Extreme heat, wildfire smoke and other climate-related issues are having an effect – especially on outside performances. Plus, Top 10 Colorado Headliners and an interview with Miners Alley Associate AD Warren Sherrill.

The phrase “the show must go on” has long been theatre’s rallying cry, but climate change is beginning to force a harsh reckoning with that philosophy. From the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s $2 million loss due to wildfire smoke to actors literally collapsing from heat exhaustion during outdoor performances, extreme weather is no longer an occasional inconvenience – it’s an ongoing threat. Yet this crisis is also revealing unexpected opportunities, as air-conditioned indoor venues become coveted refuges during heat waves. 

In this episode, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca dive into how rising temperatures and extreme weather are reshaping live performance, then explore this week’s Colorado Headliners including The Mikado in Space, Twelfth Night productions in multiple venues, and Dixie’s Tupperware Party. Plus, Alex sits down with Warren Sherrill, Associate Artistic Director at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, to discuss his upcoming production of Sondheim’s provocative musical Assassins – a show about presidential assassins that feels particularly relevant in our current political climate.

Episode Summary

Opening & What We’ve Seen

Alex’s Reviews: 

• Cirque du Soleil Echo - Outstanding production with amazing digital/practical effects and an enormous Rubik’s Cube set piece at Ball Arena
• Richard II (Colorado Shakespeare Festival) - Streamlined, engaging production directed by Tim Orr, starring Kevin Rich
• Woodlands and Wyverns (Audacious Immersiave) - D&D-style immersive theater at First Baptist Church basement; nerdy but fun with improving production values

 Toni’s Reviews: 

• Some Like It Hot (touring) - Exceptional production with great dancing and smart adaptation of gender themes
•  A Doll’s House Part 2 (Denver Theatre Ensemble) - Well-acted but too much static sitting 
• Nightmare on Strip Street - Fun horror-themed burlesque parody with impressive athletic performances

News Segment

• Colorado Creative Industries launched Community Revitalization Tax Credit for 10 projects supporting artists, childcare, and affordable housing
• Memorial tributes to poet laureate Andrea Gibson (died at 49 after cancer battle) and Kevin Ahl (Phamaly Theatre Company co-founder, died at 67)
• Henry Awards preview - ceremony July 27th at Lone Tree Art Center

Main Topic: Climate Change and Theater

Deep dive into how extreme weather is affecting live performances:

• Heat Impact: Shakespeare actors collapsing from heat; Town Hall Art Center canceling shows due to excessive heat
• Financial Losses: Oregon Shakespeare Festival lost $2 million from wildfire smoke cancellations in 2018
• Safety Measures: Theaters implementing cooling tents, water breaks, lighter costumes, and flexible cancellation policies
• Equipment Failures: Instruments going out of tune, sound equipment failing in extreme heat
• Human Cost: Fan deaths at concerts, hospitalizations from heat-related issues
• Insurance Costs: Weather-related coverage doubling from 1.25% to 2.5% of guaranteed amounts 

Colorado Headliners (Top 10 Upcoming Shows)

Beehive: The 60’s Musical, The Butte Theater, Cripple Creek, July 18-August 31