OnStage Colorado podcast

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca follow up on last week’s show featuring holiday shows around the state to call out some of the non-holiday offerings available. From the military courtroom drama A Few Good Men at Boulder’s Upstart Crow Theatre to Theatreworks’ production of The Importance of Being Earnest in Colorado Springs, there are more than a few un-tinseled shows to see this month.Along with a bit of theatre news touching on Colorado Gives Day and Giving Tuesday, we also get into John Moore’s annual True West Awards — which he says are the last ever this year. Later in the episode, Alex interviews Em Perez and Jo McIver Lee from Unleashed Theatre about their upcoming show Christmas Movie, The Play, The Beginning - described as “Hallmark Christmas meets 80s slasher.”

Alex and Toni celebrate Thanksgiving week with a packed episode featuring reviews of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, Camp Christmas 2025, Batman Live, Mary Poppins at Colorado Springs FAC, and the disappointing Wicked: For Good. They discuss major news including Hamilton's licensing availability for community theaters, Candlelight's 2026 season announcement, Frozen breaking box office records at Arvada Center, and capital campaign milestones for Arts Hub Lafayette and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. The hosts share their top holiday theater picks across Colorado, then Alex interviews Meghan Frank (Theater Artibus) and Amber Blais (Starry Night Productions) about their circus cabaret collaboration Moonlight Elves, a playful show pitting North Pole elves against South Pole elves at the Savoy featuring 20+ Colorado performers. Plus, they preview next week's conversation about Unleashed Theater's Christmas Movie, The Play, The Beginning - described as "Hallmark meets 80s slasher."

Plus the latest shows and an interview with Debut Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Lee KaplanIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller dive into the latest shows they’ve seen and take a look at theatre programs. How do people feel about no program, or a “light” program with just one page and a QR code link? Also, what’s up with the decision for NY theatres to dispense with the casts-change slip in the program?Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Lee Kaplan, the founder and artistic director at Fort Collins’ Debut Theatre. With more than three decades of teaching youth everything from acting to set design, lighting and more, the theatre is poised to get its own space finally in an old AMC theatre.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller jump into what they’ve seen lately on stage, run through some arts news from around the state and discuss the week’s Top 10 Colorado Headliners. This week’s list: Job, Curious Theatre, Denver, through Dec. 7Jerry’s Girls, Veritas Productions/Mizel Center Denver, Nov. 13-23Daisy Violet the Bitch Beast King, Feather Fall/Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, Nov. 13-30Drag Queen Magic, Local Theater Company/e-Town in Boulder, Nov. 18Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, Candlelight, Johnstown, Nov. 20-Jan. 11Murder on the Orient Express, Viva Theater, Boulder Dairy Arts Center through Nov. 23The Elixir of Love, Boulder Opera at Dairy Arts Center, Nov. 15-16Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, through Nov. 23Sherlock Holmes & the Greek Chorus, Theater Company of Lafayette, through Nov. 23A Doll’s House, Millibo Art Theatre, Colorado Springs, Nov. 13-23

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca look at some recent A&E news — including the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s season announcement and a chat with Ballyhoo Table & Stage founder Julia Tobey on the new venue’s grand opening this Saturday.Later in the podcast, Alex chats with Scot Merchant, creator of the new musical Ichabod, which has its world premiere at Denver’s Mizel Center Oct. 30.Also in this episode, the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows from around Colorado that may be worth checking out. Here’s the list in no particular order:Ghostlight, Oct. 29, Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 12, at various venues in the Denver metro areaEdgar Allan Poe Is Dead and So Is My Cat, Oct. 31-Nov. 16, Buntport Theater, DenverLa Traviata, Nov. 1-9, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, DenverHedwig and the Angry Inch - remount, Nov. 6-23, Ballyhoo, DenverR.U.R., Nov. 6-23, Spring Ensemble Theatre, Colorado Springs, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Schoolhouse Theater, Parker, through Nov. 16Dracula, Main St. Live, Trinidad, through Nov. 2Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Denver Center Garner Galleria, through May 10Misery, OpenStage at Fort Collins Lincoln Center, Oct. 31-Nov. 29Alibis & Other Lies, What If Theatre, Lakewood, through Nov. 1

Just a bit of news and reviews from around the theatre communityIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller talk about recent productions they’ve seen, including Wonderbound's Rock Ballets, Audacious Immersive's Cult of Cthulhu, Diva Royale at Miners Alley and Lizzie at Aurora Fox. They also discuss Colorado arts news including leadership changes at the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, the upcoming 48th Denver Film Festival and ongoing sound quality issues at the Buell Theater.

Miners Alley’s Len Matheo joins to talk about the pros and cons of running a bar, plus Top 10 Colorado HeadlinersIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller are joined by Len Matheo, Producing Artistic Director at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. We wanted to talk about serving alcohol in theatres — the pros and cons, revenue opportunities, disruptive patrons etc. — and since Miners Alley has one of the most full-service theatre bars in Colorado, we figured Len would have some thoughts. He also gives us the low-down on what’s up on stage at MAP this year and next.Later in the episode we dig into our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows from around Colorado you might want to check out. Here they are, in no particular order: ·      Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous, Vintage Theatre, Oct. 17-Nov. 23 ·      Bless Me, Ultima, Su Teatro, Oct. 16-Nov. 2 ·      Disney’s The Lion King, DCPA, Oct. 23-Nov. 16 ·      Rocky Horror Show, Durango Arts Center, Oct. 24-Nov. 1 ·      Goodnight Moon, DCPA Theatre for Young Audiences, Oct. 24-Jan. 25, 2026 ·      Same Time, Next Year, Bailey Theatre Co., Oct. 9-19 ·      Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Aurora Fox, through Oct. 18 ·      LIZZIE, Aurora Fox, Oct. 10-Nov. 2 ·      Cult of Cthulhu, Audacious Immersive, various Front Range locations ·      Diva Royal, Miners Alley, Golden, through Oct. 31

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a deep dive into Spooky Season. From multiple Rocky Horrors, Miseries and Draculas, we scanned the state to highlight some of what’s happening as we race toward a Friday Halloween this month.We also hit some news and Toni recaps some recent reviews: Steel Magnolias at Candlelight and A Case for Black Girls Setting Central Park on Fire at Local Theater.

Director Kelly Van Oosbree guest-hosts, plus an interview with ‘Shucked’ actor Ryan Fitzgerald and the Top 10 Colorado Headliners What’s the big deal if actors don’t show up for an audition slot? Plenty, says Kelly Van Oosbree, who joins hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller to talk about that and all she’s up to with shows at the Aurora Fox and Platte Valley Theatre Arts as well as her new role as artistic director at Performance Now Theatre Company.Later in the episode, Alex catches up with actor Ryan Fitzgerald — a graduate of the Denver School for the Arts now in the touring Broadway production of the musical comedy Shucked. After getting his start at Jester’s Dinner Theatre in Longmont, Fitzgerald has been on the road for years, with an international tour of West Side Story and this tour of Shucked, which plays at the Denver Center Oct. 7-19 and ends next June in Las Vegas.Also in the episode we run down our list of the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows that might be worth checking out. This week’s list, in no particular order:First Date, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Sept. 29-Oct. 23The Vampire of Cripple Creek, The Butte Theater, Cripple Creek, Oct. 3-Nov. 2A Fine Monster You Are, Impossible Players, Pueblo, Oct. 3-18A Case for Black Girls Setting Central Park on Fire, Local Theater Company, Boulder, Oct. 2-25The Pumpkin Kid, Ballyhoo Table & Stage, Denver, Oct.     4-25Misery, Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 3-12Dracula, Colorado Ballet, Denver, Oct. 3-12Hamlet, Merely Players, Durango, Oct. 3-12Alabama Story, Firehouse Theater at John Hand Theater,     Denver, Sept. 27-Oct. 26.Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Denver Center Theatre Company, Oct. 3-Nov. 2

In this week’s episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller talk about a recent NYT article’s grim outlook on Broadway musicals. Also discussed are the production of Eureka Day at Denver’s Curious Theatre and the BETC production of The Thin Place at the Denver Savoy. Later in the episode is Alex’s interview with veteran Colorado sound designer Jason Ducat, who talks about his latest shows and how he made a career in sound after starting out as an actor.

Ovation West’s Tim Kennedy on the Evergreen shooting and ‘Annie Get Your Gun,’ plus how guns are portrayed on stage, best practices and this week’s Colorado HeadlinersWith recent shootings in mind — particularly the one at Evergreen High School in Colorado — hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at how guns are portrayed in theatre. Also featured is an interview with Tim Kennedy of Ovation West in Evergreen, whose production of Annie Get Your Gun was suspended for its second weekend in light of the shooting.Later in the episode, we run down our list of the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows opening around the state that caught our eye. Chapter SummaryEpisode Topic: Guns in TheaterShow Reviews & Discussions[00:00 - 06:30] Opening & Recent Show Experiences[06:30 - 13:30] More Show ReviewsNews Roundup[14:00 - 17:45] Theater NewsOdd Knock Productions creating immersive venue in Rhino Arts DistrictMiners Alley's Assassins promotional video embracing negative reviewsJohn Moore's story about Marine Sergeant Michelle Crowe in Annie Get Your Gun amid Evergreen High School shootingMain Topic: Guns in Theater[17:45 - 26:00] Guns on Stage Discussion[26:00 - 34:15] Safety Guidelines & Best PracticesInterview[37:40 - 60:25] Tim Kennedy - Ovation WestDiscussion of Annie Get Your Gun production during Evergreen High School shootingHistorical context of Buffalo Bill's Wild West ShowColorado Headliners[60:25 - 72:30] Toni Headliners:The Enthusiasts, Buntport Theater, Denver, Sept. 1612th Annual High Plains Comedy Festival, Various Venues along South Broadway in Denver, Sept. 18-20Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Sept. 18-Oct. 5The Wood, The Arts HUB, Lafayette, Sept. 19-21You'll Be Made of Ashes Too, Flamboyán Theatre, Denver, Sept. 19-27Alex Headliners:Miss Manhattan, 19K Productions/CenterStage Theatre, Boulder Dairy Center, Sept. 19-28La Llorona, Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Arts in the Open, Sept. 20-Oct. 26Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Aurora Fox, Sept. 19-Oct. 18The Thin Place, BETC, Denver Savoy Sept. 12-28; Boulder Dairy Oct. 3-16The Happiest Man on Earth, Denver Center, Sept. 19-Nov. 2

Plus the latest from Third Side Theatre, a rundown of the latest shows and Colorado theatre newsIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca welcome Colorado theatre power couple Matt and Libby Zambrano. The conversation covers recent productions including The Mousetrap at the Arvada Center, plus season announcements from Phamaly Theatre Company, Aurora Fox Arts Center and Central City Opera.King Penny Radio Show The Zambranos discuss their unique 1940s improvised radio show, King Penny, which combines audience suggestions with live foley effects and period costumes. After nearly a decade in New York's theatre scene, the couple returned to Colorado where Matt continues his acting and directing work while Libby serves as HR manager at the Arvada Center.Third Side Theatre Later in the episode, we speak with the creative team behind Third Side Theater's world premiere of The Princess and the Goblins - writers Kellie Fox and Brian Dowling, along with director Aaron Vega. This collaborative theatre company adapts George MacDonald's 1872 fairy tale using minimal sets, shadow puppetry and live musical underscoring. The production runs September 12-20 at The People's Building in Aurora and promises to appeal to audiences of all ages with its blend of adventure, humor and theatrical magic.

The guys are joined by the Denver Gazette’s John Moore, plus an interview with Legend of Anne Bonny playwright Emy McGuireIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by John Moore from the Denver Gazette. The main topic this week is upcoming fall theatre around Colorado — and there’s plenty of it!Later in the episode, we speak with playwright, actor, novelist and pirate Emy McGuire. Her new musical The Legend of Anne Bonny plays through this weekend at The People’s Building in Aurora — a joint production between Two Center Lion and Shifted Lens theatre companies. Emy talks about how she started writing the musical while still in high school and how some of her experiences sailing influenced her take on the material as she continues to tweak it.

Plus, Top 10 Colorado Headliners, new reviews, news and moreIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca dive into recent theatre experiences, news, and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners. Also featured: an in-depth conversation with acclaimed scenic designer Brian Mallgrave.

Plus, an interview with DCPA Off-Center’s Charlie Miller about Sweet & Lucky: EchoIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca return with a bonus episode packed with show reviews, industry news and an exclusive look at one of Denver’s most anticipated immersive theater experiences. From Shakespeare under the stars in Boulder to a notorious female pirate, we also look at some sobering news about the challenges facing small-town movie theaters. Later in the episode, Alex interviews DCPA Off-Center Executive Director/Curator Charlie Miller about the upcoming production of Sweet & Lucky: Echo. 

A midsummer’s theatre retrospective, plus a chat with Dixie Longate and the Top 10 Colorado HeadlinersIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller look at the best shows of the year so far on Colorado stages. Later in the show, Alex talks with Dixie Longate, who’s final run of her show Dixie Longate’s Tupperware Party is at the Denver Center’s Garner Galleria this summer.Also in this episode, we run down the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — shows of interest we think are worth checking out. This week’s list:Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Denver Center, August 6-17Pippin, Denver Center, August 7-24The Play That Goes Wrong, StageDoor Theatre, Conifer, August 8-23Escape to Margaritaville, Theatre SilCo, Silverthrone, August 8-31Assassins, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, Golden, August 8-September 14Guys & Dolls, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake, ends Aug. 29Special Sauce, Bas Bleu, Fort Collins, Aug. 8-10Dogs and Cats Living Together, One Night Stand Theatre at Vintage Theatre, Aug. 10The Entrepreneur Girlfriend Hour, Talking With Teri Studio, Centennial, 2nd and 4th TuesdaysElizabeth I: In Her Own Words, BETC, Dairy Arts Center, Aug. 12-20

In this episode, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller run down the Henry Awards winners from Monday night's ceremony at Lone Tree Arts Center. You can see the whole list of winners here.

Extreme heat, wildfire smoke and other climate-related issues are having an effect – especially on outside performances. Plus, Top 10 Colorado Headliners and an interview with Miners Alley Associate AD Warren Sherrill.The phrase “the show must go on” has long been theatre’s rallying cry, but climate change is beginning to force a harsh reckoning with that philosophy. From the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s $2 million loss due to wildfire smoke to actors literally collapsing from heat exhaustion during outdoor performances, extreme weather is no longer an occasional inconvenience – it’s an ongoing threat. Yet this crisis is also revealing unexpected opportunities, as air-conditioned indoor venues become coveted refuges during heat waves. In this episode, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca dive into how rising temperatures and extreme weather are reshaping live performance, then explore this week’s Colorado Headliners including The Mikado in Space, Twelfth Night productions in multiple venues, and Dixie’s Tupperware Party. Plus, Alex sits down with Warren Sherrill, Associate Artistic Director at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, to discuss his upcoming production of Sondheim’s provocative musical Assassins – a show about presidential assassins that feels particularly relevant in our current political climate.  Episode SummaryOpening & What We’ve SeenAlex’s Reviews: Cirque du Soleil Echo - Outstanding production with amazing digital/practical effects and an enormous Rubik’s Cube set piece at Ball ArenaRichard II (Colorado Shakespeare Festival) - Streamlined, engaging production directed by Tim Orr, starring Kevin RichWoodlands and Wyverns (Audacious Immersiave) - D&D-style immersive theater at First Baptist Church basement; nerdy but fun with improving production values Toni’s Reviews: Some Like It Hot (touring) - Exceptional production with great dancing and smart adaptation of gender themes A Doll’s House Part 2 (Denver Theatre Ensemble) - Well-acted but too much static sitting Nightmare on Strip Street - Fun horror-themed burlesque parody with impressive athletic performancesNews SegmentColorado Creative Industries launched Community Revitalization Tax Credit for 10 projects supporting artists, childcare, and affordable housingMemorial tributes to poet laureate Andrea Gibson (died at 49 after cancer battle) and Kevin Ahl (Phamaly Theatre Company co-founder, died at 67)Henry Awards preview - ceremony July 27th at Lone Tree Art CenterMain Topic: Climate Change and TheaterDeep dive into how extreme weather is affecting live performances:Heat Impact: Shakespeare actors collapsing from heat; Town Hall Art Center canceling shows due to excessive heatFinancial Losses: Oregon Shakespeare Festival lost $2 million from wildfire smoke cancellations in 2018Safety Measures: Theaters implementing cooling tents, water breaks, lighter costumes, and flexible cancellation policiesEquipment Failures: Instruments going out of tune, sound equipment failing in extreme heatHuman Cost: Fan deaths at concerts, hospitalizations from heat-related issuesInsurance Costs: Weather-related coverage doubling from 1.25% to 2.5% of guaranteed amounts Colorado Headliners (Top 10 Upcoming Shows)Beehive: The 60’s Musical, The Butte Theater, Cripple Creek, July 18-August 31

A look at the summer dreck on the big screen, plus Top 10 Colorado Headliners and a chat with zombie playwright Bryce Edmonds In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a little break from the stage to talk about this summer’s big movies. We also get into lots of news, including a bit of drama at Longmont Theatre, Kenny Moten taking on Associate AD duties at the Arvada Center, Local Theater Company’s upcoming season, Community Revitalization Tax Credits benefitting Colorado arts organizations, and yet another dip into the topic of multi-gender bathrooms.As usual we also pick out our Top 10 Colorado Headliners: Upcoming shows that might be of interest. Here they are, in no particular order:Mamma Mia!, Theatre Aspen, July 5-August 2 A Nightmare on Strip Street: A Burlesque Parody, The Arch, Denver, July 9-August 3 Woodlands and Wyverns: Traitors at Badler’s Door, First Baptist Church of Denver, July 11-August 2D-TOWN: This Time It’s Personal, The People’s Building, Aurora, July 14ArounD the WorlD in 80 ToyS, Buntport Theater, Denver, July 19-August 3Some Like it Hot, Denver Center Buell Theatre, July 8-20The Barber of Seville, Central City Opera House, through Aug. 3What the Constitution Means to Me, Theatre SilCo, Silverthorne, July 11-Aug. 3Cirque du Soleil - ECHO, Ball Arena lot/tent - July 12-Aug. 17 Flyin’ West, ENT Center/Theatreworks, Colorado Springs - July 10-27

From Durango to Greeley, we run down all the great stuff going on around the state this summer — plus Meow Wolf's Brie Lipari on 'Phenomenomaly' and our Top 10 Colorado HeadlinersShow SummaryIn this episode of the OnStage Colorado podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca discuss recent theater experiences, local news, and provide a comprehensive guide to Colorado's summer theater festivals. The episode features an interview with Brie Lipari from Meow Wolf Denver about their new interactive experience Phenomenomaly. We also share our weekly Colorado Headliners segment, highlighting upcoming shows across the state.1. Opening & Recent Theater Experiences (00:11 - 04:21)Host introductions and weekend recapTony's camping adventure that prevented theatre-goingAlex's parking struggles at Meow Wolf due to stadium events2. Alex's Theater Reviews (04:21 - 11:00)"Something Rotten" at Stage Door Theater in Conifer - highly recommended"The Book Handlers" at Buntport Theater - creative but hot venueDiscussion of theater comfort and venue challenges3. Colorado Theater News (11:00 - 19:54)Ballyhoo - New performance space opening in Denver's Highlands neighborhoodBruce Seve Tribute - Remembering the DCPA Christmas Carol director (2005-2014)Federal Theater Renovation - Historic venue being converted to 650-seat music venueWindsor Community Playhouse - New season announcementOpenStage Theatre - Leadership transition with new artistic director Jacob Offen4. Colorado Summer Theater Festivals Guide (21:05 - 30:54)Creed Repertory Theatre - 60th anniversary seasonThingamajig Theatre Company (Pagosa Springs)Little Theatre of the Rockies (Greeley) - 91st seasonRocky Mountain Repertory Theatre (Grand Lake)Colorado Shakespeare Festival (Boulder)Theatre AspenDurango Playfest - New works festivalCentral City OperaTheatre Silco (Silverthorne)5. Meow Wolf Interview with Brie Lipari (33:19 - 49:43)Introduction to "Phenomenomaly" - interactive experience through August 9thBehind-the-scenes look at Meow Wolf operations6. Colorado Headliners - Upcoming Shows (50:26 - 1:02:20)5th Annual Boulder Comedy Festival, Venus in Boulder County, June 25-29Young Frankenstein, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, June 25-August 10Lincoln Goes to Hollywood, Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale, June 27-29SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw (New York National Tour), Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, July 3-27Richard II, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Boulder, July 6-August 10Rumplestilskin and Other Tricksters, Arts in the Open, Boulder Chautauqua, through July 6Rock of Ages, Parker PACE Center, June 27-July 20Clue: A Walking Mystery – Aspen Edition, Wheeler Opera House, June 20