Plus a conversation with playwright Paul Stroili, a remarkable pickle incident at Vintage Theatre, Top 10 Colorado Headliners and more.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca take a look at how Facebook continues to be a key messaging platform for the Colorado theatre community — even as many individuals have left the algorithm-best platform behind.

Toni also recounts a remarkable incident at a recent show, where a young woman polished off an entire container of pickles during the first act of 9 to 5 at Vintage Theatre.

Later in the episode, Alex catches up with Paul Stroili, whose play My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War is now up at Miners Alley in a regional premiere. Stroili’s 2024 comedy A Jukebox for the Algonquin was also produced at MAP.

Finally, the hosts review the weeks Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows around the state that might be worth a look. 

News from the state’s preeminent new play festival, plus Missy Moore’s production of K2 at Thunder River and Top 10 Colorado Headliners

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller review their weekend at the annual Colorado New Play Summit at the Denver Center. The two saw readings of four in-development plays and hobnobbed with a cross-section of the Colorado theatre community.

Later in the episode, Alex interviews the director and two actors from the play K2, now up at Carbondale’s Thunder River Theatre Company.

Toni and Alex also run down this week’s Top 10 Colorado New Headliners, upcoming shows theatre lovers may want to check out:

Happy 2B Nappy, Manos Sagrados, Aurora, through March 1

The Roommate, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, through March 1

Silent Sky, Durango Theatreworks, through Feb. 22

Bakersfield Mist, Thingamajig Theatre at Pagosa Springs Art Center, through March 14

The Importance of Being Earnest, Bas Bleu, Fort Collins, Feb. 21-March 8

The Secret Garden (musical), Glenwood Vaudeville Review, Feb. 13-March 22

My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War, Miners Alley, Golden, Feb. 20-March 29

9 to 5 The Musical,Vintage Theatre, Aurora, Feb. 20-March 29

Decadent Desires, Wonderbound, Denver, Feb. 26-March 8

Fully Commited, Theatre SilCo, Silverthorne, Feb. 27-March 15

Plus the latest theatre news and reviews and a few thoughts on the passing of the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

Introduction (0:05)

Alex Miller hosts solo this week as co-host Toni Tresca is out of town. Preview of upcoming interview with playwright Edith Weiss about her comedy Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex opening at Buntport Theater.

Theater Season Update (0:35)

Colorado's busy theater scene - 16 shows reviewed in January, 20 more expected in February. Alex highlights OnStage Colorado's active coverage of the state's performing arts.

Recent Reviews Roundup (1:15)

• Burning Bluebeard (Catamounts) - Toni's review praises this Colorado premiere at Boulder Dairy Center
• Godspeed (Denver Center) - Toni reviews this Western that moved from reading to full production
• The Game's Afoot (StageDoor Conifer) - Garth Gerstin's mixed review of the Ken Ludwig mystery
• The Odd Couple Female Version (Miner's Alley) - Garth praises this well-done production

Upcoming Coverage & News (5:45)

Preview of shows being reviewed including touring productions, new works, and dance. Interview preview with Kenya Mahogany about Happy to be Nappy at Manos Agrados in Aurora.

Colorado Theater News (7:20)

• Rich Cowden's sudden departure from Aurora Fox after 2.5 years
• Shrek the Musical controversy and canceled performances at Parker-Pace Center

Interview: Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex (8:30)

Conversation with playwright/actor Edith Weiss and director Susan Lyles (And Toto too Theatre Company) about their world premiere comedy featuring eight short plays exploring human foibles, opening February 13-28 at Buntport.

Key topics discussed:

• And Toto too's 21-year mission promoting female playwrights
• The play's structure as interconnected vignettes
• Themes of commonality, landing in unwanted lives, and finding hope
• Cast includes Edith Weiss, Chris Kendall, Jeff Jesmer, Meredith Young, Sophia Bajja
• The Shakespeare's Jeopardy segment and other memorable scenes

Personal Reflection: The Grateful Dead (31:54)

Alex shares emotional reflections on Bob Weir's death, his experiences as a teenage Deadhead seeing 30+ shows, and the concept of "hiraeth" - longing for a time you can't revisit.

Next Episode Preview (39:15)

Upcoming interview with Thunder River Theater Company (Carbondale) about K2 - a climbing play featuring actors in harnesses for the entire show. Runs February 13-March 1.

Show runs approximately 40 minutes

Talking with robot researcher and improv comedian Dr. Tom Williams, plus more on the Parker Shrek controversy, Top 10 Colorado Highliners and more.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca hit on some of the shows they’ve seen on stage recently, do an update on the Pride flag controversy that blew up over the Parker Pace Center production of Shrek the Musical and hit the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows you may want to check out.

Also in this episode, Alex interviews Colorado School of Miners Associate Professor Dr. Tom Williams about Robot Riot — an upcoming series at Denver’s Rise Comedy that combines his research into robotics with his passion for improv comedy.

Read Toni’s story in Westword about Robot Riot

Be sure to subscribe to the show to get the latest every week!

[00:01] Introduction & Episode Preview Alex and Toni welcome listeners and preview the episode, including the Shrek pride flag controversy discussion and interview with theater couple Marco and Adrian Robinson.

[01:19] Recent Theater Reviews/Previews

• Cowboys and East Indians world premiere at Denver Center (01:40)
• Junie B. Jones the Musical at Arvada Center (03:43)
• Bad Books at Curious Theater (05:00)
• Shrek the Musical at Pace Center (07:07)
• Legally Blonde at Lafayette Arts Hub (09:17)
• The Shark is Broken at Vintage (10:45)
• Exit Pursued by Bear at Shifted Lens (12:16)
• Revolt, She Said, Revolt Again at Su Teatro (14:44)

[16:28] Colorado Theater News

• Andrea Gibson documentary Oscar nomination (16:28)
• Lauren Grimshaw Sloan named Colorado Film Commissioner (18:27)
• Sundance Film Festival updates and Colorado events (19:22)
• Colorado Theater Guild commercial campaign & Henry Awards announcement (21:23)
• Bonfils-Stanton Foundation new leadership (24:42)

[25:30] Main Topic: Shrek Pride Flag Controversy Discussion of the Parker Arts/Sasquatch Productions controversy over pride flags in "Freak Flag" musical number, community response, and implications.

[35:46] Interview with Marco and Adrian Robinson Conversation with the husband-wife theater stars about Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at DCPA's Garner Galleria.

[36:06] Top 10 Colorado Headliners Recommendations for upcoming shows:

Hold These Truths, Platte Valley Theatre Arts, Brighton, Jan. 30-Feb. 7

Mark Twain Tonight, Denver Center, Jan. 31

Brooklyn Laundry, BETC, Denver Savoy, Jan. 31-Feb. 15; Boulder Dairy Center, Feb. 20-March 15

Waiting for Godot, Aurora Fox, Jan. 30-Feb. 22

The Children, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Colorado Springs, Jan. 29-Feb. 15

What The Constitution Means To Me, Telluride Theatre, Jan. 29-Feb12

Where We Stand, Theatreworks, Colorado Springs, Jan. 29-Feb. 15

Hello, Dolly!,Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown, Jan. 29-Apr. 4

Godspeed, DCPA Theatre Company, Previews are Jan. 30-Feb. 5; show runs Feb. 6-22

Burning Bluebeard, The Catamounts, Dairy Arts Center, Jan. 31-Feb. 21 

Listen to Alex Miller and Toni Tresca announce the winners of the third annual OnStage Colorado Awards for Theatrical Excellence! This year features a new three-tiered award system (1) Outstanding, 2) Excellent and 3) Notable) across 20+ categories celebrating Colorado’s vibrant theatre community. Check out all of the 2025 nominees by clicking here.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller take a look at some recent shows they’ve seen, look at a bit of theatre news and run down the  Top 10 Colorado Headliners. This week’s list:

• The Choir of Man, Denver Center Buell Theatre, Jan. 16-17
• The Mousetrap, OpenStage, Fort Collins Lincoln Center, Jan. 10-Feb. 7
• Spamalot, Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton, Jan. 23-Feb. 22
• Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Moot Point Project at Su Teatro, Denver, Jan. 21-25
• The Rembrandt Room, Buntport, Denver, Jan. 23-25
• The Bluebird, Theatre SilCo, Silverthrone, Jan. 15-25
• Exit, Pursued By a Bear, Shifted Lens Theatre Company at The People’s Building, Aurora, Jan. 16-Feb. 1 
• Gin & Gothic: A Brontë Rocktale, Band of Toughs at the Altona Grange Hall, Boulder County, Jan. 17-24
• Shrek The Musical, PACE Center, Parker, Jan. 16-Feb. 8
• Cowboys and East Indians, DCPA Theatre Company, Denver, previews are Jan. 16-22 and show runs Jan. 23-March 1

Podcast: The 2025 OSCA nominees are in!

We run down the list of all the theatres and theatre artists being recognized this year, plus an interview with ‘Bad Books’ playwright Sharyn Rothstein along with National New Play Network Executive Director Nan Barnett

The Denver Gazette’s senior arts writer on this year’s True West Awards recognizing Colorado theatre artists.

 Introduction & Recent Shows (00:00-06:30) Alex and Toni welcome John Moore from the Denver Gazette to discuss the final year of his True West Awards. The hosts share their recent theater experiences, including Frozen at the Arvada Center, where they were impressed by the technical execution and performances from Anne Terze-Swarz and Jennasea Pearce. John mentions seeing Matt Zambrano in the BETC production of Every Brilliant Thing, Frozen, and his final visit to Rattlebrain's Santa's Big Red Sack after 23 years of watching it evolve.

Holiday Productions & New Companies (06:30-25:00) Toni reviews Wonderbound's ambitious Holidays at the Hideaway Hotel set to Elvis Costello's Imperial Bedroom, praising its complex storytelling. He also discusses What If Theater's What the Dickens, an improvised take on A Christmas Carol that showed promise but suffered from performers not following improv fundamentals. The group discusses Ballet Ariel's unusual pairing of a condensed Nutcracker with Little Women. 

Season Announcements & Industry News (25:00-32:00) Two Cent Lion announces new leadership under Olivia Buntaine with a 2026 season featuring three productions focused on queer narratives and gender exploration. The hosts pause to honor Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle following their tragic deaths, reflecting on Reiner's theatrical roots and iconic films like The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men.

True West Awards Discussion (32:00-50:00) John explains this is the final year of his 25-year tradition of the True West Awards—30 daily stories celebrating Colorado theatre achievements throughout December. He discusses the personal cost of the intensive writing project and his desire to spend more time with family. Key awards mentioned include recognizing Rattlebrain Theatre, Matt Zambrano's banner year, Phillips Sneed's retirement from the Arvada Center, DU tech students building professional sets, and emerging writers like Olivia Buntaine and Emy McGuire.

Creative Couples & Standout Performers (50:00-57:00) John highlights the trend of married couples being cast as romantic partners in 2025, specifically Marco and Adriane Robinson appearing together in three major productions. He praises costume designer Nicole Harrison's prolific output of 18 designed shows with involvement in 60 total productions. The discussion emphasizes how directors are leveraging real-life chemistry to compensate for shortened rehearsal periods.

Denver Actors Fund Update (57:00-1:00:00) John provides an update on the Denver Actors Fund, which has distributed $238,000 in 2025 alone (totaling $1.8 million since 2014) to help Colorado theatre artists with medical, dental, veterinary and mental health expenses. He announces new webinars in partnership with Connect for Health Colorado to help artists navigate healthcare subsidy changes. The fund has never turned anyone away and continues to operate entirely through volunteer efforts and community donations.

OnStage Colorado Updates & Wrap-Up (1:00:00-1:05:30) Alex announces the upcoming third annual OnStage Colorado Awards (OSCAs) scheduled for January, noting they'll recognize excellence from approximately 165 reviewed productions this year. He shares plans to potentially transition OnStage Colorado to nonprofit status in 2026 to access grants and expand coverage. The hosts encourage theatres to submit events directly through their website form. They thank listeners for a successful 2025 featuring 45 podcasts, 165 reviews, and 50 newsletters, signing off until January.

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca reflect on the year in Colorado theatre, discussing recent performances, notable shows, and the impact of national politics on local arts funding. They highlight various productions, including It's a Wonderful Life, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol and Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, while also addressing leadership changes within theatre organizations. 

Also in this episode a look at the Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows worth checking out:

• Santa’s Big Red Sack: The Final Season, The People’s Building, Aurora, Dec. 4-24
• Grandma’s Last Hayride, Golden Outpost, Dec. 4-20
• Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, Dec. 10-31
• Three Leaches New Play Festival (Weekend 2), Three Leaches Theater, Lakewood, Dec. 11-13
• Little Women & The Nutcracker, Ballet Ariel in Lakewood and Northglenn, Dec. 12-28
• The Notebook: The Musical, Denver Center Buell Theatre, Dec. 16-28
• Ben Roy’s Ha-Ha Holiday Comedy Show, Denver Comedy Undergroun, Dec. 26-27
• New Year’s Eve with Eddit Ifft, Comedy Works South, Dec. 31
• New Year’s Eve with Emo Philips, Comedy Works Downtown, Dec. 31
• NYE Comedy Showcase, Denver Comedy Lounge, Dec. 31