Take your visitors from out of town here

June 25, 2:41 PMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Denver Theater Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Cast of Over the River and Through the Woods at
Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden
Photo by Richard H. Pegg

Its summer time and that means its time for that “vacation.” You know the one – where you go visit your Great Aunt Ethel in Poughkeepsie. Then you get to sleep on the fold out bed that has had the same old sheets on it since the Truman administration. Well – in some cases, Great Aunt Ethel will be coming to Denver to visit you instead. So, how do you keep her entertained while she is here? How do you show off all the great culture and history that Colorado has to offer? I’ve got some suggestions for you. Sure, the Denver Center is beautiful, but try these suggestions for theatre trips around the state. These are the historic theatres that really show off just how special Denver is – and they are all a must see for any out of town guest. Plus it’s a much better time than taking your Great Aunt Ethel to Casa Bonita, right?

Denver Victorian Playhouse
4201 Hooker Street in Denver
Why its special: Built in 1911, this is the first theatre west of the Mississippi to stage all of Shakespeare’s plays. The Denver Vic was built into the basement of George Swartz’s home, who had moved here to seek treatment for tuberculosis. It is the original home theatre.
What is playing: Through June 27th you can catch the wonderful musical – The Fantasticks and then opening on July 10th is London Suite by Neil Simon
Examiner Extra: Read the Examiner review of The Fantasticks OR Check out the Acts and Answered with Rob Kramer, director for London Suite

The Bug Theatre
3654 Navajo Street in Denver
Why its special: This theatre was originally built in 1912 as a nickelodeon movie house. As one of the oldest theatres in town it is a unique space and you can see even more unique productions.
What is playing: There is always a lot of diversity at The Bug. Check out Freak Train on the last Monday of every month. It is an open stage event where area performers get five minutes on stage to whatever they want. Or try the Emerging Filmmakers project. The third Thursday of every month you can come see screenings and talk backs from regional filmmakers.
Examiner Extra: Head over to Patsy’s Inn restaurant across the street for dinner first. Their home-made pasta is fantastic!

Miners Alley Playhouse
1224 Washington Ave in Golden
Why its special: Miners Alley is located  in downtown Golden, and they have one of the most spectacular views from their lobby. A MUST see for any out-of-towner. Plus they have a full bar!
What is playing: Right now, check out Over The River and Through the Woods by Joe Dipietro – it is running through July 19th.
Examiner Extra: Read the Acts and Answered with Sue Leiser, one of the stars of the current show at Miners Alley

Backstage Theatre
Why its special: Built in 1974 this theatre has a long history of strong work. Plus it is located in beautiful Breckenridge – so there is more to do than just skiing up there.
What is playing: Right now check out The Fantasticks. (Yep 2 theatre’s are playing this one, but it’s a great show, so see it!)
Examiner Extra: This production is dedicated to the memory of Phil Gottlieb – an actor, choreographer, dancer, father, husband, and friend. His son is playing the lead and his wife is the music director. Read about the tragic loss of this great friend.