Applause Magazine, November 23-24, 2019

APPLAUSE

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VOLUME XXXI • NUMBER 4 • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020

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TWELFTH NIGHT JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

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Illustration by Kyle Malone

Photo by Tim Norris

Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature

THROUGH FEB 2 , 2020

IMAGE: Claude Monet, Waterlilies and Japanese Bridge (detail), 1899. Oil on canvas; 35 5â „8 x 35 5â „16 in. Princeton University Art Museum: From the Collection of William Church Osborn, Class of 1883, trustee of Princeton University (1914-1951), president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1941-1947); given by his family, y1972-15. Photo Credit: Princeton University Art Museum/Art Resource, NY Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature is co-organized by the Denver Art Museum and the Museum Barberini, Potsdam.

It is presented with generous support from PNC Bank. Additional funding is provided by Barbara Bridges, Keith and Kathie Finger, Lauren and Geoff Smart, Fine Arts Foundation, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine, CBS4, Comcast Spotlight, and The Denver Post.

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SIGHTLINE

BY JANICE SINDEN

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VO LU M E X X X I • N U M B E R 4 • N OV 2 0 1 9 – JA N 2 0 2 0

EDITOR: Suzanne Yoe ASSOCIATE EDITOR: John Moore DESIGN DIRECTOR: Kyle Malone DESIGN THIS ISSUE: Brenda Elliott CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS: Casey Eickhoff, Lucas Kreitler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sylvie Drake, Robert Loerzel, Cheyenne Michaels

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Welcome to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

We are so glad you’re here!

This holiday season is a bit unusual for us. Our annual production of A Christmas Carol is on hiatus while the 40-year-old Stage Theatre is renovated. Plus two productions are not located under the glass canopy of the Arts Complex.

Camp Christmas is Off-Center’s newest offsite, immersive experience. Located in The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, this over-the-top holiday extravaganza showcases yuletide traditions of the past and present. Designed by local artist Lonnie Hanzon, Camp Christmas features built-in photo opportunities for the whole family and is sure to be Denver’s new favorite holiday experience.

Across the street from the Arts Complex, our Education and Theatre Company production team is delighted to entertain tiny tots ages Pre-K through third grade with a musical adaptation of the beloved children’s book, Goodnight Moon.

While Broadway delights audiences with the return of Jesus Christ Superstar and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Musical, not everything is holiday fare. We’re presenting a one-night engagement of John Leguizamo in Latin History for Morons, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville and the always unexpected antics of The Improvised Shakespeare Company®.

Just because Dickens’ famous ghost story is taking a break does not mean our Theatre Company is resting on its laurels.

Instead, we’re presenting Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night under the direction of our own Artistic Director, Chris Coleman. Plus we’re gearing up for two all-new productions just after the first of the year with twenty50 and You Lost Me. With so many activities, it’s hard to choose just one…so we hope you come for them all. Your support, both in person and through your generosity, makes the work on our stages, in our classrooms and throughout the community possible.

As we reach the end of our calendar year, please consider a donation. Your gift can help us send a child to their very first performance at Goodnight Moon, place a chair in a renovated theatre in time for the return of A Christmas Carol next season, or make sure we can continue to attract top shows and talent from across the country.

Thank you for being with us today. To you and yours, have a very happy holiday season.

Warm regards,

Janice Sinden President & CEO

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APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Applause is published eight times a year by Denver Center for the Performing Arts in conjunction with The Publishing House, Westminster, CO. All rights reserved.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Martin Semple, Chairman Robert Slosky, Vice Chairman William Dean Singleton, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Patricia Baca Joy S. Burns Fred Churbuck Isabelle Clark Navin Dimond L. Roger Hutson Ruth Krebs Robert C. Newman Roberta Robinette Manny Rodriguez Alan Salazar Hassan Salem Richard M. Sapkin June Travis Brisa Trinchero Ken Tuchman Tina Walls Dr. Reginald L. Washington Judi Wolf Sylvia Young

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HONORARY TRUSTEES Margot Gilbert Frank Jeannie Fuller M. Ann Padilla Daniel L. Ritchie Cleo Parker Robinson Lester L. Ward HELEN G. BONFILS FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES William Dean Singleton, President Martin Semple, Vice President Judi Wolf, Secretary/Treasurer

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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Janice Sinden, President & CEO Chris Coleman, Artistic Director, Theatre Company John Ekeberg, Executive Director, Broadway & Cabaret Lydia Garcia, Executive Director, Equity & Organization Culture Gretchen Hollrah, Chief Operating Officer Lisa Mallory, Vice President, Marketing & Sales Vera Morales, Vice President, Human Resources Yovani Pina, Vice President, Information Technology Shelley Thompson, Vice President, Development Charles Varin, Managing Director, Theatre Company Allison Watrous, Executive Director, Education & Community Engagement Jane Williams, Vice President, Finance

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TWELFTH NIGHT

B Y S Y LV I E D R A K E

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Among his many achievements, William Shakespeare is also known for something slightly less laudable: the habit of stealing and adapting plots rather than inventing them.

It was a shortcut, practiced also by fellow playwrights. Why bother to invent when so many were there for the taking? It saved time and you could improve on them. Or not.

When it came to characters and imagery though, Shakespeare excelled. And, as with the other playwrights of his day, his refashioned plots indulged in elaborate deceit and vindication in all its forms while his subplots usually involved comic rubes and fools who dispensed malapropisms and sly wisdom by the mouthful.

His best comedies are the fuel of great fun, propelled by lust, swept away by giddy humor, always dabbling in music while devolving into repeated antics that lead to happy endings. Consider A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Twelfth Night. Check out the variations on favorite themes: lovers in distress, disguises, mistaken identities, soldiers and sages, sisters and brothers, lofty peers and silly peons — and, in The Comedy of Errors, more than one set of twins.

Twelfth Night has all of these elements and, if not identical twins, then a brother and sister separated by shipwreck and reunited when, thanks to the sister’s decision to disguise as a man, the two are mistaken for one another and revealed to be who they really are. Joy ensues because in Shakespeare’s comedies, joy always ensues.

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These are some of the reasons why Chris Coleman, the DCPA Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, not only chose to do Twelfth Night but also to direct it.

“I knew I wanted Shakespeare to be part of this season,” he wrote in an informal exchange of emails. “Having the opportunity to continue exploring his work was one of the draws of this job. I also knew that our last outing was with Macbeth, so it made sense for it to be a comedy. Twelfth Night is among his very best writing in terms of fun of plot, richness of characters and delicious confusion of desire.

“Everyone is falling for the ‘wrong’ person in this play.

Some kind of desire gets awakened [that] is not aligned with the individuals’ sense of identity or history. The tension around that is very interesting, and very current. I also think there’s a great sense of music and mayhem in the piece that [is] fun to try and capture.”

Music opens and ends the play, with plenty of room to add as much or as little of it as you wish, and mayhem influences all of the action in between.

“There is both delightful humor and depth of feeling,” Coleman added. “It begins with heartache: Viola thinks her brother is drowned; Olivia grieves the loss of her father and brother; Orsino aches for Olivia’s love, which is scaldingly unreturned. The emotional layers feed the comedy, but also give it resonance.”

Good point. The everpresent clowns in these comedies also have a serious function. They counteract the cloying

APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Illustration by Kyle Malone

THE BREEZY ROMANCE OF

potential of all that unrequited loopy love. And the ragged bunch of hangers-on in Twelfth Night are at once more closely related to the primary characters and considerably more cruel than his usual clowns.

The moocher, Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s uncle or cousin (he’s mentioned as both), is a layabout in the household who has no trouble inviting her clown Feste and her attendant Fabian or his own nebbishy friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek to join him in abusing Olivia’s largesse. They’re a roguish crew, aided and abetted in their games by Maria, Olivia’s “gentlewoman,” an elevated title for a housekeeper with a sense of humor who’s the mastermind behind the mischief, especially the nasty prank they play on her stuck-up steward, Malvolio.

The entire action takes place in a period Coleman loosely calls “Renaissanceish Mediterranean,” circa 1500, a decent match for Shakespeare’s Illyria, vaguely assumed to be Croatia’s enchanting Dalmatian coast. So the mood for romance is all there.

In tune with our times, the cast is a stew of ethnicities, including four actors who also play musical instruments and several artists with lengthy ties to the Denver Center: Larry Hecht, Kim Staunton, Larry Paulsen, Rodney Lizcano and Sam Gregory. Stalwarts Charles MacLeod designed the lighting and Kevin Copenhaver the clothes.

Twelfth Night is among his very best writing in terms of fun of plot, richness of characters and delicious confusion of desire.

— CHRIS COLEMAN, DIRECTOR

“My intentions with Shakespeare,” Coleman said, “are always to try and uncover the fundamentals of the language first: get to the heart of the sense of the language and why these humans need to speak these words. Then it’s about helping the actors fully inhabit the truth of the story’s circumstances and fully honor what the characters are up against.”

A final footnote: Perhaps to make up for the thread of maliciousness in Sir Toby and friends or the mean trick played by them on the hapless Malvolio or perhaps simply because the words came to him at that moment, one of Shakespeare’s most astonishing rhymed couplets is in this play, only to go largely unheard. Why? Because the words are spoken by Antonio, a peripheral character, in the midst of a heated argument.

In Nature there’s no blemish but the mind.

None can be called deform’d but the unkind.

Words to live by, yet their throwaway spot in the scheme of things underscores how guilelessly Shakespeare squandered his eloquence. There are almost no lines of his you can dissect that don’t possess pith or elegance.

Which explains why, after more than 400 years, his works are still with us and likely to remain with us for another 400.

SYLVIE DRAKE is a translator, writer, and former theatre critic and columnist for the Los Angeles Times. She is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, a contributor to culturalweekly.com and occasional contributor to American Theatre magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

TWELFTH NIGHT NOV 15 – DEC 22 • SPACE THEATRE ASL interpreted and Audio described performance: Dec 8 at 1:30pm

COSTUME COLUMN When DCPA Theatre Company Artistic Director Chris Coleman arrived in Denver, a member of his new staff asked him to describe his artistic tastes. One of the things he responded with: “Wouldn’t it be radical to set a Shakespeare play in Shakespearean times?” Following up on that promise, Twelfth Night (Coleman’s first presentation of Shakespeare at the DCPA) is set in roughly the same location and time period that the Bard intended.

Ancient Illyria was located in modern-day Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina where trade routes from the Far East ended, making it a multicultural marketplace. It is fitting, then, that costume designer Kevin Copenhaver’s costumes are a melting pot themselves: “I’m borrowing a little Spanish influence, French influence, of course Italian,” with additional traces of Romani and German.

Theatre Company regulars may recognize Copenhaver’s distinguishable work for its bold patterns, lush colors and exaggerated silhouettes. Now in his 30th season with the Theatre Company, he has designed such recognizable shows as A Christmas Carol, Crowns, Animal Crackers, Sweeney Todd, and The Who’s Tommy. After Coleman began conversations with Copenhaver about Twelfth Night, he used two words to describe Kevin’s aesthetic: “Renaissance Copenhaver.”

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WHY WON’T BE JUST ANOTHER JUKE-BOX MUSICAL

Chris Clark as Tully, Sarah Hinrichsen as Rachel in Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville. © Matthew Murphy

B Y R O B E R T LO E R Z E L , P L AY B I L L

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The first time Jimmy Buffett saw a rehearsal of Escape to Margaritaville, the new musical based on his songs, it was pretty obvious that he was having a good time. “He was smiling and laughing,” recalls Greg Garcia, co-writer of the musical’s book, who was sitting just in front of Buffett. “I kept looking back at him, and he was just loving it.

Afterward, I go, ‘That’s the first Jimmy Buffett concert that you’ve ever been to, isn’t it?’ And he looked at me and smiled and said, ‘Yeah, man!

I see what the fuss is all about!’”

Of course, Escape to Margaritaville isn’t exactly a Jimmy Buffett concert. But its creators say that it does have a tropical party vibe similar to the festive mood at Buffett’s rollicking live shows. Like other so-called jukebox musicals, it takes a set of popular songs and constructs a story around them. Just as Mamma Mia! concocted a plot to connect the hits of Abba, this new show celebrates Buffett’s greatest hits while telling a romantic-comedic story — about a character who’s a bit like Buffett in his younger days as a busker singing songs on the beach.

What’s the secret to making a jukebox musical feel more like a real musical, and not just a string of hit tunes? “Every song has to feel inevitable and necessary to the story,” says original Broadway director, Christopher Ashley. “Or it has to be such a pleasurable left turn that you say, ‘Wow, I didn’t see that coming, but I’m so happy about how they used that song.’ Nothing can ever feel shoehorned.”

Ashley (who won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his work on Come From Away) is the artistic director at La Jolla Playhouse near San Diego, which staged the first production of Escape to Margaritaville in May 2017 before heading on to Broadway in February 2018.

San Diego Union-Tribune critic James Hebert wrote that the show “delivers just about every bit of what the phrase ‘Jimmy Buffett musical’ promises, from the splashy colors to the steel-drum beats to the palm-fronded beach bar slinging fruity cocktails.” But he also noted that the musical smartly taps into “the undercurrent of wistfulness and regret that runs through even some of Buffett’s more upbeat story-songs.”

The depth of those songs attracted Garcia and cowriter Mike O’Malley. The Emmy Award-winning Garcia, creator of television shows such as the TBS series The Guest Book, says he grew up listening to Buffett’s records. “I was always drawn to songs that told stories,” he says. “Jimmy’s songs, a lot of them tell stories. They have characters within them. Certainly, some of them also have a humorous vibe.” Garcia became something of a Parrothead, as Buffett fans are known, and Buffett later became a fan of Garcia’s NBC series My Name Is Earl.

O’Malley — who starred in Garcia’s sitcom Yes, Dear from 2000 to 2006 — says listeners are attracted by the “spirit of fun” in Buffett’s songs.

“But there’s also this real depth in other parts of his songs,” O’Malley observes. Buffett has an “ability to write songs about what people yearn for, what they regret in their own behavior, and what they strive for in friendships and relationships,” he says.

When Garcia and O’Malley started working on a script four years ago, they knew they’d have to include certain Buffett hits. “You don’t have to be a genius to figure out which ones have to be in it,” Garcia says. “Jimmy says there are ten songs he plays or gets killed.” Those include “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and, of course, Buffett’s breakthrough hit from 1977, “Margaritaville.”

As Garcia explains, “It was pretty easy to compile the list. But then what do you do? You’ve got this big list of songs. How do you get them in? The trick for us was, we listened to the songs and we started creating characters based on the songs.”

The central character they came up with is Tully, a bartender and singer at an island resort (played by Chris Clark). “A guy who lives on the beach,” Garcia says. “A carefree, fun-loving guy. He has relationships that last a week. But then somebody comes into his life that’s a little bit more of a challenge.”

That somebody is Rachel, played by Sarah Hinrichsen. She’s “an ecological scientist who has a real career drive, and is not interested in hanging out and getting drunk,” Ashley says. “We created her as the un-Jimmy Buffett character.” And when these two characters fall in love, it pushes them to rethink their attitudes about life.

Buffett has an “ability to write songs about what people yearn for, what they regret in their own behavior, and what they strive for in friendships and relationships.”

— MIKE O’MALLEY, CO-WRITER

“When I look at the TV shows that I do, there’s a theme of personal growth,” Garcia relates. “My Name Is Earl was about a guy who wanted to be a better person. And this is a show where you watch these two people help each other become better.”

Buffett’s songs take on new meanings when we see these characters singing them. Now, they’re stories about these people. “‘Margaritaville’ is a great song if you’re not the person singing it,” O’Malley muses. “There’s great regret and sadness in that song. How did this woman get away? What did I do in terms of the choices that I made that caused me to be sitting here, wasting away in Margaritaville? When you put yourself in the point of view of a character singing that song, there can be a different emotion than when you’re just shouting it to the rooftops.”

In addition to Buffett’s vibrant music, the show draws energy from the choreography of Kelly Devine, who worked with Ashley on the Tony-winning Broadway show Come From Away, and earned a Tony nomination herself.

“The dance vocabulary is surprising and athletic and sexy and rock ’n’ roll and imaginative,” Ashley says. “We have real triple threats—people who really can act, really can sing, and really can dance.”

The show’s creators often talked with Buffett, seeking his advice and feedback. Garcia says it’s been a “real thrill” to watch Buffett whenever he lights up with joy during a performance. “When you sit down to write the Jimmy Buffett musical — I’ll be honest with you — there’s really only one audience member I care about at the end of the day,” he says. “And it’s Jimmy Buffett.”

COMING UP FROM BROADWAY

SUMMER:

THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Jan 28 – Feb 9) flows from one scene to the next with a disco soundtrack of hits. Here’s a brief timeline of her successful career.

Dec 31, 1948: Donna Adrian Gains is born 1959: She sings in public for the first time at her church.

1967: Donna moves to Germany to perform in Hair and records her first record.

1974: She signs a recording contract with producer/songwriters Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. Their first American hit is “Love to Love You Baby.”

1978: Donna collaborates with songwriter Paul Jabara on “Last Dance,” which wins an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

1977: She releases “I Feel Love,” which sparks the electronic dance music genre.

1979: “Bad Girls” was released and became her longest-running number-one hit.

1980: Donna became the first woman to win a Grammy in the newlyrecognized Rock category as Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for “Hot Stuff.”

1980: Donna wins three American Music Awards.

1983: Restaurant attendant Onetta Johnson inspires “She Works Hard for the Money.”

1992: Donna is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 2012: She passes away.

2013: Donna Summer is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

140 MILLION RECORDS SOLD

Modified and reprinted with permission of Playbill.

5 GRAMMY AWARDS

JIMMY BUFFET’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE DEC 23 – JAN 5 • BUELL THEATRE ASL Interpreted, Audio-described and Open Captioned performance: Jan 5 at 2pm

1 OSCAR AWARD

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DR. SEUSS f Dr. Seuss was not a doctor. He briefly studied English literature at Oxford, but instead became a cartoonist. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Dartmouth College. f Forty-four books by Dr. Seuss have been translated into 15+ languages. f He is the ninth-best-selling fiction author of all time — 650 million+ copies sold.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS f The book debuted in December 1957. f The Grinch turned green when he was animated in 1966.

Originally, he was black and white with pink eyes. Rumor has it that the animator was inspired after he rented a car that was painted an ugly and unique shade of green. f Dr. Seuss wrote all of the lyrics to the songs in the TV special. f The Grinch was named the fifth-greatest cartoon character of all time by TV Guide in 2002.

Philip Huffman as The Grinch and the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL f The musical came to life in 1994 at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. f It appeared on Broadway in 2006, where it broke records during holiday season. f Max the Dog, who only had two lines in the TV special — “Yipee!” and “Raaahhh!” — now narrates this classic holiday tale for the whole family.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL DEC 3 – 8 • BUELL THEATRE ASL interpreted, Audio-described, Open Captioned performance: Dec 7 at 3pm

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BEGINNING YOU ARE THE SPARK

The cast of Oklahoma! Photo by Adams VisCom.

Avery is intrigued when a DCPA teaching artist uses theatre to teach math at her school.

Her class then takes a fieldtrip to see Oklahoma! and she sees history in a new way.

Photos by John Moore

Inspired, Avery enrolls in an acting class where she gains confidence and creativity.

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A Doll’s House & A Doll’s House, Part 2 in repertory Now – Nov 24 Goodnight Moon Now – Feb 16 The Improvised Shakespeare Company® Now – Mar 22 The Phantom of the Opera Now – Nov 17 Twelfth Night Now – Dec 22 Camp Christmas Nov 21 – Jan 5 Hip Hop Nutcracker Nov 23 – 24 Jesus Christ Superstar Nov 26 – Dec 1 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Dec 3 – 8 Latin History for Morons Dec 10 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Dec 14 – 15 Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville Dec 23 – Jan 5 You Lost Me Jan 17 – Feb 23 SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical Jan 28 – Feb 9 twenty50 Jan 31 – Mar 1 Mystery Science Theater 3000: LIVE Feb 15 RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Feb 28 – Mar 1 The SpongeBob Musical Mar 10 – 22 Until the Flood Mar 20 – May 3 Mean Girls Mar 25 – Apr 12 Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top...

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THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

SEASON SPONSORS

NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER and Execu9ve Producer EVA PRICE Present

Adapted by

MIKE FITELSON

Based on The Nutcracker by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky With Special Guest MC KURTIS BLOW Produced by NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER JOHN SCHREIBER, President & CEO DAVID RODRIGUEZ, Execu9ve Producer JULIA KRAUS, Producer LighNng Designer Video Designer BURKE WILMORE

MOE SHAHROOZ Company Manager ProducNon Stage Manager REBECCA EASTON JAMES STEELE

Stylist LAURIEN DE MUNCK

Resident Director Associate Director & Choreographer MARIA MALMSTROM RANDI FREITAS Tour MarkeNng ALLIED TOURING

Original Beats & Remixes

DJ BOO

Press TELLEM GRODY PR

General Manager Exclusive Tour DirecNon MEP BROADWAY & BEYOND THEATRICALS

Directed & Choreographed by

JENNIFER WEBER

Featuring freestyles by the Company powered by Originally produced by the United Palace of Cultural Arts Mike Fitelson, Execu9ve Director

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

CAST CAST CAST Maria-Clara Maria-Clara .................................................................................................................ANN-SYLVIA .................................................................................................................ANN-SYLVIA CLARKCLARK CLARK Maria-Clara..................................................................................................................ANN-SYLVIA The Nutcracker TheNutcracker.

Nutcracker ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................

MORRIS MORRIS ISBY ISBY ISBY The ........................................................................................................................

MORRIS Mom ............................................................................................................................................NUBIAN Mom............................................................................................................................................NUBIAN ............................................................................................................................................NUBIAN NENE NENE NENE Mom. Dad .............................................................................................................................KNIIN Dad.............................................................................................................................KNIIN .............................................................................................................................KNIIN MICAHMICAH MICAH ABBREY ABBREY Dad. ABBREY Drosselmeyer Drosselmeyer ..............................................................................................LISA ..............................................................................................LISA “LBOOGIE” “LBOOGIE” BAUFORD BAUFORD Drosselmeyer. ..............................................................................................LISA “LBOOGIE” BAUFORD Mouse Mouse King/Ensemble MouseKing/Ensemble.

King/Ensemble ............................................................................ ............................................................................

RANDIRANDI RANDI “RASCAL” “RASCAL” FREITAS FREITAS ............................................................................

“RASCAL” FREITAS Toy/Ensemble Toy/Ensemble ......................................................................................ANTHONY ......................................................................................ANTHONY “OMEN” “OMEN” CABRERA CABRERA Toy/Ensemble.......................................................................................ANTHONY “OMEN” CABRERA Toy/Ensemble Toy/Ensemble ................................................................................................................................LILY ................................................................................................................................LILY FRIAS FRIAS FRIAS Toy/Ensemble.................................................................................................................................LILY Chocolate/Ensemble Chocolate/Ensemble ...................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................

BRANDON BRANDON RON RON RON Chocolate/Ensemble.......................................................................................................

BRANDON Tea/Ensemble Tea/Ensemble .................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................

JACKIEJACKIE JACKIE “JK-47”“JK-47” “JK-47” AGUDO AGUDO Tea/Ensemble.....................................................................................................

AGUDO Russian/Ensemble Russian/Ensemble .................................................................................SETH .................................................................................SETH “REAKTION” “REAKTION” HILLARD HILLARD Russian/Ensemble..................................................................................SETH “REAKTION” HILLARD Flute/Ensemble Flute/Ensemble ................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................

DUSTIN DUSTIN PAYNEPAYNE PAYNE Flute/Ensemble. ...................................................................................................................

DUSTIN Violinist Violinist .............................................................................................................................JARVIS .............................................................................................................................JARVIS L BENSON BENSON Violinist. .............................................................................................................................JARVIS LLBENSON Performance Performance DJ ..................................................................................................................................DJ DJ ..................................................................................................................................DJ BOO BOO BOO Performance DJ...................................................................................................................................DJ

Place Place Place New Year’s NewYear’s Eve Year’s – Uptown, Eve––Uptown, Uptown, USA USA USA New Eve The Hip The Hop Hip Nutcracker HopNutcracker Nutcracker will be will performed willbe beperformed performed with one with 20-minute one20-minute 20-minute intermission. intermission.

The Hip Hop with one intermission.

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION STAFFSTAFF CREDITS STAFFCREDITS CREDITS PRODUCTION Dance Dance Captain DanceCaptain.....................................................................................................................RANDI Captain ....................................................................................................................RANDI ....................................................................................................................RANDI FREITAS FREITAS FREITAS Associate Associate Lighting Lighting Designer Designer ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................

MICHAEL MICHAEL COLE COLE COLE Associate Lighting Designer. ........................................................................................

MICHAEL Production Production Manager Manager ......................................................................................................SHANE ......................................................................................................SHANE CASSIDY CASSIDY Production Manager.......................................................................................................SHANE CASSIDY Assistant Assistant Company Company Manager Manager .......................................................................................ROB .......................................................................................ROB GAETANO GAETANO Assistant Company Manager........................................................................................ROB GAETANO Wardrobe Wardrobe Supervisor Supervisor .................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................

CAMBRIA CAMBRIA CHICHICHICHI CHICHI Wardrobe Supervisor...................................................................................................

CAMBRIA Original Original Company Company Associate Associate Director/Choreographer...........................................TAEKO Director/Choreographer...........................................TAEKO KOJI KOJI KOJI Original Company Associate Director/Choreographer...........................................TAEKO Original Original Costume Costume DesignDesign..........................................................................................WHITNEY .........................................................................................WHITNEY Design .........................................................................................WHITNEY ADAMS ADAMS Original Costume ADAMS Additional Additional CastingCasting....................................................................

Casting ................................................................... ...................................................................

MEISHA MEISHA LEE AND LEE JANET ANDJANET JANET LANGER LANGER Additional MEISHA LEE AND LANGER Licensed Licensed Athletic Athletic TrainerTrainer. ..........................................................................

Trainer.......................................................................... ..........................................................................

ZACH DANGEL, ZACHDANGEL, DANGEL, ATC, LAT ATC,LAT LAT Licensed Athletic ZACH ATC, MedicalMedical Medical Director Director ........................................................................................................CRAIG ........................................................................................................CRAIG E. WEIL, E.M.D. WEIL,M.D. M.D. Director. ........................................................................................................CRAIG E. WEIL, Creative Creative & Production Production Services Services ....................................................ALLIED ....................................................ALLIED GLOBAL GLOBAL MARKETING MARKETING Creative &&Production Services. ....................................................ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING DEBBIE DEBBIE ALLAMONG, ALLAMONG, MARK MARK DESALVO, MARKDESALVO, DESALVO, ERIC STORMOEN ERICSTORMOEN STORMOEN DEBBIE ALLAMONG, ERIC Social Media Social...........................................................................................ALLIED Media...........................................................................................ALLIED ...........................................................................................ALLIED GLOBAL GLOBAL MARKETING MARKETING Social Media.

GLOBAL MARKETING JASONJASON JASON VANDERWOUDE, VANDERWOUDE, SAMANTHA SAMANTHA BANELLIS, BANELLIS, HEATHER HEATHER DAUGHTRY DAUGHTRY VANDERWOUDE, SAMANTHA BANELLIS, HEATHER DAUGHTRY

General General Management Management General Management MEP MEP MEP EVA PRICE EVAPRICE PRICE CARL FLANIGAN CARLFLANIGAN FLANIGAN EVA CARL JOSH ALTMAN JOSHALTMAN ALTMAN JOHN JOHN ALBERT JOHNALBERT ALBERT HARRIS HARRIS JOSH HARRIS AVRAM AVRAM FREEDBERG FREEDBERG MARY MARY BETH MARYDALE BETHDALE DALE AVRAM FREEDBERG BETH

Exclusive Exclusive Tour Direction Tour Direction Tour Marketing Tour Marketing BROADWAY BROADWAY AND BEYOND AND BEYOND THEATRICALS THEATRICALS ALLIEDALLIED TOURING TOURING Tracey McFarland Tracey McFarland Marya K. Marya Peters K. Peters AndrewAndrew Damer Damer BarbaraBarbara Cooley Cooley Robin Mishik-Jett Robin Mishik-Jett Lerria Schuh Lerria Schuh Verona Verona Cesair-Jones Cesair-Jones Krystol Krystol Smith Smith www.bbtheatricals.com www.bbtheatricals.com JenniferJennifer Gallagher Gallagher Anne Dailey AnneMeyer Dailey Meyer Scott Praefke Scott Praefke Jacqueline Jacqueline Smith Smith Anne Waisanen Anne Waisanen Janie Dickerson Janie Dickerson HaydenHayden Anderson Anderson Jessica Jessica Cary Cary Physical Therapy NEURO TOUR Physical Therapy, PhysicalPhysical Therapy Therapy by NEURO byby NEURO TOUR Physical TOUR Physical Therapy, Therapy, Inc. Inc.Inc.

The Director is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.

Act I During the annual uptown holiday street party, Maria-Clara is upset by her parents’ constant bickering. The mysterious Drosselmeyer appears, bringing magical toys to the party.

Drosselmeyer then introduces Maria-Clara to a street vendor selling roasted nuts, who catches her eye because he is different from the other boys on the block. After the party breaks up, Maria-Clara heads home, but on her way, she runs into the menacing Mouse Crew.

The Nutcracker, aided by a magic pair of sneakers, defeats the Mouse King and the couple enjoys the romance of winter’s first snowfall.

Act II Drosselmeyer meets Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker and takes them back in time to the Land of Sweets nightclub on New Year’s Eve, 1984. Invisible, the couple watches the party-goers show off the dance styles of the day. Suddenly Maria-Clara realizes she is witnessing the night her parents first met and is overcome by how they were once deeply in love. Back in the present, and with a little more magic, Maria-Clara and The Nutcracker help Mom and Dad reconcile. The community joins them in the celebration.

WHO’S WHO KURTIS BLOW (Special Guest MC) is one of the founders and creators of recorded rap. A timeless artist and hip hop legend, Kurtis blazed the trail for early hip hop artists and continues to carry the torch for hip hop music in new arenas. Kurtis is credited with many accolades, and was the first rapper to ever be signed to a major label, release a certified gold rap album (The Breaks), tour the United States and Europe, record a national commercial (Sprite), use the drum machine, sample and sample loop, release a rap music video, and become a millionaire.

In 1979, at the age of 20, Kurtis Blow became the first rapper to be signed by a major label. He released Christmas Rappin’, which sold over 400,000 copies and became an annual classic.

Its gold follow-up, The Breaks, helped ignite an international “rap attack,” solidifying the new art form. He released 10 albums over 11 years and his early projects made him an instant success at home and across Europe. Pioneering records like Party Time introduced the fusion of rap and go-go. Hit songs like“8 Million Stories”, “AJ”, and “Basketball” were simply ahead of their time, and still get spins by DJs today.

Fellow rap legend Nas debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts with a cover of Kurtis’ “If I Ruled the World” in 1997.

Beyond his own hits, Kurtis contributed to the success of The Fat Boys and Run DMC. In fact, Run began his career billed as “The Son of Kurtis Blow.”

Among countless others, Wyclef Jean, Love Bug Starski, Sweet Gee, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Full Force, and Russell Simmons all have been produced by or have worked with Kurtis in the past. Kurtis’ multidisciplinary skillset has taken him across the country and overseas to score, produce, and act in various films. Most notably, he played a large role in the production of the hit film Krush Groove. The New York Daily News called his cinematic works a “noteworthy, dynamic presence.” Kurtis Blow’s reach transcends that of your typical entertainer. He has completed multiple world tours since the turn of the new millennium, and continues to work on other creative endeavors.

His innate ability to reach people is evident in his work as an activist, radio personality, and most recently, an ordained minister and leader of the Hip Hop Church. Artists still pay their respects to Kurtis’ trailblazing in a number of ways. His influence has been mentioned in seemingly every important Hip-Hop film in the past decade, from Get Rich or Die Tryin’ to Notorious and Straight Outta Compton. He has a prominent presence

on Television as well, with his music appearing on shows such as “Dancing With The Stars” & “SportsCenter.” He also was an associate producer on the Netflix hit series The Get Down. Outside of music, Kurtis has long been a very spiritual man. He went back to school to become an ordained minister, and has been preaching at churches around the world. His work with The Hip-Hop Church has helped bridge the gap between the art form and the church.

Education has long been important to Kurtis. He was been a champion of higher education, and advocates for bringing Hip-Hop culture into the curriculums of our institutions. The rap pioneer has given talks at schools such as Berklee College of Music in Boston and CalArts in California and plans to continue to carry the culture into the classroom.

ANN-SYLVIA CLARK (Maria-Clara) was born and raised in Norway. At an early age, she began training in gymnastics, ultimately traveling across Norway and Europe with the gymnastics team. Over time, she became interested in dance, attending the Flow Dance Academy (CPH, DK), Europe’s first hip hop and urban dance school, and began pursing it as a career. She performed with Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

PLOT

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA’s) held in Copenhagen. Since moving to New York, Ann-Sylvia’s career has flourished, with tours in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. She has performed on a variety of television shows including, “Good Day New York” on Fox 5, CBS, Telemundo and “Fake Off” on TruTV. She has also performed at the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, and danced in music videos for artists such as Alicia Keys, JBalvin, Styles P, Ben L’Oncle Soul, Laila Biali, and LEON. TV viewers can find her in commercials for Samsung, Smirnoff vodka, Reebok, Digicel mobile phones, Makeup Forever cosmetics and Sixt car rental.

MORRIS ISBY (The Nutcracker) Morris “Bboy Morris” Isby, III began breakdancing as a high school student in Sacramento, CA. He danced at family gatherings as a child but didn’t realize that breaking was his calling for a few years. Morris was inspired to learn more about it after watching Battle of the Year: 1998 on VHS. The artistry and athleticism he saw in the battles inspired him to begin practicing diligently when and wherever he could. Morris made his television debut in 2008 on local morning news show, Sacramento and Company, and performed on a Fox 40 News segment. He won his third title at Just for Laughs (Canada) and titles at FreeStyle Session 11 LA, Four Elements: Seven2 Smoke and Frenemies NYC. Morris competed at UK Bboy Championships, as a guest of the Top9 crew, and was bestowed the award for Chief Rocka—an honor reserved for only the best dancer of the entire event. Morris has won more titles and/or competitions than any other B-boy or B-Girl within the Breaking genre to date. He continues to compete locally, regionally and internationally, but has turned his focus to bringing mainstream awareness to Breaking — mentoring others on how to better themselves as dancers and compete on a higher level. Morris is currently one of the Stage Managers for Game Entertainment at the Sacramento Kings and a member of their Breakers team. He has remained a member of both Rock Force Crew and the Academy of Villains. Ever the perpetual student, Morris still finds time to visit his parents and practice in their garage.

NUBIAN NENE (Mom) Montreal native Nubian Nene’s muse is music. She is a well-versed dancer/choreographer

who finds inspiration weaving the hip hop, house, waacking and breaking styles of dance together to create her unique approach. Her ability to expand her creativity into a choreographer, performer, producer, director and host makes her an asset to any project.

Living in New York for the past nine years has enabled Nene to work with some of the pioneers of the hip hop culture. Her lifetime involvement with cultural awareness began in 2007 when she joined the Canadian company BluePrintForLife, which teaches the principles and values of the Hip Hop Culture and aims to facilitate some of the social issues facing the Inuit communities of Northern Canada. She has done as many as fifteen weekly trips as a teacher and facilitator for the group. Nene pursues her teaching career participating in multiple dance festivals including the “Ladies of Hip Hop Festival (LOHHF)” held in Vienna, Austria; New York; Los Angeles and Toronto, Canada. She has also participated in the “Illadelph” and “Funky Fundamentals” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the “Block Party” in Boulder, Colorado, among others.

For the last five years, Nene has served as Master of Ceremony in the “Ladies Battle,” an annual street dance competition presented by the Ladies of Hip Hop (LOHHF), as well as presenting her choreography and teaching expertise at the festival for the last 10 years. In 2013, she created a dance company, A Lady in the House Co., for which she has developed and presented numerous shows. Nene’s experience as a dancer, choreographer and teacher has led her to showcase her talents on television, in music videos, and in live performances in some of the most prestigious festivals and stage productions in the world.

Recent projects include work with the Bboyizm Dance company and the Leadhers Rookie Tournament.

KNIIN MICAH ABBREY (Dad) is an artist/choreographer and teacher with a concentration in Urban Improvisational Movement and Techniques (Freestyle/ Streetdance(s)). He specializes in movement innovation and total body integration methodologies with an emphasis in musical aural skills and meditative approaches to movement in order to heighten creativity and self-awareness. He travels extensively internationally to urban arts communities both to compete and

teach his techniques. Additionally, he collaborates with various companies, including Embodiment Project, Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre and Groovaloos, to bring powerful, performative, creative and thought-provoking street dance to the dance theatre world.”

LISA “LBOOGIE” BAUFORD (Drosselmeyer) hails from St. Petersburg, Florida, where she worked on perfecting her craft as a dancer while also working as a youth development worker helping children from ages 5 to 18. Lisa’s background in dance focuses upon hip hop. She has danced with iLuminate, a dance company based on the fusion of technology and dance, which was featured on “America’s Got Talent.” She also spent more than two years performing Off Broadway in New York, where she continued to hone her craft. Lisa has also performed internationally, including Saudi Arabia, where she was one of the first women to be permitted to perform on stage.

She has also travelled to New Zealand and Samoa on educational tours.

MARIA MALMSTROM (Resident Director) is a professional dancer, choreographer and movement director working internationally across platforms within theatre, television, commercials, fashion, live events and shows. As a creative she continues to explore different mediums of relating movement to the public and share the artform of dance. Maria is the associate Choreographer for Cruel Intentions The Musical and “X Factor Denmark.”

She has worked under some of the top choreographers such as Aakomon Jones, Hok, Rich and Tone Talauega, Phillip Chbeeb, Luam Keflezgy, Chloe & Maud, Lisa Eaton, Jennifer Weber and Toniah Pedersen. She has performed on shows such as the VMA’s, “The Jimmy Fallon Show” and Danish Music Awards, companies such as Nike, Adidas, H&M x Balmain, Mercedez Benz and artists such as Madonna, Janelle Monae, Jason Derulo and Ariana Grande. Most recently Maria debuted the Snowqueen at The Royal Opera House in Copenhagen as a principal dancer and assisting creative direction for next years “X factor Denmark.”

Maria is a choreographer and a part of nonstudio — a creative collective working on interactive installations, exhibitions, performance art, and branded experiences. Nonstudio is currently supported by the New York

ANTHONY “OMEN” CABRERA (Toy/ Ensemble) was born on November 7, 1983. A vivacious child, he always loved to dance — it didn’t matter if it was a family gathering or a large party. While growing up in Boston and the Dominican Republic, he discovered hip hop and breakdancing (Bboying) through television, but it wasn’t until his high school years that he started training in Bboying. Soon after, he realized his natural ability for dancing and improved rapidly. With the body awareness to control the acrobatic elements of Bboying and the creativity to develop an original style, Omen was quickly recognized by peers and established Bboys of the dance community. Currently, Omen

LILY FRIAS (Toy/Ensemble) Born and raised in Mexico, Liliana (Lily) Frias has been dancing for 13 years and is currently working as a professional dancer in Los Angeles. Beginning her career as a technical dancer, Lily found her true calling when she mastered the hip hop styles and the art of freestyle specifically the styles of whaacking and popping. She has been featured in a variety of productions, including “So You Think You Can Dance” (Season 12), “America’s Best Dance Crew” (Season 7), Cirque du Soleil, dance battles, national commercials, and Red Bull BC One 2018. She is also known for teaching and performing in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Japan, individually and as a part of her crew known as Femme Fatale.

BRANDON RON (Chocolate/ Ensemble) Although Hawaiian-born, Brandon Ron has an eclectic array of talents and interests, including the combat sport of Muay Thai, producing music in the Hip-Hop and R&B element, and giving friends fresh fade haircuts, his greatest passion by far is dancing.

Five years after he began dancing in earnest, he and a crewmate competed internationally in the “Kia Dubstep World Championship” in Warsaw, Poland. They won first place, bringing home a new Kia Rio Sedan. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Brandon continues to work hard pursuing his dream of being a professional dancer and music producer.

JACKIE “JK-47” AGUDO (Tea/ Ensemble) aka Bgirl JK47 of Diamonds in the Rough Crew, can serve as a role model for multi- talented, hard-working artists everywhere. A recognized international competitor, she recently

took top prize at Red Bull’s 2018 “BC One Camp USA B-Girl Cypher” in Houston. In addition to performing on a plethora of stages with Project Soul, she also tours throughout the U.S. and the world as a workshop facilitator teaching, encouraging and inspiring people of all ages with her love and passion for the culture and art of street dance. Hailing from Vancouver, she was one of 16 Bgirls representing Canada at the first “Red Bull BC One,” held in Zurich, Switzerland.

SETH “REAKTION” HILLARD (Russian/ Ensemble) grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he fell in love with hip hop culture — especially Bboying — at an early age. He crafted his love for dance and choreography at the Toledo School for the Arts. A true chameleon of dance, Seth combined uncanny flexibility, imaginative versatility and meticulous musicality to make a name for himself as B-boy Reaktion (rē’akSH n), winning Midwest and National Bboy competitions. While evolving his craft in dance, Seth also developed other skills in tumbling, skateboarding and martial arts, including Capoeira. In 2012, he followed his dream and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a dance career. In just a few short months, Seth landed his target agency, booked his first audition, and was working as a professional dancer. Michael Jackson’s video, “Love Never Felt So Good” and Nick Cannon’s video, “Looking For A Dream” are just some of the work Seth has on his blossoming resume.

Featured in commercials for Pepsi, Men’s Warehouse, and a VH1 Super Bowl spot, the extremely humble and always smiling Seth has grown fast in the entertainment industry. He credits his advances in dance to working with top choreographers such as Chuck Maldonado, Tone & Rich, Oth’than Burnside and many more. “A dancer’s job is to turn an audible art form into a visual art form. As dancers we translate music for people to physically see. We are all artists and our only job is to follow our dreams.” e

RANDI “RASCAL” FREITAS (Associate D i r e c t o r - C h o r e o g r a p h e r/ D a n c e Captain/Mouse King/Ensemble) is a professional dancer born and raised in the Bay Area and now living in Los Angeles California, working as both a choreography dancer and a specialty freestyler. She is the newest member of The Beat Freaks. Randi has toured Japan performing in a theatre show called “The Battle” and is currently the Associate Choreographer of the touring show, The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

She has performed on shows such as “Jimmy Kimmel,” “The Ellen Show,” “The American Music Awards,” “The Kids Choice Awards” and “The GRAMMYs,” with companies such as Nike, Anthropologie, Toyota, Mountain Dew and AT&T and artists such as Travis Scott, Kaytranada and Tracee Ellis Ross. Beginning her dance life as a freestyle battler, Randi is still active in the underground scene as well. She recently made top 8 in the North America Bgirl Finals and won the all styles category for Redbull BCOne, and was runner up of All 4 House IBE in Holland and Redbull Dance Your Style US finals. She has taught in multiple cities around the US as well as abroad in countries such as France, Belgium, Thailand, Canada and Mexico. She is the co-creator of the LA open styles battle, The Dance Fight. In addition to performing and battling, Randi currently teaches her signature floorwork style at Movement Lifestyle, Debbie Reynolds, and internationally.

is part of the world-renowned Bboy crew based out of New York City, Supreme Beings. In addition to winning numerous solo and group competitions at both the national and international level, Anthony has contributed to the dance community by sitting on judging panels and conducting workshops. As a performer, he is part of both G-Force Entertainment and Raw Miami Entertainment. When he is not on board a Carnival cruise ship as a performer, Anthony keeps busy performing for music artists, corporate parties, clubs and street shows. His other professional interests include modeling and acting.

DUSTIN PAYNE (Flute/ Ensemble) has been dancing and playing music as far back as he can remember. Four years ago, to pursue his dream of a career as a dancer, he drove across country from his Columbus, Georgia hometown to Los Angeles. Every year since his arrival he has achieved and surpassed the previous years’ accomplishment.

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Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and is currently developing their work Displaced in Lisbon in the spring of 2020.

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Beginning the first year as a street performer on Hollywood Boulevard, he moved on the second year to win a few freestyle and popping battles.

The third year, he auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance” (season 14), making it to the top 40 contestants, as well as winning the battle for “World of Dance (Convention)” in San Diego.

This year, his fourth in LA, Dustin has twice been a battle judge for “World of Dance,” featured in the “Teen Choice Awards” after party event and featured in “So You Think You Can Dance” as one of the top 10 men (season 15). And, capping this year, he was cast in The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

JARVIS L. BENSON (Violinist) comes from a family of musicians and covers a lot of musical ground in the artistic world. The classically-trained New Yorkbased musician has had the opportunity to collaborate with many major artists — most notably Solange, Chris Martin, Regina Carter, Why Don’t We, and many others. He was part of the Emmy Winning production of “Jesus Christ Superstar — LIVE” featuring John Legend, and also part of the Grammy winning album GUMBO-Unplugged

by PJ Morton. He currently serves as principal violist/violinist and Personnel Manager for Rootstock Republic, a string production company based in New York City. For this tour, Jarvis is playing a violin on loan from Lukas Wroński Violins in New York City.

DJ BOO (DJ) is a Filipino-American artist born and bred in New York who lives and breathes music. From high school, as a drummer who marched in both the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl, to the present, his passion for music has led him to the success he enjoys in this field. Boo has shared the stage with Hip Hop luminaries like Ghostface Killah, DJ Kool Herc and Common. He has backed many wordsmiths, including Eternia, The Juggaknots and Omar Offendum.

As a member of The Nomadic Wax Collective he served as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. in Asia and Africa as part of the American Music Abroad Tour. For over a decade he has been the resident DJ for “WORDS: Hip Hop & Poetry Showcase & Open Mic” at Nuyorican Poets Café, a New York staple in the spoken word/poetry/music and theater scene. Additionally, Boo had the honor of being involved with “One Mic: Hip Hop Culture Worldwide,”

the first international Hip Hop festival at The Kennedy Center in which he not only performed, but also created a promotional mix featuring artists who performed throughout the multiday event. As a music producer, Boo, along with director and choreographer Jennifer Weber, helped bring holiday phenomenon The Hip Hop Nutcracker to life. And if that weren’t enough; he is also performing in the production as the show’s DJ. JENNIFER WEBER (Director & Choreographer) is a Lucille Lortel and Bessie-Award nominated choreographer based in New York City.

This fall, she is making her West End debut with the premiere of & Juliet, a new musical featuring the songs of pop songwriter Max Martin. In 2020 she will make her film debut as the choreographer for Disney’s ZOMBIES 2. Off Broadway choreography credits include KPOP (Ars Nova/Lortel Nom), Teenage Dick (The Public/Ma-Yi), Cruel Intentions (LPR/US Tour), Stockholm (U.S. premiere/Hudson Stage). Weber was commissioned by New York City Center to create a new work for NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck and hip hop legend Lil Buck for the 2018 Fall For Dance Festival. Her concert dance work has been performed at Jacob’s Pillow, The Apollo, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Southbank Center, and The Stanislavsky Music Theatre, Moscow.

Commercial direction/ choreography: Marc Jacobs, CK2, American Express, Uber, Ulta, L’Oreal, Reebok, Philosophy and Lifetime’s Bring It Live! Tour. Weber holds a B.A. in Communications (Cum Laude) from the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of Lincoln Center’s Directors Lab and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. www.jenniferwebernyc.com MIKE FITELSON (Writer/Co-Creator) is the executive producer at the United Palace, the 88-year-old Wonder Theatre in Washington Heights, Manhattan’s 4th largest theatre.

Previously as the executive director of the United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA), he co-created The Hip Hop Nutcracker with Jennifer Weber, adapting the story and supplying the images for the scenery, and produced its premiere. Fitelson has worked to build the Northern Manhattan arts community for 15 years. He co-founded the annual arts festival, the Uptown

Arts Stroll, in 2003; served in every capacity of the Manhattan Times, the bilingual community newspaper of Washington Heights and Inwood, from 2002-2011; and helped found the nonprofit Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance in 2006. He is delighted the show is playing the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California where he was born and raised.

BURKE WILMORE (Lighting Designer) is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and an honors graduate of Wesleyan University. He has designed or adapted seven works for BODYTRAFFIC and has also lit the work of Camille A. Brown (Black Girl: Linguistic Play, Mr. Tol E. Rance, City of Rain). He was the resident designer for Battleworks (2001–2010) and to date has lit seven of Robert Battle’s works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. For the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, he lit Midsummer Night’s Dream and Red Velvet. He frequently collaborates with Broadway star André de Shields, for whom he lit the Louis Armstrong musical Ambassador Satch, and designed scenery and lighting for de Shields’ production of Ain’t Misbehavin’. Mr. Wilmore designed scenery and lighting for Apollo Club Harlem, and Ellington at Christmas, both at the Apollo Theater.

JAMES STEELE (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back with Maximum Entertainment and Hip Hop Nutcracker for the second year.

Broadway: Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Roundabout); One Man, Two Guvnors.

National Tour: Cruel Intentions, Small Mouth Sounds. Off-Broadway: Small Mouth Sounds (Signature), By the Water (MTC), Pageant (SAS), Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ars Nova/Kazino), My Name is Asher Lev (Westside Theatre), An Iliad (NYTW), The Tribute Artist (Primary Stages), The Divine Sister (DRTM). Thanks to Jenn, Eva, Carl, Rebecca and Josh, as always love to Mom and Gram.

LAURIEN DE MUNCK (Stylist) is a Belgian dancer who began taking ballet classes at a small local dance school in her hometown of Vilvoorde with her teacher, Mme Alexandre.

She was always creating and copying choreography from music videos with her friends, and was inspired by the musicians and artists of the 1990s.

She began working as a professional

REBECCA EASTON (Company Manager) is an arts manager and producer working in dance, theater, and circus around the world. As a company manager, she has toured to over thirty countries with Pilobolus (Shadowland & Shadowland 2), and to forty-eight states with Cirque Productions, G4 Productions, Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company, and the Guthrie Theater. She has company managed for the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center and for Pilobolus’s Five Senses Festival. As a producer, she works with Loom Ensemble (Vermont, NYC, Dubai) and Band of Toughs (Denver & Boulder, Colorado). She also has a background in directing, dramaturgy, and teaching, and she graduated from Columbia University’s School of the Arts in 2008. She is thrilled to return to Maximum Entertainment for this year’s tour of The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

ALLIED TOURING (Tour Marketing) is a full-service engagement management agency representing Broadway tours and other live touring events across North America. Current: Bandstand; The Book of Mormon; Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (San Francisco); Hello, Dolly!; Mean

Girls, Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live; The Play That Goes Wrong; RENT; Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

Upcoming: Ain’t Too Proud; The Cher Show; Hadestown; Pretty Woman; To Kill a Mockingbird; Tootsie; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

MEP (General Manager) is a producing, developing and management company founded by Avram Freedberg, Mary Beth Dale and Eva Price; and is joined

by Managing Director/General Manager Carl Flanigan. Select Broadway, OffBroadway and Touring credits include What the Constitution Means to Me (National Tour 2020); Jitney (National Tour 2019-20); Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical; Small Mouth Sounds; Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Broadway!; The Hip Hop Nutcracker; The Lion; Verso; Black Light; Born for This (LA and Boston); 50 Shades! The Musical; Ivy + Bean The Musical; Voca People; and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short. www.maximumcompany.com New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, NJ, is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey, where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted nearly 10 million visitors (including over 1.7 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

EVA PRICE (Executive Producer) is a three-time Tony Award-winning producer of over 18 Broadway plays, musicals, and concerts, a member of The Broadway League’s Board of Governors, and on the producing team of Killer Content and Abigail Disney’s venture Level Forward. Credits: Oklahoma! (2 Tony Awards, Best Musical Revival), Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill (A.R.T., Broadway); What the Constitution Means to Me (2 Tony Nominations); Angels in America (Tony-winning revival starring Nathan Lane and Andrew

Garfield); Dear Evan Hansen (6 Tony Awards including Best Musical); On Your Feet!; Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Broadway!; Peter and the Starcatcher (5 Tony Awards); Colin Quinn Long Story Short (directed

by Jerry Seinfeld); Annie (TonyNominated Musical Revival); The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino (Tony-nominated Play Revival); Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking; The Addams Family; Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical; Drama Desk-nominated Found; The Lion (Drama Desk-winner, Off-West End-winner); Small Mouth Sounds.

DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT IN ITS 2019/20 BROADWAY SEASON

PLEASE BE ADVISED • LATECOMERS and those exiting the theatre are seated at predetermined breaks in designated areas.

• PHOTOS, RECORDING & CELL PHONE USE are prohibited.

• CHILDREN 6+ are welcome in our theatres and must be ticketed.

• DRINKS are allowed in provided containers.

• ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS & BOOSTER SEATS are available in most theatres. Ask an usher to direct you.

• BRAILLE PROGRAMS are available with 2 weeks’ notice to ckrueger@dcpa.org or 303.893.4836.

Members of Denver Theatrical Wardrobe, Wigs, Hair and Make-up, Union 719 Linda Ackerschott Carrie Breidenbach Vonnie Clough Janel Clough Craig Cory Cyndie Cory Laura Cotugno Steve Davies Anne Davis Carolyn Dore Deborah Guess AnnSue Gunter

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THE BUELL THEATRE is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Arts and Venues.

CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER Michael Hancock, Mayor ARTS AND VENUES Ginger White-Brunetti, Executive Director For information call: 720.865.4220

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

dancer and performed and assisted as a choreographer on multiple television programs. She soon had the opportunity to travel to London, Amsterdam, and Paris, where she performed in numerous stages and stadiums. After making the decision to move to LA, she decided to expand her horizons and open herself up to a styling career. She began styling friends and dance colleagues for fun, and realized that she not only had a great amount of passion for it, she was also naturally gifted at it. She soon started working as a personal shopper/ stylist for dancers, choreographers, and models. She finds happiness in changing people’s way of viewing themselves through altering their mindset and the limits of what they think is possible. Laurien has worked with major industry names such as Laura Marano, Nelia Porut, Edward, Aninaru, Elene Ghenoiu, and Jonathan Burdine. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Lucy’s Magazine, and she has assisted on jobs for big brands such as Doll’s Kill. She is convinced that it is truly possible to make dreams become reality.

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JOHN LEGUIZAMO ON LATIN HISTORY FOR ALL AMERICANS

John Leguizamo • Photo by Matthew Murphy 2017

BY JOHN MOORE

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A

Actor John Leguizamo grew up in New York City a Colombian immigrant with very few pop-culture role models who looked like him: Ricky Ricardo in “I Love Lucy.” Speedy Gonzales. Freddie Prinze. “They were far and few between,” he said.

“Then we had West Side Story, but I feel conflicted about that,” he added of the iconic gang musical that follows rumbling white and Puerto Rican gangs spinning and snapping and stabbing their way through the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

“West Side Story was the only Latin representation we had in popular movies back then, but it was all based on very negative information,” he said. “And on the news, you saw yourself constantly portrayed very negatively. Our positive stories were never celebrated.”

It was not until Leguizamo became a grown man that his research led him to great Latin writers such as Gabriel García Márquez, Roberto Bolaño, Isabel Allende, Pablo Neruda and others dating back to the 1800s. And that got him wondering what else he wasn’t taught in school about the contributions of Latin leaders, artists and soldiers throughout history.

Leguizamo, an amorphous human encyclopedia who absorbs facts as easily as breathing, has since made himself an expert on the subject, and that has led to his latest one-man theatrical production. Latin History for Morons is not only playing in Denver, it was largely developed right here back in 2017.

“Comedy Works was great for me because they gave me the opportunity to really workshop this show,” he said. “I went there for four nights doing two shows a night.”

But it wasn’t standup comedy.

“No, I just read to these poor people from my notes,” he said. “People in comedy clubs are not used to being read to. And it was a 2½ hour show. I think they were drunk out of their minds, because they just kept pouring the alcohol, and it was the longest show they’ve ever had.”

But that was part of the genesis of a show that went on to Broadway and won a special 2018 Tony Award.

“Denver people are the ones who helped me make this show,” he said, “and now I’m grateful that I can bring it back to them all polished and retooled.”

Leguizamo was motivated to develop Latin History for Morons for his son, who was being bullied and racially profiled in his middle school not far from where Leguizamo was raised.

Leguizamo also had grown up feeling othered and second-class, and he was done with that.

“I was like, wait a minute. How is this possible with all these contributions from Latin people?” he said.

“I wanted to give my son facts and information about Latin heroes to empower him.”

But Leguizamo was the one who was changed.

Or, as he put it: “Un-moronized.”

“I was empowered. I was transformed,” he said.

“It was like a domino effect. The information I found started to double and triple and quadruple. I couldn’t believe the incredible amount of Latin contributions to America and the world I found.

APPLAUSE • NOV NOV 2019 2019 ––JAN JAN2020 2020• 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Denver people are the ones who helped me make this show, and now I’m grateful that I can bring it back to them all polished and retooled.

— JOHN LEGUIZAMO, PLAYWRIGHT AND PERFORMER

UPSTAGE EVERY OTHER GIFT. TURN YOUR SPECIAL MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME. GIVE THE GIFT OF THEATRE!

Redeem for Musicals • Plays • Classes Subscriptions • Venue Rentals “I started to feel like being Latin was a superpower.”

Now Leguizamo is bringing his comic, kinetic, dizzying stage energy into a Denver classroom known as The Buell Theatre. And if he hadn’t already settled on such a provocative title, Leguizamo might have called his production Latin History for all Americans.

“If we had a syllabus for this course, it would say that this is not the victor’s version of American history,” he said.

“History should include all of the people who helped create America. It should include all of the Black, Latin and Native American contributions to the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the War of 1812. We were there.

“That would be a great book, and then these Latinx kids in school would see themselves reflected back and they would feel different about themselves. They would feel like they could project themselves into the future in a successful way.

When you don’t see yourself included in all this information, you feel that you have no future. When you constantly don’t see yourself in positive or heroic roles, how do you ever reimagine yourself?”

Leguizamo was intrigued to learn that the DCPA Theatre Company will soon be presenting the world premiere of a play called twenty50 that imagines that by the year 2050, the white power structure in this country will absorb Latinx people into its population, in effect preserving a white majority.

“That show sounds fascinating,” he said, “because when you look back at World War I, they didn’t separate Latin people from white people. They counted light-skinned Latin people and medium-skin-toned Latin people as white people. So now we’re going back to including Latin people as white people but the thing is: Why can’t we all just be Americans?”

For an expanded version of this interview, including John Leguizamo’s Required Reading list, visit denvercenter.org/news-center.

LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS DEC 10 • BUELL THEATRE

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BY JOHN MOORE

F

From blasphemy to Broadway to banned to broadcast television, few pop-culture titles have generated the kind of buzz Jesus Christ Superstar has generated along the road to its current 50th anniversary national touring production.

A decade after its last major tour, this iconic musical phenomenon is back, buoyed by a jaw-dropping 2018 reimagination that aired as a live concert on NBC and left many critics saying the high-energy staging had set a new standard for live theatrical broadcasts.

“What could have felt like a dated rock opera was more like an uproarious arena concert filled with screaming fans,” wrote Deadline critic Dino-Ray Ramos.

That Emmy Award-winning effort essentially cast the live audience as the so-called 50,000 screaming Jesus fans that Simon sings are ready to “ride into Jerusalem” and effect the greatest revolution in world history. That ambience is more in line with the kind of energy composer Andrew Lloyd Webber first had in mind when he and Tim Rice dared to imagine the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ through a decidedly late 1960s rock ’n’ roll lens.

“Superstar was written like a radio play, because that was the closest thing we had available to us,” Webber told Rolling Stone magazine. “I think it works best when it’s closer to a rock concert.”

The new national tour, helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie, captured a similar live energy as well, and subsequently won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

From the start, Superstar was slammed as blasphemous.

Imagine the audacity of a new rock musical that dared to

36

tell the story of Christ’s downfall from the sympathetic perspective of his chief betrayer?

The writers couldn’t find a producer at first. “We were told it was the worst idea in history,” Lloyd Webber later recalled. So he and Rice transformed their stage musical into a two-record concept album that was released in 1970, just after The Who’s own two-record celebrity opus, “Tommy.”

But Rice was more inspired by the Bob Dylan anthem “With God On Our Side,” which features Judas in its penultimate verse. Rice was fascinated by the idea of Judas not as a craven back-stabber but rather a close friend struggling with the implications of Jesus’ growing popularity.

“From a very young age, I had wondered what I might have done in the situations in which Pontius Pilate and Judas Iscariot found themselves,” Rice wrote in his autobiography. “How were they to know Jesus would be accorded divine status by millions and that they would as a result be condemned down the ages?”

When the legendary concept album hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts behind songs such as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” “Heaven on their Minds” and the title tune, a Broadway staging went from impossible to inevitable. American fans had begun staging unauthorized live performances in churches and theaters around the country.

But what bowed on Broadway in 1971 was polarizing.

Webber himself called that first (of four) Broadway productions “brash and vulgar” — and he was not alone.

The show was banned in South Africa and protested by everyone from the American Jewish Committee to the

APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Alvin Crawford, Tyce Green and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR IS REBORN AT 50

“…not only do I appreciate your beautiful rock-opera film, I believe it will bring more people around the world to Christianity than anything ever has before.”

— POPE PAUL VI TO NORMAN JEWISON, DIRECTOR THE FILM ADAPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith to evangelist Billy Graham. (Though Graham did acknowledge that “if the production causes young people to search their Bibles, to that extent it may be beneficial.”)

One of the major criticisms of Webber and Rice was having Judas come back from the dead to sing the title song, without taking a stand on the possible resurrection of Jesus.

But if you look closely at the final shot of the 1973 film, said Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the film (and on stage for the next 40 years), you can see a mysterious someone walking in the desert. “And let me just say: Those who have eyes to see will see that mysterious someone,” Neeley told The Denver Post during a 2008 tour stop in Denver.

“The reason for that shot is that Norman Jewison and myself took issue with the fact that Tim and Andrew felt the piece needed to end with a crucifixion, showing no suggestion of possible resurrection and ascension,” Neeley said. “So when Norman made the film, that mysterious appearance is to suggest that life does go on, that there was resurrection of the spirit.”

Ironically, Jesus Christ Superstar has found favor with Catholic popes across the decades. Jewison, who directed the 1973 film, arranged a special screening for Pope Paul VI. Neeley quotes Paul VI as saying: “Mr. Jewison, not only do I appreciate your beautiful rock-opera film, I believe it will bring more people around the world to Christianity than anything ever has before.” And the current Pope Francis said he enjoyed a recent stage production of Superstar in Rome.

From its birth, Superstar reflected the rock roots that defined a generation. It has been credited (and blamed) for ushering in Broadway’s decades-long “British invasion” that brought such mega-hits as Cats and Les Misérables. And as time has passed, it has proven to be one of those musicals that demands to be re-interpreted again and again, as it has been for its 50th anniversary tour.

ll people A are equal Moments are shared Differences are valued Discussion is encouraged

FAMOUS MARY MAGDALENES Yvonne Elliman: Broadway and 1973 film Sara Bareilles: NBC Live in Concert Jenna Rubaii: 50th anniversary national tour FAMOUS JESUSES Murray Head: 1970 concept album Ted Neeley: 1973 film Billy Lewis, Jr.: 2017 Arvada Center staging John Legend: NBC Live in Concert Aaron LaVigne: 50th anniversary national tour FAMOUS JUDASES Ben Vereen: Broadway originator Carl Anderson: 1973 film Tony Vincent: 2000 Broadway (DCPA Theatre Company’s The Twelve) James Delisco Beeks: 50th anniversary national tour

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR NOV 26 – DEC 1 • BUELL THEATRE ASL Interpreted, Audio-described and Open Captioned performance: Nov 30, 2pm

Photos by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

Portions of this report were compiled from news sources.

We respect that everyone experiences our stories differently.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Dec 17

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T We have been part of the fabric of Colorado and intertwined with its arts community since both the state and university were founded in 1876.

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The University of Colorado and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts share an unwavering commitment to the arts.

That’s why CU is proud to support these amazing performers and their performances. The arts enrich our communities and make our world a better place. All four CU campuses feature robust arts programs and activities, whether it’s paintings that explore the intricacies of medicine at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the renowned Colorado Shakespeare Festival at CU Boulder, first-rate musical production programs at CU Denver or the remarkable Ent Center for the Arts performance venue at CU Colorado Springs.

Our commitment to the arts extends to our students, who get opportunities to work with accomplished faculty, dedicated arts professionals, and talented actors and musicians in places like the DCPA. At CU, we’re proud of a commitment to the arts that stretches back well over a century. We have been part of the fabric of Colorado and intertwined with its arts community since both the state and university were founded in 1876. And we look forward to working with the DCPA to continue to ensure that the arts in Colorado remain vibrant and essential parts of our world.

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3800 S. PiERcE STREET, DEnvER, cO 80235 | (303) 914-2513 | www.cOlORADOAcADEmy.ORG

Colorado Academy Colorado Academy

3800 S. PiERcE STREET, DEnvER, cO 80235 | (303) 914-2513 | www.cOlORADOAcADEmy.ORG

Think, Create, Innovate!

Think, Create, Innovate!

For more than 100 years, the promise of Colorado Academy has been the pursuit of

ForWe more thanthe 100 years , the promise of Colorado academic excellence. understand need to provide each new generation withAcademy the most has been the pursuit of academic excellence.

We understand thecommunity need to provide each new generation with the most relevant education.

We set high standards for every child, and the brings energy and commitmentrelevant to help each student find success through— education.

We set high standards for every child, and the community brings energy

andthat commitment tothinking help each • Innovative curricula inspire critical and student creativity find success through— • Talented teachers who instill motivation self-discipline • Innovative curriculaand that inspire critical thinking and creativity • Character education based on the practice of courage and kindness • Talented teachers who instill motivation and self-discipline • Athletics & Arts that promote teamwork and initiative • Character education based on practice of courage and kindness • Experiential & outdoor trips that develop leadership andthe resilience Athletics • Friendships that•last a lifetime& Arts that promote teamwork and initiative

FIVE EXCITING SHOWS BUY EARLY AND SAVE BIG!

• Experiential & outdoor trips that develop leadership anda resilience We are seeking highly qualified students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 from variety of backgrounds. Please visit www.coloradoacademy.org • Friendships that last a lifetime to learn more about CA and to register for our admission Parent Preview on october 28 and 29.

We are seeking highly qualified students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 from a variety

Admissions: (303) 914-2513 of backgrounds.

Please visit www.coloradoacademy.org to learn more about CA and to register Grades: PreforKour – 12admission Parent Preview on october 28 and 29.

Enrollment: 960 Admissions: (303) 914-2513 Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Grades: Pre K – 12 Tuition: $18,390-$24,540

Enrollment: Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Tuition: $18,390-$24,540

Financial Aid budget of $2.9 million 960 10 Denver metro area bus routes

Financial Aid budget of $2.9 million

• Innovative curricula that inspire critical thinking and 10 Denver metro area bus creativity routes • Talented teachers who instill motivation and self-discipline • Character education based on the practice of courage and kindness • Athletics & Arts that promote teamwork and initiative • Experiential & outdoor trips that develop leadership and resilience • Friendships that last a lifetime Grades: Pre K – 12 Enrollment: 990 Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Financial Aid budget: $3.7 million Bus Routes: 10

CA seeks curious, creative, kind, adventurous students from a variety of backgrounds who embrace challenge and community engagement.

Visit www.coloradoacademy.org to learn more.

DEC 21 & 22 ‘TWAS THE BRASS BEFORE CHRISTMAS FEB 16 DENVER BRASS & ALL THAT JAZZ MAR 7 & 8 CELTIC CASTLES & CATHEDRALS MAR 14 & 15 CELTIC FUSION MAY 16 & 17 LET FREEDOM RING

BUY TICKETS AT DENVERBRASS.ORG 303-832-HORN(4676) newmantix.com/denverbrass

3800 S. PIERCE STREET, DENVER , CO 80235 | (303) 914-2513

Don't Let Your LEGAL STRESSES STEAL Your Holiday Spirit The Letters Of The Law In Colorado 1099 18th Street, Suite 2600 Denver, Colorado 80202 Denver: 303-297-2600 • Telluride: 970-728-3029 info@rwolaw.com • rwolaw.com

FRIDAYS IN NOVEMBER 8PM

Every Day Counts Living with serious or ongoing illness can be challenging.

We are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about how Agape supports patients and their families.

720.482.1988 agape-healthcare.com

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago newmancenter.du.edu / 303-871-7720

T H E Q U E E R B OT S I M P O RV & S K E T C H C O M E DY

HOLIGAY SHOW THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 5, 12 AND 19 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH

2019 NAUGHTY PIERRE’S

NEW YEAR’S EVE BURLESQUE

COUNTDOWN FEATURING THE CLOCKTOWER CLOCKETTES

TWO TWO PERFORMANCES PERFORMANCES

7PM & 10PM CHAMPAGNE & FIREWORKS TO FOLLOW EACH PERFORMANCE

newman center presents 2019–2020 events on sale now dance / jazz / nat geo / more

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Mozart Symphony No. 40

CLASSICS

NOV 8-10 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Renée Fleming - The Brightness of Light Colorado Premiere

SPOTLIGHT

Home Alone © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

All Rights Reserved. MPAA Rating: PG

Aretha: A Tribute

MOVIE AT THE SYMPHONY

Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour CLASSICS

HalfNotes

HOLIDAY

DEC 8 SUN 3:30

A Colorado Christmas MOVIE AT THE SYMPHONY

NOV 29 FRI 7:30

Love Actually in Concert

HalfNotes

DEC 6 FRI 7:30

NOV 22-24 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Home Alone in Concert

FAMILY

DEC 1 SUN 2:30

NOV 15 & 17 FRI 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Drums of the World

DEC 13-15 FRI 7:30 ■ SAT 2:30 & 6:00 ■ SUN 1:00

All Beethoven – 250th Birthday Celebration

HOLIDAY

HalfNotes SPOTLIGHT

DEC 16 MON 7:30 SYMPHONY POPS

NOV 30 SAT 7:30

Handel’s Messiah — Awakening

HOLIDAY

DEC 20-21 FRI-SAT 7:30

Holiday Brass

HOLIDAY

DEC 22 SUN 1:00 HalfNotes Please join us for family-friendly activities 1 hour before the concert.

These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM!

presenting sponsor

also supported by

A Night in Vienna

HOLIDAY

DEC 31 TUE 6:30

TICKETS: COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

PROUD SEASON SPONSOR OF DCPA BROADWAY

S

Suspension of disbelief—when we’re willing to believe something surreal. It’s what helps us forget about the pressures of life and fully immerse ourselves in a good book, song or play.

While many of us are tuning out the typical noise of day-to-day life (work, a full inbox, traffic), others are getting over more serious pressures and celebrating life through the arts.

Todd Danielson, Keith Alexander, Faith Vigil-Schrader, and Nancy Spradling and her son Sean each had their share of serious pressures. From brain surgery, to colon cancer, to carbon monoxide poisoning, to leukemia and a stem-cell transplant, each person underwent treatment at UCHealth hospitals and has recovered so they can continue to live their extraordinary lives.

Through our Moments to Shine program, UCHealth and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts teamed up to honor these people and those who rallied around them with a special evening to see a performance of the musical Wicked. Their experience also included a behind-the-scenes look at the “greening of Elphaba” and a signed poster of the cast.

When they look back, we hope they will see this as a close to a chapter in their lives that ended on a high note.

Inspirational people.

Unique stories of perseverance.

Sarah Fernandez is one of the actors who plays Elphaba in the national touring production of Wicked. Make-up artist Deborah Paulk demonstrated how she helps Fernandez become Elphaba for the show. Photos by John Moore.

44

APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

EXPLORE A NEW WORLD Always free for kids 17 & under

Where Montessori philosophy and the Reggio Emilia approach come together in a unique community-focused school for young children. Children’s Garden Montessori School serves children Toddler to Kindergarten.

Discover how we inspire a life-long love of learning!

Photo by Trevr Merchant

Register for a Parent Information Open House www.cgmontessori.com/admissions 303-322-0972

clyffordstillmuseum.org

Enjoy Our Exciting 2019-2020 Season!

NOV 29, 2019 - JAN 19, 2020

JAN 30 - MAR 29, 2020

APR 9 - MAY 31, 2020

JUN 11 - AUG 23, 2020

*Get 20% Off Adult Tickets! Use Code “DCPA20”.

*Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply.

PROUD SEASON SPONSOR OF DCPA BROADWAY

CONNECTING PEOPLE. UNITING THE WORLD.

“With over 80 years of service to the Mile High City, we are proud of our longstanding commitment to the Denver community that thousands of employees and customers call home.”

— SHARON GRANT, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

46

U

United does more than connect passengers through safe and convenient air travel; it forges strong relationships with the communities it serves across the globe.

United is pleased to serve as the official airline of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) and proudly supports its remarkable contributions to the performing arts community in Denver and beyond. United provides valuable travel support that allows the DCPA to bring in artists for its productions and sponsors Student Matinee performances for thousands of local students to expand their view of themselves and the world through a targeted theatrical experience and educational talkback.

United employees have donated thousands of hours of service to various local non-profit organizations and have tirelessly conducted drives, mentored interns, hosted Aviation Days both at Denver International Airport and United’s flight training center, among many other efforts. As part of United’s relationship with Warren Village transitional housing center, employee volunteers enjoy actively participating with resident families at community events. United’s Volunteer Impact Grants program allows employees to earn grants for nonprofits where they volunteer frequently and has provided thousands of dollars to local organizations. United employees especially love bringing smiles to hundreds of deserving children through the annual holiday Fantasy Flight trip to the “North Pole” and teddy bear deliveries to local hospitals.

“At United, we take our role as a community partner and corporate citizen seriously, and we are proud to support the DCPA,” said Sharon Grant, Vice President and Chief Community Engagement Officer. “With over 80 years of service to the Mile High City, we also are proud of our longstanding commitment to the Denver community that thousands of employees and customers call home.”

In addition to DCPA, United is honored to support other Colorado organizations including the Colorado Symphony, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Public Schools Foundation, Girls Inc., Latin American Education Foundation, Mile High Youth Corps, Warren Village and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Exploration of Flight locations.

APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BAND’S VISIT AND DCPA EDUCATION

T “U.S. Bank is proud to champion arts and cultural institutions in our own communities, especially in the Denver area. Our on-going commitment allows us to invest in organizations our local employees are passionate about today and into the future.”

— HASSAN SALEM PRESIDENT OF U.S. BANK IN COLORADO TRUSTEE, DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

48

The arts are a significant part of making Denver an amazing place to live and work. U.S. Bank believes in the power of play, which includes the arts. Play brings joy, helps problem-solving skills, creativity and relationships, and builds social and emotional learning. That’s why U.S. Bank is a long-time supporter of the magnificent programs and spectacular performances at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).

The arts educate, promote understanding, broaden our perspectives and enable communities to share rich cultural experiences. Denver is fortunate to have a thriving arts community, which is home to some of the nation’s finest theatres, museums and artists.

“At U.S. Bank, our commitment to corporate social responsibility comes to life through Community Possible, our corporate giving and engagement platform that closes the gap between people and possibility in the areas of Work, Home and Play,” said Hassan Salem, President of U.S. Bank in Colorado and DCPA Trustee. “The DCPA is an organization that is dedicated to bringing play to everyone in our community. DCPA is an outstanding organization, providing amazing performances, programs and outstanding arts education.”

In 2018, U.S. Bank contributed more than $57 million to nonprofit organizations through Community Possible, with an emphasis on community development, diversity and inclusion, financial education and the environment. Additionally, its employees volunteered more than 209,000 hours and donated more than $14 million to charitable campaigns, demonstrating that employee engagement is a major component of its community success.

U.S. Bank also is committed to providing consumers and businesses with a comprehensive range of financial tools and services to help them work toward their goals. For clients with more complex financial needs, U.S. Bank offers wealth management strategies and services. From investment management services to trust and estate administration, U.S. Bank offers clients sophisticated plans, sound advice, and customized service.

“One of the key attributes of the growth in Denver is the rich investment in arts and culture made over many years,” said Salem.

“The DCPA is a perfect example of what a first-class theatre that draws some of Broadway’s biggest hits has added to our community. We are privileged to host a variety of client events at DCPA and we always leave feeling very proud of our arts and culture community in Denver. Let’s all continue to celebrate DCPA, which is a shining example of why Denver is a leader in providing arts and culture opportunities.”

APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING BREWING A new addition to the dining scene, Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps tempts with an adventuresome Colorado-inspired menu.

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Mention this ad and receive a free appetizer with the purchase of two dinner entrees.

Offer valid through 6/30/20.

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center 650 15th Street, Denver, CO • 303 486 4434

our community with personal, compassionate care.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, we’re dedicated to helping families create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.

W E ’ RE P ROUD TO S E RV E

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Contact your local Dignity Memorial provider to get started.

FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE GREATER DENVER AREA

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DCPA DCPA TEAM TEAM

DCPA

Carmen Molina, Blanca Primero, Judith Primero, Maria Reyes Soto, Michael Thomas.....................................Custodians Events Dawn Williams.............................................. Director, Event Sales & Marketing Tara Miller......................................... Senior Manager Danielle Bell, Savanna Campbell, Matt Leaver..................................................Managers BROADWAY & CABARET Brook Nichols......Director, Event Technology ADMINISTRATION Tom Duffin...........Manager, Event Technology John Ekeberg.........................Executive Director Colin Dieck, Stori Heleen, Will Stowe, Alicia Bruce.................................General Manager Ian Wells............Specialists, Event Technology Ashley Brown...........................Business Manager MARKETING, SALES & GARNER GALLERIA THEATRE PATRON SERVICES Abel Becerra............................. Technical Director Lisa Mallory........................................Vice President Anna Hookana+, Patrick Berger.............Audience Development Alex Reshetniak+......................Core Stagehands Manager Heidi Bosk.................................Associate Director, DEVELOPMENT PR & Integrated Marketing Shelley Thompson.........................Vice President Rachel Cadden......................... Communications Coordinator Rebecca Clark.......................................Coordinator Megan Fevurly....................... Associate Director Casey Eickhoff, Tamara Fox....................................Manager, Grants Brenda Elliott..........Senior Graphic Designers Marc Ravenhill................Manager, Stewardship Brianna Firestone..........Director of Marketing, Insights & Strategy Megan Stewart..............Events & Development Officer Rachel Garn..................................Email Developer Julie Voorhees....Manager, Capital Campaign Jacquelyn Glover.......Junior Web Developer/ Administration Erin Walker..............Senior Director, Major Gifts Brittany Gutierrez.................... Communications Associate EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Donna Hendricks................Executive Assistant Allison Watrous..................... Executive Director Jeff Hovorka......... Director, Sales & Marketing Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski............................ Director, Emily Kent................................Director, Marketing Education & Curriculum Management Lucas Kreitler.............Junior Graphic Designer Stuart Barr................................. Technical Director David Lenk.......................................Video Producer Claudia Carson.....Teaching Artist & Program Emily Lozow......Marketing & Digital Manager Manager – Playwriting & Bobby G Adam Lundeen...........Marketing Technologist Leslie Channell.............................................. Director, Kyle Malone.....................................Design Director Business Operations Helen Masvikeni..........................Project Manager Emily Doherty.......Teaching Artist & Program Cheyenne Michaels.........Marketing Associate Manager – Theatre for Young Audiences John Moore....................... Senior Arts Journalist Hanna Dotson....................... Assistant Registrar Jessica Noe...................Corporate Partnerships Linda Eller........................................................Librarian Manager Timothy McCracken...................Head of Acting Anna Nunez........................Jr. Marketing Analyst Laura Morales................................................ Director, Joseph Schurwonn.................Financial Analyst Community Engagement Austin Walker.................Marketing Coordinator David Saphier.......Teaching Artist & Program Suzanne Yoe...........Director, Communications Manager – In School Programming & Cultural Affairs Elizabeth Schmit..........................Office Manager Melissa Sumner............................................Registrar TICKETING & AUDIENCE SERVICES Rachel Taylor...............................Teaching Artist & Jennifer Lopez....................Director, Ticketing & Program Manager – Literacy Engagement Audience Services and Resiliency Programming Ticketing Services Justin Walvoord.....Teaching Artist & Program Manager – Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Kirk Petersen..........Associate Director, Patron Relations Samuel Wood.............................Teaching Artist & District Liasion Micah White.............................Associate Director, Subscription Services Billy Dutton....Associate Director, Operations FACILITIES & EVENT SERVICES Malcolm Brown ............Subscription Manager Facilities Amanda Gomez...........VIP Ticketing Manager Timothy Courson.....................Director, Facilities Christina Gesford, Beth Gordon, Management Tristan Jungferman, Peter Sifter......Manager, Facilities Operations Mariah Thompson..........Box Office Managers Dwight Barela, Mark Dill, Roger Haak............. VIP Ticketing Coordinator James Ewald, Clint Flinchpaugh, Jared Bakst, Adam Busch*, D.J. Dennis*, Michael Kimbrough................................ Engineers Edmund Gurule*, Paul Justice, Jane Deegan..................................Office Manager Becca Saunders*, Dan Havens................................Manager, Security Hayley Solano*.....................................Show Leads Quentin Crump, Kirsten Anderson*, Scott Lix*, Cody Gocio.....................Lead Security Officers Brad Steinmeyer*, Gregory Swan*...................Subscription Agents Steven Allen, Benjamin Koenig, Kyle Mitchell, Patrick Beasley, Bobby Bennett*, Glen Newton.........................Security Specialists Rena Bugg*, James Bullock*, Madison Stout......................Reception/Security Jennifer Gray*, Kristina Guarriello*, Brian McClain.....................Custodial Supervisor Noah Jungferman*, Cecillia Kim*, Elias Lopez, Frank Millington III*, Grabiel Bustillos, Cameron Carranco, Clayton Nickell*, Hayley Obremski*, Juan Loya, Harry McPherson, Jen Reid, Liz Sieroslawski*, Janice Sinden..............................President & CEO Gretchen Hollrah..................................................COO Lydia Garcia.............................Executive Director, Equity & Organization Culture Julie Schumaker........................... COO Executive Assistant & Manager, Board Relations

50

Andrew Sullivan*, Emmalaine Wright*..........................Ticket Agents Theatre Services Carol Krueger...............................................Manager Samantha Egle, LeiLani Lynch, Aaron McMullen, Dylan Phibbs, Valerie Schaefer.......................Assistant Theatre Services Managers Paitra Babb, William Berry, Nora Caley, Kori Hazel, Stacey Renee Norwood, Margaret Ohlander, Elizabeth Schreffler, Shannon Teppert, Lauren Veselak........................Theatre Company House Managers Volunteer Ushers................................................305+ Group Sales Jessica Bergin................Groups Sales Manager Rebecca Hibbert..........................Student Matinee Group Sales Associate Patrick Naughton....Group Sales Coordinator ACCOUNTING & FINANCE Jane Williams.................................. Vice President Jennifer Jeffrey........................Director, Financial Planning & Analysis Jennifer Siemers...............Director, Accounting Sara Brandenburg.......... Accounting Manager Michaele Davidson, Linda Erickson.................... Senior Accountants Valerie Lingbloom...................Staff Accountant Vicky Miles...............Special Projects Associate HUMAN RESOURCES Vera Morales......................................Vice President Brian Carter, Karen Jewell.......................Director Jamie Hawkins......................................Coordinator Paul Johnson...............................Payroll Specialist Monica Robles...................Mailroom Supervisor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Yovani Pina.........................................Vice President Rick Bennett, David Tschan...................Director Eric Boone.............................Software Developer Vincent Bridgers....Ticketing System Analyst Simone Gordon......................Program Manager Christopher Hoge..................................IT Manager Phillip Johnson, Sarah Martinez ................IT Analyst; Help Desk Jacob Parker........................................BI Developer Joseph Reecher............................Junior Systems Administrator THEATRE COMPANY ADMINISTRATION Charles Varin...........................Managing Director Ann Marshall...............................General Manager Allison Taylor Brinkhoff......Company Manager Katie Grayson.... Assistant Company Manager ARTISTIC Chris Coleman.............................. Artistic Director Rose Riordan......... Associate Artistic Director Charlie Miller.........Associate Artistic Director/ Off-Center Curator Douglas Langworthy............Literary Director/ Director of New Play Development Melissa Cashion.........................Artistic Producer Grady Soapes.....................Associate Producer/ Director of Casting Lynde Rosario.............................Literary Manager PRODUCTION Jeff Gifford...................... Director, Production & Construction Project Management Matthew Campbell....... Associate Production Manager Julie Brou..............................Production & Artistic Office Manager

APPLAUSE • NOV 2019 – JAN 2020 • 303.893.4100 • DENVERCENTER.ORG

Scenic Design Lisa M. Orzolek...............................................Director Kevin Nelson, Nicholas Renaud...... Assistants Lighting Design Charles R. MacLeod....................................Director Lily Bradford..................................................Assistant Reid Tennis+......................Production Electrician Multimedia Gregory W. Towle............................. Projections & New Technology Supervisor Sound Design Craig Breitenbach........................................Director Alex Billman+, Frank Haas+, Pedro Lumbrano+.................Sound Technicians Stage Management Kurt Van Raden.....Production Stage Manager Rachel Ducat, Heidi Echtenkamp, Corin Davidson, Rick Mireles, Michael Morales, D. Lynn Reiland...........................Stage Managers Scene Shop Eric J. Moore............................. Technical Director Josh Prues, Robert L. Orzolek...............Associate Technical Directors Albert “Stub” Allison.........Assistant Technical Director Louis Fernandez III.................Master Carpenter Ian Macleod, Brian “Marco” Markiewicz............... Lead Technicians Tyler Clark, Amy “Wynn” Pastor, Kyle Scoggins, Mara Zimmerman................Scenic Technicians Prop Shop Robin Lu Payne....................Properties Director Eileen S. Garcia...................Assistant Properties Director Jamie Stewart Curl, Tobias Harding, Georgina Kayes, Tony Nguyen, Katie Webster..................................Props Artisans Paint Shop Jana L. Mitchell...................Charge Scenic Artist Melanie Rentschler...............Lead Scenic Artist Kristin Hamer MacFarlane............Scenic Artist Costume Shop Janet S. MacLeod.......................................Director/ Costume Design Associate Meghan Anderson Doyle......................Costume Design Associate Carolyn Plemitscher, Louise Powers, Jackie Scott, Corrine Serfass................Drapers Cathie Gagnon..........................................First Hand Sheila P. Morris..................................................... Tailor Costume Crafts Kevin Copenhaver.........................................Director Chris Campbell............................................Assistant Wigs Diana Ben-Kiki........................................Wig Master House Crew Doug Taylor+.................Supervising Stagehand Jim Berman+, Stephen D. Mazzeno+, Kyle Moore+, Miles Stasica+, Matt Wagner+.........................................Stagehands Wardrobe Brenda Lawson..............................................Director Mary Capers^, Jessica A. Rayburn^ ...................Wig Assistants Robin Appleton^, Amber Donner^, Anthony Mattivi^, Tim Nelson^, Lisa Parsons Wagner^, Alan Richards^..............................................Dressers *Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local B-7 + Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 7 ^Member, I.A.T.S.E. Local 719 As of 10/25/2019

Rescued From Darkness and Misery...

And Given Incredible Freedom

Over 500 Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other rescued animals live on a 10,473 Acre Refuge!

Our rescued animals have no family other than those who choose to keep them close to their hearts.

Please add them to the list of those you care about this holiday season.

WildAnimalSanctuary.org