Applause -- Shrek, March 14-17, 2024

APPLAUSE

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VOLUME XXXIV NUMBER 5 MAR – APR 2024

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BY JOHN EKEBERG

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VO LU M E X X X I V • N U M B E R 5 • M A R - A P R 2 0 24

EDITOR: Suzanne Yoe DESIGN DIRECTOR: Kyle Malone DESIGNER: Brenda Elliott CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS: Paul Koob, Lucas Kreitler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Brittany Gutierrez, Emma Holst, Kelundra Smith

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This is one of my favorite times of the year — when we announce a whole new series of titles in our upcoming season that kicks off this September. Elsewhere in the pages of this Applause magazine, you will find information on the exciting shows coming to Denver as part of our 2024/25 Broadway season.

I am thrilled that our next season will be full of incredible new shows straight from Broadway as well as several returning favorites. I am particularly excited to kick off the season with the national tour launch of the 2023 Tony Award winner for Best New Musical, KIMBERLY AKIMBO. And that’s just the beginning — Funny Girl, Back to the Future: The Musical, and THE WIZ are three more of the fantastic shows that will grace the stage of the Buell Theatre in the next year.

But before we get to next season, there is so much to look forward to in the months ahead. Perhaps you will join us at the upcoming engagements of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Disney’s Frozen, or Denver’s seventh engagement of Wicked? All of these shows promise to deliver the magic and excitement of Broadway.

If you are one of our loyal season subscribers — thank you so much for your support, and I hope that you’re enjoying all of the benefits that come with your subscription. If you are not currently a subscriber, I encourage you to take a look to see if perhaps a ticket subscription is right for you. Either way, I appreciate you joining us here at the Buell to experience the magic of live theatre.

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Hairspray ..............................................................pg 6 MJ .............................................................................pg 14 Shrek The Musical.......................................pg 18

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That wunderkind offspring of John Waters’ 1988 subversive film, Hairspray, with its tale of a plump East Baltimore girl who achieves her dream of dancing on a local television show, is about as improbable a subject for a hit musical as you’re likely to come across.

Think about it. Tracy Turnblad is the girl in question, an overweight teenager born of an even heavier mom — famously played by Divine (original 1988 movie), Harvey Fierstein (first Broadway production and subsequent live TV film) and John Travolta (musical film). Tracy rockets from obscurity to stardom under the most unlikely of scenarios.

Set in 1962, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star when she gets the chance to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” But she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning teen queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network, all without denting her “do.”

No small feat (not to mention no small hair).

So what is it that has made this giddy show about big women, big laughs and big, blind ambition such an unprecedented hit? A big, loving heart at its core, of course. There’s a sweet and funky tenderness at the center of this musical with a sign on the door that reads, “All outsiders welcome!”

Welcome, accepted, enabled. While not a “message” musical extravaganza, the underlying theme is one of welcoming the differences that make us human.

Good direction, a knowing book and irresistible music bring the story home. Composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman delivered a sly and splendid score while book writers Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan made this a hip, modern fairy-tale. Director Jack O’Brien provided the canny staging, both in this new North American tour as well as the show’s original Broadway debut in 2002, which won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. And O’Brien reunites with Choreographer Jerry Mitchell who infuses the show with exuberant dance numbers and a showstopping performance.

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But above all, to quote The Guardian, “It becomes unstoppably joyous, placing its politics (on conventional femininity and on size, as well as race and protest) alongside its joy.”

“Hairspray is even more relevant than 20 years ago when it first burst onto the scene,” said O’Brien. “I always call the piece ‘sweetly subversive.’ It’s overwhelmingly joyful. The timelessness of it is because it doesn’t really belong to any period. It’s the unimaginable triumph of the heart.

“The fact that no matter how bad it gets, there’s a way out. That’s a message we need to hear again…and loud.”

This piece is based on information available at a variety of public sources.

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Hairspray is even more relevant than 20 years ago when it first burst onto the scene.…

The fact that no matter how bad it gets, there’s a way out.

That’s a message we need to hear again…and loud.

— JACK O’BRIEN, DIRECTOR

HAIRSPRAY

MAR 5 – 10 • BUELL THEATRE

ASL, Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: Mar 9 at 2pm

“You Can't Stop The Beat” (Nov 23) - (center) Caroline Eiseman as “Tracy Turnblad” and Company in Hairspray.. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.

HAIRSPRAY HAIRSPRA Y: A BIGBIG-HEARTED MUSICAL

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APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024

No Experience Necessary

BY EMMA HOLST

The annual Middle School & High School Playwriting Competition is a highpoint of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Education programming. Grounded in workshops hosted by DCPA Education Teaching Artists, this competition draws hundreds of student submissions each year.

The in-school workshops introduce students to the fundamentals of playwriting, bolster creative writing skills and encourage them to discover their dramatic voices. In advance of this year’s competition, 106 workshops were led across metro Denver and 12 counties throughout the state, from Arapahoe, to Routt, to Montezuma.

This year, the DCPA received 142 middle school and 107 high school submissions — nearly 100 more than last year. From those submissions, six winners have been selected for the eleventh annual Playwriting Competition, three in each age group.

The three high school winners are Sophie Brown, junior at Northfield High School; Patton Coughlin, junior at The Arts Academy at Pueblo County High School, and Casey Eidson, junior at Denver School of the Arts.

DCPA Education also honors an additional seven high school finalists. These included Madalynn Tharp, Animus High School; Victoria Schnell, Cherry Creek High School; Sunny Wiggins, The Arts Academy at Pueblo County High School; Charlie Quinn, Denver School of the Arts; Riley Dean, Denver School of the Arts; Esther Weiss, Cherry Creek High School, and Hannah Harr, Jefferson County Open School.

The three middle school winners are Wilson Walker, eighth grader at North Routt Community Charter School; Sofia Foster and Sienna Weihe, sixth graders at William “Bill” Roberts K-8 School, and Jude Pockross, seventh grader at Morey Middle School.

The top three plays by each age group will be included in the 2024 Playwriting Anthology. The three high school plays also received public staged readings as a part of the 2024 Colorado New Play Summit on February 24 and 25. Then, the staged readings traveled to the playwrights’ local high schools, to share with their peer community the work and creativity of the selected playwrights.

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BY KELUNDRA SMITH

A

Ask anyone born before the year 2000 and they probably have a distinct memory of Michael Jackson’s music. I can remember family road trips from Atlanta to Chicago where we plugged a boombox into our minivan’s cigarette lighter and played Jackson 5 cassette tapes, singing at the top of our lungs all the way through Kentucky. My mind drifts to summers spent watching the Bad Tour video. I even danced at a night club the night Jackson died, belting “Rock with You” on a dimly lit dance floor.

All these memories come flooding back during MJ the musical. With a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, major events in Jackson’s life are underscored by the songs that made him famous. In MJ, Jackson is at a pivotal moment in his life and career as pressure mounts around his next tour. He puts all his eggs in the basket of the “Dangerous” world tour and has an MTV film crew following him around to document the process. With the camera always on, Jackson takes them back to his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana where he began singing with his older brothers.

Throughout the show, these early memories are interspersed with real-time dance rehearsals and increasing costs to fund this mega tour, which in real life did become one of the biggest-selling tours of all time. However, all proceeds were donated to various nonprofit organizations, including the star’s Heal the World Foundation.

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The musical includes early songs with his brothers, such as “ABC,” “Stop,” and “Blame it on the Boogie,” as well as solo hits like “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller.” The show first burst onto Broadway in December 2021, and has been running ever since. The musical garnered four Tony Awards in 2022, including best choreography for Christopher Wheeldon, who is best known for his work with the Royal Ballet in England.

With a catalog spanning 40 years and a range of disco, R&B, and pop ballads, Jackson certainly earned his title as the King of Pop. Bringing this musical to the stage of course requires incredibly talented dancers, like Roman Banks, who plays middle Michael in the tour. Banks, who grew up in metro Atlanta, was cast to play MJ in the first national tour in 2022, two years after he first auditioned for the role. At the time Banks auditioned, he was in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway and looking for his next move. He’d been pining for MJ, but when he was initially offered the gig, he’d just booked High School Musical: The Musical: The Movie.

“My mom would play the ‘Ultimate Jackson 5 Collection’ around the house; that was our thing,” Banks recalls. “What draws people to the music is the energy of it and the movement it has. It’s infectious and universal. You don’t have to know English to enjoy the music.”

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Roman Banks as ‘MJ’ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour.

Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade.

A DREAM GIG FOR DANCERS

COMING UP FROM BROADWAY

After filming High School Musical in Los Angeles, Banks heard about the MJ tour and flew back to the East Coast for auditions. He isn’t a formally trained dancer, but hours in the mirror trying to learn the “Thriller” choreography came back to him at that moment. When he got the role, that’s when the real work began.

“I spent hours in studios in LA and New York getting [Jackson’s] movements into my body,” Banks says. “His silhouettes are famous.

People know his movement, they know what it’s supposed to look like. It was a big challenge, and I wanted to rise to it. I wanted to pick up where Myles [Frost, who originated the role on Broadway] left off, and reach higher.”

That love of Jackson’s dance style came as a little girl for JoJo Carmichael, who is the assistant dance captain and a swing on the MJ tour. Carmichael, who grew up in Dothan, Alabama, says that she grew up knowing who Jackson was, but didn’t grasp the magnitude of his influence on the dance world until after his death in 2009. At that time, she found his dance videos online and the obsession began. She asked her parents for the “This Is It” album for her 10th birthday and watched the documentary on repeat.

— ROMAN BANKS, ACTOR

“I remember watching him dance and being like ‘oh my God!’ This guy could do everything,” she says.

After graduating from Pace University in New York, Carmichael booked a gig with the Rockettes at Radio City Musical Hall before being cast in the MJ tour in January 2023. As assistant dance captain, her job is to make sure that Jackson’s silky-smooth moves look easy as air to the audience. During the rehearsal process for the show, she trained with Wheeldon as well as Rich and Tone Talauega, Jackson’s choreographers and walking dance bibles.

“I think being a swing, especially for this show, because there are so many details, has changed my perspective on performing for the better,” Carmichael says. “As far as me doing the moves, it just comes with rehearsal-rehearsal-rehearsal. Practice makes progress.”

As a classically-trained dancer with a background in ballet, tap and jazz, Carmichael says musical theatre has taught her how to let go of perfectionism. The show must go on from city to city, no matter what happens onstage.

“You can’t let a mistake that the crowd probably wouldn’t notice distract you from the show,” Carmichael says. “As a human being, being on tour has allowed me to grow into myself so much. I have a new sense of confidence and a new sense of self.”

MJ

APR 10 – 28 • BUELL THEATRE ASL Interpreted, Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: April 21 at 2pm

Britney Coleman as Bobbie (center) and the North American Tour of COMPANY COMPANY. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

I spent hours in studios in LA and New York getting [Jackson’s] movements into my body. His silhouettes are famous. People know his movement, they know what it’s supposed to look like.

COMPANY

The iconic Company, a musical comedy by George Furth and Stephen Sondheim, is given a new life with a revelatory new production. Bobby, the original protagonist and an impudent bachelor, has transformed into Bobbie, a woman turning 35 and “still” single.

Bobbie’s surprise birthday party, thrown by her married and engaged friends, turns into a series of vignettes of friendship, regret, and love.

In this groundbreaking concept musical, the deeply insightful story pulls no punches as it explores turbulent relationships. Company earned six Tony Awards after a recordsetting 17 nominations in 1971. The 2021 revival won an additional five Tony Awards, called “sophisticated, intimate and in-tune with the currents of modern life — brilliantly conceived and funny as hell.” (Variety). Now on tour, Company will come knocking at the Buell Theatre May 22 – June 2.

Directed by three-time Tony Awardwinning Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America) and featuring award-winning songs by Sondheim, including “You Could Drive A Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Being Alive,” you’ll fall in love with Company when it comes to Denver. Let’s all drink to that.

THE 2023/24

SEASON FINALE

We’re wrapping up the Denver Center Theatre Company season with a trio of shows that are guaranteed to leave you buzzing.

We’re giving you epic feats of storytelling and experimental works that push the limits of theatre. And you won’t want to miss a single second!

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A FAIRY TALE

FOR A NEW GENERATION

BY S U Z A N N E YO E

I

If you were born before 1990, your bedtime stories were likely straight out of the Grimm Fairy Tales. First published in 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm put forth 200 tales over their literary career including Snow White, Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel.

But Shrek was nowhere among them.

Fast forward 180 years and along comes an ogre, donkey and cat…in boots. Shrek! was the brainchild of writer and cartoonist William Steig.

Born in 1907, Steig was clearly influenced by those Brothers Grimm. After a prolific career as an illustrator at The New Yorker where he created more than 1,600 drawings and 117 covers, he retired and took his sharpened colored pencils and even sharper wit with him. He pivoted to his second career in children’s literature at the ripe young age of 61.

He quickly began accumulating literary awards including the Caldecott Medal, Christopher Award, and Newbery Honor among others. The key to his success? His work reaches beyond a child audience. “[He] has the unusual childlike capacity to present incidents of wonder and marvel as if they are but everyday occurrences,” said James E. Higgens in Children’s Literature in Education. “He writes not out of a remembrance of childhood, but out of the essence of childhood which no adult can afford to give up or to deny.”

Which is exactly why Shrek!, which Steig published in 1990 at age 83, resonates not only with children but also with adults (parent or not).

It quickly caught the attention of the film industry, originally being optioned by Steven Spielberg and later acquired by DreamWorks.

After opening in 2001 and grossing $42 million in its first weekend, Shrek the movie went on to win the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Sequels were inevitable with three subsequent movies, several spinoffs, theme park rides, video games, memes and, ultimately, a Broadway musical, which opened in 2008.

While Steig passed away in 2003 before the Broadway adaptation of his book came to the stage, he did say of the movie: “It’s vulgar, it’s disgusting and I loved it.”

And what’s not to love? Whether you’re a kid appreciating it at face value or an adult who peels back the layers (“orges are like onions,” after all), Shrek, according to Gina Cherelus in The New York Times, “captures the essence of unlikely friendships and unsuperficial romance, making its happily-ever-after ending feel triumphant.”

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APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

It’s vulgar, it’s disgusting and I loved it.

— WILLIAM STEIG, AUTHOR ON MOVIE ADAPTATION

SHREK THE MUSICAL

MAR 14 – 17 • BUELL THEATRE

ASL Interpreted, Audio Described and Open Captioned performance: Mar 16 at 1pm

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SHREK THE MUSICAL

SEASON SPONSOR

FIFTH ESTATE ENTERTAINMENT & ROUND ROOM LIVE PRESENT

BASED ON THE DREAMWORKS ANIMATION MOTION PICTURE AND THE BOOK BY WILLIAM STEIG

BOOK & LYRICS BY

MUSIC BY

DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE

JEANINE TESORI

ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY DREAMWORKS THEATRICALS AND NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS STARRING

NICHOLAS HAMBRUCH CECILY DIONNE DAVIS NAPHTALI YAAKOV CURRY TIMMY LEWIS TORI KOCHER JAMIR BROWN KELLY PRENDERGAST SAGE JEPSON LEON RAY RILEY JOHNSTON CARSON ZOCH DEMETRIO ALOMAR CYNTHIA ANA RIVERA HOPE SCHAFER KATHERINE ELLEN PALADICHUK ALLY CHOE CASEY LAMONT JOHN CARDENAS SCENIC DESIGN

COSTUME DESIGN

STEVEN KEMP PUPPET DESIGN

CAMILLE LABARRE MUSIC CONTRACTOR

NATE PATTEN

LIGHTING DESIGN

LINDA CHO

SOUND DESIGN

HERRICK GOLDMAN

PROP DESIGN

HAIR & WIG DESIGN

ORCHESTRATIONS

BEN SELKE

JOHN CLANCY

MUSIC PROGRAMMING

MUSIC DIRECTOR

CAM UPTON

RACHAEL GEIER

STRANGE CRANIUM HARRISON ROTH PRODUCTIONS

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

COMPANY MANAGER

TOUR MARKETING & PRESS

MARISA CHRISTIE

ANDREW TURBIVILLE

SOLOSHOE COMMUNICATIONS

ADVERTISING CREATIVE

THE PEKOE GROUP

EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION

THE ROAD COMPANY TRC.NYC

CASTING

WOJCIK CASTING SCOTT WOJCIK HOLLY BUCZEK

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

GENERAL & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

DANI DAVIS

ROUND ROOM LIVE

MUSIC SUPERVISOR

CHRIS FENWICK ORIGINAL PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY JASON MOORE AND ROB ASHFORD

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

DANNY MEFFORD

WWW.SHREKTHEMUSICALTOUR.COM

SHREK THE MUSICAL

CAST Shrek........................................................................................................................................................Nicholas Hambruch Fiona........................................................................................................................................................Cecily Dionne Davis Donkey..............................................................................................................................................Naphtali Yaakov Curry Lord Farquaad................................................................................................................................................... Timmy Lewis Dragon......................................................................................................................................................................Tori Kocher Pinocchio.............................................................................................................................................................. Jamir Brown Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy..................................................................................................................... Kelly Prendergast Wolf.........................................................................................................................................................................Sage Jepson Pig 1................................................................................................................................................................................. Leon Ray Pig 2.....................................................................................................................................................................Riley Johnston Pig 3.........................................................................................................................................................................Carson Zoch Papa Ogre/Papa Bear.......................................................................................................................... Demetrio Alomar Mama Bear............................................................................................................................................. Cynthia Ana Rivera Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch/Blue Bird.................................................................................................Hope Schafer Teen Fiona/Peter Pan....................................................................................................... Katherine Ellen Paladichuk Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling...............................................................................................................................Ally Choe

SWINGS/STANDBYS Casey Lamont John Cardenas UNDERSTUDIES For Shrek: Sage Jepson, Riley Johnston For Fiona: Kelly Prendergast, Hope Schafer For Pinocchio: Carson Zoch For Gingy: Ally Choe For Dragon: Cynthia Ana Rivera MUSICIANS Music Director: Harrison Roth Associate Music Director/Keys 2: Sachio Nang Drums: Michael Manasseh Cello: Hannah Burke Guitar: Cesar Romero Bass: Miles Ahlstrom

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, pagers and watches.

Act I Big Bright Beautiful World Story of My Life The Goodbye Song What’s Up, Duloc?

What’s up, Duloc? Reprise #1 Once Upon a Mysterious Time I Know It’s Today Travel Song Forever I Know It’s Today (Reprise) Who I’d be

THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.

Act II Morning Person I Think I Got You Beat What’s Up, Duloc? Reprise #2 Make A Move When Words Fail Morning Person Reprise The Arrival of Farquaad Big Bright Beautiful World Reprise #1 Freak Flag Wedding Procession Big Bright Beautiful World #2 Beautiful Aint Always Pretty This is Our Story

SHREK THE MUSICAL

MUSICAL NUMBERS

SHREK THE MUSICAL

CAST

TIMMY LEWIS

NICHOLAS HAMBRUCH

CECILY DIONNE DAVIS

NAPHTALI YAAKOV CURRY

TORI KOCHER

JAMIR BROWN

KELLY PRENDERGAST

SAGE JEPSON

LEON RAY

RILEY JOHNSTON

CARSON ZOCH

DEMETRIO ALOMAR

CYNTHIA ANA RIVERA

HOPE SCHAFER

KATHERINE ELLEN PALADICHUK

ALLY CHOE

CASEY LAMONT

JOHN CARDENAS

NICHOLAS HAMBRUCH (Shrek) Nicholas is honored to join the Shrek family. Credits Include: Jesus Christ Superstar - 50th Anniversary Tour (Pilate), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), Chess (Anatoly), Big Fish (Edward Bloom).

Instagram and TikTok: @nickofmusic.

CECILY DIONNE DAVIS (Fiona) Cecily gives honor to God who is the head of her life. Elated to make her National Tour Debut; love always to her family, friends, PMA team and Wojcik Casting for endlessly believing in her. BFA Musical Theatre, Howard University (‘23) @cecily.dionne NAPHTALI YAAKOV CURRY (Donkey) Credits: Valentine, Twelfth Night (Sebastian US), Rent (Ensemble/ Benny US), The Real Housewives of Motown (Paul Williams). Education: B.F.A in musical theatre, University of Arizona. Follow me on IG @thats_nap to follow my artistic journey!

TIMMY LEWIS (Lord Farquaad) Nat’l Tour debut! Off-Bway: A Class Act, Woman of the Year. Regional: The REV, John W. Engeman Theatre, Vermont Stage, Milbrook Playhouse.

TV: The Food That Built America.

Film: The Line w/ Alex Wolff and Halle Bailey. BFA: Penn State. @limmytewis TORI KOCHER (Dragon) Tour debut!

Tori has performed in theme parks, piano bars, cruises, and award shows.

Much love to Hayley, family, & the Shrek team for supporting her in telling this beloved story of celebrating differences! BFA Belmont MT @torikocher #autismproud JAMIR BROWN (Pinocchio) (He/him) Off Broadway: Stranger Sings The Parody Musical. Regional: Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today (World Premiere), Beautiful- The Carol King Musical. Many thanks to God, family, Broad Talent, friends and the Shrek team. Ig @jamir.jb KELLY PRENDERGAST (Sugar Plum Fairy/Gingy/Fiona US) Credits: Bottle Shock! (Sam US), San Diego Symphony Christmas Concert (Soloist), Ride the Cyclone (Swing/US), Cabaret (Swing), Eighty-Sixed (Janey/Rachel US) Waitress (Swing/Jenna US). Thanks to my family, ASP, and Lohne/Graham Management! @kellyprendergast1 SAGE JEPSON (Wolf/Shrek US) Tour debut! Sage is a multi-hyphenate

performer based in New York. Select credits: Dandelion, Rent, Rocky Horror, Seussical. “Grace + Sage” and “lavender boy” on Spotify. Grateful to the family, AA and Kreativ. BFA Boston Conservatory. @sagepjepson LEON RAY (Pig 1) Credits: Disney Cruise Line (Vocalist), Into the Woods (Witch), Songs For A New World (Man 2), Urinetown (Hot Blades Harry), Twelfth Night (Malvolio), Bring It On (Twig). Thanks to my mother, family, friends and WOBC for their infinite support! @Leon_Ray__ RILEY JOHNSTON (Pig 2/2nd Shrek US) is thrilled to be making his Nat’l Tour debut. Riley would like to thank his family, Resolute Artists Agency, and Shenandoah Conservatory!

Follow on IG/Tik Tok @riley.johnston1 CARSON ZOCH (Pig 3/Pinnochio US) is beyond stoked to be joining the swamp for his 3rd National Tour!

Credits: Charlie Brown Christmas Tour (Swing), Footloose (Ren), Little Women (Laurie). He thanks his amazing family and friends for their support. Life is a Highway.

IG @carson.zoch DEMETRIO ALOMAR (Papa Ogre/ Papa Bear) Demetrio Alomar is SHOCKED to be getting paid to cut up and act a fool all over North America.

He thanks the amazing cast and creative team, as well as Mami, Mig, Shyanne, Suki, and Breyanna! Check out his credits and clips on Instagram @dalomar02 CYNTHIA ANA RIVERA (Mama Bear/Dragon US) Cynthia’s National Tour Debut! Special thanks to Take 3 Talent & the Shrek Team! God, without you nothing is possible (COL 3:23-24) Mom, J, L, Fam I love you endlessly. ALWAYS FOR YOU DAD, you’ve got the best seat in the house!

IG: @cynthiaanarivera HOPE SCHAFER (Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch/Blue Bird) Hope is overjoyed to be a part of this team! She’s an NYC based artist who has been performing regionally from a young age and, recently, internationally with Princess Cruise Lines. Thanks to her loved ones and Jim Keith at MTA! insta:@hopeeschafer KATHERINE ELLEN PALADICHUK (Teen Fiona/Peter Pan) National Tour: Rudolph (Elf/Rudolph US). Regional: Witnesses (CCAE), Bottle Shock (CCAE), Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat (Candlelight).

All love to my family, friends, and ATB Talent! BFA: Cal State Fullerton. @katherinepaladichuk ALLY CHOE (Young Fiona/Ugly Duckling/Gingy US) Ally is excited to be making her national tour debut! She would like to thank her family for being her biggest support and The Hell’s Kitchen Agency! Select credits: Wonderland, Godspell, Puffs, Oklahoma! BFA Brigham Young University 2023 @allychoe CASEY LAMONT (Swing) Original Cast: His Story (Lucifer), Off-Off Broadway: Rathskeller (Gluttony) Other Credits: An American in Paris (The Phoenix Theatre Company), West Side Story (Utah Festival Opera & MT). Thanks to my family, friends, and Inclusive Management! @_caseylamont JOHN CARDENAS (Swing) Tour: SpongeBob (Swing/SpongeBob US), Fiddler on the Roof (Fiddler). Regional: Hello Dolly, La Cage, WSS, Guys & Dolls, Spamalot… and more. Thankful for Dad, Wojcik Casting & Shrek Team. “Mom you have the best seat in the house.” @Johnnie_321 DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE (Book and Lyrics) is a playwright, screenwriter, lyricist, and librettist. Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo with composer Jeanine Tesori (five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score); Rabbit Hole (Pulitzer Prize for Drama); Good People (NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play, Horton Foote Prize); Shrek the Musical with Jeanine Tesori (Kleban Award for Lyrics); High Fidelity with Tom Kitt and Amanda Green. Off Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo (Lortel, NYDCC, OCC and Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical); at MTC, Ripcord, Kimberly Akimbo (the play), Wonder of the World, Fuddy Meers; at Soho Rep, A Devil Inside. Film: The Family Fang, Rise of the Guardians, Rabbit Hole, Oz the Great and Powerful, Poltergeist, Inkheart, Robots. Member: Dramatists Guild, WGA, ASCAP. David is also, along with Tanya Barfield, Co-Director of the Playwriting Program at The Juilliard School.

JEANINE TESORI (Music) is a composer of musical theatre, opera and film. Her musicals include Kimberly Akimbo; Soft Power; Fun Home; Shrek The Musical; Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie;

SHREK THE MUSICAL

WHO’S WHO

SHREK THE MUSICAL

and Violet. She is a two-time recipient of the Tony Award for Best Score and a two-time Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Her operas include A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck; The Lion, The Unicorn and Me; and Blue, which received the MCANA Award for Best New Opera. For her opera Grounded, she became one of the first two women to be commissioned by The Metropolitan Opera. Tesori served as Supervising Vocal Producer on Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY. She is the Founding Artistic Director of New York City Center’s Encores! OffCenter series and a lecturer in music at Yale University.

DANNY MEFFORD (Tour Direction/ Choreography) is thrilled to make his directorial debut with Shrek. He has choreographed three Tony Award winners for Best Musical: Kimberly Akimbo, Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home - along with other Broadway shows. He made dances for Dickinson on AppleTV+ and staged the high school theatre production for Rise on NBC. Some other choreographic highlights include an international tour of Sound of Music, numerous off-Broadway shows like Good Person of Szechwan and Miss You Like Hell, and some very downtown NY theatre like Dance Dance Revolution and Here’s Hoover! He has an MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep and a BS from the University of Evansville. Much love to his family.

Enjoy the show!

HARRISON ROTH (Music Director) Harrison is an NYC-based Musician.

MD credits include: Bare, Playhouse Square; The Sound of Music, Cleveland Orchestra; and Songs from an Unmade Bed, 54 Below. Many thanks to Chris², Jeanine, David, Danny, the stellar Shrek team, and family. BWMT-MD CHRIS FENWICK (Music Supervisor) Music Supervisor: Broadway revival of Once On This Island (Tony Award, Best Revival).

Music director: Kimberly Akimbo (Tony Award, Best Musical), Soft Power (Pulitzer finalist), Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Public Theater and Broadway productions of Fun Home (Tony Award, Best Musical; Pulitzer finalist). Chris music directed the original productions of Michael John LaChiusa’s Giant, Los Otros, Queen of the Mist, and See What I Wanna See. STEVEN C. KEMP (Scenic Design) Credits: Sesame Street Live, Peppa Pig’s Sing Along Party, Blippi The

Wonderful World Tour, Baby Shark Live, PJ Masks Live. Over 120 designs for opera with 40 companies and over 50 designs in NYC including the OffBroadway revival of Tick, Tick…Boom! as well as numerous productions for regional theatres, cruise ships and international tours. 10 Broadway productions as an Associate Designer including Jesus Christ Superstar and Memphis. @stevenckempdesign LINDA CHO (Costume Design) Broadway: The Great Gatsby; Harmony; Summer, 1976; Take Me Out; Grand Horizons; Anastasia (Tony nomination); The Great Society; A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tony & Henry Hewes Design Awards, Outer Critics Circle Nomination); The Lifespan of a Fact; Velocity of Autumn.

MFA, Yale School of Drama HERRICK GOLDMAN (Lighting Designer) Herrick is an award winning designer for theater, live events, interactive experiences, and architecture. Recently he has been honored with: 2020 Drama Desk Nominee best Lighting Design for Einstein’s Dreams and 2018 SALT award for best Lighting Design at Syracuse Stage for Wizard of OZ Recent Productions: Aida (Stages St. Louis dir. Luis Salgado), Putting it Together (Pioneer Theater dir. Gerry McIntyre).

Member IATSE 829. His work can be seen at www.HGLightingDesign.com & www.EvokeCollaborative.com BEN SELKE (Sound Design) Select Sound Design credits include: The Illusionists Broadway, A Night with Janis Joplin, Big Apple Circus, Jukebox Hero The Musical, Rock of Ages, Swing!

The Musical, PJ Masks Live, Blippi The Musical, Baby Shark Live, and Million Dollar Quartet. Ben would like to thank his amazing wife for all her support and his two children, Charlotte and Joshua, for making every day an adventure.

CAMILLE LABARRE (Puppet Design) Camille Labarre is Founder and Creative Director of LAB LAB, a puppet and prop shop in NYC. Broadway: Water for Elephants (Puppet Designer), The Skin of Our Teeth, Into the Woods (Assistant Puppet Designer / Builder).

Regional: Alliance Theater. Selected TV: Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock (Puppet / Prop Builder). Selected Ads: Amazon Prime Day, Honda Holiday, Dunkin’ x NHL, Hershey’s (Puppet / Prop Builder). Selected Live Events: Thom Browne SS 2022 - New York Fashion Week (Puppet Builder)

CAM UPTON (Prop Designer) For 15 years Cam Upton has been creating props for theater, film and television.

Film: ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, and Daniel Isn’t Real. Theater: Oh Hello (Broadway); Water for Elephants (Alliance Theatre) Television: Random Acts of Flyness; AHS; Beanie Mania; SNL, The Walking Dead and Severance.

Other: Macy’s Christmas Windows.

JOHN CLANCY (Orchestrations) Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo (Tony/ Grammy Noms.), Mean Girls (Tony nom.), 1776 (2022 revival), Fun Home (Tony nom.), Diana the Musical, The Prom, Tuck Everlasting, Shrek the Musical (Tony nom.), Cats 2016 (Dance Arr.) Off-Bway/Reg. Theater: A Transparent Musical, The Karate Kid, JOY, The Secret Life of Bees, Gun & Powder, Cornelia Street, Becoming Nancy, Soft Power (Dance Arr.) The Fortress of Solitude, Jasper in Deadland, Just So. 2018 Tony Awards Opening by Sara Bareilles.

MARISA CHRISTIE (Production Stage Manager) Thanks Mom and Dad! SEONJAE KIM (Associate Director) is thrilled to be a part of Danny’s beautiful vision of Shrek. Favorite credits: KPOP (Broadway), Riot Antigone (La MaMa/ Ars Nova), The Wolves (Atlantic), and Wild Goose Dreams (SpeakEasy) BA: Northwestern. www.seonjaekim.com or @sunintheskyletterj MARK MYARS (Associate Choreographer) Broadway Associate Choreographer: Dear Evan Hansen (Tour and West End), The Cher Show, My Fair Lady (Tour and West End), SpongeBob Squarepants, War Paint, If/Then (Tour), Wicked (International Dance Supervisor) www.markmyars.com SOLOSHOE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC (Tour Marketing & Press) The SoloShoe team is thrilled to be a part of Shrek The Musical. Founded by Craig Boleman and Kass Prince in 2000, the firm with a funny name has led the marketing efforts for tours including KODO, On Your Feet!, Dirty Dancing in Concert, Spider-man Into the Spiderverse in Concert, The Choir of Man, MST3K, Taj Express to name a few. Currently representing Bluey’s Big Play (Wackadoo!), Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience, The Ten Tenors, Malevo and Dick & Angel Dare to Do It. fun people • serious creative DANI DAVIS (Executive Producer) is an Emmy award winning writer, Tony nominated Broadway producer,

Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, and Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free.

THE ROAD COMPANY (Producer) Founded by Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota, The Road Company is an independent theatrical booking agency, distributing award-winning musicals, plays and special attractions across North America and around the world. The Road Company remains independently owned and operated, giving the agency the freedom to discover and select shows that we feel passionate about bringing to a wider audience. From Tony Award®winning musicals, to popular revivals and children’s shows, to the hottest imports, look no further than The Road Company to see the greatest theater the world has to offer.

COMPANY MANAGER Andrew Turbiville

ROUND ROOM LIVE (Producer) is the leading producer and promoter of exhibitions and family show entertainment, specializing in transforming both new and iconic intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events. Round Room creates unique live experiences tailored to the distinct character of each property and produces the highest quality productions for audiences around the world. Their current roster of touring theatrical shows includes: Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Blippi The Musical (2023 Olivier Award nomination for Best Family production), Sesame Street Live!, Peppa Pig Live, Nitro Circus 20th Anniversary Tour, and Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage. Round Room’s Immersive and Entertainment Experiences division is currently touring: Formula 1: The Exhibition,

FIFTH ESTATE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) Founded in 2016, Fifth Estate Entertainment is a New York based theatrical production and general management company specializing in developing and producing live entertainment for the stage as well as managing tours, New York City productions, and special events. Recent productions include the 10th Anniversary tour of Rock of Ages, Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live, and In Residence on Broadway.

DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT IN ITS 2024 BROADWAY SEASON

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.

STAFF FOR SHREK THE MUSICAL PRODUCERS FIFTH ESTATE ENTERTAINMENT Dani Davis

• 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 amcmullen@dcpa.org or 303.446.4836.

ROUND ROOM LIVE THE ROAD COMPANY

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Will Farnham Senior Production Manager

Nicole Sharra General Manager

CASTING WOJCIK CASTING Scott Wojcik Holly Buczek EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION THE ROAD COMPANY Stephen Lindsay Brett Sirota Gracie Lewis Shawn Willett Quinn Wasson Shane Parksmith AnaBella Kalish Jacob Hoffman Creative Producer ............................................... Josh Blackburn Associate Creative Producer .................................Becca Smith Merchandise .......................................................The Araca Group Stage Manager .......................................................Marisa Christie Assistant Stage Manager .................................... Helen Thorton Associate Director.....................................................Seonjae Kim Associate Choreographer.........................................Mark Myars Score Manager .......................................................Chris Anselmo Music Contractor ........................................................Nate Patten Associate Scenic Designer ...................................Josh McEwen Associate Lighting Designer.............................Jasmine Moore Assistant Sound Designer ................................Jacob Freeman Light Programmer/ Associate Lighting Designer.......................... Paul Sonnleitner Associate Costumes ....................................................Ricky Lurie Head Carpenter .................................................Cheyenne Oliver Carpenter/Swing Tech ......................................... Carder Casper Production Electrician ....................................John Trowbridge Head Electrician...................................................... Tyler Lindsley Writing Associate ................................................. Darius Buckley Assistant Electrician ................................................ Kaitlin Smith Head Sound....................................................... Carter Hammond Assistant Sound ..........................................................Jacob Sinay Production Properties..............................................Indy Sulleiro Wardrobe Supervisor.......................................Hannah Beecher Hair and Makeup Supervisor ................................ Camie Jones Vocal and Dialect Coach ....................................... Alison Weller Swing Technician ..............................................Braeden Baldwin Production Assistant .....................................................Maci Bass Electronic Music Design ................................. Strange Cranium Billy Jay Stein, Hiro Iida, Ko Tanaka Copyist ......................................Joann Kane Music – Kyle Brenn Fifth Estate Assistants .............................................Natalie Rine, Sophie Glassman, Liv Rhodes, Tony Harris Tour Creative..................................................... The Pekoe Group Video Content & Photography..................... Full Out Creative Tour Accomodations ........................................................ Located Trucking........................................................................................ OTL Transportation ...........Arrow Stage Lines and Senators Coac

Members of Denver Theatrical Wardrobe, Wigs, Hair and Make-up, IATSE Local 719 Robin Appleton Julie Bassignani Vonnie Clough Craig Cory Cyndie Cory Steve Davies Anne Davis Amber Krimbel Carolyn Dore AnnSue Gunter Judy Holabird Will Holabird Lauren LaCasse Kelsey Lambert

Leslie Lambert Sarah Lambert Sharon Millikan-Hale Callie Morrow Tim Nelson Lisa Parsons Wagner Laura Payne Dave Poole Alan Richards Elisa Spadi Amy Tepel Eliza Vlasova Barbara Wilson

DPAC House Crew Mark Anthony Perry Elliott Kiko Marra Allen Olmstead

Albert Sainz Sr. Josh Thurman Derek Tovar David A. Wilson

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is owned and operated by Denver Arts & Venues for the City and County of Denver.

City and County of Denver Mike Johnston, Mayor Denver Arts & Venues Gretchen Hollrah, Executive Director Tariana Navas-Nievas, Deputy Director Denver Arts & Venues, Arts Complex Operations Mark Heiser, Venue Director Jody Grossman, Assistant Venue Director, Booking Todd Medley, Facilities Superintendent Kelly Graham, Safety, Security and Garage Operations Manager Carol Krueger, Patron Services Manager artscomplex.com | (720) 865-4220 For immediate assistance & security (720) 865-4200

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Helen Hayes award recipient, an Emmy nominated television and theater director/choreographer, and theatrical touring producer. Broadway: Little Women - The Musical (2 Tony nominations), The Lonesome West (4 Tony nominations). Touring: Billy Elliot (Helen Hayes), Little Women - The Musical, Dreamworks’ Shrek The Musical, The Wedding Singer, Flashdance. Television: Handel’s Messiah Rocks (Sony/PBS - 2 Emmy awards, 7 nominations), Girlstarter (Discovery), Kenny Rogers’ Christmas Gift (Hallmark), Regional: Cindy of Arc (The Intiman/Baltimore Stage), Mamma Mia! (Various), The Full Monty (CRT). A graduate of Duke University, Dani serves on Duke’s Entertainment Media & Arts Network steering committee, as well as on boards of organizations in New York City and Cape Cod. She is the proud mother of Noah Pelty and Nina Howland. www.thedanidavis.com

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH

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Sing your own aria.

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PREPARE FOR A TRIP OUT OF THIS WORLD AT THE INFINITE B Y B R I T TA N Y G U T I E R R E Z

Space Explorers: THE INFINITE. Photo Courtesy of the THE INFINITE.

H

Have you ever wanted to take a trip to space without having to train for years to be an astronaut and without spending millions of dollars? Now you can! Prepare to step into the beyond in the next DCPA Off-Center immersive experience, Space Explorers: THE INFINITE. To capture footage for Space Explorers: THE INFINITE, Felix & Paul Studios designed and built 360-degree cinematic cameras that would work inside the International Space Station (ISS) and in the extremes of space. The technology of the camera equipment allowed audiences for the first time ever to walk inside the ISS and watch the day-to-day lives of astronauts, from making repairs to giving a haircut to a fellow astronaut.

As groups of 30 enter every 15 minutes, they receive a VR headset and discover their new avatar identity that will guide them throughout the experience and learn how they can walk and engage with the ISS. PRO TIP: Going with a friend or family? You will be able to see your group as gold avatars as they take their own journey through the ISS. Blue avatars are fellow spacewalkers and green avatars are THE INFINITE attendants.

Each person is provided a headset where they can see and hear throughout the 45-minute experience. A guest’s journey through the ISS is divided into four chapters that include glowing spheres that a guest can touch to initiate

22

a video that will share the everyday experiences while on the ISS. Guests may encounter astronauts, observing their experiments or celebrations of new arrivals. Alternatively, they may enjoy a breathtaking view of the station against the backdrop of the void and the magnificent planet Earth.

Often, everyday people find that space feels so unobtainable, but this immersive experience puts audiences at the center. Although you cannot (fortunately!) float away in this version of space, the incredible work from the creative team made the visuals feel so real that you may find yourself hesitant to take steps into space. Do not worry; the ground is still there.

The finale has audiences seated in a theatre-like chair to sit back and view a spacewalk outside the station and above Earth. Every moment engaged in the headsets will make you feel disconnected from the outside world and truly feel like you were a member of the crew.

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

SPACE EXPLORERS: THE INFINITE NOW – MAY 5 • AGES 8+ STANLEY MARKETPLACE IN AURORA Accessible options are available.

Please inquire at the Box Office.

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• Immediate Need or Pre-plan Services • Available 24/7 Statewide • On-Site Crematory • Serving All Faiths • Veteran’s Benefits • Save by Pre-planning

View new arrivals on Instagram @barbaraandcompany

303.837.8712

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

monarchsociety.com 1534 N. Pearl Street Denver CO 80203

barbaraandcompany.net

AGES 3 - 18 CLASSES & SHOWS + ADULT CLASSES

Spring & Summer DANCE, VOICE, ACTING, MAKEUP & TECHNICAL THEATRE CLASSES SHOWS FOR GRADES KINDERGARTEN FIRST YEAR IN COLLEGE

SUMMER SHOW CAMPS IN PARKER, CASTLE ROCK, LITTLETON & HIGHLANDS RANCH

303-900-7041 paacolorado.org

shop online & by appointment

AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

NOW – MAY 5 | STANLEY MARKETPLACE

TICKETS START AT $25 denvercenter.org/space

303.893.4100 | Groups (10+) 303.446.4829 Infinity Experiences, a joint venture and creative collaboration between Felix & Paul Studios and PHI Studio, in association with DCPA Off-Center, present Space Explorers: THE INFINITE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

APPLAUSEWORTHY EVENTS DCPA Event Services

Bring some theatricality to your next all-team meeting, annual gala, or corporate retreat and leave your guests starstruck! DCPA Event Services makes it easy, with everything from coat check to catering facilitated by our in-house professionals. Contact us today!

BOOK NOW

DENVERCENTER.ORG/VENUE-RENTALS

©2024 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the p roperty of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

APR. 18, 2024 - JUN. 16, 2024

JUN. 27, 2024 - SEPT. 8, 2024

(970) 744-3747 SCAN OR CALL TO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! ColoradoCandlelight.com | 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO 80534

MUSIC, MAGIC, AND SO MUCH MORE

Things are heating up this spring and summer!

Treat your sweetheart, family, and friends to an unforgettable live performance at Denver’s non-profit home for Broadway.

NOW – MAR 10

MAR 14 – 17

APR 10 – 28

MAY 3 – 5

MAY 11 & 12

MAY 22 – JUN 2

JUN 12 – 30

JUN 19 – JUL 3

BUELL THEATRE

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©Disney

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GARNER GALLERIA THEATRE

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JUL 24 – AUG 25 BUELL THEATRE

3 x 3.375

GET TICKETS OFFICIAL TICKETS AT DENVERCENTER.ORG 303.893.4100

26

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

2024 BROADWAY SEASON SPONSORS

..MARCHING FORWARD

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY MUSIC!

LIVE ON STAGE MAY 2–JUNE 2 Book and Music by Jonathan Larson | Lyrics by Jonathan Larson and Billy Aronson Directed by Marisa D. Hébert

TICKETS (719) 634-5583 | fac.coloradocollege.edu 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903

ABRIDGED VERSIONS OF THE BARD'S MOST BELOVED PLAYS

Join us for free public performances of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot! Every Saturday from April 6 – May 13, our troupe of actors will stage bite-sized versions of the Bard’s most beloved plays in and around our pickup truck “set.”

Performance locations throughout the Denver metro area TBA in late March.

LEARN MORE dcpa.today/community

Photo by McLeod9Creative

OUR GUIDING VISION Our vision is to create a more connected and inclusive community lifted up and drawn together by theatrical storytelling and shared experiences.

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

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

Get ready for

COMEDY CHAOS...

in the funniest play ever written

By Michael Frayn, directed by Geoffrey Kent

March 22 - May 5

Supported by: Diana and Mike Kinsey

Tickets at ArvadaCenter.org

DCPA TEAM DCPA TEAM

DCPA

Stori Heleen-O’Foley................Event Technical Katie Davis .....................Manager, VIP Ticketing Bennet Goldberg, Georgina Kayes, Manager Billy Dutton...........................Associate Director, Ashley Lawler .............................................Artisans Janice Sinden..........................President & CEO Operations Andrew McGlothen................Prop Carpenter Donna Hendricks...........Executive Assistant, Shane Hotle.................................Audio Engineer Danielle Freeman ...................................Manager, Scene Shop President & CEO David Mandlowitz, Will Stowe, Ian Wells ...........Video Engineers Customer Service Julie Schumaker......................................Manager, Eric Moore.............................. Technical Director Board Relations Tara Miller...........................................Event Sales & Claire Hayes, Ella Mann, Operations Director Rocco Williams ...........Managers, Box Office Albert “Stub” Allison, Robert L. Orzolek, Josh Prues ....Associate Technical Directors ACCOUNTING & FINANCE Brook Nichols ........Event Technical Director Chris Leech..........Coordinator, VIP Ticketing Jeremy Althoff, Tyler D. Clark, Katie Spanos .......................Associate Director, Kate Olsen................Event Sales Coordinator Jane Williams...................................................CFAO Subscriber Services Amy Wynn Pastor, Benjamin Peitzer ...........Event Technical Lead Sara Brandenburg................................... Director, Kyle Scoggins .....................Scenic Technicians Accounting Services Alex Taylor ..............................Lighting Designer Group Sales Louis Fernandez III.....Lead Scenic Technician Michaele Davidson ....Accountant, Treasury Brooke Wyatt........Event Logistics Manager Jessica Bergin..................... Associate Director Brian “Marco” Markiewicz ....Lead Carpenter Blythe Kamin.............................................Manager, Jennifer Jeffrey....................Director, Financial Audience Development Scenic Design Planning & Analysis INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Kristina Monge .......................................Specialist, Lisa Roebuck.................................Vice President Elias Lopez...........................................Coordinator Lisa Orzolek .................................................Director Accounts Payable For security purposes, the IT team has been omitted. Maddie Young .......................................Associate, Kevin Nelson, Education & Group Sales Nicholas Renaud..................................Assistants Jennifer Siemers ...........Director, Accounting Operations Audrey Smith....................Associate Manager, Sarah Arzberger...........................Administrator OFF-CENTER Sound Design Accounting Vincent Bridgers .....................................Manager Charlie Miller ...Executive Director & Curator Alex Billman .......................................... Supervisor, Sound & Technology Adam Busch.................................................Analyst Courtney Ozaki............................ Line Producer BROADWAY & CABARET Lucas Swinehart..........Associate Supervisor, Aaron Chavez ....................................................Lead Sound & Technology John Ekeberg.........................Executive Director Ruben Cruz, Jordan Latouche.... Engineers PEOPLE & CULTURE Meagan Holdeman+, Administration Simone Gordon .................Associate Director Laura Maresca ................................................ CPCO Timothy Schoeberl+, Ashley Brown.......................Business Manager Kyle Greufe....................................Senior Analyst Dimitri Soto+ .......................................Technicians Alicia Bruce ............................. General Manager Brandon LeMarr ......................................Manager Equity & Organization Culture Stage Management Lisa Prater .........................Operations Manager Sam Nolte, Tara Perticone .................Analysts Lydia Garcia .........................Executive Director Seán Kroll .............................................Coordinator Michael Morales ..................................Production Joseph Reecher ......................Senior Engineer Stage Manager Garner Galleria Theatre Corin Davidson, Harper Hadley, Abel Becerra ............................Technical Director Cordelia Taylor ..................................Coordinator Human Resources Brian Carter.............. Senior Business Partner Sage Hughes, Anne Jude, Jason Begin+, Laurel Davies..............Interim Business Partner Nick Nyquist, Malia Stoner, Anna Hookana+ ...................Core Stagehands MARKETING & SALES Angela Lakin....................................Vice President Andrew Guilder ....HR & Recruiting Specialist Kristin Sutter.............................Stage Managers DEVELOPMENT Whitney Testa..................Executive Assistant, Paul Johnson..............................................Payroll & Magdalena Tronina, Compliance Manager Georgia Wood, Rain Young .....Apprentices Marketing & Broadway Jamie Clements .............................Vice President Kinsey Scholl .................Operations Specialist Wardrobe Connor Carlin......................Associate Director, Marketing Heidi Echtenkamp .............................Supervisor Major & Planned Gifts Heidi Bosk ...........Associate Director, Press & Promotions, Broadway & Cabaret THEATRE COMPANY Robin Appleton^, Amber Krimbel^, Caroline Eppers .......................................Manager, Lauren LaCasse^, Lisa Parsons Wagner^, Corporate Partnerships Erin Bunyard.............Senior Digital Strategist Administration Kara Erickson-Stiemke.................Coordinator Sofia Contreras .....................Graphic Designer Charles Varin .......................Managing Director Nicole Watts^, Kami Williams^........Dressers Alex Koszewski ................ Company Manager Wigs Kaylie Groff........Manager, Grants & Reports Brenda Elliott, Emily Kettlewell .................Associate Director, Paul Koob..............Senior Graphic Designers Ann Marshall........................... General Manager Diana Ben-Kiki......................................Supervisor Annual Giving Harper Anne Finch ................................Manager, Abby Schmidt^, Social Marketing Artistic Marisa Sorce^ ..............................Wig Assistants Caitie Maxwell.... Senior Director, Major Gifts Chris Coleman ..........................

Artistic Director Marc Ravenhill ....................Associate Director, TJ Forlenza ............................................Copywriter Jessica Eckenrod .................Artistic Associate VENUE OPERATIONS Donor Relations Michael Garcia ..........Manager, Web Content Megan Stewart........................Manager, Events Claire Graves............................................... Director, Grady Soapes ....................Artistic Producer & Glen Lucero....................................Vice President Casting Director Produced Programs Merry Davis ..........................Financial Manager Brittany Gutierrez...................................Manager, Leean Kim Torske.................................... Director, EDUCATION & Literary Programs Jane Deegan ..................................Administrator Communications COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Linda Horan...............................Project Manager Costume Crafts Facilities Allison Watrous ................. Executive Director Jeff Hovorka .... Director, Sales & Marketing, Kevin Copenhaver....................................Director Craig Smith...................................................Director Stuart Barr ............................. Technical Director Broadway & Cabaret Chris Campbell.........................................Assistant Jerad Ayala, Steven Bilbao, Leslie Channell .......................................... Director, Abraham Cervantes, Lindsey Cervantes, Emma Holst .......................................Coordinator, Costume Shop Business Operations Carmen Molina, Judith Primero Molina, Communications & PR Lyndsay Corbett ...................Teaching Artist & Janet Macleod... Director/Design Associate Juan Loya Molina...............................Custodians Emily Kent ........Director, Insights & Strategy Manager, Playwriting & Bobby G Meghan Anderson Doyle ....Design Associate Dwight Barela, Mark Dill, Elliot Davis ......................... Evening Registrar & Lucas Kreitler .........Junior Graphic Designer Stephanie Cooper, Bryan Faciane, John Howard, Office Coordinator Michael Ryan Leuthner ........................ Director, Amoreena Knabb, Ingrid Ludeke, Digital Marketing Carolyn Plemitscher ................................. Draper Bryon Willingham ............................... Engineers Rachel Ducat.................Executive Assistant & Michael Kimbrough....Manager, Engineering Business Manager Emily Lozow .............Assoc. Director, Sales & Brian McClain .....................Manager, Custodial Marketing, Broadway & Cabaret House Crew Rya Dyes .................................................Registrar & On-Site Class Manager Kyle Malone................................Director, Design Douglas Taylor+...................................Supervisor Patron Experience Gavin Juckette ......Teaching Artist & Theatre Dan McNulty.........................Marketing Analyst James Berman+, Forest Fowler+, Evan Gendreau .................. Associate Director for Young Audiences Program Manager Todd Metcalf .................................Media Producer William Loving+, Dave Mazzeno+, Kyle Moore+, Matt Wagner+ ....Stagehands Elliot Shields...............................................Manager Jesús Quintana Martínez ....................... Director, Hannah Selwyn ....Manager, Email Marketing Kaylyn Kriaski, Leilani Lynch, Community Engagement Julie Whelan ...........................................Associate, Calli Lavarnway+, Kelley Reznik+ .......................................Assistants Aaron McMullen, Stacy Norwood, Produced Programs Timothy McCracken................Head of Acting Valerie Schaefer...............Assistant Managers Rick Mireles ...................................................Manager, Mikayla Woods.................................Coordinator, Lighting Design Nora Caley, Teresa Gould, Amy Howard, Produced Programs Charles MacLeod......................................Director Robin Lander, Myrisa Martin, Community Engagement David Saphier......Teaching Artist & Manager, Suzanne Yoe.......................Director, Content & Lily Bradford..............................................Assistant Selin Ozcelik, Barbara Pooler, Communications Joseph Price+ .............Production Electrician Wendy Quintana ..................House Managers In-School Programming Charlotte Talbert ......................................Librarian Ticketing & Audience Services Safety & Security Paint Shop Rachel Taylor .....Teaching Artist & Manager, Jennifer Lopez ...........................................Director Jana Mitchell....................Charge Scenic Artist Quentin Crump..........................................Director Literary Engagement & Resiliency Jodi Benavides............Lead Security Officer Christina Adamoli*, D.J. Dennis*, Kristin Hamer MacFarlane, Justin Walvoord ....................Teaching Artist & Edmund Gurule*, Alison Orthel*, Melanie Rentschler .....................Scenic Artists Calum Abeywickrema, Manager, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Lane Randall*, Hayley Solano*, Mayte Armendariz, David Bright, Samuel Wood.........................Teaching Artist & Sam Stump*...................Counter/Show Leads Production Manuel Amaya Loera, Jeff Gifford ...................................................Director Isabella Samaniego, Shayne Thullen, District Liaison Kirsten Anderson*, Scott Lix*, Julie Brou................Administrative Assistant/ Tori Witherspoon............Security Specialists Liz Sieroslawski*, EVENT SERVICES Office Manager Judy Briggs...........................................Front Desk Greg Swan* ..................... Subscription Agents Saundra Bergman, Siri Barrier, Tamika Cox*, Mekenzie Dalton*, Matthew Campbell......Production Manager Phil Rohrbach ...........................Event Managers Zeah Edmonds*, Luke Fish, Jen Gray*, Peggy Carey................. Associate Production Daniel Davidek, Manager Noa Halpern*, Natalie Jaramillo*, Arias Goldanloo, Jacob Sorling, * Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local B-7 Phi Johnson-Grimes*, Noah Jungferman*, Prop Shop + Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 7 Drake Watkins ..................... Event Technicians Holly Stigen*, Andrew Sullivan*, Meghan Markiewicz ...........................Supervisor ^ Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 719 Samantha Egle, Cody Gocio ....Senior Sales Robert Warner*.............................Ticket Agents Sara Pugh ........................Associate Supervisor Staff list current through February 8, 2024 & Event Managers Jon Collins.....................Manager, Subscription

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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, and Estate Planning

The Harris Law Firm is here for you!

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PROUD CORPORATE MEMBERS OF THE DCPA

A In addition to providing best-in-class entertainment, Ameristar takes pride in fulfilling an obligation to the community to make a positive impact.

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk is proud to partner with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts again this year. The DCPA has been entertaining the Denver community for decades with its exceptional productions.

Ameristar Black Hawk, also being in the entertainment business, finds the partnership very beneficial. Ameristar strives to create memorable, thrilling experiences for its guests and the partnership with the DCPA plays a large role in that.

“In addition to providing best-in-class entertainment,” said Sean Demeule, General Manager of Ameristar Black Hawk, “Ameristar takes pride in fulfilling an obligation to the community to make a positive impact. Our community outreach program, Ameristar Cares, enables team members to donate their time and make financial contributions. Our team members enjoy volunteering locally in Gilpin County as well as in the Denver metro area. Ameristar also has a Charitable Giving committee that provides donations to a multitude of charities throughout Colorado.”

For that reason Ameristar Black Hawk has continued to partner with the DCPA year after year. It’s about having a passion not only to entertain, but to also change lives. To foster a vibrant community of giving and to contribute to causes which seek to create a better tomorrow. When the curtain falls, Ameristar will be standing with the DCPA.

— SEAN DEMEULE, GENERAL MANAGER OF AMERISTAR BLACK HAWK

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APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

complimentary house margarita with ticket stub (with purchase of entrée)

an innovative and elegant fine dining experience in the heart of lodo. theregulardenver.com/rsvp

Hidden Cocktail Bar Below Larimer Square Two blocks from DCPA Bring in your program for Buy One, Get One Free Daiquiris!

1403 Larimer St.

$17 VALIDATED VALET PARKING AT EMBASSY SUITES ALL EVENING WITH THEATER TICKETS

TWO BLOCKS FROM DCPA

OYSTERS & SUSHI | SMALL & LARGE PLATES COCKTAILS | WINE | CRAFT BEER 1400 STOUT ST. DENVER 80202 | 720.214.9100

1400 Larimer street (720) 946-1433 @tamayodenver

PROUD MEMBER OF BEST OF BROADWAY SOCIETY

SETTING THE STAGE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

F

For nearly 20 years, CIBC Private Wealth has been a dedicated supporter of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and its ongoing efforts to enrich the Denver community. Throughout the years, they have seen firsthand the transformative power of arts education and its ability to nurture confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills in the next generation. With unwavering passion, the CIBC team is honored to contribute to the DCPA’s theatre and education programs, amplifying their impact on nearly 3.2 million students. Through these initiatives, CIBC is committed to helping these students realize their ambitions.

As a leading North American financial institution, CIBC is dedicated to ensuring the success of its clients. Offering a comprehensive range of wealth management, private banking and commercial banking solutions, their team is driven by a passion to be the leader in building strong client relationships. CIBC strives to understand each client’s story, financial needs and goals because the team is committed to helping make their clients’ ambitions a reality. Distinguishing factors of CIBC include: • High touch client experience: Dedicated service and support from an experienced team in both wealth management and commercial banking • Dynamic investment management: Investing proactively to drive outperformance in ever-changing markets • Strategic approach to private banking: Banking solutions aligned to meet objectives and wealth plans.

Above: Wanda G. Colburn and Kent Nossaman, Managing Directors at CIBC Private Wealth Below: The Denver-based CIBC Private Wealth team.

• Comprehensive approach to commercial banking: Offering commercial lending, treasury management and access to capital markets to address complex business needs.

CIBC is proud to serve as a long-time sponsor of the DCPA and to further deepen its engagement with this worthy cause.

Learn more at wealth.us.cibc.com Wanda G. Colburn Managing Director (720) 221-5006 wanda.colburn@cibc.com

Kent Nossaman Managing Director (720) 221-5044 kent.nossaman@cibc.com

CIBC Private Wealth Management includes CIBC National Trust Company (a limited-purpose national trust company), CIBC Delaware Trust Company (a Delaware limited-purpose trust company), CIBC Private Wealth Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser)—all of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of CIBC Private Wealth Group, LLC—and the private banking division of CIBC Bank USA. All of these entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Private banking is offered by CIBC Bank USA, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. CIBC Bank USA and CIBC Private Wealth Group, LLC are both indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of CIBC. Investment Products Offered are Not FDIC-Insured, May Lose Value and are Not Bank Guaranteed. Loans subject to credit approval.

CIBC Capital Markets is a trademark brand name under which CIBC and some of its subsidiaries, including CIBC World Markets Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and CIBC Bank USA, provide different products and services. Capital Markets products are not FDIC insured; not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, CIBC Bank USA; and are subject to investment risk, including loss of principal.

The CIBC logo is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. Approved 2024

34

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

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

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 globally-oriented 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 highquality 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.

36

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

ILLUSTRATION BY TINA ZELLMER

Protect those you love.

Plan ahead.

FREE Planning Guide: DignityMemorial.com

JUNE 29 - AUGUST 4 GILBERT AND SULLIVAN

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE PUCCINI

THE GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST WEILL

STREET SCENE

Proud to support the performing arts in Denver.

8 LOCAL PROVIDERS TO SERVE YOU, INCLUDING:

Olinger

MORTUARIES & CEMETERIES

303-233-4611

TICKETS START AT JUST $30!

centralcityopera.org

Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery

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

38

APPLAUSE • MAR – APR 2024 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

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

Contact: Marc Ravenhill • mravenhill@dcpa.org • 303-572-4594

Photo: From the Hip Photography

CELEBRATE THE COLORADO SYMPHONY’S CENTENNIAL WITH THESE CONCERTS AND MORE ALL SEASON LONG!

Beethoven Symphony No. 9 with Marin Alsop

Mozart Requiem with Peter Oundjian

FEB 23-25

MAR 22-24

Brahms Symphony No. 3

May 10-12

COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG | 303.623.7876 VIEW ALL EVENTS USING THE QR CODE

A Sea Symphony with the Colorado Symphony Chorus

MAY 18-19

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