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A look-ahead to the shows popping up around the state for summer, plus the week’s Top 10 Colorado Headliners

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca run down some of the latest Colorado theatre news, take a look at what’s ahead for the summer season around the state and also dive into the week’s Top 10 Colorado Headliners. This week’s list:

·      Come From Away, Arvada Center, through May 10

 ·      Ballet Masterworks, Colorado Ballet at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center, April 10-18

 ·      Romeo & Juliet, ENT Center, Colorado Springs, April 9-May 3

 ·      White, Firehouse Theater, Denver, April 4-May 3

 ·      The Old Man and the Old Moon], Fort Lewis College, Durango, through April 4

 ·      Shush, Now, Theatre Artibus, The Savoy Denver, March 26-April 12

 ·      Frozen, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Colorado Springs, April 2-19

 ·      the Light vs the Dark, The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, April 3-5

 ·      The Secret Circus Musical, RISE Comedy, Denver, April 4-5

 ·      Angels in America Part Two, Vintage Theatre, Aurora, April 4-May 10

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A look at how we approach theatre criticism at OnStage Colorado, plus the week's Top 10 Colorado Headliners and a conversation with the Denver Theatre Ensemble.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca turn the critical lens on themselves, digging into the craft — and the controversy — of writing honest theatre reviews. As Toni's criticism has grown sharper over five years of covering Colorado's stages, so has the response: from grateful notes to hurt feelings aired on social media. What does it mean to be kind and honest at the same time? And where is the line between candor and cruelty?

Toni also catches up on a busy stretch of shows: Steven Dietz's intricate Fiction at Three Leeches in Lakewood, the bracingly timely Just Like Us at Su Teatro, a strong but imperfect A Chorus Line at the Lakewood Cultural Center, and the world premiere of Nina Alice Miller's lyrical Daughtering from Dirty Fish Theatre at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder.

Later, Alex sits down with Rhianna DeVries and Tess Neel, the artistic director and producing director of Denver Theatre Ensemble — a young, DU-rooted company now in its third season and gearing up for an all-world-premieres lineup that includes a collaboration with Picnic Theatre Company in Steamboat Springs.

IN THIS EPISODE:
- Recent show catchup: Fiction, Just Like Us, A Chorus Line, Daughtering
- News: Arvada Center 2025-26 season announcement
- News: Yates Theatre in Denver's Berkeley neighborhood moves closer to reopening as a 300-seat indie cinema
- News: Can anyone make a living in theatre? A viral Facebook post sparks 115 comments
- Main topic: Theatre criticism — honesty, kindness, community theatre and editorial integrity
- Interview: Rhianna DeVries and Tess Neel, Denver Theatre Ensemble
- Top 10 Colorado Headliners

TOP 10 COLORADO HEADLINERS:
- Phantom of the Opera — Denver Center Buell Theatre, March 18-April 5
- Goodnight Moon — Parker Arts (stage production + Fiber Tale exhibit), through March 29
- Pen Pals — Theatre Aspen, March 20-21 only
- Little Women — Phamaly Theatre Company, Parsons Theatre, Northglenn, March 19-April 4
- The Cottage — OpenStage Theatre, Fort Collins, March 21-April 18
- Cheap Thrills — Telluride Theatre, Sheridan Opera House, March 20-21
- Proof — Magic Circle Players, Montrose, through March 28
- Bonnie & Clyde — Bright Heart Stages, The People's Building, Aurora, March 20-29
- Women's Theatre Festival — Millibo Art Theatre, Colorado Springs, through March 22
- Red Willow — Control Group Productions, South Platte Park, Littleton, March 20-April 4

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As Off-Center retreats, new players like DIRT, Audacious and Odd Knock bet big on permanent venues and original work

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca dive deep into Colorado's booming immersive theatre scene in 2026 — exploring who's building permanent venues, who's pulling back and whether the state's reputation as an immersive hotspot can survive the Denver Center's Off-Center winding down its original programming.

Alex also reports back from Mexico City, where traveling mariachi bands and a guy with a falcon hopped aboard his canal boat in Xochimilco — proving that immersive performance is truly everywhere.

Later in the episode, Alex sits down with Ren Manley, founding artistic director of Audacious Immersive, who's celebrating 10 years of scrappy, sense-driven theatre and launching a new year-round venue inside a progressive Baptist church in Denver — complete with mythological creatures, weekly RPG nights and magical mocktails.

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Plus a conversation with playwright Paul Stroili, a remarkable pickle incident at Vintage Theatre, Top 10 Colorado Headliners and more.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at how Facebook continues to be a key messaging platform for the Colorado theatre community — even as many individuals have left the algorithm-best platform behind.

Toni also recounts a remarkable incident at a recent show, where a young woman polished off an entire container of pickles during the first act of 9 to 5 at Vintage Theatre.

Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Paul Stroili, whose play My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War is now up at Miners Alley in a regional premiere. Stroili’s 2024 comedy A Jukebox for the Algonquin was also produced at MAP.

Finally, the hosts review the weeks Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows around the state that might be worth a look. 

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News from the state’s preeminent new play festival, plus Missy Moore’s production of K2 at Thunder River and Top 10 Colorado Headliners

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller review their weekend at the annual Colorado New Play Summit at the Denver Center. The two saw readings of four in-development plays and hobnobbed with a cross-section of the Colorado theatre community.

Later in the episode, Alex interviews the director and two actors from the play K2, now up at Carbondale’s Thunder River Theatre Company.

Toni and Alex also run down this week’s Top 10 Colorado New Headliners, upcoming shows theatre lovers may want to check out:

Happy 2B Nappy, Manos Sagrados, Aurora, through March 1

The Roommate, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, through March 1

Silent Sky, Durango Theatreworks, through Feb. 22

Bakersfield Mist, Thingamajig Theatre at Pagosa Springs Art Center, through March 14

The Importance of Being Earnest, Bas Bleu, Fort Collins, Feb. 21-March 8

The Secret Garden (musical), Glenwood Vaudeville Review, Feb. 13-March 22

My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War, Miners Alley, Golden, Feb. 20-March 29

9 to 5 The Musical,Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Feb. 20-March 29

Decadent Desires, Wonderbound, Denver, Feb. 26-March 8

Fully Commited, Theatre SilCo, Silverthorne, Feb. 27-March 15

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Plus the latest theatre news and reviews and a few thoughts on the passing of the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

Introduction (0:05)

Alex Miller hosts solo this week as co-host Toni Tresca is out of town. Preview of upcoming interview with playwright Edith Weiss about her comedy Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex opening at Buntport Theater.

Theater Season Update (0:35)

Colorado's busy theater scene - 16 shows reviewed in January, 20 more expected in February. Alex highlights OnStage Colorado's active coverage of the state's performing arts.

Recent Reviews Roundup (1:15)

• Burning Bluebeard (Catamounts) - Toni's review praises this Colorado premiere at Boulder Dairy Center
• Godspeed (Denver Center) - Toni reviews this Western that moved from reading to full production
• The Game's Afoot (StageDoor Conifer) - Garth Gerstin's mixed review of the Ken Ludwig mystery
• The Odd Couple Female Version (Miner's Alley) - Garth praises this well-done production

Upcoming Coverage & News (5:45)

Preview of shows being reviewed including touring productions, new works, and dance. Interview preview with Kenya Mahogany about Happy to be Nappy at Manos Agrados in Aurora.

Colorado Theater News (7:20)

• Rich Cowden's sudden departure from Aurora Fox after 2.5 years
• Shrek the Musical controversy and canceled performances at Parker-Pace Center

Interview: Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex (8:30)

Conversation with playwright/actor Edith Weiss and director Susan Lyles (And Toto too Theatre Company) about their world premiere comedy featuring eight short plays exploring human foibles, opening February 13-28 at Buntport.

Key topics discussed:

• And Toto too's 21-year mission promoting female playwrights
• The play's structure as interconnected vignettes
• Themes of commonality, landing in unwanted lives, and finding hope
• Cast includes Edith Weiss, Chris Kendall, Jeff Jesmer, Meredith Young, Sophia Bajja
• The Shakespeare's Jeopardy segment and other memorable scenes

Personal Reflection: The Grateful Dead (31:54)

Alex shares emotional reflections on Bob Weir's death, his experiences as a teenage Deadhead seeing 30+ shows, and the concept of "hiraeth" - longing for a time you can't revisit.

Next Episode Preview (39:15)

Upcoming interview with Thunder River Theater Company (Carbondale) about K2 - a climbing play featuring actors in harnesses for the entire show. Runs February 13-March 1.

Show runs approximately 40 minutes

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Talking with robot researcher and improv comedian Dr. Tom Williams, plus more on the Parker Shrek controversy, Top 10 Colorado Highliners and more.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca hit on some of the shows they’ve seen on stage recently, do an update on the Pride flag controversy that blew up over the Parker Pace Center production of Shrek the Musical and hit the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows you may want to check out.

Also in this episode, Alex interviews Colorado School of Miners Associate Professor Dr. Tom Williams about Robot Riot — an upcoming series at Denver’s Rise Comedy that combines his research into robotics with his passion for improv comedy.

Read Toni’s story in Westword about Robot Riot

Be sure to subscribe to the show to get the latest every week!

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[00:01] Introduction & Episode Preview Alex and Toni welcome listeners and preview the episode, including the Shrek pride flag controversy discussion and interview with theater couple Marco and Adrian Robinson.

[01:19] Recent Theater Reviews/Previews

• Cowboys and East Indians world premiere at Denver Center (01:40)
• Junie B. Jones the Musical at Arvada Center (03:43)
• Bad Books at Curious Theater (05:00)
• Shrek the Musical at Pace Center (07:07)
• Legally Blonde at Lafayette Arts Hub (09:17)
• The Shark is Broken at Vintage (10:45)
• Exit Pursued by Bear at Shifted Lens (12:16)
• Revolt, She Said, Revolt Again at Su Teatro (14:44)

[16:28] Colorado Theater News

• Andrea Gibson documentary Oscar nomination (16:28)
• Lauren Grimshaw Sloan named Colorado Film Commissioner (18:27)
• Sundance Film Festival updates and Colorado events (19:22)
• Colorado Theater Guild commercial campaign & Henry Awards announcement (21:23)
• Bonfils-Stanton Foundation new leadership (24:42)

[25:30] Main Topic: Shrek Pride Flag Controversy Discussion of the Parker Arts/Sasquatch Productions controversy over pride flags in "Freak Flag" musical number, community response, and implications.

[35:46] Interview with Marco and Adrian Robinson Conversation with the husband-wife theater stars about Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at DCPA's Garner Galleria.

[36:06] Top 10 Colorado Headliners Recommendations for upcoming shows:

Hold These Truths, Platte Valley Theatre Arts, Brighton, Jan. 30-Feb. 7

Mark Twain Tonight, Denver Center, Jan. 31

Brooklyn Laundry, BETC, Denver Savoy, Jan. 31-Feb. 15; Boulder Dairy Center, Feb. 20-March 15

Waiting for Godot, Aurora Fox, Jan. 30-Feb. 22

The Children, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Colorado Springs, Jan. 29-Feb. 15

What The Constitution Means To Me, Telluride Theatre, Jan. 29-Feb12

Where We Stand, Theatreworks, Colorado Springs, Jan. 29-Feb. 15

Hello, Dolly!,Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown, Jan. 29-Apr. 4

Godspeed, DCPA Theatre Company, Previews are Jan. 30-Feb. 5; show runs Feb. 6-22

Burning Bluebeard, The Catamounts, Dairy Arts Center, Jan. 31-Feb. 21 

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Listen to Alex Miller and Toni Tresca announce the winners of the third annual OnStage Colorado Awards for Theatrical Excellence! This year features a new three-tiered award system (1) Outstanding, 2) Excellent and 3) Notable) across 20+ categories celebrating Colorado’s vibrant theatre community. Check out all of the 2025 nominees by clicking here.

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In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a look at some recent shows they’ve seen, look at a bit of theatre news and run down the  Top 10 Colorado Headliners. This week’s list:

• The Choir of Man, Denver Center Buell Theatre, Jan. 16-17
• The Mousetrap, OpenStage, Fort Collins Lincoln Center, Jan. 10-Feb. 7
• Spamalot, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, Jan. 23-Feb. 22
• Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Moot Point Project at Su Teatro, Denver, Jan. 21-25
• The Rembrandt Room, Buntport, Denver, Jan. 23-25
• The Bluebird, Theatre SilCo, Silverthrone, Jan. 15-25
• Exit, Pursued By a Bear, Shifted Lens Theatre Company at The People’s Building, Aurora, Jan. 16-Feb. 1 
• Gin & Gothic: A Brontë Rocktale, Band of Toughs at the Altona Grange Hall, Boulder County, Jan. 17-24
• Shrek The Musical, PACE Center, Parker, Jan. 16-Feb. 8
• Cowboys and East Indians, DCPA Theatre Company, Denver, previews are Jan. 16-22 and show runs Jan. 23-March 1

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Podcast: The 2025 OSCA nominees are in!

We run down the list of all the theatres and theatre artists being recognized this year, plus an interview with ‘Bad Books’ playwright Sharyn Rothstein along with National New Play Network Executive Director Nan Barnett