Upcoming attractions: Once Upon a Hilarious Night at the Arvada Center

The holiday season is about more than just Christmas trees, snow and twinkling lights. It’s also about family, loved ones and finding ways to spend time together. The same truth applies to holiday theater, which Arvada Center channels in its production of “Once there was a mattress.”

“This is the kind of show that’s written for kids of all ages to laugh and have, while also having another layer that adults can enjoy,” said Mathenee Treco, who plays Sir Harry in the production. “The togetherness and the fact that it’s a show for everyone is what makes it feel like a holiday show.”

“Once Upon a Mattress” is directed by Kenny Moten and runs at the center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Sunday, Dec. 29. The performances are at 19.30 Wednesday to Saturday, at 13.00 on Wednesday and 14.00 Saturday and Sunday. .

The classic musical is a hilarious riff on “The Princess and the Pea” fairy tale, where Prince Dauntless’s (EJ Dohring) outspoken Queen Mother and taciturn King Father decree that no one in the kingdom can marry until their son finds someone to marry. The leading contender appears to be the awkward Winnifred the Woebegone from the swamp (Aléna Watters), but can she pass the test?

“This is one of the most classic musicals of all time — it literally launched Carol Burnett’s career,” said Treco. “What we’ve done is the laugh factor of the show. Someone described it as Monty Python’s version of the musical.”

One of the most interesting things about doing a show with roots that go back so far is finding ways to modernize the telling of the story, Treco added, where the cast and crew explore ways to deal with things that wouldn’t be written in the same way. further.

For Treco, the show means more than just performing in a holiday show — his connection to the Arvada Center goes back many years, so being here for “Once Upon a Mattress” feels like a real homecoming.

“The Arvada Center gave me my equity card and they’ve always been very supportive,” he said. “I love the rehearsal process here and building a community in the show.”

While the main goal is to entertain the audience and give them something fun to enjoy the holiday season, Treco also hopes the show inspires people to try more theater they might not be familiar with.

“Everyone watching the show may not have heard of it before, but we hope they’ll be pleasantly surprised,” he said. “There are so many brilliant shows out there that I wish were produced more and seen by more people.”

All details are available at https://arvadacenter.org/events/once-upon-a-mattress.

The ‘Nutcracker’ returns to the PACE Center

Some holiday traditions are timeless, and one with the longest history is the staging of “The Nutcracker” ballet around Christmas time. Those looking to see the classic story this year will want to attend Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center20000 Pikes Peak Ave., to see Denver Ballet Theater take the stage from Thursday, December 12th through Tuesday, December 17th. The performances are at 2 p.m. and 19.00

“The Nutcracker” takes place at a Christmas Eve party and follows a young girl named Clara who goes on a magical adventure to the sweets. With top-notch choreography and a score by Tchaikovsky, it’s a performance not to be missed.

More details on https://parkerarts.org/event/the-nutcracker/.

JCC hosts third annual Latkes and Lights Event

The Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center’s (JCC Denver)350 S. Dahlia St., Latkes and Lights Hanukkah Event is back for the third year, from 10am to 1pm on Sunday 15 December.

The annual event includes two latke contests, a craft fair with local vendors, live music, Hanukkah games and more. According to the information provided, participants can taste latkes from restaurants such as Ash’Kara, Latke Love, Zaidy’s, The Rosenbergsall of which compete for the Golden Latke Award. There will also be vendors selling goods and tastings of fresh pita and olive oil Challahrado fireplace.

For more information and tickets, visit www.jccdenver.org/portfolio-items/latkes-and-lights/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Allman Betts Family Revival at the Paramount Theatre

Unfortunately, they just don’t make bands like Allman Brothers Band further. But while Duane and Gregg Allman and guitarist Dickey Betts are no longer with us, the next generation lives on. Devon Allman and Duane Betts host of the annual Family revivalwhich provides an opportunity to celebrate the band’s music and draws in some of the best artists in blues, country and rock.

The revival is coming Paramount Theatre1621 Glenarm Place in Denver, at 20.00 on Wednesday 18 December. This year, the band and their guests will perform music from Duane Allman’s 1970s era and 1990s comeback era with two amazing sets.

Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Clarke Reader’s culture column is published weekly. He can be found at [email protected].

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