Harriet Hunter Ford, Around Town
PHAMALY Theatre Company (formerly Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League) richly deserves to be known as a theater company without further description.
Their most recent production “The Foreigner” was absolutely first-rate.
I saw it during the encore performance at the Arvada Center and was delighted with all aspects of the play.
These folks know what they’re doing … without any label. The premise of the play is that a deeply depressed guy ends up spending time in a country inn. He doesn’t want to interact with anyone so his traveling companion tells the proprietor that his friend doesn’t speak English. Thus begins one of the best comedic vehicles around. Interspersed within the hilarity is a love story and a morality play.
Next on the PHAMALY docket is a musical version of the children‘s classic, “The Velveteen Rabbit.”
The touring production will be in Crested Butte on March 23; in Broomfield on April 12 and in Parker on May 14. Other dates and locations will be announced at a later date.
The Broomfield Auditorium will be the site of the April 12 show.
Admission is a free event sponsored by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District; although, there will be a $5 suggested donation at the door. For info call 303-365-0005, visit www.phamaly.org or send an email to info@phamaly.org.
On my radar
“The Doyle and Debbie Show” playing at the Garner Galleria Theatre in the Denver Center for Performing Arts. A has-been country star is reviving his career 30 years, four wives and three Debbies later.
The new, original musical “takes the audience on a wickedly funny and freewheeling joyride.”
Running March 22 through April 28, also at the DCPA, is “A Weekend with Pablo Picasso.” The one-man show is based on the writings of the eccentric artist and features live, onstage painting.
Now, that is intriguing.
For tickets and info on all DCPA productions, call 303-893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org.
“Man of La Mancha” plays in the Main Stage Theatre at the Arvada Center from March 22 through April 14. The winner of multiple Tony awards has become a much loved classic.
Based on the tale of Don Quixote and his stalwart companion Sancho, the musical features cherished tunes like “To Dream the Impossible Dream.”
For tickets and info, call 720-898-7000 or visit www.arvadacenter.org.
I began my relationship with the Arvada Center before it even opened in July 1976.
The high point of my experience there was acting as stage manager and assistant director for one of the first plays, “The Contrast.”
I even learned how to build sets, paint and operate power tools. I ended up with all digits intact.
Thus began my love affair with the Colorado theater community. If I sometimes sound biased … I am.
Until next time, I’ll see you around town.
