For our latest foray into the local theater scene, we travel to Arvada, Denver, Lafayette and Johnstown to review a quartet of productions ranging from classic musicals to world-premiere plays. Here’s a quick dive into what makes each of these offerings stand out — or fall flat.
Tap-happy romance
In Johnstown, Crazy for You at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is a toe-tapping tribute to the timeless genius of George and Ira Gershwin. Directed by Steve Wilson and choreographed by Shawna Hallinan, this production is a testament to the enduring power of musical theater. The seventeen-person local cast delivers performances brimming with energy, perfectly capturing the zany spirit of this romantic comedy. Centered around young New York banker Bobby Child’s comedic endeavors to win the heart of Polly Baker and save a rundown theater, the play is a delightful rollercoaster of mistaken identities and musical extravaganzas.
The chemistry between Sara Kowalski as Polly and Matthew Dailey as Bobby is palpable, grounding the show’s larger-than-life antics in genuine emotional stakes. Dailey, in particular, shines brightly, showcasing remarkable stamina as he dances and sings his way through the demanding role. The production’s highlight, a hilarious mirror scene featuring Dailey and Patric Case as the comical Bela Zangler, exemplifies Wilson’s sharp direction and the cast’s comedic timing. Richard Shore’s musical direction deserves special mention; his adaptation of the Gershwin brothers’ classic score for a much smaller ensemble retains all the original’s richness. Crazy for You is a must-see for fans of classic musical theater.
ON STAGE: Crazy For You. Through April 7, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. $45-$83
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Russian rhapsody
The regional premiere of Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 at the Arvada Center is a daring, immersive journey that blurs the lines between audience and performer. Under Lynne Collins’ direction, this electro-pop opera brings to life a scandalous 70-page slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace with an energy that is both innovative and irreverent. The fourth wall dissolves the moment audience members step into the lobby, transformed into a Russian dinner club complete with cabaret tables, inviting them into the world of the play. This approach creates a shared experience that is both intimate and expansive.
The cast, led by Bella Hathorne as Natasha and Brett Ambler as Pierre, delivers powerful performances that capture the emotional turbulence of their characters’ lives. The actors’ dual roles as musicians enrich the show’s texture, creating a live soundscape that complements the innovative staging. Brian Mallgrave’s scenic design is a marvel, utilizing every inch of the space to involve the audience in the story’s opulent, tumultuous world. Despite its somewhat complex plot — I’d strongly recommend parsing through the synopsis in your program as the characters advise you to do in the opening number — the Arvada Center’s commitment to an immersive experience and standout performances make this boundary-pushing production worth your time.
ON STAGE: Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812. Through March 31, Arvada Center
for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard. $47-$83
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Betty’s battlefield
Rubicon presents the riveting true story of a society woman turned spy. Based on the true story of Elizabeth “Betty” Pack, the world-premiere play by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company delves into the complexities of a woman who wielded her intellect and charm as weapons in the shadowy world of international espionage. Directed by Chris Coleman, Rubicon is a captivating exploration of personal sacrifice and the quest for identity against the backdrop of global conflict. Carolyn Holding delivers a layered performance as Betty that captures the protagonist’s determination and vulnerability, anchoring the narrative’s emotional core.
The design elements, particularly Meghan Anderson Doyle’s sleek costumes, effectively differentiate the myriad characters brought to life by the versatile five-person cast. Tony Cisek’s scenic design feels like a game of Whack-A-Mole as beds and tables rise and fall into the stage, complementing Coleman’s fast-paced direction and keeping the audience engaged throughout Betty’s journey. Although its disjointed narrative structure may leave audiences wanting more coherence, Rubicon offers an engaging portrayal of a woman who shaped history from the shadows.
ON STAGE: Rubicon. Through March 17, Kilstrom Theatre, Denver Center Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St., Denver.
$42-$88
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A little off the top
In Lafayette, the Arts HUB presents a community production of Stephen Sondheim’sSweeney Todd that balances the macabre with the melodious. Tracy Warren, known for her work with BDT Stage, directs this tale of revenge, madness and meat pies. Jeremiah Martinez as Sweeney and Amy Sheff as Mrs. Lovett lead the charge with onstage chemistry that is both unsettling and captivating, propelling the story forward with a sense of impending doom.
The creative use of Nathan Dow’s ambitious two-story set plunges the audience into the world of Fleet Street. However, the set’s complexity results in slower scenic transitions, frequently performed by crew visible to the audience, which detracts from the show’s pace. Music director Brandon Warren’s direction of the company’s vocal performances is a standout feature, with harmonies and solo numbers resonating with the emotional stakes of the plot. While the production’s ambition occasionally outstrips its execution, the cast’s raw energy encapsulates Sondheim’s work.
ON STAGE: Sweeney Todd. Through March 10, Arts HUB, 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette. $18-28