Performing Arts in Denver

This Month

'Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 8, 2024
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
"Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis" has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

'Little Women'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents.” And so begins one of the most beloved classics of American literature — a story that has warmed generations of readers since it was first published in 1868. With the men off fighting the Civil War, Marmee and sisters Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg are left to fend for themselves. They learn how to grapple with poverty, sickness and death as they each discover and embrace their destinies. Bring your family to the Dairy this holiday season and spend some time with the March family. Relive their adventures, their passionate loves, their ups and downs and their joy in being together.

A Holiday Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr.

WHEN: Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Leslie Odom, Jr. is a multifaceted performer, Tony® winner, GRAMMY® winner, and a three-time Emmy® Award nominee recognized for his work on the Broadway stage, on television, in film and as a recording artist. For his critically acclaimed performance as legendary soul singer Adam Cooke in Regina King's "One Night in Miami," Odom Jr. was nominated for the Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor. He received a second nomination in the same year as a songwriter for co-writing the film's original song, "Speak Now." Best known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the hit musical "Hamilton," Odom Jr. returns to Denver to perform holiday favorites, selections from his 2020 release titled "The Christmas Album" and more.

'The Story of the Nutcracker'

WHEN: Dec. 7–28, 2024; Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
WHERE: Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden
When Marie’s gift from her Godfather Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve gets broken, she tries to find and fix the Nutcracker. Instead, he comes alive, and a story-within-the-story begins! Become a part of the Nutcracker tale and see if everyone gets to live happily ever after in this Theatre for Young Audiences performance.

'Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum' 

WHEN: Thru Dec. 21, 2024
WHERE: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Celebrate the magic of the season through dance, music and spoken word as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores holiday traditions from around the world! The  33rd anniversary presentation of this Denver family favorite will have you dancing in your seat! Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of the holidays. From the African Harvest to Kwanzaa, from the Chinese New Year to Junkanoo, it's a celebration of both diversity and oneness! 

'Funny Girl'

WHEN: Dec. 10–22, 2024
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' + Live Conversation with Chevy Chase

WHEN: Dec. 11, 2024
WHERE: Bellco Theatre
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs as we celebrate the timeless classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with a special 35th Anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni. A post-show photo op with Chevy Chase is included with all P1 tickets.

Gerald Albright's Lone Tree Sessions: Take 6 Christmas

WHEN: Dec. 11, 2024
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree
The “baddest vocal cats on the planet!” are back at LTAC! This season don’t miss the inimitable Take 6 as they perform an a capella Christmas celebration. With accolades galore under their belts, this musical phenomenon has six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony, against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

WHEN: Dec. 13, 2024
WHERE: Paramount Theatre
You better watch out, you better not cry, because “The Queens of Christmas” are coming to Denver with a brand new edition of the internationally acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show! Another holiday season brings another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand-new songs, and annual favorites. Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening the New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.”

Riders in the Sky Christmas

WHEN: Dec. 13, 2024
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree
It’s a great big western ho-ho-ho from “America’s Favorite Cowboys!” Join Riders in the Sky for “Christmas The Cowboy Way,” featuring their unique “brand” of cowboy humor sprinkled with a dash of holiday spice. Perfect for saddle pals of all ages, you’ll hear original songs and be invited to join Riders in singing traditional holiday classics. So put on your merry cheer and saddle up and ride!

A Colorado Christmas

WHEN: Dec. 13–15, 2024
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The warm sounds of the holidays fill the hall with festive seasonal favorites featuring the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Children's Chorale, all hosted by beloved Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis. This family-friendly evening features traditional carols, your new favorite winter tunes, and a chance to sing along to your heart’s content! And you better not pout because Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see who’s naughty and who’s nice in preparation for the big night!

'A Christmas Carol' Burlesque Revue

WHEN: Dec. 13–22, 2024
WHERE: The Clocktower Cabaret
The well-known tale of Mr. Scrooge is told with a burlesque flair! See all your favorite characters from Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" with a modern twist! This old holiday favorite is sure to entertain you in a new way with burlesque, aerial, circus and more. Note: This show is appropriate for audiences over the age of 18.

Boston Brass + Brass All-Stars Big Band: Christmas Bells are Swingin’

WHEN: Dec. 14, 2024
WHERE: Macky Auditorium, Boulder
The renowned Boston Brass team up with all-star brass players from around the globe to heat up your holiday season. The big band performs exciting arrangements of classics like the Stan Kenton Christmas Carols, “Greensleeves” and “Motown Jingle Bells” that will delight audiences of all ages.

Holiday Brass

WHEN: Dec. 19, 2024
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Holiday Brass is one of Colorado’s favorite festive traditions ringing with nostalgia! Witness the brilliance and power of the Colorado Symphony Brass in a resounding program of seasonal ballads, carols, and more. Whether it comes from the vitality of the Renaissance, the glory of the Baroque, or the nostalgic jubilation in the music of Hollywood’s most popular Christmas movies, Holiday Brass will end 2024 on a high note.

Cirque Dreams 'Holidaze'

WHEN: Dec. 20–24, 2024
WHERE: Bellco Theatre
Cirque Dreams "Holidaze" dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. As the longest-running cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights. Amidst a backdrop of new sets, scenery and storylines, this family-friendly production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!

Leahy Christmas

WHEN: Dec. 21, 2024
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree
Join the Leahy siblings for a Celtic celebration of the holidays. Over the course of their notable career, Leahy has secured a place as one of Canada’s most highly regarded progressive folk-roots bands. Experience the “Leahy sound” – a combination of strong stride piano, driving rhythm guitar, unique bass lines and layered with a contemporary drumming style – in an evening of familiar holiday tunes with a Celtic twist.

The Second City: 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sweater'

WHEN: Dec. 22, 2024
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree
The Second City presents "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sweater" – an evening stuffed with seasonal songs, sketches, and of course, a generous helping of Second City’s world-famous improv comedy. Festive family gatherings, office parties, classic holiday movies… nothing is off limits! The Second City proudly continues its 65-year tradition of delivering innovative, fast-paced satirical comedy with this fresh take on festive fun.

'Elephant & Piggie’s "We Are in a Play!"'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 22, 2024
WHERE: Weeks Conservatory Theatre
Get ready for a fun-filled musical experience, leaping from the pages of Mo Willems’ award-winning, best-selling children’s books that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! Watch as Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure that’s jam-packed with new toys, ice cream, trumpets, parties and wild-and-wacky costumes!

'Little Women'

WHEN: Thru–Dec. 22, 2024
WHERE: John Hand Theater
Jo March doesn’t want to be like other girls; in fact, she’s not even sure that she wants to be a girl. Jo is ambitious, rough around the edges, headstrong and yearns for a future she can’t yet articulate. As the nation is torn apart by civil war, Jo and her sisters struggle with what it means to grow up. Restrictive gender roles, political beliefs, poverty and even love itself threaten to break family ties, as the March sisters try to reconcile their identities with society’s demands. How do you stay true to yourself when the work wants you to become a perfect little woman?

'A Christmas Carol'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
Celebrate 30 years of "A Christmas Carol" at the Denver Center! Essential to the holiday season in Denver, "A Christmas Carol" is a joyous and opulent musical adaptation for the whole family that traces money-hoarding curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s production is “a splendidly festive tradition” (BroadwayWorld) that illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.

'Once Upon A Mattress'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, Arvada
Prince Dauntless’s outspoken Queen mother and mute King father decree that no one in the kingdom may marry until their son finds someone sensitive enough to be a true princess. Will goofy, awkward Winnifred the Woebegone from the swamp finally be the one to pass the seemingly impossible test? In this laugh-out-loud musical version of "The Princess and the Pea," "Once Upon a Mattress" redefines what it takes to be a princess. Perfect for the whole family, this hilarious tale zany enough to launch the Broadway career of Carol Burnett celebrates the uniqueness in all of us.

Colorado Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'

WHEN: Thru Dec. 29, 2024
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all-new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever.

'MONOPOLY LIFESIZED: Travel Edtion'

WHEN: Thru Jan. 5, 2025
WHERE: DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park®
Rally your loved ones, your plus ones, and your very best ones. It’s game time, Denver! Direct from one of London’s most popular attractions, comes the highly anticipated international tour debut of "MONOPOLY LIFESIZED: Travel Edition" at a brand-new location: DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park®! In this exhilarating, 60-minute experience, you will be guided by your very own personified MONOPOLY token as you and your team solve escape room-style challenges on a giant MONOPOLY board for a chance to buy property, charge rent and break out of jail.

'Gutenberg! The Musical!'

WHEN: Thru May 4, 2025
WHERE: Garner Galleria Theatre
In this two-person musical spoof, a pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new, ill-advised project: a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them that elusive Broadway contract.

Coming Soon

'The Reservoir'

WHEN: Jan. 17–March 9, 2025
WHERE: Singleton Theatre
Josh’s life is a mess. He’s come home to Denver from NYU to get his life together but can’t manage to stay sober. Struggling with fogginess, memory loss, shame and regret, he finds unlikely allies in his four loveable grandparents. "The Reservoir," by Denver native Jake Brasch, left audiences buzzing at the 2023 Colorado New Play Summit. Join us for the World Premiere production of this hilarious and heartbreaking story at the DCPA next season!

'Lyle the Crocodile'

WHEN: Jan. 21–Feb. 28, 2025
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, Arvada
When Joshua and the Primm family move to East 88th Street in New York City, they find a surprise guest in their new home’s bathtub: a friendly crocodile named Lyle. He’s different, and he’s a crocodile, but the neighbors in the building begin to love him. Well, except for Mr. Grumps who would rather Lyle be at the zoo for the safety of his kitty, Loretta. But when Lyle the Crocodile saves the day, even Mr. Grumps must look past his fear of those who are different and begin to appreciate Lyle for just what he is - one friendly, tap-dancing crocodile. Based on the "Lyle, Lyle the Crocodile" and "The House on East 88th Street" books by Bernard Waber, this delightful story was adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling. It's recommended for grades K–5 and teaches about examining our assumptions and embracing what makes each of us unique.

'Back to the Future: The Musical'

WHEN: Jan. 22–Feb. 9, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Great Scott! "Back to the Future," the beloved cinematic classic, is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Denver in 2025. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself…back to the future. When "Back to the Future" hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.  

'The Suffragette’s Murder'

WHEN: Feb. 7–March 9, 2025
WHERE: The Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Theatre
On the morning of July 5, 1857, an eclectic group of tenants bustle about their Manhattan boarding house, arranging the final details of a clever scheme they hope to pull off in the name of the budding women’s suffrage movement. As they prepare to host an important secret gathering, they receive an unexpected visit from a constable. One of the tenants has been murdered! The odd bunch must then band together in an elaborate ruse to throw the constable off their scent. His investigation, however, reveals much more than murder motives and rabble-rousing. It becomes an examination of early American suffrage movements, the struggle to define “a woman’s place,” and the political systems that have historically sought to snuff out feminist voices.

'Clybourne Park'

WHEN: Feb. 14–March 30, 2025
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, Arvada
The scene is one house on Clybourne Street in Chicago’s South Side. In 1959, a Black family moves in. In 2009, a white family does. In between, everything changes: attitudes, demographics and property values. Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, "Clybourne Park" is a razor-sharp satire about the politics of race, housing and gentrification. Loosely inspired by Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," Bruce Norris's pitch-black comedy takes on the specter of gentrification in our communities, leaving no stone unturned in the process.

'Mean Girls'

WHEN: Feb. 25–March 2, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Direct from Broadway, "Mean Girls" is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin ("Legally Blonde") and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw ("The Book of Mormon"). Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

'Colorado New Play Summit'

WHEN: March 1–2, 2025
WHERE: Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex
At the Colorado New Play Summit, meet some of theatre’s most ambitious writers while helping them fine-tune their newest works. Listen to play readings by fabulous actors, give your feedback on where you think the story should go, and enjoy two fully produced Theatre Company productions: the world premieres of "The Reservoir" and "The Suffragette’s Murder," both of which were featured readings at the 2023 Summit. The inspiration doesn’t stop with the plays. Talk with the featured playwrights, directors, actors and other creatives over tasty meals and at special events like the Summit Wrap Party. It’s your chance to meet the brightest minds in the craft and play an integral part in the future of Colorado theatre.

'Life of Pi'

WHEN: March 18–30, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Based on the novel that sold more than 15 million copies and became a worldwide phenomenon, "Life of Pi" is an epic story of perseverance and hope that speaks to every generation and “gives new life to Broadway” (“The Today Show”). After a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi survives on a lifeboat with four companions: a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger. Told with jaw-dropping visuals, world-class puppetry and exquisite stagecraft, "Life of Pi" creates a breathtaking journey that will leave you filled with awe and joy. 

'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'

WHEN: March 28–May 11, 2025
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, Arvada
Getting away with murder is just so much fun. Charming and cunning, Monty Navarro discovers he’s in line for an earldom in the aristocratic D'Ysquith family. Eighth in line, to be exact. Monty plots to speed up the line of succession through any means necessary — all while juggling his mistress, his fiancee, his reputation, and an increasing body count that’s raising suspicions of the law. Each of the eight heirs stand on the chopping block of Monty’s ambitions, hilariously played by one scene-stealing actor swapping from role to role. This Tony Award-winning musical romp gleefully tells the story of wrongfully getting what is rightfully yours.

'The Wiz'

WHEN: April 8–26, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
"The Wiz" returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour — the first one in 40 years! This groundbreaking twist on "The Wizard of Oz" changed the face of Broadway, from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. This dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to "easing on down the road." Everybody rejoice! 

'Little Shop of Horrors'

WHEN: April 11–May 18, 2025
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
Feast on the Denver Center’s production of a beloved sci-fi musical that has rocked the globe for generations!   The meek, yet nurturing, Seymour Krelborn is perennially down on his luck. Working at a flower shop on Skid Row, he’s infatuated with his co-worker Audrey, but she is caught in a toxic relationship with a sadistic dentist. One day, Seymour chances upon a strange and mysterious new plant cutting, which he nurses back to health. When he discovers the flytrap’s appetite for human blood, it thrives and begins to sing for its supper. But when Audrey II’s bloodlust becomes insatiable, Seymour must take a stand to prevent the carnivorous plant from world domination.

'The Hot Wing King'

WHEN: April 25–May 25, 2025
WHERE: The Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Theatre
On the eve of the annual Hot Wang Festival in Memphis, Tennessee, Cordell Crutchfield thinks he has finally found a recipe that will land him the coveted title of Hot Wang King. He has assembled a raucous team of sous chefs, comprised of his beau Dwayne and close friends Big Charles and Isom. The four-man team is cooking with plenty of spice and innuendo on prep night until a family emergency thrusts Dwayne’s troubled nephew into the mix. With the crown, prize money, and their relationship on the line, Cordell and Dwayne are forced to reckon with what it means to be a Black man, a father figure and part of a loving family. Winner of the 2021 Pulitzer Prize, "The Hot Wing King" by Katori Hall is a boisterous, in-your-face dramedy guaranteed to leave you salivating for a second helping.

'The Addams Family'

WHEN: May 2–4, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, "The Addams Family" is the magnificently macabre hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before: Keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.  

'The Book of Mormon'

WHEN: May 6–18, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
This outrageous hit musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing-room-only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, "The Book of Mormon" has truly become an international sensation. (Contains explicit language.)  

'& Juliet'

WHEN: June 4–15, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer for “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. "& Juliet" asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love — her way. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” The only thing tragic would be missing it. 

'Mamma Mia!'

WHEN: June 25–29, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make "Mamma Mia!" the ultimate feel-good show. Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.

'Some Like it Hot'

WHEN: July 8–20, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, "Some Like it Hot" is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train and embark on a life-changing trip of a lifetime. And what a trip it is! With its irresistible combination of heart and laughs, song and dance, "Some Like it Hot" was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League, and the Outer Critics Circle. No wonder Deadline calls it “a tap-dancing, razzle-dazzling embrace of everything you love about musical theater.”

'Moulin Rouge! The Musical'

WHEN: Aug. 5–10, 2025
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular…Welcome to "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."