All stories by John Wenzel on BroadwayStars

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Did Jim Gaffigan just set an all-time record for the Paramount Theatre? by John Wenzel

The stand-up boasts a whopping 7 shows the venue, with more possible

SOURCE: Denver Post at 03:36PM
Friday, September 22, 2023

Is TikTok-focused crowd work ruining stand-up comedy? by John Wenzel

"Now everyone thinks you’re trying to get a viral clip. And that translates to either people giving you preposterous answers to any kind of interaction."

SOURCE: Denver Post at 10:55AM
Thursday, September 21, 2023

Denver’s toughest tickets: Good luck getting into these shows, restaurants or games by John Wenzel

In-demand Colorado spots include newly Michelin-starred restaurants, but also concerts and holiday shows

SOURCE: Denver Post at 04:37PM
Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Broadway’s “Beetlejuice” a naughtier, louder take on Tim Burton film | Review by John Wenzel

While updating itself for Gen Z, Broadway's "Beetlejuice" is a zany, old-school romp that flies by with charm and visual delight.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 05:33PM

City buys historic $30M Loretto Heights theater in southwest Denver by John Wenzel

The funding was provided by a bond approved by voters in 2021.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 11:33AM
Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Colorado’s creative, cultural and service-industry workers look to unions for leverage by John Wenzel

There has been an explosion of union action like this across the country this year, extending far past the marquee strikes that taking place in Hollywood right now and into the world of deli…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:55AM
Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Broadway’s “Frozen,” which began in Denver, is finally making its Mile High return by John Wenzel

The show is one of seven that the Denver Center for the Performing Arts has added for the 2023-2024 season.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 07:55PM
Thursday, May 18, 2023

Denver Museum of Nature and Science will close “problematic” American Indian Cultures Hall by John Wenzel

For now, the museum has posted a "healing statement" at the front of the Hall -- written "after taking into account the concerns expressed by the community."

SOURCE: Hartford Courant at 11:46AM
Thursday, May 4, 2023

Damien Patterson beat the odds as a celebrated dancer. Now he’s hanging up his shoes. by John Wenzel

Patterson will retire May 14 after an unlikely career as a celebrated dancer and artist.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:12AM
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Broadway’s “1776” musical revival is almost too much of a good thing by John Wenzel

Brilliant concept, powerful performances in "1776" revival are slowed by plodding book, production choices. Read our opening night review.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:18AM
Tuesday, March 21, 2023

A copyright battle over AI-generated art will begin in Colorado by John Wenzel

"We're prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court."

SOURCE: Hartford Courant at 09:29AM
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Aaron Sorkin’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” crackles with energy, but struggles to focus by John Wenzel

From the outset, and especially with Scout, our narrators sprint through a veritable novel's-worth of lines that breeze by like static.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 02:28PM
Friday, January 13, 2023

Aaron Sorkin’s new version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is painfully relevant by John Wenzel

After nine Tony nominations and a pandemic-induced paralysis, Aaron Sorkin's new take on Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is striding into the Buell Theatre, with Richard Thomas as Attic…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:00AM
Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Here’s every free day at Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, museums and other cultural hotspots by John Wenzel

The annual free days offered by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District cover the metro area's biggest nonprofit institutions, and they're always family-friendly hits.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:00AM
Tuesday, December 6, 2022

How to get tickets to Broadway hits “MJ,” “Beetlejuice,” “Book of Mormon” and “Six” in Denver by John Wenzel

Broadway's "MJ: The Musical," "Six," "Company" and other Denver Center for the Performing Arts' 2023-24 season shows are on sale Dec. 15.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 03:32PM

Arts groups see record holiday revenues this year from shows like “Nutcracker,” “Zoo Lights” by John Wenzel

Christmas comes but once a year for Denver's nonprofit arts and culture groups, who typically live and die by their revenue from holiday shows. This year, ticket sales and revenue from "The …

SOURCE: Denver Post at 10:03AM
Thursday, December 1, 2022

10 great holiday shows that aren’t “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol” by John Wenzel

All of Colorado Ballet's "Nutcracker" performances are sold out -- as expected. Denver Center's "A Christmas Carol," while the region's best production, is deeply familiar to most audiences.…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:42AM
Monday, November 28, 2022

“Immersive” is the new buzzword in entertainment. But what is it? by John Wenzel

Denver's buzzy, loosely defined "immersive entertainment" scene is getting another boost this month with world premieres, touring debuts and the promise of a new year filled with even more h…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:24AM
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Things to do in Denver this weekend: An oaky lager fest, Latin Fashion Week, a pizza pop-up and more by John Wenzel

Looking for something fun to do in Denver this weekend? Check out these local events.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:19AM
Thursday, September 15, 2022

“Theater of the Mind,” David Byrne’s immersive new show, is funny, light and disjointed by John Wenzel

Some of the best parts of "Theater of the Mind" happen after the show has ended, its long tail cracking, whip-like, as you try to eat dinner or fall asleep. Here's our review of the new show…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:43AM
Friday, September 9, 2022

David Byrne talks “Theater of the Mind,” high-tech drama before Denver’s world premiere by John Wenzel

David Byrne's choice of Denver for the world premiere of the high-tech play -- developed with and produced by Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Off Center -- was seen as a major artisti…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:19AM
Thursday, August 4, 2022

Review: Broadway’s “Pretty Woman: The Musical” offers soaring performances of low-aiming songs by John Wenzel

"Pretty Woman: The Musical" carries a sequined chip on its shoulder -- namely, to prove it's just as much fun as its 1990 namesake. But low-aiming music of the production, running through Au…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:33AM
Friday, June 17, 2022

After 50 years, Su Teatro is still one of the only Latino theaters in the U.S., and one of the most important by John Wenzel

"Owning our space and investing in it is crucial," says Su Teatro's Tony Garcia.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:54AM
Thursday, June 16, 2022

Review: “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” a rousing and cathartic singalong, perfectly pitched for now by John Wenzel

Rapt from the first pop-medley, we clapped, swooned and giggled with the sequined spectacle.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:48AM
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

How (and when) to get tickets for David Byrne’s behind-the-scenes “Theater of the Mind” preview by John Wenzel

David Byrne, a group of scientists and Radiolab co-host Latif Nasser will put their heads together on the eve of Byrne's new show world-premiering in Denver to divulge details about the myst…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:06AM
Friday, May 13, 2022

Denver Zoo’s Asian-American fest, marimba maniacs, Salida Film Fest and more to do this weekend by John Wenzel

Best Bets in Denver for this week: A new Asian American festival at the Denver Zoo, Marimba madness at Levitt, Professor Phelyx and the Salida Film Fest are our Best Bets for this week

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:36AM
Friday, April 15, 2022

Denver Center Theatre Co.’s 2022-23 shows: David Byrne’s “Theater of the Mind,” Camp Christmas and more by John Wenzel

Denver Center Theatre Company on Friday announced a dozen new shows for its 2022-2023 artistic season, including world premieres, holiday art installations and a visit from Talking Heads fou…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 03:12PM
Monday, April 4, 2022

Denver Center’s internal network, phone system impacted by massive computer issue by John Wenzel

Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Monday confirmed that its internal computer network had gone down in recent days, impacting its phone service and other systems.

SOURCE: Denver Post at 01:03PM
Monday, March 21, 2022

The best comedy specials taped in Denver, from Amy Schumer to Tom Segura by John Wenzel

Does it matter where a comedy special is recorded? Absolutely, and in Denver, our audiences have prompted some of the best all-time stand-up albums and specials to be recorded here. A rundow…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 09:33AM
Monday, March 14, 2022

Masks, COVID vaccines will no longer be required for Broadway shows, Colorado Ballet, opera and more by John Wenzel

Denver's biggest performing arts companies will this month drop mask and vaccine-proof requirements at all of its shows, including those from Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado …

SOURCE: Denver Post at 01:12PM
Friday, March 11, 2022

One of Colorado’s few remaining dinner theaters may close if it can’t raise $1 million by John Wenzel

An employee of Jester's Dinner Theatre in Longmont is looking to buy the 23-year-old cultural mainstay. But first, she has launched a $1 million crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to afford i…

SOURCE: Denver Post at 08:03AM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater