Falsettos in Denver

I do wish that I had more time for the prose that I sometimes write here. I haven't ticked anyone off in so long, I'm jonesing a bit. (I did get a hate-filled text message the other day, so I guess that's something.)
Anyway, I did find time to make it to see Next Stage's Falsettos at the new Aurora Fox Studio Theatre, and I wanted to make sure I put it on my recommended list for you all. It's a terrific show, even if the space itself could use some work, which John Moore details in his review here.
Now, in linking to to John's review, I'm not saying that I wholly agree with it. I believe I liked the show more than he did, and I believe that you will, too. John does bring up some points about sound and sight line issues, though, that I think are valid and that I hope will be addressed by the Fox for future productions.
Back to the show, however, I must confess that Falsettos is one of those shows that has sort of been "under my radar." I sort of knew it was about a family man who comes out of the closet, but that was about it. However, more research was warranted after two of my close Denver friends garnered the lead roles: Tyler Collins as Marvin and Janelle Christie as Trina.
If you want to find out more about the background and history of the show, here's a useful link.
It probably should have been employed by the young woman who sat behind me before she bought her ticket. Her audible "Ewww" at the first on-stage kiss between Marvin and his male lover and her inappropriate snickering through the final scene suggest that she was expecting a choir concert in head voice, rather than a poignant and moving examination of the nature and variety of love.
Still, it probably did her some good. Even as I heard her proselytizing to her friends on the way out the door about "sins against God," I believe that, on some level, she was challenged by the piece, and we could all afford to be challenged more often. (Are you listening Denver theatre producers? Are you?)
Kudos to Next Stage on their challenging and highly entertaining production. Don't miss it.

By the way, are you familiar with The Trevor Project?

Playing Catch-up: Millie and Oz

Oh wow!
It's April 19th already! Where does the time go?
Performance Now's Thoroughly Modern Millie is already running!
Featuring the ever-enjoyable Alisa Vaughters as Millie, this is undoubtedly a show not to be missed. (I may have to catch it next weekend myself.) You know how this works: click on the brightly-colored link for more info.
I did manage, despite my monstrous schedule, to catch MSCD's The Wizard of Oz on Thursday. Now, I'm usually the first one to say, when it comes to staging the MGM musical version of Baum's classic fable, why not just put up a big screen and show the 1939 movie?
The answer, my friends, is on stage at the King Center this weekend and next. Very fun. Melissa Morris as Dorothy is a delight. Erica Johnson is absolutely bewitching as . . . oh, don't make me say it.

Promoting a few of my friends . . .

Here's a couple of things that will probably slip under the "radar" if I don't mention them here.

Two CU Denver Students will be presenting their respective senior projects this month:

At What Cost? A Musical Drama
Written and directed by Melanie Meers
April 15th and 16th, 7:30 P.M.
Auraria Campus Arts Building, Rm. 278
Free to the public
Special Dinner Theatre Fundraiser Performance for Crossroads Baptist Church El Salvador Missions Trip, April 13th at Crossroads Baptist Church (I-25 & Grant).
6:00 P.M. $7 for Adults, $5 children under 10

Jennifer Dean's Senior Project
A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking
April 29th and 30th, 7:30 P.M.
Auraria Campus Arts Building, Rm. 278
Free to the Public

Also coming up:
Metro State College of Denver presents:
The Wizard of Oz
Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre at the King Center
Auraria Campus
April 17-19 & 24-26, 7:30 p.m. and April 27th at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets $15, Free to Metro students
I'm really looking forward to seeing Melissa Morris step into the spotlight as Dorothy Gale.
Oh, and folks: Monkeys will fly.
Bring the kids.

Finally, this one probably doesn't qualify as being "under the radar," as I'm sure many of you have heard about this, but Gary Dean Hathaway will be holding auditions for Performance Now's upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical. I really feel that Gary is one of the few directors in the world who can bring this show to its full potential. Actors will count themselves lucky to be a part of it. Here's the audition info direct from the man himself:

Performance Now Theatre Company

Is holding auditions for

Jekyll & Hyde

Directed by Gary Dean Hathaway

AUDITIONS

Saturday April 19^th, 12-5 p.m.

Sunday April 20^th, 2-6 p.m.

CALLBACKS:

Sunday April 20th 7-10 p.m.

Auditions will be held at

Little Theatre Dance Studio

2670 E. County Line Road

Highlands Ranch 80126

(SE corner of University & County Line Road)

Call Performance Now at 303.918.1500 to reserve a time

Please call after 11 a.m.

Please do not call Little Theatre!

Casting:

20 Men

14 Women

ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE / NOTHING IS PRE CAST

Men: prepare 36 bars each from 2 contrasting songs. 1 ballad / 1 up tempo rock song, both showing your range and passion.

Director encourages singing something from the show. (I doubt that you'll have to do the whole 36 but just be ready)

If you are auditioning for Jekyll please be familiar with all of his songs.

You will be doing the Confrontation during the callbacks so you might want to prepare for that.

Ladies: prepare 36 bars each from 2 contrasting songs. 1 belt / 1 legit.

Director strongly suggests singing something from the show. (I doubt that you will have to do the full 36, but be ready just in case)

If you are auditioning for the role of Lucy please be familiar with all of her songs and be prepared to belt to an F#.

Everyone: You must have sheet music to audition. No CD’s or tapes, and no a capella

Looking for very strong singers & actors.

And because this production is going to be very dark and adult in nature I need people who are willing to go that extra step and aren't afraid to take risks.

Rehearsals: Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, beginning April 26

A few evening music rehearsals will also be held, TBA

Performances:

June 20-29

Confirmed shows:

Fridays 7:30

Saturdays 7:30

Sundays 2:00

Tentative shows (depending on ticket sales)

Thursdays 7:30

Saturdays 2:00

For updated info please visit: www.myspace.com/garydean