Denver-area theatre makes its debut by making a difference

The cast of Gravity Defied Theatre's bare is ready to bust out.
(Photo by Poshtography by Simone)

One Denver-area theatre company is raising more than just curtains on its debut season. It is raising eyebrows, raising funds for charities and raising the bar on community theatre.

“Our mission is to use the performing arts to inspire a sense of community,” explained Danny Harrigan, the director of public relations for Gravity Defied Theatre. “By producing an eclectic range of shows that features the area’s best talent, we hope to create more than just community theatre. We hope to create a theatre for the community.”

As Colorado’s first charitably-focused community theatre, Gravity Defied Theatre takes a refreshing approach to the stage by sharing the spotlight with local organizations making a difference. A portion of the ticket sales from each and every production is donated to a different charity. Simply put, Gravity Defied Theatre generates funds and applause for local causes. That’s a role worthy of a standing ovation.

Gravity Defied Theatre is the newest project of Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA), a 27-year strong organization championing community through music. RMAA’s other programs include The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, Denver Women’s Chorus, Mosaic Youth Chorus and Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus.

Gravity Defied Theatre wastes no time shedding its inhibitions with its inaugural show bare, a musical that follows two boys in love and their classmates as they navigate life in a private Catholic boarding school. By confronting issues like homosexuality, drug use, teen pregnancy and body image, bare explores the precarious intersection of adulthood, religion and sexuality with emotion, defiance and a dynamic musical repertoire. bare is definitely not your typical high school musical.

“The show’s message speaks to the heart of the GLBT community’s struggle to find acceptance and learn tolerance in an intolerant world,” said Harrigan. “Still, bare translates to anyone who has ever felt different. Its message is universal.”

A portion of the proceeds from bare will support PHAMALY, the Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League. PHAMALY is non-profit organization producing traditional theatre in non-traditional ways. Since 1989, PHAMALY has been providing theatrical opportunities for performers living with disabilities. PHAMALY performs throughout the greater Denver area.

“Gravity Defied Theatre is proud to support PHAMALY’s mission and make a contribution to its continued success. We hope bare will help the spread the word about this wonderful organization,” Harrigan shared.

bare makes its way to the Aurora Fox Arts Center at 9900 E. Colfax Ave. for three weekends in August. Tickets are already being sold, so be sure to visit RMAA online and reserve your seats. Each performance begins at 7:00 pm:

August 7th and 8th

August 14th and 15th

August 21st and 22nd

For tickets & more info:  Visit Gravity Defied Theatre and RMAA online.