.com

High quality, delicious beef.

It’s better when it’s local!

Centennial Cuts is an ALL COLORADO, family owned company.

Our retail beef stores are proud to offer beef born, raised, and harvested in Colorado.

We carry : • Ribeye Steaks • Prime Rib • Beef Sticks • Beef Jerky

• Brisket • Ground Beef • Steak sauce • and more!

Visit us online and order for delivery to your home OR check out all the Denver restaurants serving our beef.

centennialcuts.com SHOP AT ONE OF OUR RETAIL LOCATIONS Centennial Cuts Mercantile Belmar 408 South Teller St. Lakewood, CO 80226 Open Daily 11am to 6pm (720) 627-5612

Centennial Cuts Mercantile Old Colorado City 2520 1/2 W Colorado Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Open Daily 11am to 6pm (719) 394-4268

Centennial Cuts at Denver International Airport 8500 Peña Boulevard Denver, CO 80249 Gate B29 and Gate A34 Open Sunday-Friday 7am to 9pm

PROUD SPONSOR OF DCPA EDUCATION’S HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation is proud to support the DCPA and the brilliant programs and events it brings to life.

From Broadway tours to immersive experiences to educational programs for kids, DCPA is an integral part of Denver’s thriving artistic community — and it’s a big part of what makes our city so special.

T

Transamerica employees are dedicated to helping people live their best lives, whether it’s saving and investing for the future or protecting themselves and their loved ones. They bring expertise, creativity and heart to everything they do — and to the communities where they live and work.

Transamerica’s private, nonprofit foundation is proud to do its part in helping to create a brighter and more secure future for people in our community by supporting programs that enhance their opportunities and capabilities while broadening social networks, interactions and aspirations. Through our charitable giving and employee volunteer efforts, we contribute to a wide range of worthy causes in Denver, including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).

We believe our longtime support of the DCPA — one of the nation’s largest nonprofit theatre organizations — helps to enliven our community and bring new perspectives that can enable Denverites see the world through another’s eyes.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation looks forward to supporting another great year of DCPA programming.

We are proud to play a role helping DCPA make theatre accessible to all.

— MELISSA SMITH, CHAIR OF THE AEGON TRANSAMERICA FOUNDATION’S DENVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Transamerica employees help serve meals at Denver Children’s Home.

Transamerica employees help prepare “Bags of Fun” for children fighting long-term or life-threatening conditions.

Transamerica employees help build homes for families in need with Habitat for Humanity.

36

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Show your ticket sTub to enjoy a

complimentary house margarita

with purchase of any entrÉe

@tamayodenver | eattamayo.com 1400 larimer st. denver, co 80202

THANK YOU The Denver Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following donors of $250+ between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. + Includes in-kind support * Deceased

EXTRAORDINARY GIVING Scientific and Cultural Facilities District

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE PLATINUM ($100,000+)

Chevron Corp.

Genesee Mountain Foundation Jeanne Hind* The Morgridge Family Foundation Robert & Judi Newman The Shubert Foundation UCHealth U.S. Bank

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE GOLD ($50,000-$99,999)

Bolin Family Denver Arts & Venues Madie Gustafson Pioneer Fund/Lewis E. Myers, Jr. Scholarship Fund Janice Sinden

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE SILVER ($25,000-$49,999)

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa The Anschutz Foundation Tom & Mary Bagley Anonymous Brisa & Mark Carleton CIBC Private Wealth Management Keith & Kathie Finger Betsy Kiley & Steve Knox Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Ruth Krebs & Peter Mannetti MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation Everett Schneider & Robert Phifer Eva Schoonmaker Jo & Martin Semple Mark Sexton and the Sexton Family Foundation Bob & Carole Slosky June Travis

38

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024

Ken & Debra Tuchman Tim White Families Walter Wilson Xcel Energy Foundation David Young, MD & Sylvia Young

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE BRONZE ($15,000-$24,999)

Antero Resources Jim & Kristin Bender The Buell Foundation Daniels Family Charitable Trust DaVita Inc. Grace Eberl Edgemark, LLC Michael Gosline & Don Werner Patrick Hamill Bill & Lori Kurtz Scott & Kim Lewis Steve & Gayle Mooney Ralph & Trish Nagel PNC Bank The Ponzio Family Dean Singleton Wendy Spencer Thomas and Beatrice Taplin Fund Jerry & Debi Tepper Transamerica TTEC Union Pacific Virginia W. Hill Foundation

SPOTLIGHT VISIONARY

FirstBank Holding Company of Colorado Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons HealthONE IMA Financial Darryl & April Jones Deborah Kelly Kenneth King Foundation Diana & Mike Kinsey Rick & Molly Klau Ron Litvak & Amy Gaines Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust Alan & Carol Meny Metropolitan State University Denver Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management The Phyllis M. Coors Foundation Susan Fox Pinkowitz & Ted Pinkowitz Polsinelli Riverfront Park Community Foundation Rollie R. Kelley Family Foundation Peter & Nicole Rueth Cheryl Saipe Enid and Mike Seiden Semple Brown Design, P.C. Katy Simpson Strompolos Family Foundation TCI Wealth Advisors Wolf Energy Company, LLC

($10,000-$14,999)

THEATRE BUILDER

Anonymous Alpine Bank Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP John Carlen & Jean Gleason Clifton, Larson, Allen Colorado Rockies Tom & Lisa Corley/The Corley Legacy Foundation CU Denver Jerome & Jackie Davis Navin Dimond Stanton Dodge John Estes & Norma Horner John Strohm & Mary Pat Link Ken & Caryl Field

Tierney Aldridge Susan & Andrew Anderson Apex Caring Services Sherwin Beck Leslie Beltrami Delaney Bensler The Paula and William Bernstein Family Foundation Barbara Bridges The Chotin Foundation Robert & Kathleen Clark Cliff Foundation Julie & Peter Cushman Carrie Damon Greg & Allison D’Argonne

($5,000-$9,999)

Jackie Devine Judy Dunn John & Kathryn Dunn Heidi Elliott Matthew & Jennifer Van Praag Bill Fortune Jeannie & John Fuller In Memory of Sally Gass Caleb & Sidney Gates Margot Gilbert Frank Taru Hays Elizabeth & Nelson Hioe Dr. Barbara Hort Hyman J. and Florence Hammerman Family Foundation Lindsey Jones Kaiser Permanente Dan & Lisa Kelly Nicholas & Jennifer Kemp Key Bank Land Title Guarantee Company Jessica Levhofer Scott Lynn Stephen & Kathie McConahey Rayanne Mori Lynnette Morrison Erica Motes Sherri Nitta Performing Arts Readiness Toby Pippin James & Stacy Rechtin Linda Rieger David Roitman Cheri & Alan Rubin Steven Schenbeck James & Alison Shetter Steven & Kerri Siegel Randy Fitch & Terry Siek STK Denver Stonebridge Companies Steve Talley Turner Morris, Inc. Steven & Tricia Vath Ron Villarreal Judi Wolf

ARTISTIC DREAMER ($2,500-$4,999)

801 Fish Anonymous Liz & Bill Armstrong

HELP BRING THE MAGIC OF THEATRE TO LIFE.

VISIT WWW.DENVERCENTER.ORG/DONATE

Julie Bank Katie Behnke Claude Pumilia & Rasmani Bhattacharya The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation BOK Financial Brad Bolon Brent & Christine Case Jennifer Caskey Colorado Gives Foundation Michael & Pam Copp Jennifer Dechtman Denver Language School Margaret DesCombes Richard & Lori Ehrman Lisa & Matthew Emerson Epicurean Catering Rick Fantini David & Theresa Flake Fortissimo Dueling Pianos Donald Cameron & Marie Harrison Tom & Suzanne Hefty Kathy Huwaldt Jeanne Land Foundation C. Howard & Dorsey* Johnson Wendy & Bob Kaufman Barbara Kelley John & Joanne Kirby William LaBahn John Lee LeRoux Bistro Diane MacRossie Gerald & Carole Makela Brian & Debra McCallin Paul & Jodell Mizoue Cara Nakata Nancy & Paul Oberman Pay Pal Giving Fund Pam & Don Piro Patricia Robinson Hassan & Sheila Salem The Sam and Beth Coyle Family Charitable Fund Frieda Sands Betsy Schutte Todd & Tamara Seelman Dorothea Simmons Cheryl L. Solich & John W. Kure Mary Spillane Alan & Gayle Talesnick Douglas & Sandra Tashiro

Rick Thomas Ted Tow & Cathy Traugott Turner Construction Company DonnaDale & Mark Turner Thomas Ullrich University of Colorado-Denver Cynthia Williams Haleigh Wilson Ken & Dana Zinn

SCENE MAKER ($1,200-$2,499)

Dr. Dina Brudenell Charles & Nancy Anderson Holly Bachmeyer Jeff Bleyle Peggy & Cole Brannick Bright Funds, Inc Katy Brown Laura & Jarrel Burrow Ann Callahan Bob & Liana Clark Sally A. David Chris Davis Denver Athletic Club Donna DuHadway John Ekeberg & Jen Schwem Patricia & Christopher Elliott Tim Farris Greg Feasel Barbara Ferris Dennis Fischer Carey Gagnon Jeffery Garcia Richard & Juli Gordon Carolanne Hamer Peggy & Jeff Harrison Jack & Beverly Hartman Michael Henry Jon Seay & Robin Heppler Cathey Herren Jocelyn Hittle Michael & Patty Imhoff Jackson H. Fenner Foundation Mike & Linda King Bob & Nancy Koontz Kathleen Kurtz Celeste Johnson Laura Maresca Patrick Meyers Amanda Miller Charlie Miller Arlene Mohler Johnson Larry Moskow

Philip & Marcie Munishor Lisa Nassardeen-Buckley NCBC Foundation J & L Parsons Alex Petit Pettibone-Graham Family Marisa Porter Bonnie & Hansen Rada Scott Ray Dr. Asela Russell Lisa Scaling Sammy Scoma Jocelyn & Karl Seller Fern Seltzer Carla G Shankle Shell Oil Matching Gifts Program Christine & James Shore Heather Smith John Sneed Steven Fager & Nancy Stern Christopher Stewart James Turpen Karl Vejvoda Rosalind Ward Dr. Reginald & Faye Washington Nicholas Watts Heidi Wilbur Jane Williams William Yinger Kelby & Beth Zorgdrager

BACKSTAGE ENTHUSIAST ($500-$1,199)

Johnny Adams Lynna D. Adell ADP Matching Gifts Magdalene Albrecht Claudia Alexander Danny Anderson Doug & Lindsay Andrews Anonymous Anonymous Emily Ansley Dr. Steven Antonoff Diane Aragon Jocelyn Arnold Willis Ashby & Karen Burch Assist2Hear, Inc. Charles Atkinson B Fresh Gear Patricia Baca

Shirley Baldwin Betsy Baltzer Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Dolle Barker Sybil Barnes Tamara Barron Barry J. Goldstein Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Diane Barta Bonnie & David Baswell Catherine Bauer Geralyn & Doug Beahm Joanne Beckham Judy Bederman Angela Benford Jessica Benjamin Megan Beren Karmen Berentsen Ron & Martha Berge Fran Berry Patricia D Billinger Derek Birznieks Katherine Blackman John Blair Susan Blake-Smith Joan Blasberg Buck Blessing Michael Bloom Kerri Blum Tom & Doris Blyth Adriana Bombard Libby M. & Janet M. Bortz Bridget Bradley Paul & Lisle Bradley Sapna Brahmanandam Break-Away Tours Sally Breaux Colleen Brewer Linda Brune Leslie Brunelli Emily Burkart Linda Bushman Eileen Byrne Donna Calvert Tracey Campbell Diane Canepa John Carlen Chris Carlson Richard Carney Robert Carrejo Erasmo Casiano

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS LeeAnn Cast Phyllis Chernow Michelle & Matt Chiodini Jeri Clark Rachel Clark Adam Cioth & Beth Cobert Adam Cohen Alan Cole Chris Coleman & Rodney Hicks Lillie Combs Comcast NBCUniversal Matching Gifts Craig Connelly Ellen Connor Hannah Conrad Robert Contiguglia Lauren Cook Charlotte Cowley Joy Cox Thomas & Cheryl Cox Nancy Crost Jennifer Crossett Mary Beth Curry Stacey D’Angelo Toni Davis Paul & J’ne Day-Lucore Morre Dean Barbara H DeJong Allison Dempsey Robert Donaldson Dr. P. Lynn Donaldson Thomas Dority & Susan Gapter-Dority Peter & Marian Downs Caryn Doyle Anne Draper Jamie Dreyer Marina Dubrova Kari Duff y Kari Dukai Renee Duncan Pamela Easter Lacey Eberl Helene Eckstein James & Marilyn Eddins Barbara Edwards Christine Ekman Linda Embree Charles & Candy Ergen Nicolas Farrell Valerie Finberg Peggy Finkowski Christina Firouztash Karen & William Fisher Elaine Fitzgerald & Gerald Spann Brent Flambures Linda Flinkman Jennifer Florez Stacey Frattinger John Freaney Julie Frye Christina Fuicelli Virginia Fuller Greg Fulton Baryn Futa Katie Deenihan Diane & John Gallagher Jim Garofalo 40

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024

David Gartland The Gilman Family Foundation Rosemary Glista Kimberly Gonzalez Joel Gordon Ronald & Vivian Gordon Judy Gorham Gertrude Grant Shannon Green Suzanne Green Lauren Balsley Patricia Gunckel Antoinette Macaluso & Donald Hagengruber Laney Hall Diane Hanson David & Florence Harlor Donna Harrison Lo Harrison Stephanie Harrison Sandra Harvath Mary Harvey C Hathaway Jennifer Havercroft-Miller & Greg Miller Janet Hehn Gregory Heimbuck Carmella Hendrix Beverlee Henry Fullerton Katrina Hightower Victoria Hill David Hillyard Robert & Diane Hochstadt Paul Holden Ruth Hopfenbeck Chris Hostetter Hudak on Hollywood Rita Huey Cook Ramsay Huntley & Kelly Bowes Lydia Ibarra Paul & Sandy Jeffery Paul Jerez Carolyn Sue Jhung Ramiro Jimenez Jay E. Johnson Lynda Johnson Paul Johnson Judy Johnston Mary Anne & Richard Johnston Kay Jones Kim Kanas Stephanie Kato Lindsay Kiernan Roland Kjeso Jim & Stacy Kleckner Amy Klein David Klenke Jennifer Knies Gail Koehn Jeff Kolb Richard Kornfeld Kramer Family Charitable Fund Patrick Kraus Barbara Kruse Ashley Kupfner Bettina Kurowski Jean Kutner Sarah & Christopher Lane

Aaron LaPedis Todd Larabee Cathy Larson Joyce Larson Sarah Cooley Jennifer Leitsch Shannan Lentz Robin Levy Clara Li William Lightfoot Charles & Gretchen Lobitz Merry Logan Jill Lorentz Lisa Lund-Brown Martha Lynch-Biasi Jennifer Mackie Kristen Maddoux Michael Magee Diane Mandile Margulf Foundation The Maris Group Tara Marsh Marianne & Ed Marvez Brian Matise Margaret Maupin Joanna Maurelli Philip & Barbara Mautino Sarah McCarthy Scott G McEwen Mary Kate McGinty Dara Mckinley Danielle McNiel John Mehaff y Meridian Wealth Management Christina Middlebrook Philip F. & Pamela Miele David Miller & Katherine Dines William E. Miller Casey Minnick Sharon Moddelmog & Harold Jensen Joe Moenich & Gary Chappel Kendra Molinary Lara A Kendrick Ann & Phil Montera Jen Moore Esteban Morin Julie & John Mork Ann Morrissey Natalie Morrow Murray Moulding Karen Murphy Mieko Nakamura Kristin Nelson Jane & Gordon Netzorg Greg Nibert Joseph Nimmons Kristen Nordenholz Sara L. Novak Patrina Odette Kathy Ohara Marilyn Oliver Kaitlin O’Malley Stokes Paul Orrison Chuck & Helina Palmer Lisa Parrett Dr. Richard A. Patt & Althea Patt Judy Patterson

Anatoli Pechkov Carrie Pendley Jacalyn Peter Nancy & Richard Peters Carol Petitmaire Cason & Rachel Pierce Steve Pirner & Kevin Rutherford Margaret A. Platte Frank & Linda Plaut Joseph Powell David Price Koger & Marcie Propst Gia Quillen Julia Ramsey Tim Randolph Gayle Ray Becky Rector Barbara & Gary Reece Damara & Mike Rice Fred & Ayliffe Ris Bret Roberts Teresa Roche Rosemary Rochford Susan Rodger Dave Roggeman Rolling Smoke BBQ Janenne Rosen Molly Ross Rayme Rossello Brandy Rothman Peggy Rottner Terry Roybal Carol L. Rust Jan Rutty Robert Sammeli Michelle Sandel Andrea & Timothy Sayles Jane Schneider Sharon Schonhaut Cindy Schulz Anne Sechler Lisbeth & Earl Sethre Mark Shaker Stephanie Shearer John & Renee Shellhorse Michael Sherwood Dr. Brent Sigler & Dr. Karla Vavold Jamee Simons Martha Sloven Libby Smith Scot Smith Alexandra Smits Edie Sonn Charles & Diane Spickert Kevin Spight Janis Starkey Elizabeth Starrs Judith Steinberg Stellar Solutions Foundation Emily Stevens Terry Stevinson Susan Stiff Mark Stotik Ryan Sullivan Geri & Chris Swahn Melanie & Sean Tafaro Richard & Sonnie Talley

Herbert Teitelbaum Robert Terkhorn Judy Terry Patti Theil Valerie Thisted George Thomas Robert Trousdale Pamela & John Tumler Zane Tuta & Ms. Elizabeth Sharrer Terri Tymkovich Erin Ulric Paul & Susan Valas Heather Van Dusen Rozalia Van Wingerden Eugene Wade Tina Walls Nicole Walsh Beverly Walter & James Geis April Walters Jeffrey Ward Kaye Ward Lynne Wasinger Pam Watanabe Donald J. Weakland Leslie Weibel Mindy Weinberger Charles Weinstein Lee & Jilda Weinstein Lori Werhane Michael & Etta West Kathleen Wheeler Chris Wiedenmayer Greg & Maryl Wilensky Meghan Williams Elizabeth & Donald Williams Maren Willins Kimberly Willis Mai & Bryan Wisdom Robert Wolf Karen Wolfe Dan & Judith Wulf Krista Yamamoto Maddie Young Anne Zadrazil Peter Zaemes Nick Zamucen Coronda Ziegler Anna Zimmermann

ENSEMBLE

($250-$499) Peter Abuisi James Adams Lauren Adams Maureen Adams Stephanie Adams Lance Adkins Mary Lee Aherne Ashley Ahlman Jay Ahrenholtz Matthew Ahrenholtz Jennifer Aichele Florence Alexander Emily Alexis Cynthia Allen Donna Allen Maggie Allen Laura Allensworth

Rebecca Allsup Cindy Altberger Nancy Alterman American Psychedelic Practitioners Association David Anderson Lauren Anderson Jeni Andrew Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Donna Antonoff Shanon Aragon Janette Armitage Gary & Gail Armstrong Elizabeth & Timothy Arnold Carol & Russell Atha Michael Babbs Cathy Baca John Baker Steven Ballantine Nick Banelli Dr. Oksana Bantley Guy Barberra Karen Barker Kathie Barnes Richard Barnett Sarah H. Barton-Higgins Kristine Baugh Tracy Baumann Chris Beatty Louis Beck Laurel Beck David Bee Heather Beiser Christine Benero & Brad Busse Anne Benigsen Monica Benway Renee Bernhard Leslie Berry Roberta Bertrand Eileen Bickford Kristianna Bilan Linda Biles Samuel Bird Paul Birnesser Carol Bisdorf Jim Bisetti Susan Bishop Kendra Black Sara Blake Jolene Blanchard Delores Blaser Colleen Blau Margaret Blaze Alexis Bohlander Ruth Bohrer Michael Bonino Simon Booth Melinda Borchardt Stephanie Bormann Catherine Bowman Ezra Bowman Rebecca Bowman Marge Bozarth Natalie Brader John Brandstetter Barbara Brannen Megan Brengarth

Dr. Virginia Broaddus Thomas Brock John Brovsky Arleen Brown Brian Brown Kristina Brown Paul Brown Sarah Brown Steven & Cindy Brown Linda & Wesley A. Brown Cheryl Buhler Gena Buhler Emily Bullington Christina Buquid Brittany Burghart & Gregg Sullivan Scott Burke Denise Burke Nancy Burpee Michelle Burrows Amy Busch Eric Bush Sarah Butler Madonna Butwin Ron & Mary Butz Celisity Cadotte Luke Cairney Carol Campbell Tony Cantu John Capps Joshua Caraballo Jeannie Card Douglas Carlsen Lucy Carlson Kelly Carmody Diana Carney Cars Helping Charities Meredith Carson Jeannie Carter Christina Castellano Joseph Cavanaugh Dare Caywood Century 21 Trenka Real Estate Zach Ceriani Chris Cessna Cecil Challenger Kelly Chang Micheal Chavis Edward & Beverly Chew Barbara Childs Tina Christensen Erica Armstrong Diane Christman Jane & Walter Christman Ricke Clark Ted Clarke Jamie Clements Allen Cockle Derek Cole Ashley Coleman Chris Comer William Coon Dr. John & Anjenette Cooper Lynn & John Cormey Erinn Corson Laurie Coryell & Gerilyn Grange Linda & Steve Crain Stephanie Crandall

Lauren Crist Fulk Rebecca Crockett Cynthia Cross Jennifer Cunningham Bilal Daher Catherine Dal Santo Richard Darlak Cynthia Daah Katie Davidoff Michele de Rozario Rae Anne Debonville Kim DeGrande Samantha Delson Delta Dental of Colorado David Denesha Natalie Dennis Aleda Deuble Russell Dewitt Susie & J. W. Dews Jenna Diaz-Gonzalez Courtnay Dietz Mark Digman Christopher Dillis Danielle Dillon Josh Dinges Sonya Dixon Peter Doig Matthew Dolph Jeanette Domber Donna Donati Kelly Dopman Alex Doran Louise Douglass Alyson Dratch Lesley Dudden Lori Dunbar Kelly Duncan Krista Duran Jenny Dyer Terry Eakle Stephen Edmonds & Daniel Kopnisky Ray Ehrenstein Christine Eisenberg Mary Emlen Peggy Jo Epstein Suzanne Ezell Don Fairchild Mark Fairchild Jo Faith Ann Faragher Eric Feagler H Fehn Marguerite Fettig Taunya Feyen Louis Fiedler Harper Finch Mira J. Fine Cassie Fishbein Adam Fisher Katie Fitzgerald Monika Fleshner Ro Fleury Bob Forbes Mary Ford Katherine Ford Hokamp Mike Fortman Kristi Franko David Fredericks

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS JoAnne Friedman Dave Frisch Geetha Gangadharan Stephanie Geller Ted & Sharon Gelt Julia George Tom & Doris George James & Kathryn Giasafakis Timothy & Paula Gilbert Jenna Moore Kirstin Gillespie Ronald Glass Barbara Goldman Sherry Gomes Nicholas Gonzales Catherine Gosz Chris Goundry Linda & Mark Graham Jacob Gram Richard & Vivian Grauch Julie Graves Susan Greenwald Yolanda Greer Barbara Grogan Sabine Gruensfelder David Gutierrez & Ms. Trish Rayner-Gutierrez Jim Hahn Sandra Hall Stacey Hall Kim Haller Shaye Halpert Susan & Steve Halstedt Linda Hamilton Boni Hamilton Kathleen Hammer Amy Hammett Kristin Hanna Dane Harbaugh Lisa A. Harkabus Angela Harp Devin Harper Daniel Hatch Alphonso Hawkins Judy Hazen Patricia Heath Nancy Heck Kelli Heflin Eve Heimbach Jennifer Helbach Arthur Hemphill Jennifer Hendrick Jonathon Henry Kathy Henson Richard Heppe & Ms. Diane Reeder Matt Herndon Connie Hewitson Michelle Hickey Laura Hiebenthal Amy Hill James & Judith Hilton Rene Hinkle Olivia Hinton Pamela Hirschman Wendy Hodges Jeff Hoerter Eula Hoff Karen S. Hoffman 42

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024

V M Holers Hunt Holsomback Mary Homan DeOnna Hotz Jen Howver H. L. Hoyt Hsiu-Tseng Huang Elsa Hughes Lucinda Hundley Erin Hunkele Kathryn Hunsaker Mai-Lan Huynh Michele Irwin Katie Jablonski Amy Jackson Sue Jackson Meryl Jacobs Susan January Scott & Martha Jentz Josh Jerden Flora Jewell-Stern Erin Jewett Jackie Jimmerson Luke Jobman Alice Johnson & Richard Goblirsch Burke Johnson Larry Johnson Lauren Johnson Pam Johnson Stephanie Johnson Kim Jones Nancy Jones Myhra Jose Jeff Joseph Marlene Joy Kristine Kadash Jana Kantorowicz Brad Kaplan Devin & Marianne Karns Diana Kasson Tara Keefer Karl Keller Aaron Kelter Kendra Scott Jewelry Dr. Gwen Kerby Michael Kern Vanecia Kerr Emily Kettlewell Summer Kidder Cole Kilstrom Dan King Rebekah King Mary Kinsala & Beth Bogner Brian & Emily Kirby Tom Kirkpatrick Gary Kleiman Roberta & Mel Klein Geoffrey Klingsporn Joan Knab Sara Knight Susan & John Knill Kurt Knoernschild Margaret & David Knowlton Roxanne Kochevar Lucas Kreitler David Krell Jessica Kropuenske Jo Ann Kruglet

Diane Kruse Don Ku Barbara & Kenneth Laff Carmen Lamar Monique Lanphear Steven Larson J. Scott Lasater Cindy Laudadio-hill Sean Lawton Prof. Richard S. Leaman Megan Ledin Robin Lee William Lee William Lee Michael Lehmann Ayelet Lehtman Wendy Leidal Dr. Beth Leon Suzanne Lesage Carla Leverman Catherine Levisay Jill Levy Leah Lewelling Thomas Lewis Catherine Lindsey Ferdinand Liotta Heather Lipp Ann Little Britt Little Tom & Susan Littman Alan Loeb Kenneth Logan Jean Lombardi Lori Long Paula Lopez Vincent Love Emily Loyd Joyce & Gary Lozow Amanda Luellen John Lynass Sonia Maaliki John Mabee Jedeane MacDonald Cone Carol MacDougall Zachary Madison Eliza Madsen Rene Malden Michael Mallett Lorraine Manfredi Kilby Mann Dr. Adrienne Mann Dottie Marchant Shirley Marlow David Marshall Sharla Marshall Kendra Maruyama Jami Maselli Sue Masica James Matera William Mathews & Joy Godesiabois Donna Mattson Daniel Maxey Catherine Maxwell Erin Mayer Dj McArthur Brock McCarty Danielle McCormick Molly McCray-Finke

Joe McCullough Kristin McDonald Victoria McDonald Angelique McMillan Jeff McSchooler Kyle Mead Harold & Betty Meadows Terri Medved Adele Meron Kathlene Meskimen Janice Michael Michele Middlesworth Mile High United Way Bobbi Lou Miller James & Claudia Miller Libbie Miller Robert Miller Amy Mitchell Karen Modlin Whitney Moehle Kalliopi Monoyios Kelly Monroe Jerrod Montoya Jennifer Morgan Kristin Morgan Mami Morita Andrew Morley Lizabeth Morrill Michael J. & Mary Moynihan Mark Mulligan Becky & Joe Munoz Jesse Nadelman Roweena Naidoo Robert Nasuti Mindy Naumer Sally Neher Don & Linda Neuman Jennifer Newman Hoang Nguyen Brent Nienaber Jenny Nikaido Nike Matching Gifts Sarah Obregon Terrence O’Connor Laurie Odell Mitchell ODell Michael Ogborn Andrew Ogrady Paul O’Leary Nicole Orfanakis Elizabeth A. Orr James Ott Kathleen Oviatt Holly Owen Robin & Stuart Pack William Palmer Christine Pancoast Kim Hansen Shannon Parry Julie Parsons & Frank Nowell Linda Patterson Rosalind Patterson Tiffany Patterson Judi Paul Deb Paulman Jennifer Payne Alexandra Peek Neyla Pekarek Lissa Pelle

Carol Penner Maria Rosa Perez Lisa Pesnichak Daniel Peterman Alveta Petersen Katie Peterson Martha Petrie Brian Phelps Che Pimentel Paula L. Pinkley Timothy Pinniw Robert Pletcher Beth Plott Mahes Prasad Annie Pratt Jolene Quigley Frank Quintieri Adrian Ramirez Carole Ramsay Lillian Ramseur Sara Randel Steven Rang Nikki Raschbacher John Rassman William Ray Mary Ann Raynor Danise Rea Jane Reed Adele Reester Sharon Regier Thomas Reimann Nicole Reinan Amanda Reish Jason Reynolds Lance Reynoso Mary Carol Riaski Hannah Richards Alfred Richter Kathryn Ricks Mary Riddell Norm Ridder Ashley Rieck Tracy Ritter Amy Roberts Deborah Roberts Ron & Merilee Robertson Linda Robinson Patricia Rocha Renee Rodgers Dr. Yvonne Rollins Susan Rona Jane E Rosenbaum Richard Roth Toby Rumans Sharon Rusnak Kristin Russell Larisa Russo Paul Ryan Rafael Salinas J. Lee Sammons Theodore & Deborah Sandquist Stuart Sanks Tom Satter Philip Schecter Sharon Schneider Theresa Schock Kerri Schoen Bill Schoonmaker

John Schroder Scot Schultz Sherilee Selby Karmen Serbinski Tiffany Shane Amy Shane Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister & Guardie Banister, St. Rita Sharma Rebecca Shay Christopher Shea Laura Sheldon Aaron Sheppard Timothy Sheppard Todd Sheridan Yumiko Shinoda John Showers Kathleen Siddall Risa Silverman Artis Silverman & Stephen Carmel Sean Ross Adam Sinnard Ben Slabach Pamela Sletten Lynn Slouka Dan Smith Marilyn Smith Marlis Smith Michael Smith Michael Smith Tammy Koehler Smith Timothy Smith Gwenivere Snyder Ann & Tim Sorrells Cheryl Sparks Kellie Sponberg Kathryn Spuhler Shawntel Staab Michele Stark-Hailpern Maria Stein Susan Stein Lisa Stephens Sarah Sterkel Dr. Robert & Renate Sterrett Amanda Stevens Jeffrey Stevens Camille Stewart Tanya Stork Mark Stotik Arthur & Stephanie Strasburger Judith Strasen Elizabeth Stroomer Peter Stroup Anne Stuller Maria Suehnholz Sadie Sullivan Jeanne Surbrugg Kathleen Swanson Bret Taber Pam Taddonio Emily M. Tarleton Linda D. Tarpeh-Doe Dr. Susan Taylor Eric Theil Carla Thomas Nathaniel Thomas Laiken Thompson

Shelley Thompson Wayne Thorsted Catherine Tidd Lou Toth Danny Trujillo Laura Murphy Klasina VanderWerf & Tom Thomas Visa, Inc. Kimberly Wachtel Carolyn Wagers Patricia Wagner Clint Waldron Dona Wallace Robert Warden Carolyn Keith Mary Watson Rebecca Weber Chris Weible Bev Weiler Mark Weindling Steven Weisberg Nancy Welch Wells Fargo Matching Gifts Division Jessica Welser Erik Werner Mary Werth Kenneth West Paula Whaley Kristen Wheeler Alan White Doda White Shawna-Gay White Tammy White Marj Wiedeman Jared Wiedmeyer Timothy Wieland Cathy Williams Kevin Wilson Jacqueline Winn Eileen Wood Mary Ellen Wood Susan Wood Joshua Wooden Phyllis Woodman Meredith Woodrow Janice Woodward Elizabeth Worstell Meredith Yamnitz

Christel Yehle David Young Dr. Adel Younoszai Jennifer Zinn Terry Zinsli Ralph Zupancic

GIFTS IN KIND 801 Fish Bonneville Denver CBS Colorado Colorado Public Radio The Corner Office/The Curtis Hotel Delta Airlines Denver Post Community Denver Zoological Foundation Denver7/KMGH (ABC) El Semanario - The Weekly Issue Event Rents David Jacques Farahi The Four Seasons and EDGE Restaurant and Bar The Infinite Monkey Theorem, Inc. Jay’s Valet Kareen & James Kimsey KUSA/Channel 9 News Mariel Sarah Millett Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. The Publishing House Carlos Ramirez range Restaurant / Renaissance Denver Downtown Jason Shader Smith The Slate Total Wine & More Trinchero Family Estates UCHealth Urban Spectrum Welch Equipment While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our donor listings, we apologize for any errors or omissions.

Please contact us at 303.446.4812 if we made an error in your acknowledgment so that we can correct our records for

SPECIAL THANKS The DCPA would like to extend an extra measure of gratitude to our Encore Society members, who have made a long-term commitment to the theatre by including us in their estate plans.

Thanks to you, the show will go on!

JOIN THE ENCORE SOCIETY

DENVER LANGUAGE SCHOOL PROUD SPONSOR OF DCPA EDUCATION

D

Denver Language School (DLS) is the only K-8 public school in Denver offering Spanish and Mandarin immersion. This distinctive characteristic not only sets the school apart, but also shows DLS’s commitment to providing students with a diverse and globallyoriented education.

Being the sole K-8 immersion public school in Spanish and Mandarin in Denver allows Denver Language School to offer students a truly immersive language experience from an early age. Research has consistently shown the cognitive and academic benefits of bilingualism, such as enhanced problem-solving skills, improved cognitive flexibility, and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Denver Language School’s emphasis on language immersion not only enriches the educational journey of its students, but also equips them with practical skills that are highly relevant in today’s modern society.

Beyond the academic benefits, the school’s focus on language immersion serves a larger societal purpose. In a world where understanding and appreciating different cultures is crucial, bilingual education fosters cultural empathy and open-mindedness. Students at Denver Language School not only become proficient in two languages, but also gain insights into the traditions, histories, and perspectives of the teaching staff who hail from a wide-array of Spanish and Mandarin speaking backgrounds.

The partnership between Denver Language School and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) adds another layer of enrichment to the educational experience. The performing arts play a vital role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness. By supporting DCPA, the school provides students with opportunities to engage in high-quality cultural experiences, including theatrical performances and artistic expressions that complement their language education.

Denver Language School’s status as the only K-8 public immersion school in Spanish and Mandarin in Denver holds significance in promoting bilingualism, cultural understanding, and global awareness.

Like language, theatre opens your eyes to the world. Supporting the Denver Center for the Performing Arts further enriches the educational journey by exposing students to the world of performing arts and opening their eyes to new perspectives through the arts, aligning with the school’s holistic approach to preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world.

44

APPLAUSE • SEP – NOV 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

L I V E ! I N B E AV E R C R E E K — COMING TO — THE VIL AR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2024—2025

SNEAK PEEK!

Classical & Dance SUN | DEC 22 FRI | JAN 17 TUE | JAN 21 SAT | FEB 1 WED | FEB 5 WED | FEB 12 SUN | FEB 16

FEB 25 & 26 SUN | MAR 2

THU | MAR 6

SUN | MAR 30 MON | MAR 31

TUE | APR 1

Time for Three Trio Bohémo Ballet Hispánico Steep Canyon Rangers with Peter Rowan Jesse Cook Cirque Kalabanté Conrad Tao & Caleb Teicher: COUNTERPOINT Dear Evan Hansen Daniel Hope and the Polish Chamber Orchestra of Sinfonia Varsovia Michael Feinstein in Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble Voctave: The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Quatuor Debussy: A Celebration of Maurice Ravel CIRCA: Humans 2.0

CREMATIONS | LIFE CELEBRATIONS CEMETERIES

Plan now so your family doesn’t have to later.

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN DENVER.

Olinger

MORTUARIES & CEMETERIES

OlingerFuneral.com

GET YOUR TICKETS! 970.845.8497 | VILARPAC.ORG UNDER THE ICE RINK IN BEAVER CREEK | FREE Parking Available

Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery

FREE Planning Guide: DignityMemorial.com

DCPA TEAM DCPA TEAM

DCPA

Natalia Marroquin, Elias Lopez............................................Coordinator Prop Shop Janice Sinden............................President & CEO Phil Rohrbach ..........Sales & Event Managers Maddie Young .........................................Associate, Meghan Markiewicz ............................Supervisor Education & Group Sales Sara Pugh ..........................Associate Supervisor Donna Hendricks.............Executive Assistant, Tara Miller............................................Event Sales & Operations Director Bennet Goldberg, Georgina Kayes, President & CEO OFF-CENTER Ashley Lawler ..............................................Artisans Julie Schumaker.......................................Manager, Brook Nichols ......... Event Technical Director Board Relations Kate Olsen..................Event Sales Coordinator Charlie Miller .....Executive Director & Curator Andrew McGlothen.................Prop Carpenter Benjamin Peitzer............Event Technical Lead Courtney Ozaki.....................Creative Producer Mike Pingel.........................Operations Manager Scene Shop ACCOUNTING & FINANCE Michael Harris, Eric Moore................................Technical Director Jane Williams....................................................CFAO Alex Taylor .............................Lighting Designers OPERATIONS Albert “Stub” Allison, Robert L. Orzolek, Sara Brandenburg.....................................Director, Brooke Wyatt..........Event Logistics Manager Sarah Arzberger...........................Administrator Josh Prues ......Associate Technical Directors Accounting Services INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Vincent Bridgers .....................................Manager Jeremy Althoff, Tyler D. Clark, Jennifer Jeffrey...........................................Director, Amy Wynn Pastor, Financial Planning & Analysis Lisa Roebuck..................................Vice President Adam Busch.................................................Analyst Kyle Scoggins .....................Scenic Technicians Kristina Monge ............ Associate Accountant For security purposes, the IT team has been omitted. Aaron Chavez ....................................................Lead Louis Fernandez III...... Lead Scenic Technician Ruben Cruz, Jordan Latouche.... Engineers Annie Self ..........................................Accountant III MARKETING & SALES Brian “Marco” Markiewicz .....Lead Carpenter Simone Gordon .................Associate Director Jennifer Siemers ............Director, Accounting Angela Lakin.....................................Vice President Kyle Greufe....................................Senior Analyst Scenic Design Audrey Smith......................Associate Manager, Whitney Testa....................Executive Assistant, Maria Herwagen......................... Junior Analyst Lisa Orzolek .................................................. Director Accounting Marketing & Broadway Brandon LeMarr ......................................Manager Kevin Nelson, BROADWAY & CABARET Marketing Sam Nolte, Tara Perticone .................Analysts Nicholas Renaud....................................Assistants John Ekeberg..........................Executive Director Heidi Bosk ............Associate Director, Press & Joseph Reecher ......................Senior Engineer Sound Design & Technology Promotions, Broadway & Cabaret Cordelia Taylor ..................................Coordinator Alex Billman ............................................Supervisor Administration Erin Bunyard..............Senior Digital Strategist Meagan Holdeman+, Timothy Schoeberl+, Ashley Brown.........................Business Manager Sofia Contreras, PEOPLE & CULTURE Dimitri Soto+ .........................................Technicians Alicia Bruce ...............................General Manager Lucas Kreitler ........................Graphic Designers Laura Maresca ..................................................CPCO Elena Martin .................................................Associate Lisa Prater ..........................Operations Manager Brenda Elliott, Paul Koob................Senior Graphic Designers Equity & Organization Culture Stage Management Garner Galleria Theatre Harper Anne Finch .................................Manager, Seán Kroll ..............................................Coordinator Liz Campbell, Corin Davidson, Abel Becerra .............................Technical Director Social Marketing Harper Hadley, Rebecca Hamlin, Jason Begin+, TJ Forlenza .............................................Copywriter Human Resources Sage Hughes, Anne Jude, Anna Hookana+ ....................Core Stagehands Michael Garcia ...........Manager, Web Content Brian Carter................Senior Business Partner Kristen Mun, Nick Nyquist, Claire Graves.................................................Director, Andrew Guilder ......HR & Recruiting Specialist Malia Stoner ................................Stage Managers DEVELOPMENT Produced Programs Michaela Johnson .................Interim Mailroom Anna Cordova, Sam Forrest, Jamie Clements ...............................Vice President Assistant Megan Franco, Miranda Vasquez, Brittany Gutierrez..............Associate Director, Connor Carlin.......................Associate Director, Communications Paul Johnson...............................................Payroll & Ayana Yokie .........................................Apprentices Major & Planned Gifts Compliance Manager Rain Young .................................................Associate Linda Horan................................Project Manager Sarah Darlene ....Grants & Reports Manager Jeff Hovorka ......Director, Sales & Marketing, Jocelyn Martinez.....................Business Partner Wardrobe Caroline Eppers ........................................Manager, Broadway & Cabaret Kinsey Scholl ....................Operations Manager Corporate Partnerships Heidi Echtenkamp ..............................Supervisor Emma Holst .........................Communications & Kara Erickson-Stiemke..................Coordinator Robin Appleton^, Amber Krimbel^, Content Associate THEATRE COMPANY Lauren LaCasse^, Lisa Parsons Wagner^, Emily Kettlewell ..................Associate Director, Emily Kent......... Director, Insights & Strategy Administration Nicole Watts^, Kami Williams^.........Dressers Annual Giving Kelsie Korinek .....................................Coordinator, Charles Varin ........................Managing Director Caitie Maxwell......Senior Director, Major Gifts Broadway & Cabaret Emily Diaz .................................Business Admin./ Wigs Marc Ravenhill .....................Associate Director, Michael Ryan Leuthner ..........................Director, Asst. Company Manager Diana Ben-Kiki.......................................Supervisor Donor Relations Digital Marketing Alex Koszewski ..................Company Manager Abby Schmidt^, Megan Stewart....................Associate Director, Emily Lozow .........................Associate Director, Ann Marshall.............................General Manager Marisa Sorce^ ................................Wig Assistants Special Events Sales & Marketing, Broadway & Cabaret VENUE OPERATIONS Kyle Malone..................................Director, Design Artistic EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Dan McNulty...........................Marketing Analyst Chris Coleman ............................Artistic Director Glen Lucero.....................................Vice President Allison Watrous ...................Executive Director Todd Metcalf ...................................Media Producer Jessica Eckenrod..................Artistic Associate Merry Davis ...........................Financial Manager Stuart Barr ...............................Technical Director Hannah Selwyn ......Manager, Email Marketing Grady Soapes ......................Artistic Producer & Jane Deegan ................................... Administrator Casting Director Leslie Channell ............................................Director, Julie Whelan ...............................................Manager, Facilities Produced Programs Leean Kim Torske......................................Director, Craig Smith....................................................Director Business Operations Literary Programs Lyndsay Corbett ....................Teaching Artist & Mikayla Woods...................................Coordinator, Dwight Barela, Mark Dill, Bryan Faciane, Manager, Bobby G Produced Programs Costume Crafts John Howard............................................Engineers Maria Corral...................................................Director, Suzanne Yoe........................Director, Content & Kevin Copenhaver..................................... Director Steven Bilbao, Abraham Cervantes, Community Engagement Communications Chris Campbell..........................................Assistant Lindsey Cervantes, Carmen Molina, Heather Curran .......................Teaching Artist & Ticketing & Audience Services Judith Primero Molina, Costume Shop Manager, Playwriting Jennifer Lopez ............................................ Director Janet Macleod.....Director/Design Associate Juan Loya Molina................................Custodians Elliot Davis ...........................Evening Registrar & Meghan Anderson Doyle ......Design Associate Michael Kimbrough.....Manager, Engineering Office Coordinator Jessica Alverson, Siri Barrier*, Tamika Cox*, Brian McClain ...................... Manager, Custodial Stephanie Cooper, Mekenzie Dalton*, Zeah Edmonds*, Rachel Ducat..................Executive Assistant & Lauren Estes*, Luke Fish*, Jen Gray*, Amoreena Knabb, Ingrid Ludeke, Patron Experience Business Manager Noa Halpern*, Phi Johnson-Grimes*, Carolyn Plemitscher ...................................Draper Evan Gendreau ....................Associate Director Rya Dyes ...................................................Registrar & Noah Jungferman*, Holly Stigen*, House Crew Elliot Shields.................................................Manager On-Site Class Manager Andrew Sullivan*, Alfonso Vazquez*, Gavin Juckette ....Teaching Artist & Manager, Robert Warner*..............................Ticket Agents Douglas Taylor+....................................Supervisor Kaylyn Kriaski, Leilani Lynch, Connor Baker+............Production Electrician Aaron McMullen, Stacy Norwood, TYA Engagement & Music Kirsten Anderson*, Scott Lix*, Valerie Schaefer................Assistant Managers James Berman+, Forest Fowler+, Timothy McCracken.................Head of Acting Liz Sieroslawski*, Nora Caley, Amy Howard, Rick Mireles ....................................................Manager, Greg Swan* ......................Subscription Agents Dave Mazzeno+, Community Engagement Jon Collins......................Manager, Subscription Kyle Moore+, Matt Wagner+ .......Stagehands Robin Lander, Myrisa Martin, David Saphier.......Teaching Artist & Manager, Katie Davis ......................Manager, VIP Ticketing Joseph Price+ Kelley Reznik+........Assistants Selin Ozcelik, Barbara Pooler, Piper Stormes+ .........................Lead Electrician Wendy Quintana ................... House Managers In-School Programming D.J. Dennis*, Edmund Gurule*, Safety & Security Charlotte Talbert .......................................Librarian Alison Orthel*, Lane Randall*, Lighting Design Rachel Taylor ......Teaching Artist & Manager, Hayley Solano*, Charles MacLeod....................................... Director Quentin Crump........................................... Director Literary Engagement & Resiliency Sam Stump*.................... Counter/Show Leads Lily Bradford...............................................Assistant Timothy Allen, Jodi Benavides............Lead Security Officers Justin WalvoordTeaching Artist & Manager, Billy Dutton............................Associate Director, Operations Paint Shop Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Calum Abeywickrema, Mayte Armendariz, Kristin Hamer MacFarlane .....................Charge Samara Attridge, David Bright, Samuel Wood.................Director, Education & Danielle Freeman ...................................Manager, Scenic Artist Customer Service Jaron Van Horne, Manuel Amaya-Loera, Curriculum Development Melanie Rentschler, Claire Hayes, Ella Mann, Isabella Samaniego, Marcus Sanders, EVENT SERVICES Robert McCowan ....... Managers, Box Office Sasha Seaman.................................Scenic Artists Tori Witherspoon..............Security Specialists Judy Briggs.............................................Front Desk Samantha Egle, Cody Gocio .....Senior Sales Chris Leech...........Coordinator, VIP Ticketing Production & Event Managers Katie Spanos ........................Associate Director, Jeff Gifford .................................................... Director Subscriber Services Julie Brou.................Administrative Assistant/ Stori Heleen-O’Foley.................Event Technical Manager Group Sales Office Manager * Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local B-7 Shane Hotle..................................Audio Engineer Jessica Bergin.......................Associate Director Matthew Campbell.......Production Manager + Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 7 ^ Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 719 David Mandlowitz .....................Video Engineer BK Kamin......................................................Manager, Peggy Carey...................Associate Production Staff list current through August 19, 2024 Audience Development Manager

Chris Thile with the Colorado Symphony

Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Simon Trpceski

Béla Fleck Plays Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

OCT 12

OCT 25-26

NOV 8-10

NOV 16-17

VIEW ALL EVENTS

COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG | 303.623.7876

( 3 03) 86 2 -3 90 0 | r ig h t t i m e . c om