Bill’s Best of 2012.
I created my “Theater Colorado” blog in March
2012, so I’ve been writing reviews of Denver area theater productions for
nearly a year. I’ve posted 32
reviews, which is far short of all the available theater out there. I’m shooting for 50 reviews in 2013,
but even that number is only a sampling of the theater buffet in Colorado.
In any event, I thought (granted, not exactly an
original thought) that I should summarize the best of the shows I actually saw
and reviewed this year. This
should not be taken as the “best” of Denver theater this year; it’s the “best”
of what I saw this year. It’s one
person’s opinion, hopefully as valid as the next person’s opinion.
So here it is…”Bill’s Best of 2012.”
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Dramas
A very difficult category; three productions
touched me deeply. It’s like
picking your favorite child. It
can’t be done. So here are the
three outstanding productions that I’ll never forget. They are in no particular order. Each could stand alone at the top of the list.
1. “A Small Fire.” The Edge Theater
Company.
The script is a powerful statement about love,
loss, and facing our mortality and preserving our relationships. Kirsten Brandt’s performance, as she
literally loses her senses before our eyes, was stunning. Paul Page played her perplexed,
compassionate husband with unusual delicacy. “A Small Fire” was
an unforgettable evening of theater.
The tragedy of Matthew Shepard’s brutal murder in
1998 is compelling; the Evergreen Players made it moving and heartbreaking. Director Angela Astle put together a
fabulous cast and made the most of their many talents. Each actor seamlessly played multiple
characters, using simple props and costume variations for each character. They brought themselves, and the
audience to tears as they told the story of an unforgettable hate crime.
Bill Cain’s script takes us to the heart of
darkness…the March, 2006 massacre at Mahmudiyah Iraq. The horror of war is brought home in this dark look into the
soul of each of us. How can we
endure, much less justify, the atrocities committed in our name? We can’t. And that is an ugly, repugnant reality we rarely have to acknowledge. “9 Circles” delivered that repugnant
reality to us. And I, for one, was
both horrified and grateful for the experience.
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Musical
“The Who’s Tommy.” Littleton Town Hall Arts Center.
The perfect Pinball Wizard. Where better to see a classic rock
opera than in a small venue? Think
great music, played loudly, costumes ranging from flashy to trashy, and a
talented cast of singers, dancers, and actors. Mix in a smoking live band directed by Donna Debreceni, and
you’ve got a rocking great evening of musical theater.
Honorable Mentions:
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Comedy
Laugh out loud funny, “Five Lesbians” put on a comedy clinic at each performance. Director Rebecca Easton managed to turn
the tiny Wesley Chapel space into a 1950s era bomb shelter with pastries. The cast not only played their roles to
the “hilt,” but obviously had a great deal of fun doing so. I’ll never look at quiche the same way
again, and that’s a good thing.
Honorable Mention:
“The Misanthrope,” Germinal Stage Denver.
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Actor
The script of “9 Circles” is a gem, and Sean Scrutchins
role as Daniel Reeves is an actor’s dream. Scrutchins put his entire being into the role. He became
Daniel Reeves for an hour and half each night, and gave us an unforgettable,
conflicted, and complicated character.
Reeves crimes were horrendous; the script is based on a true story. Scrutchins gave us insight into why and
how he went over to the dark side, and what it’s like to live with his
reality. This was a marvelous
breakout performance for Scrutchins.
Honorable Mention:
Joey Wishnia, “Visiting Mr. Green.” Cherry Creek
Theater
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Actress
Rhonda
Brown, “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick Ass Wit of Molly Ivins.” The LIDA Project.
Molly Ivins was a liberal Texas journalist with a
razor sharp wit and a penchant for pot stirring. She skewered Texas politicians with a wink and smile. Rhonda Brown brought her back to life
in a one woman show for the LIDA project.
Brown’s Ivins is brilliant, complicated, and tragic. Brown delivered flawless performances
(I saw it twice) that entertained, enlightened, and endeared her to
audiences.
Honorable Mention:
Kirsten Deane, “Bug.” Devil’s Thumb
Theater Company.
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Ensemble Cast
Twelve actors took on multiple roles to tell the
story of Matthew Shepard’s 1998 murder.
They created all the characters seamlessly, moving from one to the next
with ease. Their performances were
heartfelt, and the effect was stunning.
No one left the theater without leaving some tears behind.
Bill’s Best of 2012: Best Director.
Christy
Montour Larson. “9 Circles,” “Red” (Curious Theatre); “The Giver” (Denver Center Theater Company)
No contest.
No other director had a 2012 like Christy Montour Larson. Many directors won’t have a career like
Montour Larson’s 2012. She
challenged audiences and actors alike with her work at Curious Theatre. She entertained and enlightened kids
and adults alike with “The Giver.”
She had a truly marvelous 2012.
Honorable Mention:
Angela Astle, “The Laramie Project.” Evergreen
Players.
