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Performing Arts

by Tracy Shaffer

Though the subject of Lynn Nottage's play Ruined might seem like a reason to stay away, the latest offering by Denver Center Theatre Company puts my recommendation in the 'run-don't-walk' category. I attended last night's first preview, so this is not an official review (nor am I a critic), but the powerful production deserves to be seen so I thrust myself out on a limb here to give you time to plan your evening.

Set in a cheery brothel in the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo, themes of violence, rape, genocide and the demoralizing exploitation of women, are balanced with a shocking levity that is testament to the human spirit.The entire cast is in fine form, led by the powerful performances of Kim Staunton and Harvey Blanks. There is an unmatched intimacy and ease between these two, having appeared together in Raisin in the Sun, Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, The Madwoman to name a few. Tallia Brinson, Joy Jones and Daphne Gaines are exquisite as the women of the brothel whose stories lend the script its brutal core, while the band of soldiers are brutish and violent, the actors have miraculously managed to make them... well, charming would be going too far.

21 March, 2011 /

 The Infamous Stringdusters return to town to perform at the historic Sheridan Opera House, the lead act on a double bill for the Spring Fever Weekend. (Elephant Revival "opened" for them Saturday night.) The concert takes place Sunday, March 20, 8 p.m.

The progressive acoustic group first performed in town at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was four years ago, in 2007, with the release of their now acclaimed first album, Fork in the Road, on Sugar Hill. The collection earned the newbies three top awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Emerging Artist of the Year, not bad in an industry that generally forces anyone wet behind the ears to pay big dues before commanding the limelight.

18 March, 2011 /
[click "Play" to hear Sasha Cucciniello talk about the program]

 

kicker: Program follows course at Ah Haa

Sugar Telluride's Ah Haa School for the Arts promoted the class this way:

"Join artistic director Sasha Cucciniello of SquidShow Theatre and Melissa Sumpter of Durango’s Salt Fire Circus, as they take you on a three-week journey into the world of burlesque dancing and performance. At the close of the class, students will be given the opportunity to show off their skills during a live variety show on the stage of the Sheridan Opera House!"

Their time is now. On March 25, 8 p.m., at Telluride's historic Sheridan Opera House, Sasha and SquidShow Theatre present an evening of burlesque, which includes "boylesque," boys doing burlesque. Sasha promises an evening that is at once "daring, sexy and scandalous." And Sasha always delivers the goods.

16 March, 2011 /
[click "Play" to listen to Susan's conversation with Jennie Franks]

 

 

FJL_Final The Telluride Playwrights Festival spilled out of the pen of Telluride local Jennie Franks, founder of Sparky Productions. While writing one of her own plays, Jennie realized playwrights like herself need to hear their words spoken out loud during the evolving process of refining a script. The Telluride Playwrights Festival has little to do with splashy productions and everything to do with theatre basics: speaking words that tell a story. The event is, in effect, a laboratory setting for actors, playwrights and directors and a vehicle for exploring ideas, issues and our own humanity through theatre. Plays germinated at the Telluride Playwrights Festival are now blossoming all over the country in major markets with full productions.

Now in its fifth year, the Playwrights Festival continues to expand upon its collaborative mission, bringing a full production of a new dark comedy by William Missouri Downs. "Forgiving John Lennon" is part of the University of Wyoming’s Summer Theatre Program. This timely, shattering comedy explores a clash of cultures in a world where, as Lennon says “nothing to kill or die for” might not be so easily imagined. As with all Telluride Playwright Festival productions, feedback from the audience after the performance is a valued next step towards a polished finished project.

14 March, 2011 /

[click "Play", Rhonda Muckerman and Kathy Jepson talk about the event]   It's a mash up, Telluride style.Friday, March 18, 7 p.m., the Michael D. Palm Theatre presents a first ever: The Telluride Showcase is an...

14 March, 2011 /

[click "Play" to hear Susan's rap with Suzan Beraza and Dylan Brooks]

 

 

Rep Cast, The Telluride Repertory Theatre celebrates its 20+ anniversary in style. The non-profit is throwing with a gala dinner party on Saturday, March 12, 7 – 10 p.m., at the Ah Haa School for the Arts. The event includes a champagne reception, a four-course dinner prepared by Mountain Top Catering and a wine pairing featuring the Durango Wine Experience. The entertainment, "The Best of the REP Musical Revue," includes performances by former REP stars, among them, REP co-founders Suzan Beraza and Angela Watkins.

The history of the Telluride Repertory Theatre Company dates back to when co-founder Suzan Beraza,  now of "Bag It" fame, found a brochure about a ski resort in a box canyon with a little theater. The ambitious young actress with a yen to ski sent a resume and an 8 X 10 glossy, waited and heard nothing. Suzan was none too concerned about the dead silence: life is oh so hectic on the boards. It was not until she arrived in town that Suzan discovered the dirty little secret behind Telluride's "theatre": The Nugget was a film house. Bummer. Acting was all Suzan knew how to do.

08 March, 2011 /
[click "Play" to hear Susan's conversation with Stu Sundell-Norman of "Joint Point"]

 

 

Joint Point, Mardi Gras In Telluride, we save the parades and picnics for the Fourth of July. Locally Mardi Gras, March 8, is all about the music. Music and the traditional baubles and beads. (We love bling.) 

The music is thanks to the historic Sheridan Opera House, where local jam band, Joint Point, performs at a special Mardi Gras concert starting at 9 p.m.

06 March, 2011 /