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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

. . .




Wednesday, January 16, 2008

How do you measure?

The New York Times is reporting that Rent, the long-running Jonathan Larson rock opera is closing on June 1, 2008. Personally, I'm a big fan of this show, but even its detractors have to admit that this ground-breaking production forever changed the way we look at musical theatre. I believe that if there had been no Rent, there never would have been a Spring Awakening, another favorite of mine at the moment.
In other Rent-related news, Idina Menzel's new album, I Stand, will be in stores January 29, 2008. You can pre-order a special package deal at her website. (I don't know, there's a tote bag or something.)
Just as I believe that Spring Awakening would not exist if not for Rent, I believe also that Rent would not exist if not for Hair, and it looks like The Avenue will be mounting their version of the 60's free love, anti-war, tribal rock musical this summer. I'm very excited for that, but I'll just have to wait.
A few shows for which I do not have to wait are:
-Uncorked Productions' Closer, featuring two of my favorite actresses, Trina Magness and L. Corwin Christie, opening this weekend,
-Firehouse Theatre Company's Music From A Sparkling Planet directed by Bernie Cardell and featuring a number of NextStage alums,
-and Spotlight Theatre Company's The Tender Trap directed by Pat Payne (who brought us last year's farcical duplex Run For Your Wife and Caught in the Net) and Deb Flomberg.

By the way, piglets, are you sad that Rent is closing, excited about Idina's new album, want to talk about theatre in Colorado, or theatre in general? Swing by the Theatre Colorado Message Boards and join the online discussions. I just started one over there that raises the question of "Are there too many theatre companies in the area?" Ooh, juicy. Come on over and tell me to "get stuffed." (You know you want to, don't you?)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

You missed me. You know you did.

I have returned from my self-imposed hiatus to wreak what further havoc I may on the net.
I have decided that my difficulty in keeping up with this blog in the latter half of last year had less to do with my busy schedule (none of which has changed) than it did with my efficiently managing my busy schedule. (A circumstance that is changing even as I write this.)
So, I am back, and, while I may not post with the same frequency I did several months ago, I will check in with you here regularly to keep you up to date on what's going on in the theater scene here in the Denver area.
To that end, let me now direct your attention to the new Theatre Colorado website and accompanying message board.
I was turned on to this by my friend and Denver thespian, Becca Fletcher, and I must say that I am very excited about the message board. I've already started a thread or two myself, and I look forward to many online discussions with you all there, whether pithy or silly. The conversations, I mean, not you. However, far be it from me to stop you if you wish to be known for being full of pith . . . and vinegar. (Oh, you knew I was going to go there. I haven't been away that long.)
So, check out the Theatre Colorado site , visit the message boards, and, by all means, start checking back in here again, because I am back, piglets.
I am back.