Denver’s fine arts scene is offering a lot of promising reasons to get out of the cold this winter. Here are some of the biggest events coming this way in theater, dance, museums and classical music.
“Steal a Pencil for Me,” Opera Colorado, Jan. 25-30
Opera Colorado scales down its productions in January, bringing this world premiere to the Wolf Theatre at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center. Written by composer Gerald Cohen and librettist Deborah Brevoort, the new piece adds humanity to the toughest of subjects, the Holocaust, by telling a love story between two prisoners at the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. A dark and risky opera that deserves a chance to be heard.
More info at 303-468-2030 or operacolorado.org.
“American Mariachi,” Denver Center Theatre Company, Jan. 26-Feb. 25
The timing seems just right for this world premiere about an all-female mariachi band trying to make it in a musical genre where men are the stars. José Cruz González’s play promises drama, comedy and enlightenment, along with some terrific music. James Vásquez directs.
More info: 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org.
Spectrum Dance Theater, Newman Center, Jan. 26.
There is simply not enough high-quality, professional dance — contemporary or classical — going on in Denver these days, so it’s smart to seize opportunities like this when they come along. Spectrum’s “A Rap on Race” has a fascinating set-up, rec-reating though words and movement a historic conversation on race between two key figures of the 20th century, writer James Baldwin and anthropologist Margaret Mead. The production’s creative team includes Anna Deavere Smith and Donald Byrd.
More info: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com
RedLine 10th Anniversary Exhibition, RedLine Art Center, Feb. 2-April 1.
In its 10 years as an exhibition space and community center at 23rd and Arapahoe streets, RedLine has nurtured some of Denver’s most promising new talents, offering them free studio space and the sort of mentoring and camaraderie that builds networks and careers. For this celebratory show, curated by Cortney Lane Stell, RedLine invites back all of its alum, making it an all-star event.
More info: 303-296-4448 or redlineart.org.
Berlin Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet, with pianist Stephen Hough, Newman Center, Feb. 6
Denver’s Friends of Chamber Music is offering a stellar set of concerts this season, including this gem. It’s difficult for a small ensemble to step out meaningfully from the shadows of one of the world’s most-respected orchestras, but the Philharmonic’s quintet accomplishes that stunningly through solid playing and creative programs. This one has pieces by Mozart, Poulenc and Hindemith and will feature the talented Hough on his own composition for piccolo, contrabassoon, and piano written in 2009.
More info: 303-871-7720 or newmantix.com.
“Degas: A Passion for Perfection,” Denver Art Museum, Feb. 11- May 20
Edgar Degas is possibly the most recognized artist on the planet. His paintings of dancers, circa late 19th century France, are icons of the museum world and big attendance draws. That makes the Denver Art Museum’s upcoming “Degas: A Passion for Perfection” a certain hit, with about 100 of the artist’s works on view along with a few masterpieces by J.A.D. Ingres, Eugène Delacroix, and Paul Cézanne thrown in for context. Expect it to be deep, revealing and crowded.
More info: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.
“Hamilton,” Buell Theatre, Feb. 27-April 1
More important than when this show comes to town is when the tickets for it go on sale — that’s 10 a.m. on Jan. 22, and it might be wise to act fast on that day. Expect this Tony-winning phenomenon of music, spoken word and movement that tells the story of a key founding father to be the hottest ticket of 2018. If the seats are a little pricey for you at $75 to $165, remember there will be a lottery for 40, $10 orchestra seats for all performances. Details on that are yet to be announced, but you can sign up for social media updates on the website.
More info: hamilton.denvercenter.org.
Grand opening, The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, March 10
Denver has waited a long time for the Kirkland to reopen as the museum made its move from Capitol Hill to the Golden Triangle. The new location, at 12th and Bannock streets, will be a beacon for locals and tourists alike and the new, multi-colored building looks to become a landmark. The change is likely to bring Denver closer to this great collection of pantings and amazing and elegant artifacts of home decoration from its golden ages.
More info at 303-832-8576 or kirklandmuseum.org.
