This weekend we will be at the Denver Dance Festival promoting In the Heights, which will play The Buell Theatre April 28-May 9. The Denver Dance Festival is a three-day dance festival held annually in Denver featuring live performances from some of Denver’s best dance talent. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to a community that may not know that not all musicals are jazz hands and kick lines. 

 

In The Heights tells the story of a vibrant community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

 

Propelled by the rhythms of hip hop and Latin music – uncommon sounds in musical theatre – In The Heights ’ invigorating beat belies a musical steeped in Broadway tradition.  Plus it won four Tony Awards in 2008 for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Orchestration and, more importantly for this weekend, BEST CHOREOGRAPHY! Catch a glimpse of the dancing in this video of the song “96,000″:

 

We took some time to chat with Denver Dance Festival’s creators and directors Sarah Schachterle and Ken Jiminez about the Denver Dance Festival (DDF) and how it connects with In The Heights.

 

Denver Center: What made you start DDF?

 

Sarah & Ken: We wanted to display the talent of Colorado choreographers and dance companies and give them an avenue to unite with other artists and expose the greater community to the abundance of talent in the area. We wanted to gain recognition and popularity in dance within Colorado and to be known throughout the country as an up and coming prestigious dance festival offering a world-class dance experience. We wanted to include the most accomplished local and national dance talent in the festival, exposing the Colorado community to an even greater dimension of dance entertainment.

 

DC: Exposing them to a greater dimension of dance entertainment, that’s great and much like what we are trying to do with In The Heights! Tell us about some of the crews and companies performing.

 

S&K: We have everything from breakdancing to swingdancers. A couple of our groups were accepted on  MTV’s hit show “America’s Best Dance Crew” and we have guest performers from New York City whose main performer and choreographer, “Stretch,” has choreographed for Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and won awards for his choreography for Will Smith. In addition to these acts there is Salsa dancing, jazz, contemporary, and more. There will definitely be something for everyone.

 

DC: Many people don’t know how rich with culture the dance scene is here in Colorado. What would you say to help educate folks about it?

 

S&K: We would say to look into it! There is more than meets the eye. These days there are countless ways to get information…take the time to look it up. You will be amazed at all the culture Denver has to offer – a hint – some of the most interesting things are somewhat “underground” and spend their time and energy on product not advertising or decorating, so you may need to do some digging!

Here’s a video preview of the Denver Dance Festival:

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Bryce Baldwin grew up taking classes at the Denver Center Theatre Academy and performed in the DCTC’s mainstage productions of A Christmas Carol and Richard III. He is now performing as “Michael Banks” in the national Broadway tour of Mary Poppins, produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh. We caught up with Bryce at his farm in Thorton, Colorado before he began his seven-month tour:

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By Heidi Bosk, DCPA employee

 

My first Broadway show was Phantom of the Opera. I was probably no more than 10 or 11 years old and I went with my dad who remains to be my theatre “date” after more than a decade later. Coming down to the Denver Performing Arts Complex was a REALLY big deal for me as a little patron, which is why Kids Night on Broadway is such a fantastic program.

 

Let me introduce myself. My name is Heidi and, in addition to other activities I coordinate around The Denver Center, I plan our local efforts for Kids Night on Broadway (aka KNOB). One of the best parts of my job hands down!  So what is KNOB? It is a national audience development program of The Broadway League that basically excites little patrons (kids under 18 years old) and brings families together at the theatre. On a local level here in Denver we take the family friendly touring shows and create a one night event with activities and discounts.  It just so happens we have two coming up!

 

You may already know but the world’s most famous nanny is here in Denver and, with the help of KOSI 101, we are having Kids Night On Broadway for the March 10 performance of Mary Poppins. People that purchase a full price adult ticket can get a child’s ticket for free. There will be activities in the Buell lobby from 6-7:30pm including autograph signing by the actors playing Jane and Michael Banks from 6-6:20pm, coloring, photos by McBoat Photography with official Mary Poppins umbrellas, Hammond’s Candies and official Kids Night On Broadway giveaways. Plus you can take your ticket into Rock Bottom downtown where kids eat free with the purchase of an entrée.

 

The other KNOB evening is  April 1 for Cirque Dreams Illumination where kids will have the opportunity to meet members of the Broadway tour, learn and participate in skills, costumes, tricks, activities and some of the fun acrobatic antics for which Cirque Dreams is world renowned.

 

These events give families an opportunity to have fun at the theatre at an affordable price, which in turn takes those little patrons into lifelong theatre fans. Much like the spirit of Mary Poppins, it gets families out and doing activities together at the theatre. And that is why it is one of the best parts of my job. 

 

Oh, and if you are wondering how to get in on these events… for Mary Poppins you can use the promo code KNOB and for Cirque Dreams Illumination you can use the code KNOBDREAMS. Now I am off to the show, with my family of course. Hope to see you there!

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Mary Poppins is here!  In preparation for the first performance tonight, we thought we’d share some pictures from the load-in on Wednesday:

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By Jeff Rummer, DCPA employee

 

This morning I read the Mary Poppins article in The Denver Post and noted the ending quote from Gavin Lee the actor who plays Bert, the chimney sweep:

 

“I believe Mary Poppins, of all the Disney shows, has a bit more meat to it because this is a real story about a family that just cannot connect.  I always say it’s not a show about a flying nanny. It’s a show about this family that needs something or someone to come along and fix them, and put them back together,” Lee said. “And 40 years on, how relevant is it that today, when we have kids doing terrible things at the schools with guns, or, less important, who sit at home and watch videos all day?  This about a dad who is about to lose his job at the bank, and how cool it is that they all go out for the day together and fly a kite.”

 

For me this quote brings into focus the reason why I love Mary Poppins…there is joy in life (if you look for it) and things can be fixed.  This might seem a little too philosophical.  Especially when I think we all fell in love with the story because of the songs and the magic of a flying nanny and might not have ever thought about the deeper moral message.  That depth of message though is why MP is still relevant to me today as an adult.  You have to love Mary’s ability to be lighthearted in the face of troubles, and balance responsibility with an easy going attitude and a spoonful of sugar.

 

We are all painfully aware of the recent school shooting at Deer Creek Middle School, which just reminds us of the other troubles in our lives: broken families, unemployment and economic realities.  I think we might all secretly wish for the spring breeze blow a magical nanny into our schools, families, jobs and Washington, DC to mend all the messes and make things whole.  But the interesting thing about Mary Poppins is that she doesn’t just fix things…she teaches and empowers the Banks family, and us, to take responsibility for our own lives and to see the magic in the ordinary.

 

The world can be a better place and we have the power to make it so.  I hope that we can all rediscover the wonder of Mary Poppins and be reminded of the magic and joy of sidewalk chalk and kites.

 

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_14464675#ixzz0gfCKxT0M

 

P.S.  For those who need a little Mary Poppins in their lives, tickets are 30% off for select seats and performances.  Just enter code CHIMNEYSWEEP when ordering online  or by calling 303.893.4100.  Hurry – this offer won’t last.

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Bryce Baldwin, age 11, normally lives in Thornton, Colorado on a small farm, complete with sheep, goats, llamas, a dog and a hamster. But a few months ago he left his home to tour the country as “Michael Banks” in the national tour Mary Poppins, headed for The Buell Theatre March 4-April 4. Bryce is an immensely talented young actor who appeared on the Denver Center stage as one of the young princes in Richard III in 2009. We caught up with him while the tour was in Los Angeles.

 

 

Have you enjoyed traveling on tour? Where are you right now?

 

Yes, I love the tour. It is so much fun to see the new cities. I am in sunny Los Angeles, California…feeling a little guilty being warm when everyone at home is freezing this winter.

 

 

What is your favorite place you’ve visited so far?

 

I am not sure that I have a favorite. Every city has something special about it. The theatres are all different and have their own history of how old they are and who has performed in them. Some have murals backstage that the performers have made. Some of them are even haunted, which is especially interesting to me…we even found a coffin in the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. The cities are all different too and it is fun to see what is important to each area. I have gotten to meet a lot of famous people here in LA, so this place has definitely been fun!

 

 

Who from your family is on tour with you right now?

 

My Mom travels with me and I would do terribly without her help and support. Ashlee (my sister) and my Dad have been to every city except Houston. My grandparents came to Houston so my Mom could go home for awhile, so I had a lot of fun seeing them. It is always nice when my family comes because I really miss them. There isn’t an opportunity for me to go home because of the schedule – that’s hard because I miss all my friends and I have a lot of animals and I miss being able to see them too. I travel with my hamster, Bubbles, and I started a pet watching service for the cast called “Baldwin Buddies,” so that helps get me my animal fix.

 

 

Now that you have been on the show for awhile, do you have a favorite song or dance that you enjoy performing most right now?

 

I don’t think I have a favorite because the whole show is magical and fun to perform. My favorite is just being able to do it all. The story is so good and it is fun to bring it to the audience.

 

 

Tell us about your schedule.

 

We feel like we are in a time warp on tour. I am in school 4 – 5 hours a day Tuesday – Friday (sometimes on Saturday too). It kind of depends on the laws in the states we are in on how many hours we can do or what days we can have school. There are 8 shows a week and I do 4 of them but for the shows I don’t do, I still need to be at the theatre on stand-by. I have Mondays off from both school and work and that is our day to explore.

 

 

What will you tell your fellow castmates they must do when they are in Denver?

 

Every Sunday they should eat brunch at either the Armadillo or Cinzetti’s. The mountains are a must for a drive or skiing, but we have to be careful not to get broken. Estes Park is nice and also Casa Bonita is a big tourist site. The company housing choices are close to the 16^th Street Mall, which has everything. There are so many wonderful things to do in Denver and around there. And of course, they all need to make at least one visit to Baldwin Acres to see my animals.

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Think you have to be a girl to like Legally Blonde the Musical? Think again! Chris Arneson and Kalen Leikam share their reasons why guys should see LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL here in Denver!

 

5 reasons why guys should see Legally Blonde: The Musical in Denver

By: Chris Arneson

Sure, it’s a musical. Filled with the color pink. And girl-power themes. So, why should a guy want to see it?  I’ll tell you.

 

1. Have you even seen the movie? Watch that, then tell me it’s not hilarious. Plus, you know your guilty pleasure is chick-flicks.

2. Trust me. Your girlfriend would probably flip out if YOU initiated a date to it. There’s some cred right there. It plays on Valentine’s Day, guys, in the heart of downtown Denver…and if you’re a student, tickets are only $25.

3. 4 words: “Bend and Snap” LIVE.

4. Did I mention the “Bend and Snap” is a group number? Filled with cheerleaders?

5. If you plan to go Feb. 2-4, you can get 50% off tickets when you order with the code: PINK. It’s a money-saver!

11 Reasons to See LEGALLY BLONDE!

By: Kalen Leikam

OMG guys! It is like totally my like post on Legally Blonde like from the Buell like on opening night! Eeeek!

Seriously though, Legally Blonde is an amazing show. The first few notes you hear really grab and pull you in. Once it has got you, the show just does not let go. And that is a good thing. Now not being the greatest of writers and America not being huge into reading, I am going to give you 11 reasons to see Legally Blonde. 11 since top ten lists are everywhere and the last point deserves to stand alone! (but it can’t because then not everyone would go see the show like they should, so I included ten other points).

1.  First, my favorite thing about the show. It is pretty darn funny. I don’t mean like the funny that just a few of you think is funny, but genuinely funny. You cannot help but laugh at thing like the bend or snap or Elle’s insults hurled toward Vivienne!
2.  OMG! I totally will be like dropping things, bending and snapping, and just like always like talking like this for like a few days! OMG!
3.  Live animals in a show always melt your heart. The dogs are soooo adorable. And I am a dude. Think about that.
4.  Girls: There is some man candy.
5.  Guys: The girls are definitely rockin’ it.
6.  UPS will never be the same again!
7.  Every show has its defining note. Now Elle can sing, and so she does. But the defining note goes to Vivienne! She has one note that blew me away and will be the note I remember from Legally Blonde. (Sorry Elle!)
8.  Technically the show has many of costume and scene changes and still it was cohesive. The piece did not feel clunky or like it ever just did not connect in a smooth way. The crowd was moved place to place and outfit to outfit seamlessly. (Ha! Like that pun?)
9.  For me, not only does a shows number have to keep me entertained, but my eyes like to be dazzled as well. As I said above, the changes in the show keep me looking from place to place. Whether it was the shoes, and not dance shoes eek, or the new scene, I was always looking at some good stuff!
10.  You keep moving, never slowing down until the curtain falls. Sure everyone will say a show has energy, yet this one really does. Elle’s attitude comes across in the score and you feel it in your heart. And in your toes. I was all jazzed and ready to go out on the town after the show, it really made me move in my seat.
11.  And finally, with all due respect to Galinda—PINK is this year’s green!

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LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is finally in Denver!  Bend and Snap!  And now, we present you with two videos from members of this stellar cast.  First, Rhiannon Hansen, who plays Margot, tells us about the fashion in the show, talking to dogs, and why Legally Blonde makes a great date.  

And now, Natalie Joy Johnson, who plays Paulette, tells us all about stepping into Jennifer Coolidge’s shoes.  
 

That’s all for now!  More about the show on www.denvercenter.org

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Little House on the Prairie, starring Melissa Gilbert as “Ma”, opens tonight in The Buell Theatre!  In celebration of the opening, we’ve brought you a couple YouTube videos about the show. 

 

First, scenes from Little House on the Prairie:
 

 

Next, here’s actress Kara Lindsay’s vlog about the show.  Kara plays Laura in Little House on the Prairie and was a cast member of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s production of Quilters during the 2008/09 season.

Enjoy!

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Time for a VLOG!  Steffi D, who plays Ilse in the national tour of SPRING AWAKENING, tells us about the show and her character.  The show runs through December 13 in The Buell Theatre!

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