Applause Magazine, April 1-14, 2019

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VOLUME XXX • NUMBER 7 • APR - MAY 2019

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APPLAUSE

SIGHTLINE

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BY JANICE SINDEN

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VO LU M E X X X • N U M B E R 7 • A P R – M AY 2 0 1 9

EDITOR: Suzanne Yoe ASSOCIATE EDITOR: John Moore DESIGN DIRECTOR: Kyle Malone DESIGNERS: Casey Eickhoff, Brenda Elliott, Terri Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sylvie Drake, Jennifer Kemps, Cheyenne Michaels 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.

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Greetings and welcome to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts!

We are delighted you are joining us for the return engagements of The Illusionists and CATS as well as Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Sweat.

Sweat is the culmination of our Denver Center Theatre Company’s 40th season, and what an exceptional season it has been!

First, we greeted Chris Coleman as the Company’s fourth Artistic Director and he swept us up immediately in his Denver directorial debut. In Oklahoma!, he gave us a new perspective on the crucial role African Americans played during the rush to settle the Oklahoma Territory.

This was balanced by the irreverent yet poignant production of Vietgone and William Somerset Maugham’s 1926 oh-so-timely portrayal of The Constant Wife. We then enjoyed our most successful run ever of A Christmas Carol before it goes on hiatus during The Stage Theatre renovation.

January opened with two world premieres — Last Night and the Night Before and The Whistleblower — while Chris once again mounted a fresh approach to a classic with the lush and opulent staging of Anna Karenina.

These last three plays all took place as the Theatre Company was welcoming sold-out crowds to its 14th annual Colorado New Play Summit. Four readings of works in development, three one-act play readings by winners of our Regional High School Workshop and Playwriting Competition, and one concert reading of our first musical commission — Rattlesnake Kate. It was an exhilarating whirlwind that showcased the best new voices in the American theatre.

Now we set our gaze forward — to a new season, to new theatres, to new plays and playwrights. You can read all about our 2019/20 DCPA Theatre Company season on pages 10-11, which will offer up the first-ever production of A Doll’s House and A Doll’s House, Part 2 in repertory, a direct-from-Broadway hit and two world premieres.

Thank you for joining us for this remarkable season. You are the reason we tell stories — to remind every person in our audience that the stories on our stages reflect the diversity, the complexity and the beauty of our community.

Janice Sinden President & CEO

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

UPCOMING

SHOWS

Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ biggest stars step into the spotlight — actors, designers, students and you.

Powered By Off-Center Now – Apr 14 The Illusionists Now – Apr 14 Between Us Now – May 26 CATS Apr 24 – 28 Sweat Apr 26 – May 26 Wicked May 8 – Jun 9 The Last Defender May 28 – Jul 28

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Fiddler on the Roof Jun 11 – 16 Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles Jun 23 Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jul 9 – 28 It’s Not You, It’s Me The Second City Jul 31 – Aug 25

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Anastasia Aug 7 – 18

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Indecent Aug 30 – Oct 6

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Photos by John Moore and Amanda Tipton.

Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End Sep 4 – 22

1. DCPA hosted an Auction Preview Party in advance of its 39th annual Saturday Night Alive benefit for arts and education. The Silent Auction, which featured a walk-on role in the upcoming tour of Wicked, was chaired by Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons and Jack Fitzgibbons. 2. THEATRE COMPANY patrons got first-hand insight into Anna Karenina when they attended a pre-show Perspective discussion with the cast. 3. DCPA EDUCATION’s Regional High School Playwriting Workshop and Competition culminated in readings of one-act plays at three area high schools. DSST: Conservatory Green High School students enjoyed Después de la Illuvia (After the Rain) by Katanu Mwendwa. Read more on page 32. 4. BROADWAY enjoyed an opening night cast party at A Bronx Tale, where young Frankie Leoni (right) celebrated his touring debut with fans in the Chazz Palminteri / Robert DeNiro production. 5. THEATRE COMPANY artisans proved the notion that “math is cool” when they created an uncommon elliptical-shaped stage floor for Anna Karenina.

Their work inspired a new NewsCenter series called “Standing Equation.” Check it out: denvercenter.org/NewsCenter-Standing-Equation. 6. THEATRE COMPANY casts formed a mutual admiration society when actresses Allison Altman (Anna Karenina) and Zaria Kelley (Last Night and the Night Before) met at an opening night party.

A Doll’s House & A Doll’s House, Part 2 in repertory Sep 6 – Nov 24 Miss Saigon Sep 10 – 22 The Improvised Shakespeare Company Oct 15 – Mar 22 Blue Man Group Oct 22 – 27 The Phantom of the Opera Nov 6 – 17 Twelfth Night Nov 15 – Dec 22 Jesus Christ Superstar Nov 26 – Dec 1 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical Dec 3 – 8 Mannheim Steamroller

by Chip Davis Dec 14 – 15 Escape to Margaritaville Dec 23 – Jan 5 FOR A COMPLETE LIST, VISIT DENVERCENTER.ORG Tickets for some shows are currently unavailable.

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A two-sided story of self-discovery, performed in repertory for the first time ever

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The North American Tour Company of Cats. Photo by Matthew Murphy. 2019

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This musical will inspire you to be adventurous and take risks. …Don’t get discouraged by obstacles or challenges; you will always land on your feet.

— JENNIFER KEMPS, CATS FANATIC JENNIFER KEMPS IS THE FORMER GROUP SALES MANAGER OF THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND A SELF-AVOWED CATS FANATIC

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The first musical I ever saw in New York City was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. I was eight years old, and my mom had read us the poems over and over again from T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. This was to be my first musical experience. My family and I made the special trip in from New Jersey to the Winter Garden Theatre. At age 40 today, I wish I could go back and tell my eight-year-old self how extraordinary this matinee would be. The following is the letter I would write.

Dear Jennifer (age eight), I know you are excited! You are about to watch the most magical Jellicle Ball with cats of all shapes, sizes and colors.

I know Mom has told you that the cats will come out in the audience. Don’t be afraid; they won’t touch you. The lights will go out in the theatre and you will be transported to the junkyard where the cats live and play. Cat eyes will glow from all around the stage and you’ll lean forward in your seat waiting with enthusiasm. Each cat will teach you a valuable lesson if you listen closely.

• Asparagus “Gus” – There is a thrill to being the center of attention; embrace that moment as it will fade.

• Jennyanydots – Nobody will call you Jenny, let alone Jenny-any-dots.

• Bustopher Jones – Never turn down free food.

• Grizabella – It will get lonely sometimes, but you’ll come out stronger on the other side.

• Macavity – Being peculiar and unique is a good thing!

• Skimbleshanks – It’s important to have a good work ethic and let people rely on you.

APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

• Mr. Mistoffelees – There is always magic around you.

• Mungojerrie / Rumpleteazer – Own up to your actions regardless of whether there are others to blame.

• Old Deuteronomy – You become wiser with age, and also slower.

• Rum Tum Tugger – Be carefree and laid back; don’t take life too seriously.

This musical will inspire you to be adventurous and take risks. You’ll learn to be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll know when to be the center of attention or to sit back with a curious spirit and observe. You’ll learn how to live in the moment and enjoy the simple joys around you. You’ll be kind and loving to animals and will have cats of your own someday. Don’t get discouraged by obstacles or challenges; you will always land on your feet.

With love, Jennifer (age 40) The uniqueness of this musical — from the costumes to the set and lights — will ground you and let you experience life as a cat. I walked away with such awe and appreciation for live theatre that it has become the one constant in my life.

Take a moment to observe and respect all the cats on stage. There is a special characteristic to each as they portray the feline species. And after 120 minutes, I hope you arch your back, stretch your claws and have more strut in your step.

CATS APR 24 – 28 BUELL THEATRE ASL interpreted, Audio-described and Open Captioned performance: Apr 27 at 2pm

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IN READING

Illustration by Kyle Malone

B Y S Y LV I E D R A K E

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APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • DENVERCENTER.ORG 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Visionary playwrights often identify events destined to alter society well before anyone else is remotely up to speed. You’ll find such prescience in Ibsen’s plays, plenty of Shakespeare’s, some of O’Neill’s and, more recently, pretty much all of the late August Wilson’s.

When it comes to playwright Lynn Nottage, the analogy with Wilson is particularly pronounced, if unintended.

Wilson and Nottage simply share a vibrant social conscience that guides their creativity.

Both are attracted to issues that affect the marginalized among us. Both tend to overwrite, yet both also have the talent to do it so eloquently that we’re almost always willing to forgive. And Nottage, by now, has elbowed her way up into that rarefied pantheon of artists known for their social awareness and their committed body of work.

Her 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning Sweat, which you are about to see, focuses on line workers in a factory central to life in Reading, Pennsylvania, at the beginning of the 21st century. Reading is a town that the playwright meticulously researched and identified as one of the poorest in the country. We’re invited to share some of its work force’s high spirits, camaraderie and seemingly endless good fortune in the neighborhood bar where some of these people gather after work to relax and share a few drinks.

Little do they suspect how soon — and how radically — that measured life will change. The ramifications of the 1994 NAFTA agreement (never mentioned by name) will yank them from their moorings and toss them into the maelstrom of losing the only jobs they’ve ever known, leaving them to flounder without a compass or a clear path forward.

For director Rose Riordan, a longtime Associate Artistic Director of Oregon’s Portland Center Stage, directing Sweat in Denver is a first encounter with this playwright’s work. “Nottage,” she says, “writes about what she cares about, and she goes deep. Sweat fits right into her ethic and her curiosity.”

Sweat also happens to be Nottage’s second Pulitzer Prize-winner — a first for a woman. It was preceded in 2009 by her Pulitzer-winning play Ruined, a gritty ode to survival in war-torn Congo by the population of an isolated brothel run by the pragmatic Mama Nadi; she’s a protective madam who nonetheless also profits from the women she shelters, taking no prisoners. The play was seen at the Denver Center in 2011.

Sweat zeroes in on people in a crisis much closer to home, but its effect on them is no less devastating. Her focus is on workers descended from generations of unionized laborers at the same plant who held the same jobs all of their working years and looked forward to retirement with generous pensions. The drill was familiar and not expected to change. Until it did.

Let’s face it: losing security in middle age is paralyzing — a shock from which it is not easy to recover. Such workers feel betrayed, confused and lost. Can they pull out of this quagmire? Are they merely complacent?

Is there blame to assign?

“I never see characters I direct as bad or good,” comments Riordan.

“I think they’re living the only way they know how. They simply claim ownership to something that’s been part of their family for generations and as far back as anyone can remember, and they don’t have the capacity to believe it can change or end. They don’t seem to understand business and its lack of concern for their well-being.”

Since the action in Sweat is mostly confined to that working-class bar frequented almost daily by these neighborhood habitués, we get to know them pretty well. They spend their off hours drinking away time and money, gossiping and nursing grudges or relationships, as they wait for those promised golden years.

Two of the women — Tracey, alcoholic and angry, and Cynthia, more resourceful and ambitious — have sons Jason and Chris, respectively, who are buddies and also work at the plant. The boys have inherited more than a way of life. They also reflect their parents’ differing notions about how to cope.

“I think they’re living the only way they know how. …They don’t have the capacity to believe it can change or end.”

— ROSE RIORDAN, DIRECTOR

“They represent possibility,” says Riordan. “One is complacent and doesn’t reach for more; the other has a shot at something completely different. It’s a kind of betrayal that nobody, especially not his best friend, really understands.”

That is as close as Nottage wants to come to taking a position. She sees these people as they are. Her unwavering bead on their authenticity validates the play.

That includes the bar’s owner, Stan — an aging former plant worker who had been injured on the line and became a barkeep to earn some dollars and stay close to his community. Stan is friend, colleague and confidant to all, including Oscar, his diligent if quiet American-born Latino busboy. Oscar is the outlier. When Stan decides it’s time to sell the bar, he sells to Oscar.

As Riordan sees it, “Oscar represents America’s changing demographic.

He’s the future and stands in clear contrast to the denizens of this town, particularly of this bar, who treated him like he was invisible.”

Nottage chooses to make her play jump around in time, carefully recording the date of each scene in astute political detail. These notations allow the audience to draw its own conclusions. If Sweat refrains from judgment, it doesn’t shy away from pointing to the social failures that let those workers down. Nottage is careful to not do the work for us. She simply opens the door, provides the instructions on connecting the dots and points us in the right direction.

COSTUME COLUMN Lynn Nottage’s 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama takes place in the small industrial town of Reading, Pennsylvania, in the early 2000s. One might think moderndress shows are a piece of cake compared to productions with period costumes, but they can still require a bit of sweat.

For Costume Designer Kevin Copenhaver, the biggest obstacle is the cinematic nature of the show.

“Most of these scenes flow right into each other, without characters even leaving the stage, so I have to visually help tell that story with internal quick changes where possible,” Copenhaver said. “This might involve the removal or addition of a piece of clothing, a quick hairstyle modification, or in some cases, a makeup switch.”

Nottage based her play on interviews she conducted in 2011 with working-class residents of Reading, which at the time was one of the poorest cities in America. “The characters in this piece have to be relatable and real,” Copenhaver said. “I will be paying careful attention to small details, such as the aging and distressing of the clothes worn in the factory, to the small touches that might lend a bit of depth — such as personalization (jewelry, style, etc.) and choice in terms of what a character might wear when not ‘on the job.’”

Sylvie Drake is a translator, writer, and a former theatre critic and columnist for the Los Angeles Times. She is a regular contributor to culturalweekly.com and served for several years as Director of Publications for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

SWEAT APR 26 – MAY 26 • SPACE THEATRE

ASL Interpreted, Audio-Described performance: May 19, 1:30pm Personal Closed Captioning Devices available May 7 – 26 Please stay for a Talkback immediately following the performance: May 4 – 26

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THE ILLUSIONISTS

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST COLIN CLOUD (The Deductionist). (Scotland) He’s the real-life Sherlock Holmes of the mind, if Holmes had a flair for comedy.

Colin Cloud was accepted to study Forensic Investigation at university in Glasgow at just 15 years old. Since graduating, he has been speaking and performing at events across the globe. On TV and stage, Colin has stunned celebrities, sceptics, royalty and fans alike with his outrageous stunts and revelations which challenge the way we all think about the universe. His self-written/directed Edinburgh Festival shows have sol d out year on year to fivestar acclaim, resulting in him being voted in the top three from more than 4000 acts. More recently, Colin made waves around the world appearing on “America’s Got Talent,” where he solved the on stage ‘murder’ of Simon Cowell. From London’s West End to North America, New York to New Zealand, Colin’s popularity shows no bounds. WARNING: Colin Cloud may reveal your personal thoughts for entertainment purposes. T:@Colin_Cloud I:@ColinCloud W:ColinCloud.com RAYMOND CROWE (The Unusualist).

Australian-born Crowe has charmed audiences all over the world for the past 30 years. He’s called the Unusualist for a good reason — there is no other entertainer like him! He is a world-class magician, physical comedian, trained mime, ventriloquist, inventor and master of intricate shadow puppetry. In addition to regularly per-forming his own popular touring shows, Crowe is also a highly sought-after entertainer for international and domestic television and corporate events. In the magic world, his highly creative and inspiring acts are greatly admired, and he is continually invited to lecture and perform for magicians across the globe. His signature piece “The Shadows” has become an internet phenomenon, with more than 200 million hits world-wide, and features his astounding and intricate hand shadows to the Louis Armstrong classic “What a Wonderful World.” Crowe’s unique brand of light-hearted comedy, mischievous ventriloquism and exquisite shadow puppetry guarantees belly laughs and gasps of amazement for those of any age. raymondcrowe.com facebook.com/RaymondCroweUnusualist PAUL DABEK (The Trickster) Paul Dabek will show you why he’s widely regarded as one of the funniest magicians on the planet. He has performed across 6 continents, From London to Las Vegas! As well as appearing on BBC TV. An accomplished magician, comedian and actor Paul’s skills have won him critical acclaim, Time Out magazine named him ‘a superb showman!’ Both The Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians have recognised Paul’s talent naming him Young Magician of the Year and awarding him the British Shield. Incredible magic, quick-witted humour and machine gun delivery combine with a personality that reaches to the very back of the theatre.

Dressed to impress and with more thrust than a NASA lift off, Dabek bursts onto stage with a quick wit and charismatic flair that captivates all.

JONATHAN GOODWIN (The Daredevil) British born Stunt performer and Escape Artist Jonathan, is widely considered the greatest theatrical daredevil in the world.

Goodwin has been hanged, buried alive, hung by his toes from helicopters, burned at the stake, attacked by sharks, and bitten by rattlesnakes to name just a few of his terrifying and insane stunts. Goodwin has been called “the closest thing this planet boasts to a real life superhero.” He is an accomplished knife thrower, archer, escape artist, fakir, martial artist, free diver, aerialist, and rock climber. Unlike the other performers in the show, Jonathan is not a magician or illusionist and everything you see him do is very very real. Jonathan-Goodwin.com Twitter:@TheDaredevil Instagram:JonathanGoodwinOfficial AN HA LIM (The Manipulator) As Korea’s best manipulator, An Ha Lim’s performance is fast-paced, filled with excitement and daring. His card magic shocked the world with never-before-seen effects and his use of variety of colors. The 1000 cards that beautifully appear from the tip of his hand is sure to mesmerize you. He has placed first in 5 international magic competitions, and has kept his place as the world’s best manipulator for the past 10 years. His performance is so enticing that it was even featured in the wellknown magic magazine, Genie, in 2008.

He has performed on stage in Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and England amongst others and finally joined the team, Ilusionists.

Awarded the Golden Lion Award at one of the most prestigious magic competition in Las Vegas, World Magic Seminar, prepare to be amazed at this truly amazing performance. 2006 Korea Busan International Magic Competition 1st Prize. 2006 Italy Club Convention Manipulation 1st Prize.

2007 World Magic Seminar in Asia 1st Prize. 2008 World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas – Golden Lion Award. 2008 IBM/ SAM Joint Convention Stage Grand Prix.

2009 Monte Carlo Magic Stars Special Guest Award.

SABINE VAN DIEMEN (The Sorceress) Sabine was born in Amsterdam. She started in show business as a dancer for The Holland Show Ballet when she was 18 years old. Sabine has been working in magic for over a decade. During this time she worked with master magician Hans Klok and won the Silver Clown at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Sabine has starred in the London West End show Impossible and is one of the resident hosts at Amsterdam Magic.

She has starred in several TV shows in Europe. Sabine starred in the West End show Impossible as a solo artist.

Instagram: @Sabinevandiemen

ASHLEIGH MCCREADY (Magician’s Assistant, Dance Captain, Resident Director) Australia’s Ash McCready began her creative entertainment career in her teens, touring the world in multiple dance/cabaret/circus shows spanning Europe, the middle east, UK, USA, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. She was the associate choreographer and resident director for Le Noir – The Dark side of Cirque and La Nova Cirque, the associate director for Cirque Adrenaline as well as the assistant director for numerous international site-specific events. Ash is very excited to tour USA and Canada as the Resident Director for The Illusionists.

NICK RAIANO (Magician’s Assistant) Nick Raiano is a well-known dancer, choreographer, and performer; you may have spotted him on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Disney, or with your favorite 3-Man trio, “The Agents” at NBA Halftime Shows across the country! Nick is a true pioneer in this ever-growing dance world!

ALISON KOROLY (Magician’s Assistant) Alison Koroly, originally from Akron, Ohio, began her professional career with the Cincinnati Ballet. Moving away from ballet, she went on to work for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Alison now resides in Las Vegas, where she opened the resident show, Masters of Illusion. This is her first tour and first time with The Illusionists.

JESÚS SEPÚLVEDA MALDONADO (Magician’s Assistant) Jesús Sepúlveda Maldonado is making his national tour debut with The Illusionists. Previous credits include: Larry in A Chorus Line (Regional), Telemundo events and various projects with Luis Salgado. In 2018, he moved to NYC from Puerto Rico and thanks his family, friends and Rybin Talent Management for their support!

SIMON PAINTER (Creative Producer) is a visionary creative producer and entrepreneur based in California. Originally from London, Simon started his career as a classical violinist but soon transitioned into producing and creating commercial theatre. During the last ten years, Simon has been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry, having launched and managed major performance venues and conceived, created and produced acclaimed productions such as Adrenaline and Le Noir. The first show he produced, Le Grand Cirque smashed box office records at the Sydney Opera House selling over 40,000 tickets in ten days. The Illusionists franchise followed, becoming one of the biggest magic shows of all time, playing in over 350 cities in 35 countries, breaking records around the world including Broadway’s Marquis, St. James and Palace theatres. Current productions include the international tours of Circus 1903 currently playing in London and Lionsgate’s Now You See Me. theworksent.com

NEIL DORWARD (Creative Producer/ Director). A top commercial theatre and TV director/choreographer, Neil’s work can be seen on critically acclaimed shows around the world: All Night Long (U.S./ European tour), Rock Around the Clock (Monte Carlo), Spirit of Christmas (Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles) and Man in the Mirror (European tour). Neil has proudly directed The Illusionists franchise from its debut at the Sydney Opera House, Australia in 2012 to London’s Apollo Theatre on the West End in 2015 and three seasons on New York’s Broadway. In early 2015 he created Illusionists: Turn of the Century, about the Golden Age of Magic, which premiered in Australia to fantastic reviews. In 2016 he debuted Circus 1903, featuring some of the world’s greatest circus talent set in a time before aviation. Circus 1903 takes audiences back more than century and brings the past to colorful life.

Most recently, Neil directed Now You See Me Live, the exhilarating live stage show based on Lionsgate’s blockbuster film franchise Now You See Me. JENN RAPP (Associate Director/Choreographer) Broadway: The Illusionists (Palace 2016, Neil Simon Theatre 2015; Marquis 2014). World premiere: Mary And Max (choreographer, Theatre Calgary).

U.S. tour: D Cappella, Disney a cappella group (cho-reographer). Off-Broadway: Squash (The Flea), Found (Atlantic Theater Company), Indian Ink (Roundabout Theatre Company), Bare (Martian Entertainment), Carrie (MCC Theater), Lucky Guy (Alchemy Productions). NYC: The Secret Garden, Ragtime (MCP, Lincoln Center Theater); Prison Dancer (NYMF, Outstanding Choreography Award); Song for a Future Generation, Taiga in the Berkshires (Williamstown Theatre Festival).

Norwegian Cruise Line (director/choreogra-pher): Le Cirque Bijou. Tour: The Illusionists (U.S., Asia, Mexico, Panama), Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! (U.S. tour). TV: “The Knick” (Cinemax), “Royal Pains” (USA). JennRapp.com JARED A. SAYEG (Lighting Design) is a four-time Ovation Award Nominee and winner of the Ovation, StageRaw, Garland and the LADDC Kinetic Lighting Awards.

His designs have been seen throughout the US, in Canada, Spain, London, Edinburgh & Las Vegas. His designs for The Illu-

sionists have been seen on Broadway and two National Tours. Regional: Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, 5TH Avenue Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus, International City Theatre, Reprise, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Virginia Stage Company, The Colony, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. On the West-End he designed Rolling with Laughter at Her Majesty’s Theatre and Gotham Glory at Carnegie Hall. He was on the design teams for the Broadway productions of PRIMO, The Woman in White, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the national tour of Blithe Spirit starring Angela Lansbury. Other designs include productions for Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines, the NBA All Star Game, LA Lakers at Staples Center, Neil Diamond’s world tour, LA Auto Show, and had the honor of lighting Pope Benedict XVI for the Papal Rally in NYC. Jared is Principal Designer for the prestigious USA International Ballet Competition held every four years. He has served as designer to artists such as Sutton Foster, Jason Alexander, Barbara Cook, Martin Short, Liz Callaway, Lorna Luft and Betty Buckley. His architectural designs are seen regularly in restaurants and exhibits as well as the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers and became the youngest member to join the United Scenic ArtistsLocal 829 and serves as a trustee to the executive board. jaslighting.com ANGELA AARON (Costume Designer).

Angela Aaron began in Europe designing for fashion magazines and continues to work internationally designing costumes for wide variety of theatrical and commercial productions. Domestic TV credits include America’s Next Top Model and America’s Got Talent. Music videos in 2015 alone include Pitbull’s “Fireball” & Magic!’s 750+ million YouTube hit, “Rude.” Angela’s celebrity work includes Marilyn Manson, Michael C Hall & Aerosmith among others. Theatrical credits include The Illusionists, Illusionists 1903, Cirque Le Noir & the forthcoming Circus 1903. She loves working with talented teams of creative people while contributing to the visual aspect of a performance with her costumes.

NICE STUDIOS (Video Design) is a multi disciplinary design and production studio with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Founded in 2011 by award winning visual effects supervisor, Ian Noe, and Emmy Award winning animator, Gil Nevo, Nice Studios specializes in promotional videos as well as animated LED content design and high end print. Nice Studios has supported the entire Illusionists franchise including The Illusionists, The Illusionists 2.0, The Illusionists 1903 as well as Le Noir with print work, video and creative consultation. nice-studios.com EVAN JOLLY (Composer). Evan is a London-based composer, arranger, orchestrator and conductor. His main role is as a composer for theatre, film, TV and games. Theatre credits include Circus 1903 (Sydney Opera House, Southbank

Centre London), Illusionists: Live from Broadway (Broadway, world tour), Thriller Live (West End, world tour), The Genius of Ray Charles (West End, U.K. and U.S. tours), Big White Fog (Almeida Theatre).

Film and TV includes Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Hacksaw Ridge, The Lime-house Golem, “The Crown,” “Agatha Rai-sin,” “The Split.” Primeval games include the Harry Potter franchise, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3, Dead Space 3, Evil Genius, The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest. Arranging and orchestrating credits include Under The Skin, Woodshock, Kalei-doscope, Quincy Jones, Metropole Orkest, Liane Carroll, Mika, Katherine Jenkins, Ja-mie Callum, Gary Barlow, SilvaScreen Re-cords, BBC Proms.

EDDIE COLE, DUSTIN MOORE (Additional Composition).They Took Off, composer/ producer/DJ duo of Dustin Moore (aka Neon Phoenix) and Eddie Cole. Credits include the 2008 hip-hop Grammy-nominated Nas album Untitled, the original The Illusionists show score, and many professional artist collaborations. Both are bred musicians: Moore’s mother toured as a rock/funk band-leader in the 1970’s; Eddie is the great-nephew to Nat ‘King’ Cole. Their multitude of influences result in a self-designated sub-genre of Galaxy Music, encompassing elements of glo-fi, underground hip-hop, experimental electropop, and vintage jazz-rock.

THE WORKS ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) creates, produces and presents the productions of Simon Painter and Tim Lawson across an ever-expanding network of more than 250 cities in 25 countries. Their shows have broken box office records many times over through many of these territories, including Sydney (Opera House), Broadway (Marquis and Neil Simon theatres), Mexico (Auditorio National) and London (Shaftesbury Theatre). In 2007, their first production, Le Grand Cirque at the Sydney Opera House, became the biggest-selling show at the iconic venue and led to multiple international productions. They repeated the success over the coming years with Aerial Dreams and Cirque Adrenaline, again launching at the Sydney Opera House followed by extensive international touring.

Recognizing the absence in the market of a high-quality touring magic show, the company created a production showcasing seven of the world’s best magicians: The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible, which has quickly become the most successful group magic show in the world, with pro-ductions playing simultaneously throughout the world and spawning TV specials on ITV UK and NBC. Following this unprecedented success, The Illusionists 2.0 – The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists 1903 – Turn of The Century were created to follow and tour internationally. Their critically acclaimed production Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque, has been setting imaginations and box office records on fire, with arenas and theatres transformed like never before, so audiences experience the jaw-dropping, daredevil talents of the world’s finest circus artists and acrobats in a 360 degree

THE ILLUSIONISTS

TIM LAWSON (Executive Producer) Australasian theatrical credits include Sweet Charity; Buddy The Musical; Jolson; Spirit of the Dance; Oh! What a Night; Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol; It’s a Dad Thing!; Weary: The Life of Sir Edward Dunlop; Shout! The Musical; Brave Men Run In Our Family; Jekyll and Hyde; The Rocky Horror Show narrated by Richard O’Brien; A Chorus Line (and London Palladium season); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; and Fiddler on the Roof with Anthony Warlow. With partner Simon Painter, credits include the international theatre and arena tours of Le Grand Cirque, Ariel Dreams, Adrenaline, Le Noir, The Illusionists, Circus 1903 and Now You See Me. Collectively their network spans over 350 cities through 35 countries. tmlenterprises.com

THE ILLUSIONISTS

setting. Their latest production, Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus, is enjoying a sold-out world premiere season in Australia prior to a U.S. and international tour.

MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer). MagicSpace Entertainment is headed

by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay and Bruce Granath and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for over 35 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in the world, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 350 events worldwide per year.

Recent Broadway credits include The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible (Broadway & West End), The Illusionists – Live On Broadway, The Illusionists – Turn of the Century, Donny & Marie – A Broadway Christmas, American Idiot and RAIN – A Tribute To The Beatles On Broadway and Alton Brown Live – Eat You Science on Broadway. National tour credits include The Illusionists – Live From Broadway, Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage starring in Mythbusters – Unleashed, Alton Brown Live, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Donny & Marie Christmas, RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles, The Magic of David Copperfield, Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus, Brain Candy Live starring Adam Savage and Michael Stevens, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line and national concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher and Fleetwood Mac to name just a few. Touring museum exhibitions produced include Juassic World: The Exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohsexhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition and Diana – A Celebration, St Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition. MagicSpace Entertainment has offices in Park City and Salt Lake City, UT. magicspace.net

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Creative Producer Simon Painter Executive Producer Tim Lawson Director/Choreographer Neil Dorward Creative Director Jim Millan Assistant Director Cat Ferrier Advance Production Manager Mike Martin Producer Jonathan Sanford Associate Producer Danielle McKechnie Orchestral Recordings Prague Symphony Orchestra Additional Guitars Luis Almau Additional Keyboards & Brass Evan Jolly Music Mix Simon Changer, Toby Wood

STAFF FOR THE ILLUSIONISTS - Live From Broadway GENERAL MANAGER MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Dave Stinson COMPANY MANAGER Kathy Crawford Hawkins PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Jill Golding

The Lighting Designer for this production are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local-USA 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT IN ITS 2018/19 BROADWAY SEASON

PRESS REPRESENTATION TELLEM/GRODY PR John Tellem, Dan Grody MARKETING REPRESENTATION MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Kristy Maple Head Carpenter...............................................Jeremy Luce Asst Carpenter.................................................Sydney Rush Asst Prod Supervisor.................. Alexandra Tenenbaum Head Electrician ...........................................Travis Pigman Assistant Electrician.....................................Zachary Baltz Head Sound ................................................ Kenny Crayton Head Props .................... ...............................Wes Mathison Camera Operator................................. Tristan Armstrong Camera Operator...... .............................Baylee Beardslee Video Engineer................................................John Haslam Wardrobe Supervisor ................................. Kazli Sullivan Automated Lighting Programmer…........Chris Osborne Merchandise..........................................Kristina Valenzuela Insurance..................................................... Crane Insurance TOUR DIRECTION

PLEASE BE ADVISED • LATECOMERS and those exiting the theatre are seated at predetermined breaks in designated areas.

• PHOTOS, RECORDING & CELL PHONE USE are prohibited.

• CHILDREN 6+ are welcome in our theatres and must be ticketed.

• DRINKS are allowed in provided containers.

THE ROAD COMPANY, Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota

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

WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR, Clint Mitchell

• BRAILLE PROGRAMS are available with 2 weeks’ notice to ckrueger@dcpa.org or 303.893.4836.

THE WORKS ENTERTAINMENT Executive/Creative Producer................... Simon Painter Executive Producer......................................... Tim Lawson Managing Director/ Executive Producer................................Andrew Spencer Acting Financial Controller.....................Yolanda Gentle Technical Director............................ Vincent Schonbrodt Producer/General Manager................Jonathan Sanford Producer.............................................. Danielle McKechnie Associate Producer............................. Robyn MacFarlane International Marketing....... AKA, Melbourne Australia Graphic Design.......................................... Sammy Cortino MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Chief Executive Officer/Producer Lee D. Marshall Chairman................................................................ Joe Marsh President......................................................John W. Ballard Chief Operating Officer................................ Steve Boulay Vice President, Touring................................Dave Stinson Vice President, Marketing............................ Kristy Maple Tour Marketing........................................... Grace Torreano Graphic Design.................................................Katie Perhai Accounting.......................................... Mary Deon-Roberts Assistant........................................................ Teresa Birkner CREDITS “What A Wonderful World” Words and Music

by George David Weiss and Robert Thiele. This selection is used by special arrangement with Concord Music Publishing LLC, on behalf of Abilene Music, www.concord.com, Quartet Music, used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Sydney Opera House, Gil Nevo & Ian Noe from Nice Studios, Clint Mitchell, Lee Marshall, Stephen Lindsay WARNING The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording inside this theatre, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages.

Become a fan of The Illusionists on Twitter @Illusionists7, Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube! www.TheIllusionistsLive.com

Members of Denver Theatrical Wardrobe, Wigs, Hair and Make-up, Union 719 Linda Ackerschott Carrie Breidenbach Vonnie Clough Janel Clough Craig Cory Cyndie Cory Laura Cotugno Steve Davies Anne Davis Carolyn Dore Deborah Guess AnnSue Gunter

Judy Holabird Leslie Lambert Sharon Millikan-Hale Callie Morrow Laura Payne Yolanda Pollock Dave Poole Liz Spadi Amy Tepel Marybeth Tscherpel Barb Wilson

DPAC House Crew Mark Anthony Albert Sainz, Sr Perry Elliot Jay Schenk James R. Gralian David A. Wilson EJ Posselius THE BUELL THEATRE is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Arts and Venues.

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THE ILLUSIONISTS

BY JOHN MOORE

“I tell young women wanting to pursue magic to make yourself the role model.

Anything you want to do is possible as long as you work hard and go after it.”

Raymond Crowe(left) and Sabine Diemen (inset) The Illusionists • 2019 US Tour

20

T

The Illusionists, Live From Broadway is a sophisticated variety show that gives seven of the greatest magicians in the world 10 minutes each to blow your mind. And then, on to the next.

“Most of our audiences love all five of them,” says Director Neil Dorward. But should you not care for one, just blink and another will appear before your very eyes. The ensemble includes an escape artist, a mentalist, a daredevil and a deductionist.

The Illusionists was (and remains) a simple performance concept that Dorward and Creative Producer Simon Painter modestly launched in 2012 as a two-week run at the Sydney Opera House. It has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon that has played on Broadway and now has three current touring productions traveling the world, with stops including Canada and Russia.

There is just something we humans universally love about being fooled, Painter said. “That goes back to childhood,” he said, “that lovely age of innocence.” But why do we so love to be fooled? That’s a bit like saying, “Why does a kid like Christmas?” Painter said. Both require a certain suspension of disbelief — and a healthy belief in magic.

The current touring production of The Illusionists features its first-ever female magician, Sabine Diemen of Amsterdam.

Diemen joined the Holland Show Ballet as a dancer at age 18, and that opened the door to her joining The Illusionists.

“One of the assistants had an injury one day, and they put me in the illusion called The Fire Cage,” she said. “I immediately loved it.”

Because magicians have always been men, Diemen added, “We don’t have a Beyoncé of magic.”

They do now.

“I love the idea of inspiring young girls,” she said. “I tell young women wanting to pursue magic that even if there are not many role models to look up to, make yourself the role model. Anything you want to do is possible as long as you work hard and go after it.”

Her message for Denver audiences: “The Illusionists is a jampacked show with all the varieties of magic you can wish for. I know for sure you’ll have lots to talk about at the dinner table after you’ve seen the show.”

— SABINE DIEMEN, THE ILLUSIONISTS

THE ILLUSIONISTS APR 12 – 14 • BUELL THEATRE

APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

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Communications Events Associate Ariel Keener.........Coordinator, Special Events Donna Hendricks................Executive Assistant Marc Ravenhill....................Director, Individual & Jeff Hovorka......... Director, Sales & Marketing Institutional Philanthropy Emily Kent................................Director, Marketing David Lenk.......................................Video Producer EDUCATION Emily Lozow......Marketing & Digital Manager Allison Watrous..................... Executive Director Adam Lundeen...........Marketing Technologist Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski.......................Director of Kyle Malone.....................................Design Director Education & Curriculum Management Helen Masvikeni..........................Project Manager Stuart Barr..................................Technical Director Carolyn Michaels....................................Copywriter Claudia Carson.....Teaching Artist & Program Cheyenne Michaels.........Marketing Associate Manager – Playwriting & Bobby G John Moore....................... Senior Arts Journalist Leslie Channell....................Director of Business Anna Nunez........................Jr. Marketing Analyst Operations Joseph Schurwonn.................Financial Analyst Linda Eller........................................................Librarian Sarah Shepard........................... Communications Coordinator Dana Good...............................Assistant Registrar Timothy McCracken...................Head of Acting Austin Walker.................Marketing Coordinator Andre Rodriguez......................Teaching Artist & Suzanne Yoe...........Director, Communications & Cultural Affairs Program Manager – Shakespeare David Saphier.......Teaching Artist & Program TICKETING & AUDIENCE SERVICES Manager – In School Programming Elizabeth Schmit..........................Office Manager Jennifer Lopez....................Director, Ticketing & Audience Services Melissa Sumner............................................Registrar Rachel Taylor...............................Teaching Artist & Ticketing Services Program Manager – Literacy Engagement Kirk Petersen...........................Associate Director, Patron Relations and Resiliency Programming Justin Walvoord........................Teaching Artist & Micah White.............................Associate Director, Program Manager – Teacher Subscription Services Professional Development Billy Dutton....Associate Director, Operations Maggy Stacy, Malcolm Brown..............Subscription Manager Robyn Yamada............................Teaching Artists Amanda Gomez...........VIP Ticketing Manager Christina Gesford, FACILITIES & EVENT SERVICES Tristan Jungferman, Zoë Mäkelä, Lauren Trujillo....................Box Office Managers Clay Courter.......................................Vice President D.J. Dennis, Edmund Gurule, Roger Haak, Rebecca Hibbert, Hayley Solano, Steven Allen, Benjamin Koenig, Michael Quezada................Security Specialists Mariah Thompson..............................Show Leads Kirsten Anderson, Keenan Coke, Quentin Crump, Cody Gocio.....................Lead Security Officers Scott Lix, Brad Steinmeyer, Gregory Swan.....................Subscription Agents Dwight Barela, Mark Dill, Rena Bugg, James Bullock, Adam Busch, Eric Farrell, Clint Flinchpaugh, Michael Kimbrough................................ Engineers Kelcee Covert, Cynthia Dillon, Jennifer Gray, Kristina Guarriello, Taylor Hayes, Danielle Bell, Savanna Campbell, Matt Leaver.................................Events Managers Noah Jungferman, Cecillia Kim, Timothy Courson.....................Director, Facilities Gustavo Márquez, Frank Millington III, Management Clayton Nickell, Hayley Obremski, Gunnar Reinig, Becca Saunders, Jane Deegan................................. Office Manager Liz Sieroslawski, Andrew Sullivan, Colin Dieck, Stori Heleen, Will Stowe, Emmalaine Wright.........................Ticket Agents Ian Wells.............Event Technology Specialists Theatre Services Tom Duffin...........Manager, Event Technology Carol Krueger............................................... Manager Dan Havens................................Security Manager Ethan Aumann, Nora Caley, Brian McClain.....................Custodial Supervisor Samantha Egle, Jahnice Jones,

LeiLani Lynch, Aaron McMullen, Stacey Renee Norwood, Margaret Ohlander, Dylan Phibbs, Valerie Schaefer, Elizabeth Schreffler, Elliot Shields, Lauren Veselak, Mica Ward..................................Theatre Company House Managers Volunteer Ushers................................................305+ Group Sales Jessica Bergin................Groups Sales Manager Jonalyn Bradshaw.............................Coordinator, Education Sales Patrick Naughton...Group Sales Coordinator SHARED SERVICES Vicky Miles........................Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Jeffrey........................Director, Financial Planning & Analysis Julie Schumaker..................Executive Assistant to the CFO & Board Liaison ACCOUNTING Jennifer Siemers...........................................Director Sara Brandenburg.......... Accounting Manager Michaele Davidson, Linda Erickson.....................Senior Accountants Valerie Lingbloom...................Staff Accountant HUMAN RESOURCES Brian Carter, Karen Jewell.......................Director Jamie Hawkins..............................HR Coordinator Paul Johnson...............................Payroll Specialist Monica Robles...................Mailroom Supervisor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Yovani Pina.........................................Vice President Rick Bennett, David Tschan...................Director Eric Boone.............................Software Developer Vincent Bridgers....Ticketing System Analyst Simone Gordon......................Program Manager Christopher Hoge..................................IT Manager Phillip Johnson, Adam Smith.......................IT Analyst; Help Desk Joseph Reecher............................Junior Systems Administrator THEATRE COMPANY ADMINISTRATION Charles Varin...........................Managing Director Ann Marshall............................... General Manager Allison Taylor Brinkhoff......Company Manager Katie Grayson.... Assistant Company Manager ARTISTIC Chris Coleman.............................. Artistic Director Charlie Miller.........Associate Artistic Director/ Off-Center Curator Douglas Langworthy............Literary Director/ Director of New Play Development Melissa Cashion.........................Artistic Producer Grady Soapes.....................Associate Producer/ Director of Casting Lynde Rosario.............................Literary Manager PRODUCTION Jeff Gifford............Director of Production and Construction Project Management Kate Coltun..........................Production Manager Matthew Campbell....... Associate Production Manager Julie Brou..............................Production & Artistic Office Manager

Scenic Design Lisa M. Orzolek....... Director of Scenic Design Kevin Nelson, Nicholas Renaud.....Scenic Design Assistants Lighting Design Charles R. MacLeod..........Director of Lighting Lily Bradford............Lighting Design Assistant Reid Tennis+......................Production Electrician Multimedia Gregory W. Towle..........Projection Supervisor Sound Design Craig Breitenbach..................Director of Sound Alex Billman+, Frank Haas+, Tyler Nelson+...........................Sound Technicians Stage Management Kurt Van Raden.....Production Stage Manager Christoper C. Ewing....Senior Stage Manager Heidi Echtenkamp, Corin Davidson, Rick Mireles, Michael Morales, Kristen O’Connor, D. Lynn Reiland...........................Stage Managers Scene Shop Eric J. Moore..............................Technical Director Josh Prues, Robert L. Orzolek..........Associate Technical Directors Albert “Stub” Allison................................Assistant Technical Director Louis Fernandez III.................Master Carpenter Brian “Marco” Markiewicz.... Lead Technician Tyler Clark, Amy “Wynn” Pastor, Kyle Scoggins, Mara Zimmerman................Scenic Technicians Prop Shop Robin Lu Payne....................Properties Director Eileen S. Garcia...................Assistant Properties Director Jamie Stewart Curl, Tobias Harding, Georgina Kayes, Tony Nguyen, Katie Webster..................................Props Artisans Paint Shop Jana L. Mitchell...................Charge Scenic Artist Melanie Rentschler...............Lead Scenic Artist Kristin Hamer MacFarlane............Scenic Artist Costume Shop Janet S. MacLeod.................Costume Director/ Costume Design Associate Meghan Anderson Doyle......................Costume Design Associate Carolyn Plemitscher, Jackie Scott..... Drapers Cathie Gagnon..........................................First Hand Sheila P. Morris..................................................... Tailor Costume Crafts Kevin Copenhaver....Costume Crafts Director Chris Campbell.......Costume Crafts Assistant Wigs Diana Ben-Kiki........................................Wig Master House Crew Doug Taylor+.................Supervising Stagehand Jim Berman+, Jennifer Guethlein+, Stephen D. Mazzeno+, Miles Stasica+, Tyler Stauffer+, Matt Wagner+......Stagehands Kyle Moore+.........................Assistant Stagehand Wardrobe Brenda Lawson............... Director of Wardrobe Taylor Malott^, Jessica A. Rayburn^....................Wig Assistants Robin Appleton^, Amber Donner^, Anthony Mattivi^, Tim Nelson^, Lisa Parsons Wagner^, Alan Richards^..............................................Dressers + Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 7 ^Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 719

As of 3/27/19

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

A “Our support of the DCPA and its mission is a privilege, and we are happy to see Denver secure its rightful place as a world-class city with a world-class performing arts scene.”

At CCIG, we’re passionate about the health and welfare of our community. There are few better ways for us to express our commitment to that ideal than, once again, to serve as a sponsor of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Why? Because the arts and culture help shape, build and strengthen communities.

As a locally based insurance and employee benefits brokerage, our commitment to the community is at the heart of CCIG’s values.

Our support of the DCPA and its mission is a privilege, and we are happy to see Denver secure its rightful place as a world-class city with a world-class performing arts scene.

The arts, of course, deepen and widen and expand our sense of life.

As Albert Einstein once said: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

We couldn’t agree more.

— BROOK MAHONEY, CEO, CCIG

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APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

FREE PARKING + DRINK Show your DCPA ticket for complimentary valet parking and a glass of wine, draft beer, or cocktail with entrée purchase.

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JOIN US BEFORE THE SHOW • 3-Course Theatre Menu Special $30 95 or 10% Off Your Bill • Free Parking at Independence Plaza* • Located 2 Blocks from DCPA LOCA

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Enjoy a meal with us before the show - when you show your tickets, receive OVEN-TOASTED a FREE cocktail, Social Beer or house SANDWICHES wine with entree purchase. Parking is SALADS & SOUPS just $7 GLUTEN-FREE &when you use our valet parking.

VEGGIE OPTIONS ICE CREAM RECEIVE $2 OFF WHEN YOU BRING IN THIS AD

Four Diamonds AAA Four Stars - 5280 magazine Just 3 blocks from the theater complex 909 17th Street at Champa Call 303.296.3525 for reservations

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2018/19 DCPA BROADWAY SEASON

CONNECTING PEOPLE. UNITING THE WORLD.

“With over 80 years of service to the Mile High City, we are proud of our longstanding commitment to the Denver community that thousands of employees and customers call home.”

— SHARON GRANT, VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

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United does more than connect passengers through safe and convenient air travel; it forges strong relationships with the communities it serves across the globe.

United is pleased to serve as the official airline of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) and proudly supports its remarkable contributions to the performing arts community in Denver and beyond. United provides valuable travel support that allows the DCPA to bring in artists for its productions and sponsors Student Matinee performances for thousands of local students to expand their view of themselves and the world through a targeted theatrical experience and educational talkback.

United employees have donated thousands of hours of service to various local non-profit organizations and have tirelessly conducted drives, mentored interns, hosted Aviation Days both at Denver International Airport and United’s flight training center, among many other efforts. As part of United’s relationship with Warren Village transitional housing center, employee volunteers enjoy actively participating with resident families at community events. United’s Volunteer Impact Grants program allows employees to earn grants for nonprofits where they volunteer frequently and has provided thousands of dollars to local organizations. United employees especially love bringing smiles to hundreds of deserving children through the annual holiday Fantasy Flight trip to the “North Pole” and teddy bear deliveries to local hospitals.

“At United, we take our role as a community partner and corporate citizen seriously, and we are proud to support the DCPA,” said Sharon Grant, Vice President, Community Affairs. “With over 80 years of service to the Mile High City, we also are proud of our longstanding commitment to the Denver community that thousands of employees and customers call home.”

In addition to DCPA, United is honored to support other Colorado organizations including the Colorado Symphony, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Public Schools Foundation, Girls Inc., Latin American Education Foundation, Mile High Youth Corps, Warren Village and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Exploration of Flight locations.

APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

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More than 70 visiting artists participated in the 14th annual Colorado New Play Summit.

BY JOHN MOORE

T

The 2019 Colorado New Play Summit took on timely and topical issues ranging from colorism to gender norms to questions of personal and national identity.

It presented an array of ghosts real and imagined. It introduced an exciting variety of complex new roles for older women. It told unexpected stories that are being lived every day throughout America but are rarely presented on our stages.

The Summit has grown into one of the nation’s premier showcases of new plays. Since 2006, it has introduced 62 new works leading to 34 fully staged world premieres.

This was the first Summit under the full creative influence of DCPA Theatre Company Artistic Director Chris Coleman, who has chosen two of this year’s readings to be produced next season: Tony Meneses’ twenty50 and Bonnie Metzgar’s You Lost Me. twenty50, set in the year 2050, introduces a congressional candidate who must decide whether identifying himself as a Mexican American will help or hinder him on Election Day. “I love that it really speaks to things that are urgently being debated in this country right now,” Coleman said.

You Lost Me is a time-hopping story that follows two women named Ann Harvey connected by blood but divided by two centuries following a shipwreck off the Newfoundland coast.

“I haven’t come across that many new plays I felt were poetic and inventive with the structure of the storytelling,” Coleman said. “So when something like You Lost Me comes along, it gets your attention.”

Coleman has committed to further developing the

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new musical Rattlesnake Kate, and he said the other two Summit offerings — Isaac Gomez’s Wally World and Beaufield Berry’s In the Upper Room would remain under consideration. Those plays were: • Neyla Pekarek and Karen Hartman’s Rattlesnake Kate is a stage adaptation of Pekarek’s concept album, Rattlesnake. It tells the story of Kate McHale Slaughterback, a Greeley farmer who, as a single mother in 1925, famously fought off a rattlesnake migration.

• Berry’s In the Upper Room is an unsparing look back at the playwright’s Omaha family in the 1970s. Their lives orbit around Rose, a controlling matriarch hiding dark secrets from her mysterious past.

• Gomez’s Wally World is a comedy set in a 24-hour retail superstore in the border city of El Paso on Christmas Eve, just before the one day each year the store closes.

This year’s Summit drew industry leaders from 49 local and national theatre organizations. Total attendance eclipsed 3,000, with a record 975 individuals attending at least one Summit reading.

To Metzgar, this year’s Summit slate made it abundantly clear that America is at a moment of change. Just like the American theatre. “On our first day in the room, I looked around at the incredible diversity of voices and of artists and of different perspectives all together here,” Metzgar said. “That shows me that the future is really bright. If one of the great institutions in this country can do that and it can happen here, it can happen everywhere.”

To read full coverage of the 2019 Colorado New Play Summit, visit denvercenter.org/news-center.

APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

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PHOTOS: 1. Mary Kate Morrissey in Rattlesnake Kate. 2. The cast of twenty50. 3. Majorie Johnson in In the Upper Room. 4. Leslie Alexander and Leslie O’Carroll. 5. The cast of Wally World.

6. Playwright Beaufield Berry (In the Upper Room) at the Playwrights’ Slam. 7. Betty Hart and Regina Taylor. 8. Neyla Pekarek in Rattlesnake Kate. 9. Kurt Hellerich, Anastasia Davidson and Marianna McClellan in You Lost Me. 10. Liza Fernandez, James Vincent Meredith and Blanca Camacho with twenty50 director Henry Godinez. 11. Colorado New Play Summit party. 12. Sophie Greenway, Katanu Mwendwa and M. Rae K, winners in the High School Playwriting & Workshops Competition.

Photos by John Moore and Adams VisCom.

Kristina Fo untaine, Ke vin Cu in the 2019 Colorado Ne rtis and Dan Lin w Play Sum mit.

PROUD SPONSOR OF DCPA EDUCATION

“Giving back is not just an idea we work toward, it’s the cornerstone of PCL’s culture.”

— RYAN SCHMIDT, DISTRICT MANAGER

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With US headquarters in Denver, PCL Construction is proud to support the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Education programs.

PCL, a 100% employee-owned company, is dedicated to giving back to the communities where employees live and work. The organization strives to make a positive contribution by supporting community development programs, such as the DCPA, that promote a greater appreciation for the arts. “Giving back is not just an idea we work toward, it’s the cornerstone of PCL’s culture,” said Ryan Schmidt, district manager.

PCL is proud to have partnered with the City & County of Denver on construction projects throughout the Denver Performing Arts Complex, including the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Temple Boyne Buell Theatre, and the Galleria arch.

The organization’s 40+ year portfolio in Denver encompasses marquee projects such the original main terminal at Denver International Airport, Republic Plaza Tower, Mile High United Way, and 250 Columbine Condominiums in Cherry Creek.

PCL’s work in the Rocky Mountains includes resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton Residences at Vail, the Monarch Hotel and Casino in Black Hawk and the Grand Colorado Peak 8 Residences in Breckenridge.

PCL and its employees are passionate about not only building structures, but also building hope for individuals and families in the community through the company’s philanthropic efforts.

This is one of the many reasons why PCL is consistently ranked as a Top Philanthropic Company by the Denver Business Journal.

APPLAUSE • APR – MAY 2019 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

A N N O U N C I N G O U R 2 0 1 9/2 0 S E A S O N !

SEPTEMBER

Home Alone in Concert

Bobby McFerrin with the Colorado Symphony Chorus

NOV 29 FRI 7:30

SEP 7 SAT 7:30

FEB 15 SAT 7:30

DYAO Side By Side 2020

DEC 1 SUN 2:30

Beethoven Missa Solemnis featuring the Colorado Symphony Chorus

Love Actually in Concert

FEB 21-23 FRI-SAT 7:30

Drums of the World

SEP 15 SUN 2:00

Opening Weekend: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto featuring Yumi Hwang-Williams SUN 1:00

Macy’s Inc. Family

DEC 6 FRI 7:30

Rhapsody & Rhythm: The Gershwin Concert Experience SEP 28 SAT 7:30

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MAR 6-8 FRI-SAT 7:30 SAT 2:30 & 6:00

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SUN 1:00

Marin Alsop Conducts MAR 20-22 FRI-SAT 7:30

Handel’s Messiah — Awakening

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 conducted by Brett Mitchell

Holiday Brass

OCT 4-6 FRI-SAT 7:30

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SUN 1:00

Dvořák Symphony No. 7 OCT 18-20 FRI-SAT 7:30

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SUN 1:00

Verdi Requiem – 35 Anniversary Celebration of the Colorado Symphony Chorus n

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1 in Concert

APR 3-5 FRI-SAT 7:30

JAN 3-5 FRI-SAT 7:30

Holst The Planets

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SUN 1:00

MPAA Rating: PG

Halloween Spooktacular!

Macy’s Inc. Family

SUN 1:00

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto n

Arrow Symphony Pops

presenting sponsor

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SUN 1:00

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance JAN 31-FEB 1 FRI-SAT 7:30

FEB 7-9 FRI-SAT 7:30

also supported by

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SUN 1:00

Colorado Symphony Ball APR 25 SAT 6:00 M AY

MAY 1-3 FRI-SAT 7:30

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MAY 8-10 FRI-SAT 7:30

SUN 1:00

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SUN 1:00

Jim James and Teddy Abrams with the Colorado Symphony MAY 15 FRI 7:30

Big Band Classics conducted by Brett Mitchell

Arrow Symphony Pops

MAY 16 SAT 7:30

Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring Ingrid Fliter

These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM!

APR 17-19 FRI-SAT 7:30

SUN 1:00

Elgar Enigma Variations conducted by Christopher Dragon

FEBRUARY

SUN 1:00

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Mahler Symphony No. 9 conducted by Brett Mitchell

A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops JAN 24-26 FRI-SAT 7:30

SUN 1:00

Renée Fleming - The Brightness of Light- Colorado Premiere NOV 22-24 FRI-SAT 7:30

Bank of America Free Community Concert

JAN 14 TUE 7:30

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3

Mozart Symphony No. 40

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SUN 1:00

JAN 18 SAT 7:30

NOV 3 SUN 2:30 n

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Dr. MLK, Jr. Tribute

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. ©Disney. All rights reserved.

SUN 2:30

APRIL

JAN 10-12 FRI-SAT 7:30

NOV 1-2 FRI-SAT 7:30

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Presentation licensed by Disney Concert Library ©Disney

Barber Piano Concerto performed by Olga Kern

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

NOV 15 & 17 FRI 7:30

MAR 28–29 SAT 7:30

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WIZARDING WORLD trademark and logo © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

SUN 1:00

NOVEMBER

NOV 8-10 FRI-SAT 7:30

Disney’s Fantasia in Concert

DEC 22 SUN 1:00

JANUARY

th

OCT 26-27 SAT 7:30

MAR 27 FRI 7:30

DEC 31 TUE 6:30

OCT 11 FRI 7:30

SUN 1:00

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Music and Art: A Symphonic Exploration

A Night in Vienna

The Goonies in Concert

Macy’s Inc. Family

MAR 15 SUN 2:30

DEC 16 MON 7:30 DEC 20-21 FRI-SAT 7:30

SUN 1:00

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Carnival of the Animals

All Beethoven – 250th Birthday Celebration

OCTOBER

SUN 1:00

Strauss A Hero’s Life conducted by Brett Mitchell

A Colorado Christmas DEC 13-15 FRI 7:30

SEP 26 THU 7:00

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MARCH

Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour DEC 8 SUN 3:30

Bank of America Free Community Concert

Macy’s Inc. Family

FEB 16 SUN 2:30

DECEMBER

Rick Steves - A Symphonic Journey with the Colorado Symphony

Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas

Legendary Women’s Voices: An Evening with Cynthia Erivo

Arrow Symphony Pops

NOV 30 SAT 7:30

SEP 14 SAT 7:30

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FEB 14 FRI 7:30

Home Alone © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Aretha: A Tribute

An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth and the Colorado Symphony

SEP 20-22 FRI-SAT 7:30

From Britain, with Love MPAA Rating: PG

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SUN 1:00

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” conducted by Brett Mitchell MAY 22-24 FRI-SAT 7:30

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SUN 1:00

COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG