A Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO 
September 26 - October 5, 2014

A few months ago, I had an issue with some tickets we received as part of a group package. Colorado Ballet was quick to do their best to make up for it. They gave me fantastic seats for a performance of my choice. I decided on their season opener, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Now, one would normal question a production of a Shakespeare play with no words. Isn't Shakespeare the greatest poet in the English language? But that never seemed to be an issue. The dancers of the company are skilled at conveying the emotions of a story through their bodies. Despite the complex storyline, very little was missed.

The stories of mismatched love came through clearly as well as the feud between Titania and Oberon. The ballet was beautiful and funny.In fact, I think a child would have a much easier time following the ballet than the original play.

Productions like this one show the power of ballet. It can even take the most complex stories and share them with the masses.

Once On This Island

Once On This Island
Aurora Fox Theater
Aurora, CO
September 12-October 5, 2014

I was fortunate to win the tickets for the Aurora Fox's production of Once On This Island in a Facebook contest. I must admit, the idea of this show intrigued me. I knew it was loosely based on The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. I know the original was not a happy story, so I was interested in this retelling of the tale.

The show was full of color and energy. It began with a clear message that people of the island dance in two separate worlds - divided by race. The very talented cast took turns outside the ensemble to play various roles. Yet the transitions were nearly seamless. It was delightful to hear each cast member as they got a chance to sing solo.

The story revolves around Ti Moune and the actress who played her commanded the stage. At times I'm not sure the theater was big enough to contain her voice. The story does not work if you don't love Ti Moune, and we all did.

Like the original story, Once On This Island doesn't have a happy ending. When Ti Moune's fate is revealed, it is a bit hokey in a story that had been so well told before the moment of revelation. But that can be overlooked as the message of forgiveness rings out in the finale.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown

The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Denver Center Theater Company
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Denver, CO
September 12-October 26, 2014

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown stood out as a "must see" for me. This was called a "restaging," however, having never seen the original production or even the movie, the changes were lost on me. I approached this show with no biases.

From the opening number, "Colorado, My Home," the show captivated the audience and didn't let go. The cast was top notch, looking at their bios was impressive and their performances delivered. The voices soared beautifully and the characters moved through time, their experiences shaping them believably.

The greatest change was watching Molly mature from a rough country girl into a refined member of the upper class. Her relationship with her husband changes and it doesn't. You never lose the spark they find early in the story.

The sets are simple and exactly enough for each scene. The costumes develop from rough coal miners to sophisticated gentry and you hardly know how you got there. Most importantly, it all flows from one extreme to another with the natural evolution of the story.


I see theater all the time. This is a production that I can honestly say is not to missed. The quality of this show would rival any on Broadway.