The majority of pieces I write about theater productions in this column are about shows that I haven’t seen yet. That’s the nature of the beast - theaters obviously want pieces to run as early as possible so there’s more time for audiences to buy tickets.
But the way the timing worked out for “Sin Street Social Club,” the final Arvada Center Black Box production of the season, I was able to attend the world premiere of the show before writing a single word about it. Which is great, because I can write this column a little differently than normal, and also because I have the opportunity to tell you the show is a complete delight.
Adapted from “The Rover” by Aphra Behn - one of the few women in 17th century England to make a living as a writer - by Denver playwright Jessica Austgen, “Sin Street Social Club” runs at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through May 19. Performances are at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
“It’s really an adventure putting on the world premiere of something, because you’re in uncharted territory,” said Zachary Andrews, who plays Pete in the show. “It’s a bawdy, swashbuckling clown-show. And the company model we have here is a unique breeding ground for collaborations.”
The show focuses on Helen (Jessica Robblee), a nun about to take her vows, and her sister Florie Mae (Emily Van Fleet), a singer in the family’s New Orleans nightclub. On Mardi Night in 1916 the sisters work to save the club, find true love and make a life for themselves. But to do all that they have to deal with a beau or two, a madame, wealthy businessmen and a roguish sailor.
What ensues is hilarious, smart and utterly winning. All the actors — Lance Rasmussen, Abner Genece, Geoffrey Kent, Emma Messenger, Regina Fernandez and Larry Cahn — expertly wring every laugh, chuckle and guffaw from Austgen’s whip-smart script.
A lot of work, collaborations and fine-tuning went into getting the show into the sparkling form it is on the stage, and everyone involved wants audiences to see how it all came together.
“It’s exciting to get to originate a character and set the blueprint for future actors when they do the show,” said Genece. “It’s great to just cut loose and when it’s a world premiere on this stage, what could be bigger?”
For tickets and information, call 720-898-7200 or www.arvadacenter.org/sin-street-social-club.
Boulder bounds into another arts week
Boulder has a dynamic arts scene, one that makes it a must visit place for aficionados and creatives of all stripes. And perhaps the best time to get a sense of what the city has to offer is during Boulder Arts Week, which will be back for its 6th year on Friday, March 29 through Saturday, April 6.
The event is Boulder’s only large-scale, inclusive celebration of the community’s vibrant arts and cultural offering, according to provided information. The event showcases the range of offerings through art walks, exhibitions, performances, dance, music, theater, public art, lectures, readings, and workshops at venues throughout the city.
Find out more about this delightful event at www.boulderartsweek.org.
Take a walk through Denver’s LGBTQ history
As part of History Colorado’s Tours and Treks program, people can learn about the early history of LGBTQ communities in Colorado by seeing some of the important locations in person.
The LGBT History of Denver: Another Side of Colorado’s History walking tour will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 in Denver.
The tour includes information on police raids and secret bars serving a special clientele to the days of marriage equality and high school support groups. Reservations are required and can be secured by calling 303-866-2394 or by email at reservations@state.co.us.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week - Buddy Guy at the Paramount Theatre
Blues guitarist Buddy Guy has had a career longer than many of us have been alive, and he still remains a vital force in both the blues and rock genres. Guy’s acolytes are basically the who’s who of classic rock guitarists and modern masters.
Last year the 82-year-old released a new album called “The Blues is Alive and Well” and features his brilliant playing and gems like, “Can’t drink with me no more Muddy, but I got Keith Richards.” Now he’s going on tour with Jimmie Vaughan.
Guy will be stopping at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Get your tickets to see this living legend at www.altitudetickets.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
