‘THIS GREAT STAGE’

Broadway icon Ellen McLaughlin delivers a staggering performance in ‘King Lear’ at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival

BY TONI TRESCA

With this summer’s premiere of King Lear, the 66th season of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF) has reached a new high. That’s thanks in no small part to its lead, Ellen McLaughlin, whose previous credits include Angel in Tony Kushner’s original production of Angels in America. Here the Broadway icon gives a stunning performance as the play’s namesake king, who transforms from a powerful ruler to a helpless old man.

Shakespeare’s seminal tragedy, playing at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre through Aug. 12, features family drama, shady political dealings and turbulent fortunes. It is arguably one of the finest plays ever penned by the Bard, and CSF’s current staging is a truly electrifying production.

The plot of King Lear revolves around an aging British monarch (Ellen McLaughlin) who divides his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril (Jessica Robblee), Regan (Anastasia Davidson) and Cordelia (Shunté Lofton). Lear requests declarations of love from each of his kids. He then distributes his possessions to his two eldest daughters, who lavishly praise him. Cordelia is exiled by the king, despite the fact that she is his favorite, because she shows her love in a more subdued manner than her sisters.

This choice turns out to be Lear’s fatal flaw, as it forces him to depend on Goneril and Regan in his old age.

When his two eldest daughters expel him from their homes, Lear loses his mind and starts wandering through a storm. Although Cordelia eventually returns to assist her father with an army, they lose the battle, and the entire Lear family is killed.

In the midst of the conflicts within the royal family, Edmund (K.P. Powell), the bastard son of the Earl of Gloucester (Brik Berkes), devises a scheme to cre ate the impression that his brother, Edgar (Sean Scrutchins), is trying to murder his father. The interpretation of this subplot is one of the production’s few misfires. Powell portrays his villainous character as a wise-cracking improviser who frequently undermines the stakes of a given scene. The script has its share of humorous moments, but Powell’s forced levity clashes with Berkes’ and Scrutchins’ nuanced performances and Carolyn Howarth’s grounded direction.

Apart from Kevin Nelson’s ominous scenic design — surrounding the Rippon with two commanding white set pieces that flash to help create the stormy moments, along with a rock formation the actors can scale — the stage is kept empty. Howarth’s minimalist staging of King Lear is successful because it keeps the focus on the standout performances, underscoring the concept of “nothing” explored in the play. Ironically, Lear’s Fool serves as one of the play’s primary catalysts. Sam Sandoe’s enthralling, sincere portrayal of The Fool contrasts beautifully with McLaughlin’s towering performance. The two share a natural chemistry, which makes their quick back-andforth exchanges captivating to watch. Additionally, Scrutchins and Mare Trevathan, who plays the Earl of Kent, make strong impressions in their supporting roles.

With a rich, tragic performance by McLaughlin at its core, CSF’s production of King Lear is reflective, timely and urgent viewing. If tragedies aren’t your thing, consider skipping this play in favor of some of the festival’s other offerings, like the romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing (through Aug. 13), the melodramatic tragicomedy The Winter’s Tale (through Aug. 12) or Richard Bean’s outrageous farce set in England during the 1960s, One Man, Two Guvnors (through Aug. 13).

ON STAGE: King Lear by William Shakespeare. Various times through Aug. 12, Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, 277 University Ave., Boulder.

28

GRATITUDE MADE SIMPLE

8-9 a.m. Friday, July 28, Bricks Backyard, 512 4th Ave., Unit 103, Longmont. $25

Managing day-to-day stress is tough. But the Gratitude Made Simple workshop is here to target that weight on your shoulders, providing valuable tools during an hour-long session at Bricks Backyard that can help you lead a less overwhelming life.

28 – 29

RACHEL BLOOM: DEATH, LET ME DO MY SPECIAL

8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., July 28-29, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street. $45

Join actor, comedian and singer-songwriter Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) during her two-night stint in Boulder. The Golden Globe-winning performer brings her Death, Let Me Do My Special tour to the Front Range for back-to-back evenings of musical comedy you won’t want to miss.

28

COMEDY UNDERGROUND

8-11 p.m. Friday, July 28, The Louisville Underground, 640 Main St., Louisville. $15

The Louisville Underground is always up to something funny. Head to the city’s one-stop comedy shop on July 28 for hilarious performances by standup comedians including Luke Gaston, Divesh Patel and headliner Ed Bell.

28

LOUISVILLE STREET FAIRE

5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 28, Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville. Free

Head to downtown Louisville for the city’s annual summer series with celebrated blues, soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland. Come for the community and stay for an unforgettable set by the Grammynominated musician and winner of the 2021 Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.

28 – 30

ROCKYGRASS

Noon. Fri.-Sun., July 28-30, Planet Bluegrass, 500 W. Main St., Lyons. $100-$235

Lyons premier bluegrass event is back again, bringing July to a close with roots-inspired tunes, vendors and a healthy dose of community at Planet Bluegrass. Catch the Lil Smokies, Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, Big Richard and a whole lot more during this marquee summer festival in Boulder County. Story on p. 29

28 – 30

Summer Sidewalk Sale

All day. Fri.-Sun., July 28-30, Downtown Boulder. Free

In the market for killer deals and hidden gems? You’ll find both during the annual Summer Sidewalk Sale in downtown Boulder. Stroll on and off the bricks all weekend long for an outdoor shopping experience featuring some of your favorite local vendors.

29

KA HULA ANA

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 29 and 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 30, The Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder. $70

Celebrate Hawaiian culture with two days of exciting activities at Boulder’s Avalon Ballroom. Hula teacher Meleana Manuel leads a weekend of traditional dancing, music, lectures and more. Rounding out the schedule is Christy Lassiter, a Grammynominated singer and musician from Hawaii’s Big Island.

29

OPERA IN THE PARK

7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 29, Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder. $10

Boulder Opera comes to the city’s community outdoor venue for a performance of scenes and arias from Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen Enjoy an unforgettable night of music under the stars with family and friends at the Boulder Bandshell during this evening of high-culture in the open air.

31

FREQUENT FLYERS’ AERIAL

DANCE FESTIVAL 2023: INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS

8-9:30 p.m. Monday, July 31, Frequent Flyers

Aerial Dance, 3022 E. Sterling Circle, Suite 150, Boulder. $12

29

AVERY BREWING COMPANY’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

1-5 p.m. Saturday, July 29, Avery Brewing Company, 4910 Nautilus Court N., Boulder. $93

Over the last three decades, Avery Brewing Company has established itself, locally and nationwide, as one of Boulder’s most acclaimed beer companies. Celebrate the milestone on July 29 at their vast indoor-outdoor taproom for a festival featuring barrelaged releases, live music and over 100 specialty beers from around the U.S. Story on p. 45

30

NEPALI JATRA

1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 30, Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road, Longmont. Free

Nepali culture takes center stage during this annual event at Longmont Museum featuring traditional music, art and crafts exhibitions and more. The event is also an opportunity to learn about Tihar, or the Festival of Lights, alongside traditional cuisine and kids’ activities.

If you haven’t seen Frequent Flyers in action, you’re missing out on a one-of-a-kind local experience. The group’s annual Aerial Dance Festival features two weeks of classes, panels, performances and more. This year’s Intimate Encounters marks the 25th anniversary of this high-flying extravaganza. 1

SUMMER SUNFLOWERS HIKE

5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. $27

It’s no secret that Boulder’s wildflower game is on point. And the upcoming Summer Sunflowers Hike is a great chance to tag along with a guide and explore the many colors of our open space — most notably bright-yellow sunflowers, which are currently in mid-season.

THU.

PRE-PARTY

SAT. 7/29 - 7:00PM

ROOTS MUSIC PROJECT BOULDER, CO

EVERY WEDNSDAY BOULDER BLUEGRASS JAM

SAT. 8/5 - 8:30PM

JEFF CROSBY

FRI. 8/11 - 8:00PM

PETER KARP BAND

SAT. 8/12 - 7:00PM

PINE TOP PERKINS BENEFIT WITH BOB MARGOLIN

TUE. 8/15 - 8:00PM

WILL EVANS (OF BAREFOOT TRUTH)

SAT. 8/19 - 9:00PM

SQUEAKY FEET

THU. 8/24 - 7:00PM

CLAY ROSE SINGER SONGWRITER

FRI. 8/25 - 8:00PM

TERESA STORCH BAND WITH MACKENZIE RAE

THU. 9/14 - 8:00PM

ANTONIO LOPEZ BAND & LAURIE DAMERON

SAT. 9/16 - 6:00PM

K9’S, COWBOYS & COCKTAILS FUNDRAISER

TUE. 9/19 - 6:30PM

MOJOMAMMA LIVE BROADCAST ON 88.5 KGNU

THURSDAY, JULY 27

SIERRA HULL. 7 p.m. eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder. $34

CANE MILL ROAD WITH SHOVELIN STONE 9 p.m. Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder. $14

BIG WILD. 7 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $100

BRAHMS 2 + SHOSTAKOVICH

7:30 p.m. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. $18

ONE LESS GUEST 5 p.m. BOCO Cider, 1501 Lee Hill Drive, Unit 14, Boulder. Free

LOWFIVE. 7 p.m. Jamestown Mercantile, 108 Main St., Jamestown. Free

DAVE CORBUS. 7 p.m. R Gallery + Wine Bar, 2027 Broadway, Boulder. Free

PAT REEDY AND THE LONGTIME GONERS 9 p.m. 7 S. Broadway, Denver. $15

DAUGHTER WITH LIQUID CHICKEN, SPLIFF TANK, FATHER HELP ME AND LUCKY BY CHOICE 8 p.m. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St., Denver. $15

GG MAGREE WITH MAC FLASCH AND SLWMO. 9 p.m. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St., Denver. $20

FRIDAY,

JULY 28

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND.

7 p.m. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. $90

BRAHMS 2 + SHOSTAKOVICH

6:30 p.m. Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. $18

SHEMEKIA COPELAND

5:30 p.m. Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville. Free

JOHN SHEPHERD. 6 p.m. BOCO

Cider, 1501 Lee Hill Drive, Unit 14, Boulder. Free