Spring is prom season, which makes it the perfect time for Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center to host the Colorado premiere of the joyous Broadway musical, “The Prom.”
“Some theaters are known for doing tried-and-true classics They’re intended to entertain. Other theaters are known for producing newer ‘thinkers,’ or message-pieces. They’re intended to inspire,” wrote Steven Burge, marketing manager at the arts center. “Town Hall Arts Center believes you can do both and ‘The Prom’ is perfect for that intent.”
“The Prom” runs at the Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 Main St. in Littleton, from Friday, May 24 through Sunday, June 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The show follows a quartet of Broadway stars who are trying to find a good cause to champion as a way to get back into the spotlight. When they hear about a small town in Indiana that is refusing to allow a young woman take her girlfriend to the prom, they think they’ve found what they’re looking for.
“It’s a classic forbidden love story that we’ve all seen and loved and rooted for, for years. But it is a couple’s story that isn’t told every day,” Burge wrote. “While entertaining and uplifting the spirits of our audience members is the overarching goal, if we can do that and amplify the voices of queer youth at the same time, that’s great.”
The show features music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Bob Martin Beguelin. The cast is made up of new faces and longtime Town Hall favorites, like Margie Lamb and Sonsharae Tull, as well as Piper Lindsay Arpan, an actual Broadway performer who was a Radio City Rockette and performed in the Broadway production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot.”
Burge describes the music as very emblematic of contemporary musical theater showtunes, with some nods to Bob Fosse and Stephen Sondheim thrown in for good musical-theater-nerd measure.
When all of this is combined, it makes “The Prom” the perfect show to end the theater’s season and welcome summer to the state.
“We hope folks will leave humming and smiling, and feeling a little bit lighter and happier than they felt coming into the theater,” Burge added. “We hope that people will see that there is quality, cultural theatrical entertainment to be experienced outside of Denver. Littleton community members, Highlands Ranchers and south suburbanites in general can find award-winning musical theater right here on Main Street, Littleton.”
For tickets and information, visit www.TownHallArtsCenter.org.
Edgewater hosts 5th annual pride parade
Edgewater is getting ready to welcome both summer and June with its 5th annual Pride Parade, held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. The route launches at Edgewater Elementary, 5570 W. 24th Ave., and will end at Edgewater Public Market, 5505 W. 20th Ave, with a massive afterparty.
This year’s theme is “Interconnected,” and it’s a perfect theme for an election year and a time where LGBTQ+ rights are constantly under threat. The one-mile parade will be an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate. All the details are at https://linktr.ee/edgepride.co.
Indian Market & Powwow Returns to Tesoro Cultural Center
The Tesoro Cultural Center, 19192 CO-8 in Morrison, is hosting the 23rd annual Indian Market & Powwow, one of its most beloved events, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2.
The event is a tribute to the American Indian nations that shaped the cultural community of Bent’s Old Fort and features nationally acclaimed and award-winning American Indian artists who sell and demonstrate authentic artwork in a juried show. Additionally, there will be a contest powwow that will include a number of categories for both men and women, and the top three dancers in each category will win prizes.
There will also be food, exhibitions and the honoring of a Native veteran. More information can be found at https://www.tesoroculturalcenter.org/the-23nd-annual-indian-market-and-powwow/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Maggie Rogers at Red Rocks
Maggie Rogers makes the kind of music that can sweep you away if you let it. Since her debut studio album, “Heard It in a Past Life” was released, she’s been a favorite of those looking for depth to go with their musical earworms. Just a month ago, Rogers released her third record, “Don’t Forget Me,” and it’s one of the year’s best. She’s said she wants the album to sound like a Sunday afternoon, and she certainly delivered.
In support of the album, Rogers is bringing her Don’t Forget Me Tour to Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 27, and Tuesday, May 28. As opener, she’s tapped The Japanese House, one of my favorite alt rock performers.
Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.