Live theater took a hard and prolonged hit from the Covid pandemic, but lovers of the stage can rejoice. There’s a full and varied local theater season lined up for 2022-23. Larger companies Theatreworks and the Fine Arts Center Theatre lead the way. The Pikes Peak Center hosts touring musicals and more.
Smaller stages, such as the Millibo Art Theatre and Springs Ensemble Theatre, have full schedules as well. And the Funky Little Theater Company heads off-stage to offer two creative Play Crawls in Old Colorado City and Woodland Park for Arts Month. Productions and stories range from stage classics and holiday favorites to intriguing originals and unique productions, and there is an increased diversity represented in the characters and themes. Here are highlights of the 2022-23 theater season in Colorado Springs.
Find Your Theater
Fine Arts Center Theatre Company
Springs Ensemble Theater (SET)
Theatreworks
The professional company will perform its full traditional six-show season at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. The season features local favorites and national artists, with a compelling overarching theme of family — those we’re born into and those we make ourselves.
Lumberjacks in Love
Sept. 12 – Oct. 9
The best musical about lumberjacks you’ll see this year, with more flannel than Breckenridge in September. This musical follows the story of five lumberjacks whose unwashed bliss is upended by the arrival of a mail-order bride. Directed by Artistic Director Caitlin Lowans, with music direction by Jerry McCauley, Lumberjacks in Love promises a heart of gold wrapped in layers of cross-dressing, mistaken identities, romantic entanglements and high-country hijinks.
Little Women
Nov. 25 – Dec. 18
A favorite literary family comes to life to explore this classic text for a new era. Kate Hamill’s fresh new stage adaptation of Little Women pulls themes from Louisa May Alcott’s other writings (including letters and journals) and invites audiences of all generations to see themselves in these characters over again. Follow the March siblings’ coming of age and reflect on the rousing joys and trials of finding your place: in a family, in a calling, in the world. Directed by Chicago-based Theatreworks veteran Kathryn Walsh, the production arrives just in time for the holidays.
Winter Wonders
Weekend mornings Nov. 25 – Dec. 18
In the return of Theatreworks’ winter puppet show, Winter Wonders offers a theatrical experience for younger audiences. It will run alongside Little Women.
Aubergine
Feb. 2-19
In this contemporary play by Julia Cho, a Korean American chef cares for his dying father but struggles to connect. When his uncle arrives unannounced to cook an unexpected meal, they share more through food than they ever could in words. This poignant play offers an intimate look at the ways that heritage, food and family can transcend language to share love across all kinds of barriers. Performed in English and Korean, and supertitled in both languages, Aubergine will be directed by Lisa Marie Rollins of Colorado College.
The Half-Life of Marie Curie
March 16 – April 2
This tale of women’s friendship explores the hidden costs of progress and the relationships that hold us up when we can’t stand on our own. Directed by local favorite Sarah Sheppard Shaver and featuring powerhouse local actors, this two-woman show will showcase the best of Colorado Springs’ artistic community. The Half Life of Marie Curie is a sharp new play by Lauren Gunderson, one of the most frequently produced playwrights in America.
King Hedley II
April 27 – May 21
The 1980s installment of August Wilson’s acclaimed cycle, King Hedley II follows the title character as he rediscovers relationships with his mother, his wife and his community after a long absence. Examining legacy, destiny, and free will, Wilson uses family ties (and long kept secrets) to ask what most defines us: the blood we share, or the blood we spill? August Wilson is one of the 20th century’s greatest American playwrights, and King Hedley II represents Theatreworks’ fifth production in his 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle. This production will be directed by local artist and longtime Theatreworks collaborator Marisa Hébert.
Taming of the Shrew
July 6 – Sept. 14
Theatreworks closes the season with its beloved tradition of outdoor summer Shakespeare with Taming of the Shrew. But there’s a twist. This show reverses traditional hierarchies to breathe new life into the Shrew you thought you knew. Will Shakespeare’s original battle of wills will be staged in a matriarchal society. Kate and Petruchio, equals in intellect, impudence and perhaps even infatuation learn to balance identity and belonging, with plenty of sniping, head-butting and comic brilliance along the way.
Also keep an eye out for more information on the return of Theatreworks’ free touring Shakespeare production with Free-For-All: Pericles.
For more info and tickets:
719-255-8181
Fine Arts Center Theatre Company
The professional company of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College offers a broad, experimental schedule that spans comedy to concerts, classic titles, new works and a Tony award-winning Broadway musical. “This season, we are rebuilding and reimagining,” said Pirronne Yousefzadeh, producing artistic director. “Our ’22–23 programming is born of a spirit of abundance and the foundational principle that every one of us deserves to feel seen, heard and represented in the stories we tell onstage.”
Songs from the Border
Nov. 3-6
Last season, Satya Chávez put on a powerful one-person production of Where Did We Sit on the Bus? This year, its writer Brian Quijada will join Satya Chávez for Songs from the Border. This limited run concert features original music about immigration, identity and where we belong.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Dec. 1-23
The beloved American holiday classic come to life on stage as a captivating 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of a virtuosic, tight-knit ensemble that embodies a few dozen characters and live foley artistry, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. This holiday story of hope, faith and the power of community is directed by Marisa D. Hebert.
In the Heights
March 2 – April 2
The uptown Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights is on the cusp of change. Usnavi, a young storeowner, witnesses the joys and heartbreaks of his tight-knit community as they pass through his corner bodega. Together, they face difficult choices, the possibility of love and the depth of loss in this vibrant Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of Hamilton. Pirronne Yousefzadeh directs.
Where We Belong
By the Washington, D.C., based Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Association with Folger Shakespeare Library
April 13-23
In 2015, a Mohegan theatre-maker moves to England to pursue a Ph.D. in Shakespeare, grappling with the question of what it means to remain or leave as the Brexit vote threatens to disengage the UK from the wider world. In this autobiographical account by Madeline Sayet, or Achokayis in the Mohegan language, the writer explores moving between nations that have failed to reckon with their ongoing roles in colonialism — and finds comfort in the journeys of their Native ancestors who had to cross the ocean in the 1700s to help their people. In this intimate and exhilarating solo piece directed by Mei Ann Teo, Sayet asks us what it means to belong in an increasingly globalized world.
For more info and tickets:
fac.coloradocollege.edu/theatre
719-634-5583
Pikes Peak Center
There’s no shortage of touring musicals and live stage productions at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, including a Broadway of the Pikes Peak Center series. Plus you can find many more comedy performances and concerts at pikespeakcenter.com.
Cocomelon Live! JJ’s Journey
Oct. 13
JJ and his family are putting on a show, and JJ needs some help to write his own song. In an unforgettable live stage show experience, JJ learns that with a little help from your family and friends, you can make your dreams come true.
Menopause, the Musical
Oct. 14
The hilarious celebration of women and The Change. Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale and form a unique and comedic bond.
Blue’s Clues and You! Live On Stage
Nov. 18
Josh is conjuring up a magical theater show, but he needs your help! Kids and families will fall in love with theater as they solve Blue’s Clues to find out what Josh needs to make a show. With Broadway-style song and dance, this production pulls out all the stops.
Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza
Nov. 30
Dress up and join this immersive, interactive concert experience that includes singing, dancing, acrobatics and 3D special effects. The all-new show features the first live stage appearance of characters from Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends in addition to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Alice from Disney Junior’s hit series Alice’s Wonderland Bakery.
Chicago
Jan. 13-14, 2023
After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Jan. 17, 2023
An electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin.
Tootsie
Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2023
This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.
Anastasia
April 17-19, 2023
From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.
My Fair Lady
May 23-25, 2023
From Lincoln Center Theater comes what Entertainment Weekly called “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time,” Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady.
For more info and tickets:
719-477-2121
Millibo Art Theatre
The eclectic local theater in Ivywild is celebrating its 20th season with its signature wide variety of shows. From kids to cabaret, silly to poignant, improv to musical, the Millibo consistently keeps things original with local productions and touring highlights.
RiP, the Finest in Improv Comedy
Oct. 1
No two shows are ever the same. The RiP improv troupe has created unscripted laughs together for over 13 years and present short-form, long-form, and musical improvisational comedy that is sure to have you laughing until you cry.
Red Nose Day
Oct. 8
This free family fun day includes an outdoor bubble play area, games, juggling, refreshments, workshops, a kids concert with Eric West and a show with resident clown Art Guffaw.
Stand Up Comedy Special with Laugh Lines
Oct. 8th
Stand-up comedy showcasing comedians from all around the state of Colorado. This month’s headliner is Kallan Reece, aka RealMulletKid.
VOTE!
Oct. 20-30
An evening of new performances inspired by the theme “vote.”
Kids First Halloween Circus
Oct. 29-30
Magical fun for all ages.
Aerial Arts Student Showcase
Nov. 4-5
Mom Before Dad
Nov. 17- 20
Direct from New York, cabaret artist Sarah Boon and eight musicians and singers present a memory-filled musical show that hails the greatest generation through the diary entries, letters and moments of Sarah’s favorite greatest-generation heroine. A daughter’s love letter to her remarkable mother captures the era when ordinary people achieved the extraordinary, believed in the right thing to do and exchanged goodbyes with “We’ll Meet Again.”
The RiP Improv
Dec. 3.
Kids First: A Tale of Holiday Magic
Dec. 9-24
Yule Be Naughty, Yes!
Dec. 15-18
Irreverent fun in the annual holiday cabaret.
Big Bubble Circus with Special Guests
Dec. 31
Bill Bowers, Mime and Storyteller Extra-ordinaire
Jan. 19-22
RiP Improv
Feb. 4
Kids First: Puppets on the Loose
Feb. 4-5
Picasso at Lapin Agile, a Play by Steve Martin
Feb. 8-26
Sugar Sugar: Babette’s Sweet Little Cabaret
Feb. 10-19
Babette and her cast of outstanding performers invite you to Millibo’s Sweethearts Café for a night of music, comedy, circus and delectable mischief.
The RIP Improv
March 4
Kids First: Lemonade from Lemons
March 4-5
WTF: Women’s Theatre Festival Returns
March 9-19
Women throughout Colorado bring their new, original work to the Millibo for two weekends. Expect original short plays, poetry, puppetry, circus, film and dance in this platform for women’s voices, their truths and their stories. Read more in Women’s Theatre Festival: Plays From Her Perspective.
The RiP Improv
April 1
Gods, Guns and Pancakes with Jim Jackson
April 13-23
Incredible Circus Millibo
May 12-21
For more info and tickets:
719-465-6321
Springs Ensemble Theatre (SET)
Feel like you’re onstage in this small black box theater.
Hand to God by Robert Askins
Sept. 29 – Oct. 16
Holly Jolly Holy Sh!t by Kate Hertz
Dec. 1-18
The Burn by Phil Dawkins
Feb. 9-26
Staged Reading: Midge and the Butcher by Quinn Smola
March 31
The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley
June 8-25
For more info and tickets:
719-357-3080
Funky Little Theater Co.
Bridging the gap between professional and community theater, the Funky Little Theater is taking performance beyond the stage.
The Play Crawl
Oct. 11 Woodland Park
Oct. 12 Old Colorado City
It’s like a pub crawl but with play performances instead of beer. Move from small business to small business in Old Colorado City and Woodland Park and enjoy 10 mini-plays. Each play is about 4 minutes long and written by Colorado playwrights.
Watch for a touring holiday show to be announced.
For more info and tickets:
719-471-4462
Counterweight Theatre
Intimate, honest, productions in a micro-theater setting.
The Night Ocean
Jan. 13-29
A man returns to the community he grew up in to execute his mother’s estate. While reconnecting with old friends, learning more about his father’s bizarre religious beliefs, and wrestling with his complicated feelings about coming home, he finds a web of disappearances and murders that hint at a secret that could destroy much more than one isolated seaside town.
For more info and tickets:
719-445-8302
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Where to Find Live Theater in Colorado Springs
