Top Upcoming Theater Events In Denver

There is a lot of unique and exciting theater happening in Colorado right now. If you have never seen any of the high-quality and amazing work being done at some of Colorado's smaller theater companies, then this is your chance. Check out experimental theater with the LIDA Project or catch some mystery at the John Hand Theatre. Try a big musical at The Bug Theatre or relive the 1970s in Evergreen. However you decide to see live theater this summer, you are sure to be entertained and amazed by all of Colorado's unique talent.

"The Dream of the Circumcised Brain"
2701 Lawrence St
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 221-3821
lida.org

Dates: July 2012

The LIDA Project is known for highly experimental theater in Denver. This time, it is presenting the first play that is actually iPhone/Android interactive. Yes, the piece is similar to the radio plays of the past, but it is presented with new technology. The phone applications will use the GPS, audio playback and recording capabilities, and it will actually take the audience on an interactive experience through the streets of the city. Go with a friend or bring a big group because it is sure to be a unique experience.

Related: Top Denver Arts Programs to Support

"Hair"
Evergreen Players
27608 Fireweed Drive
Evergreen, CO 80439
(303) 674-4934
evergreenplayers.com

Dates: Now through August 5

Nested in the picturesque beauty of Evergreen lies the Evergreen Players, a warm and welcoming theater surrounded by scenery that only Colorado can provide. This summer, Evergreen is presenting the classic musical "Hair." If you are not familiar with it, "Hair" is the story of a group of young adults seeking peace and love during the difficult and turbulent Vietnam War era. There are many well-known songs in the musical including the famous "Aquarius" and "Good Morning, Starshine."

"Little Shop of Horrors"
PHAMALY
The Space Theatre
1101 13^th St
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 575-0005
phamaly.org

Dates: Now through August 5

The Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League (PHAMALY) is a nationally-known theater group in Denver. PHAMALY has continually presented unique and groundbreaking theater in which all actors have some physical or mental disability. The group's work is always inspiring and always entertaining. This summer, PHAMALY is bringing one of the biggest Broadway hits back to Denver; "The Little Shop of Horrors." The classic musical about the little flower shop, the geeky botanist, the beautiful girl and the man-eating plant is sure to be a ton of fun. PHAMALY is also making some very interesting and unique adaptations to the show, so this production should definitely make your list.

"The Love Potion"
Spark Theatre Company
985 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 346-7396
sparktheater.org

Dates: July 27 though August 25

Spark Theatre is opening its second season and moving into a new home at the same time. The first full production in the new theater, right in the middle of the Santa Fe Arts District, is "The Love Potion." This hilarious comedy shows just how far some men will go to get the woman of his dreams. Set in the international beauty of Italy, this rollicking comedy is a wonderful way to get to know Spark Theatre Company and its brand-new home.

"Spring Awakening"
Ignite Theatre Company
Aurora Fox
9900 E Colfax Ave
Aurora, CO 80010
(720) 626-9796
ignitetheatre.com

Dates: August 3 through August 26

Ignite Theatre Company has managed to land the rights to the regional premiere of one of the biggest rock musical sensations of the past decade. "Spring Awakening" won eight Tony Awards due to its frank and poignant portrayal of young people who are looking for the truth about sex, and the adults who neglect them. The musical is actually set in a small town in Germany in the 1800s and has all the makings of a classic rock performance. Based on a controversial 1892 play by Frank Wedekind, and with music by Duncan Sheik, there is good reason this rock musical is one of the most anticipated shows of the season.

Related: Top Local Actors in Denver

"Murder on the Nile"
Spotlight Theatre Company
John Hand Theatre
7653 E 1st Place
Denver, CO 80230
(720) 880-8727
thisisspotlight.org

Dates: August 18 through September 22

Forget your worries and escape for a night of fun" is the slogan for Spotlight Theatre Company, and once again it brings the classic Queen of Crime to the stage with Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Nile." Just as with all Agatha Christie shows, this play is filled with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing "who done it" until the very end. It is the story of a scorned woman's revenge when her fiancé leaves her for another woman. Of course someone is murdered and there is one very obvious suspect. Or is there?

"Assassins"
Equinox Theatre Company
The Bug Theatre
3654 Navajo St
Denver, CO 80211
(720) 984-0781
equinoxtheatredenver.com

Dates: August 24 through September 15

"Assassins" is one of Stephen Sondheim's most controversial musicals, and perhaps one of the most controversial musicals ever written. This one-act performance explores the lives of nine people who either tried to assassinate or succeeded in assassinating the President of the United States. This challenging, unique and alarmingly funny show explores the dark side of American history with a musical score that only the legendary Stephen Sondheim could provide. (Disclosure: The author of this story works with Equinox and is involved with this production).

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.