Category: Theater


Who are “The Avengers”? Confessions of a Marvelly-challenged reviewer.

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May 8, 2012

Doesn’t it seem completely illogical and frankly wrong on so many levels that I, someone who has never picked up a Marvel comic, should get to see an advance screening of The Avengers? It certainly did to my kids who peppered me with accusatory questions like: “Do you even know who Captain America is?”, “Do you know what’s special about Thor’s hammer?”  My response: “Nope, but I guess I’ll find out when I see the movie before you, sucka’s!”  I’m such a good mom.

Oh, I knew a little. I used to watch The Incredible Hulk with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. And I did watch the first two Iron Man movies only because I have a crush on Robert Downey Jr.  I didn’t feel bad going into this most-anticipated movie wearing my cluelessness on my sleeve. As I figure it, I am a unique test case. If my only reason for being drawn to this movie is because of my giddiness over getting to see Robert (that’s what I call him in my dreams), then if I liked the movie, that’s testament to its power as a purely entertaining movie, separate from loyalty to the Marvel dynasty or love of certain characters.

So what did this comic-book-deficient reviewer think? Awesome! Yes, I had to close my eyes a few times because the action was just too much for my pounding heart to take and it was really, really noisy sometimes but, dang, it was a good ride! There was a good, strong storyline, gobs of action, moments of humor (thanks mostly to Marvel-ishis Robert), excellent effects except for stuttering movements on Hulk and good acting.

The many references to back-story of the Marvel characters was likely understood by loyal fans. For me, they made me curious about each of the character’s histories. I asked my kids lots of questions when I got home like “what’s the deal with Black Widow and wiping her slate clean?” and “How did Captain America get frozen?”  They rolled their eyes and then excitedly filled me in.

I won’t bother retelling any of the plot because, by now, anyone who wanted to see “The Avengers” likely did on opening weekend, judging by the record ticket sales.  Let me just tell you – if you aren’t a Marvel-worshipper, go see it. It’s cool. And if you are a Marvel-worshipper, well, to quote my kids who did get to see it on opening day, “That’s the best movie EVER!!!!!”

Oh yeah, and if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure you stay all the way through the credits to the last scene. Then go out for Greek food – trust me.

Graphic courtesy “The Avengers” website

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“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” – Movie Musings by Phil Noir

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May 4, 2012

Q: When is it too late to live fully?                                   

Contemplating one’s life experience can be an uncomfortable journey into the past. Exploring failures, joys, dashed dreams, lost loves… It can devour your present state of being, and cloud the possibilities of What Is and Could Be.

In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, we share such a journey with a random cluster of British retirees, tossed together by fantasy, fear, desperation and need. From the misty gloom and predictable traditions of comfortable old England – they jump off the cliff into an unknown world of brilliant discomfort. Respectfully, gently, and with honesty, the film introduces them and invites you to share their personal discoveries. Gradually emerging, naturally as if we joined them in personal conversation, you connect and care.

Richly contrasting with this group of misfits is the country they landed in. The lens follows them through a wonderland of glorious ruins draped with filth and chaotic, colorful splendor. Much as the film’s characters, I wondered how human beings could possible exist under such conditions? Yet they don’t just exist- they thrive. Energy, love, and life pulses intensely and joyously in the streets. By film’s end I found myself asking the opposite question- how can Americans exist in such disconnected, isolated loneliness? Are not humans social creatures? This ancient culture confidently looks you in the eye and offers an alternative to the American Dream of mini-ranchettes and “Rugged Individualism”.

The film occasionally stumbles with gimmicky edits and some predictable “Americana” feel good story lines prevent this from achieving perfection. Forgive these mistakes; this film rewards many times over with a beautiful, stirring, funny story that satisfies long past the Exit.

A: Never.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens May 4, 2012. It is rated PG-13.  For a full review of the film, see http://ingoodtastedenver.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/the-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-a-review-by-thea-tagower/.

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“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” – A Review By Thea Tagower

Filed under: Movies, Theater, Travel — 2 Comments
May 4, 2012

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel gives you mixed feelings about growing older.  On one hand, it makes you worry that you could reach old age and be in a precarious position financially, physically and emotionally.  On the other hand, it gives you hope that there is still plenty of love, pleasure, beauty and fun awaiting you.

Judi Dench and Celia Imrie star in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

Seven British retirees find themselves at a cross-roads in their lives and all end up “outsourcing” their retirement in less-expensive India at the “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful”, run by the youngest of three sons (Dev Patel – “Slumdog Millionaire”) who is determined to make a success of the shell of a hotel is father left him. He’s also determined to marry a girl who his mother doesn’t approve of.  But that’s just a separate little storyline to keep younger whipper-snappers interested.

The seven people quickly form bonds, tied together by their uncertainty about their decision to move to India, their interconnected relationships and their desire to carve out a good life for themselves, for whatever time they have left.

When I watch a movie or TV show, I play a little game with myself in which I try to guess the outcome of the story within the first 10 minutes. When my guesses turn out to be correct, I admonish the show for being totally predictable. When I’m wrong, I delight in being taken along on an unpredictable ride.  The latter was the case with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The cinematography deserves special mention in this film. On the up side, they captured the colors and mood of India very well. They

Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy star in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.

also knew how to treat their characters, placing them in very specific lighting to convey the tone, mood, and their personality.  Judi Dench got the best treatment, being given beautiful colors to wear, gorgeous colors of painted wall to stand beside and flattering lighting that played up her white hair, light blue eyes and the darkness of her life she is emerging from.  Many of her scenes were like pieces of artwork. On the down side, the scenes of travelling through the streets of India, narrowly escaping cars, semi’s and cows was unnecessarily frenetic. We wanted to shout:  “Okay, okay, it was crazy and dangerous! We get it!”

The acting in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was excellent but how could it not be with actors such as Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy, who, between them have recently appeared in the Harry Potter series, Pirates of the Caribbean,  Bridget Jones’ Diary and Downton Abbey, often times together?

See The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel with a date, the person you intend to grow old with, your dear friends or your elderly parents. You’ll laugh, cry, be inspired, feel adventurous and pretty hopeful about what life holds in store.

For a unique perspective on the movie, read “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Movie Musings” by my fellow film critic Phil Noir, immediately below this blog.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thebestexoticmarigoldhotel/

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel opens May 4 and is rated PG-13.

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A DATE* before you online date By Thea Tagower

Filed under: plays, Theater — Leave a comment
April 30, 2012

I know two couples who found love (and then marriage, kids, the whole shebang) through online dating. They are the only people I

Can real love be found at the click of a mouse?

know personally who have tried online dating so judging by their success, my view of online dating is that it’s a pretty darned good idea. The concept of vetting people before you even have to step foot out of your house seems brilliant. Eliminate those who don’t agree with your politics, religion, basic feelings about life and you automatically increase the chances that the two of you will get along – as long as everyone has told the truth, that is.

These are the concepts behind DATE*, playing at Off Center at the Jones, in the DCPA complex. The play was written and performed (and lived) by Luciann Lajoie, who herself tried the world of online dating and pretty much hated it. She turned her disappointment in the process into the play after having interviewed lots and lots of real people who had gone through it too, successfully and not so.

DATE* takes place on a simple set with Lajoie talking to the audience, augmented by the videos that pop up behind her on what is supposed to be the wall of her apartment.  The strips of molding on the wall and file cabinet against the wall distort some of the video shots making it annoying to watch. It seems like that could have been, and should have been, worked around prior to the show’s opening.

While Luciann’s performance is good and heart-felt (it had better be since it’s about her personal experiences), there are uncomfortable moments. As she changes for her first date, is it really necessary for her to strip down to her underwear? Was it so necessary to slip in some T & A into this otherwise worthy play? The audience held its collective breath as she stripped down, wondering what we were all in for.  The clothing changes ended up being a clever and integral part of the storyline, however, as the most physical evidence of the date after date Lajoie went on in her online quest for love. Should she look artsy for this guy? Conservative for that one? As the parade of dates went on, everything in the play accelerates including her frantic clothing changes, always augmented, unfortunately by popping a pill and washing it down with some white wine. (Really, do drugs and alcohol have to permeate every slice of life for 20-30-somethings? Grow up! Face reality? You can’t escape it so deal with it!)

As much as I was drawn into the emotions, confessions and action of the play, I did want to get out of my seat, march down to the stage, grab her by the shoulders and scream “Stop it! Just stop!”  Finding a magnificent love is everyone’s dream whether they want to admit it or not. But come on! At what point do we stop torturing ourselves and just let it go? It IS okay to be single. It is NOT okay to humiliate oneself in the name of love. Be worthy of being alone with yourself and good things will come your way. (By the way, this bit of commentary is coming from someone who dated plenty but has also been married a long, long time.)

As DATE* shows us, even with all the supposed truth-telling, people still lie and misrepresent themselves. But sometimes, you get lucky and meet someone terrific, which, fortunately is the kind of up-note Lajoie leaves us with.

Make a date to see DATE* with your honey to feel very fortunate or, if you’ve been through dating in any form, nod in recognition feeling a little less alone in the world. But isn’t that what it’s all about?

DATE* runs through May 12. Tickets are $16. http://denveroffcenter.org/ .  http://www.datetheplay.com/

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Wicked Good OR Why It Ain’t Easy Being Green

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April 13, 2012

“Wicked”, the prequel to “Wizard of Oz” takes a tornadic spin through Denver, wreaking laughter, catchy tunes and fun effects.

Glinda (Alli Mauzey) sets out to "fix" Elphaba (Mamie Parris) in "Wicked" playing the Buell Theatre through May 20. Photo courtesy Denver Center.

“Wicked” is the oh-so-predictable tale of two girls from different sides of the color wheel who hate each other, then like each other, love the same boy, battle evil and ultimately triumph in their own special ways.  Soooo typical.

I jest, of course. “Wicked’s” storyline is clever, exciting, heartwarming as well as thought-provoking.  For those who are familiar with “The Wizard of Oz”, this will explain A-LOT like how the scarecrow came to be and why that tornado in Kansas might not have been just a force of nature.

This is the second time I’ve seen “Wicked” and I have to say, I enjoyed it more the second time around.  Although the lines are the same and the basic set up of each scene is the same, each actor brings their own particular spin to the role. Alli Mauzey, for example, plays Glinda to the hilt with perfect comic timing and a delicious blend of ditziness, goodness and spice.  Throughout the hilarious scene in which Glinda decides to makeover Elphaba, singing the familiar “Popular”, her gestures and facial expressions were right out of a collection of Molly Shannon skits, almost to the point of distraction. Still, funny as all get out! Something appeared to be giving Mauzey problems within her mouth the night I saw the show. Maybe some food was stuck or her mouth was dry, what with our altitude.  Fortunately it didn’t inhibit her great singing.

Elphaba, dear Elphaba, played by Mamie Parris, steals the heart (and the stage) at times. Her amazing voice gave me chills multiple

Mamie Parris plays "Elphaba" who represents the misfits in all of us in "Wicked". Photo courtesy Denver Center.

times and blended like cream with Mauzey’s. They were an excellent pairing.

I am partial to Elphaba, relating to her character and trials and tribulations as many people surely do. No, we don’t share her green skin color but most of us can relate to feeling a little different than everyone else,  desiring a life full of happiness yet not quite sure we’ll be able to achieve it.  We feel your green, Elphaba!

The costumes in “Wicked” are great fun –  a blending of Steam Punk and Dr. Seuss:  curvy, angular, twisted and off-kilter with wigs to match.

The sets are grand including the smokey-nostrilled dragon, flapping his wings and looming over the audience, a flashy Vegas-like Emerald City and giant clock-work elements.

The music is the highlight with the catchy, singable tunes.  But, no, don’t sing along during the performance! I’m talking to you, lady who sat behind me!  Stand-outs are “Popular”, “I’m Not That Girl”, “Defying Garvity”, “As Long As You’re Mine” and “For Good”.

Goody-goody Glinda, played by Allie Mauzey in "Wicked". Photo courtesy Denver Center.

You have a good, long opportunity to see “Wicked” which is playing until May 20 at the Buell Theatre. www.denvercenter.org, 303-893-4100 for tickets. Go! It’s wicked fun.

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Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

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April 2, 2012

As a child, I remember being aware of Johnny Cash but not being a huge fan. It seemed like he and his wife June were all over TV.  He made me a little uneasy though with his somber personality and the black clothes he always wore (I didn’t know the reason, at the time).  He had that sort of ugly-sexy/bad-boy thing going on that I was conscious of but couldn’t quite wrap my brain around as a teen.  So when “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” opened at The Stage Theatre, I was anxious to go to learn more about him and his music.

Troy Burgess, Trenna Barnes and John Marshal lin the
Denver Center Theatre Company’s production of Ring
of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. Photo by Vicki Kerr.

At first, I was just confused. Two female and two male actors (with one set a little younger than the other), seemed to play the younger and older versions of Johnny and June. But then sometimes the younger two seemed to be their siblings or their children.  I wasn’t alone in my confusion. It was all the buzz in the ladies room at intermission.  In the second half, I decided to just forget about roles in a performance and look at it as a salute to his music, which, it turns out, was the intention all along.

With only enough dialogue to give a frame of reference, in the tradition of “Mama Mia”, where the body of work tells a story, Johnny Cash’s songs told of his life growing up to his passion for his wife, to his time in prison and his coming to terms with his life afterword.  It was a great way to let the songs speak for themselves as a journey for this man, as opposed to merely a collection of greatest hits. Highlights were “I’ve Been Everywhere”, “While I’ve Got IT On My Mind”, “Orleans Parish Prison” and “A Boy Named Sue”, which I was surprised to learn was written (words and music) by Shel Silverstein. Oh, and it turns out he took to wearing black after his prison stint, in an effort to show solidarity for all of those who were oppressed and downtrodden.

The performances were all excellent although great acting wasn’t really the point of this show. The voices were wonderful and the musicians were fantastic, filling in on their instruments, in singing and in some comic relief.

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash is recommended for ages 6 and up.  Tickets start at $35.  The show runs through May 13.  Contact www.denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOvo8NhfgBY

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Good thinking, Comedy Works!

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March 21, 2012

When most people think of comedy clubs, they think of dark, smoky joints and comedians on stage telling jokes for all they’re worth.  While some of that still takes place, minus the smoke, thankfully, Comedy Works is working hard to make sure they are more things to more people.

Comedy Works has been an institution in Colorado for 30 years, famous for the top-notch local and national comedians it draws.  Not content to rest on its Larimer Square location laurels, owner Wendy Curtis opened Comedy Works South at the Landmark in Greenwood Village a few years ago allowing for more seating space, a restaurant and lounge and special event rooms.

Things were going great with both locations and then the staff at Comedy Works got the brilliant idea to offer comedy shows fit for the 18+ crowd, music-lovers and families – yes, kids in a comedy club!

“People want good, clean family entertainment,” says Amy Howard, director of Special Programming. “When we had comedians come in who were family-friendly, it was a big success.” So they set out to find ways to bring in more parents and kids. Here are some upcoming examples of how Comedy Works South at Landmark is broadening its entertainment horizons:

Hazel Miller and her fabulous band will play at Comedy Works April 22.

R&B Brunch featuring Hazel Miller (April 22). While eating a delicious buffet brunch, Colorado’s own Hazel Miller and her band create the feeling that you’re part of a lucky gathering of friends sitting around in her living room for an impromptu music jam.

Participants at the Ultimate Family Gameshow Challenge. Photo courtesy Comedy Works.

Ultimate Family Game Show Challenge (April 29) 

gets families (sometimes multiple generations) on stage, competing at games based on real TV game shows. Family-friendly prizes have included tickets to the Downtown Aquarium, indoor skydiving and more.

Gospel Brunch (Mother’s Day, May 13) features the Colorado Ambassadors of Gospel along with a southern-style brunch. 

Howard has other family-friendly events planned throughout the year.  That’s great because more than just the comedy crowd should get to see the beautiful Landmark location. While the buffet line traffic flow and seating is crowded during brunches, the room itself is lovely. The elegant, shimmery brown walls of the performance stage catch the light beautifully.  The dangly beaded two-story chandelier in the entry way draws the eye from Lila B., the downstairs lounge up to Lucy, the posh upstairs dining room with a grand mosaic fireplace and white leather chairs with black buttons down the reminiscent of  sexy 1940’s pencil skirts.

The restaurant, Lucy, upstairs at The Comedy Works will start serving breakfast and lunch in addition to dinner starting May 1. Photo courtesy Comedy Works.

Lucy currently serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm but will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, starting May 1.  They will be offering a full breakfast menu with omelets, pancakes, eggs prepared a variety of ways and more. Lunch will feature sandwiches, burgers, salads and other lunchtime favorites. The dinner menu offers seafood and meat entrees, salads, pasta dishes and sandwiches.

Comedy clubs for good, clean family fun? That’s something to stand up for.

Comedy Works South at the Landmark: 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village. 720-274-6800.

Comedy Works at Larimer Square: 1226 15th St., Denver. 303-595-3637. www.ComedyWorks.com.

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Review of W.E.

Filed under: Movies, Theater — Leave a comment
March 2, 2012

Andrea Riseborough as Wallis Simpson and James D'Arcy as Edward in Madonna's W.E.

There are always at least two sides to every story.  In the real life romantic tale of King Edward’s VIII’s abdication of the British throne for the woman he loved, American divorcée Wallis Simpson, Simpson is often portrayed as manipulative to Edward’s pliable nature.  The fact that his brother had to then take over the throne is memorably portrayed in “The King’s Speech”.   “W.E.” gives the twist, the point of view of Wallis and how difficult the relationship was ON HER, from start to end.

The big surprise in this film is that it is co-written and co-produced by Madonna. Love her or hate her, she has an artist’s soul and a flair for theater that certainly comes through in the film.  Why “W.E.”? It is, supposedly, the abbreviation Wallis came up with for “Wallis” and “Edward” and the way they lovingly signed their joint name in love letters.

Wallis’ story is told in flashbacks, mirrored by Wally Winthrop, a young woman who, like her mother and grandmother were obsessed with Wallis Simpson, even naming Wally after her.  Abbie Cornish stands out as the beautiful, sad, longing Wally whose marital troubles and emotions run parallel to her idol’s. She even conjures up visions of Wallace for comfort and guidance.

The storyline is confusing at first with the two Wallace’s and reflections on Wallace Simpson’s first of three marriages (her first two husbands

Abbey Cornish is Wally and Oscar Isaac, Evgeni in W.E. Photos by Anthony Souza.

look a lot alike).  Once you get into the initial groove of who is who and which time periods you are slipping back and forth into, you are hooked. The pacing is very good and you get sucked in easily.  The only annoying thing remaining, and it was a big one for me, is the cinematography. I know it’s supposed to be very artsy to do tight, fast close-ups of things and 360 degree pans of people and places to create a sense of urgency, confusion and fear but c’mon! Let the actors and the scenery do some of that work all on their own without making our heads spin.

Sometimes beautiful, sometimes dizzying cinematography in W.E. Photos by Anthony Souza.

Cigarette smoking and its sensual, curling wafts almost become a character in both storylines, evoking the suffocation of the situations in the lives of these two women.  The clothing and room interiors are gorgeous. The music is perfectly suited.  Madonna’s behind-the-scenes work is impressive and gives credence to this next chapter in her career.

W.E. is Written by Madonna and Alek Keshishian, produced by Madonna and Kris Thykier and stars Abbie Cornish, Oscar Isaac, James D’Arcy, Andrea Riseborough, Natalie Dormer, Richard Coyle, James Fox and Laurence Fox.

The film opens today. 

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“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” By Thea Tagower

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February 22, 2012

I don’t know how I managed to not see “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” when it had it’s long and successful run in Denver a few years ago. I kept thinking I would go but time got away from me. Thankfully, the show is back and I was there for opening night.

The show covers love in all of it’s stages and variations with humor, music and dance and poignance I did not see coming. While the first half is all humor and fairly light (much like the early stages in romance), the second half gets real (much like marriage and parenting). Oh, there are still a lot of laughs but the tender “Shouldn’t I Be Less In Love With You” sung by a man many years into his marriage and “The Very First dating Video of Rose Ritz” after a painful divorce, left the audience in absolute silence and tissues were passed, before erupting into applause.

Robert Michael Sanders, Daniel Langhoff, Shannon Steele and Lauren Shealy played over 20 different characters in multiple vignettes – a common set up for the intimate Garner Galleria Theatre which seems to have that style show a lot.  Heather Lacy and Scott Severtson are “swings” and replace two of the actors on various nights.

I am always amazed at the energy and talent that goes into these shows. It’s exhausting just watching what’s going on, on stage and then imaging the crazy costume changes going on backstage.

Don’t be like me – go see “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” during this run, lest you miss out on this accurate and funny view into life and love.

For a unique perspective on the show, read the commentary/review of the show on the Parent Tango blog, a he said/she said perspective:  http://colorado.parenthood.com/parenttango.php

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Two Things…to Tame the Shrew By Thea Tagower

Filed under: Family, plays, Theater — 1 Comment
February 3, 2012

Things are getting really riled up at the Denver Center Theatre Company!  “Two Things You Don’t Talk About at Dinner” and “The Taming of the Shrew” are full of intensity, argument, physicality and emotion.  They both make for exhausting but exhilarating evenings at the theater.

The cast of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s production of Two Things You Don’t Talk About At Dinner. Photos by Terry Shapiro

“Two Things You Don’t Talk About at Dinner”  has been going round and round on the controversial topics of religion and politics since January 20. Fortunately it runs until February 19 so you still have an opportunity to be a fly on the wall of this annual Passover Seder.  Replace the specific topics with those that pop up most in your family gatherings and you’ll feel right at home. The beautiful set suggestions help that along nicely.

Emotions and antics run high in “The Taming of the Shrew”, playing through February 26.  This very clever version of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays is set in the 1950’s which makes it ever so much more enjoyable. The sets are clever and whimsical. The costumes are beautiful and lush.  Although the words are the same as those penned by Shakespeare, their timelessness is made obvious by being set in a time when men’s and women’s roles were clearly defined (whether to their detriment or not).

Although many people take offense at the notion of taking a head-strong woman and, through treating her badly, bend her to a man’s will, there is more to the story.  Kate, the “shrew” is over-the-top nasty and does need something to shake her into the reality that you just can’t act that way. Her husband, Petruchio, goes about his mission in cruel ways that do rub women and open-minded men the wrong way. However, looking beyond the surface, their story is also about compromise and learning from each other to create something better.  Both Kate and Petruchio, two full-of-spit-and-vinegar people, end up taming each other.  At least that’s how I prefer to think of it to avoid getting really pissed off!  Frankly, I liked Kate better when she was howling mad and taking swings at her husband.  He was an ass.

The cast of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s The Taming of the Shrew. Photo by Terry Shapiro.

There’s far more to the story than just the main characters.  Nearly every character is yanked around by the deceit they either initiate or are forced to play a part in.  There is trickery, false identities, prat falls, double entendres – all the stuff of farcical comedy.

The performances are top-notch. Standouts are John-Michael Marrs as Hortensio and Matt Zambrano as Tranio. Both are so thorough with their characters down to mannerisms and quirks, never leaving their characters for a second, even when not the focus of the action .  I loved both of them in The Liar as well.

Go see “Two Things You Don’t Talk About at Dinner” and “The Taming of the Shrew” quickly. Then plan to go somewhere afterword where you can freely engage in the conversation and arguments that will likely ensue.

For information and tickets, go to www.denvercenter.org.

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