Theatreworks summer productions have been a staple of the Colorado Springs arts landscape for decades. This year’s offering, “Emperor of the Moon” by Aphra Behn, brings audiences all the fast-paced, kooky humor we love from a playwright who may be new to them—even if her work has been around for over 300 years! With local favorites Sammie Joe Kinnett, Michael Augenstein, and more returning to the Theatreworks stage against the undeniable majesty of Pikes Peak audiences can expect a side-splitting evening of theatre celebrating the best Colorado Springs has to offer.
With the first performance on Thursday, July 11, “Emperor of the Moon” offers mountain views, stunning costumes, a touch of improvisation, and plenty of laughs. When the eccentric Doctor Baliardo grows convinced of an advanced society on the moon, he insists that his daughters accept no earthly suitors and instead hold out for— you guessed it—moon-men. In the time-honored tradition of young lovers, the daughters do what any of us would: recruit some bumbling servants, dress up as interstellar emissaries, and set out to con their way into Baliardo’s blessing! Full of shenanigans and devoid of redeeming social value, “Emperor of the Moon” rounds out the season with joy and hilarity—and song!
Theatreworks’ production features several returning faces, including Sammie Joe Kinnett (“Lumberjacks in Love,” “Witch”), Emma Maxfield (“Lumberjacks in Love”), Sierra Tune (“Othello”), Dante Finley (“Twelfth Night”), and Michael Augenstein (“Wild Honey,” “Born Yesterday”), alongside new-to-Theatreworks Christian Ray Robinson, and Will Choy Edelson. The production is helmed by frequent Theatreworks collaborator Kathryn Walsh, who last directed “Little Women” for the company.
“I am so excited to be back on the lawn at the Ent Center to stage another hilarious romp while enjoying the view of the sunset over Pikes Peak! Aphra Behn was a poet and a spy and very daring for her time — I can’t wait for people to experience how funny and imaginative her work is…I love doing plays from long ago and finding all the fun, and silly, and ridiculous ways that they’re still connected to our lives, and still entertaining to us now…Anybody who likes hijinks, physical comedy…and fun ridiculous plots that turn and turn and turn on themselves will enjoy this show,” shares Director Walsh.
Despite a script written centuries ago, this production strikes a modern note. With over-the-top costuming inspired by silent films and commedia dell’arte, and a stellar company of comedic actors set free on a farcical storyline, the show feels light, fun, and modern. Local sound designer and composer Jeremiah Walter will play live accompaniment and songs throughout the performance. “Emperor of the Moon” uplifts the best of the (ridiculous) original story and layers it with a modern sense of humor and timing.
The creative team includes Pheobe Boynton (costumes), Josh Hemmo (lighting), Jeremiah Walter (sound design/composition), Chelsea Boucher (scenic/props design), Garth Moritz (stage manager), and Skylar Campbell (assistant stage manager).
Tickets to “Emperor of the Moon” can be purchased online at entcenterforthearts.org or by phone at 719-255-8181. Performances begin Thursday, July 11, and continue through Sunday, August 4. UCCS students are always free. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday; Fridays indoors for those of us who prefer air-conditioning. Check the “Emperor of the Moon” webpage and your Know-Before-You-Go email for details on speaking engagements.
Just the Facts:
“Emperor of the Moon” runs at the Ent Center for the Arts Wednesday-Sunday at 7:30p from July 11 to August 4; Fridays indoors. Tickets are available now at entcenterforthearts.org or by calling 719-255-8181. Free for UCCS students.Discounts available for military, UCCS faculty, and groups of 10 or more. See website for details.
About Theatreworks Colorado Springs
Theatreworks Colorado Springs connects, empowers, and delights our communities through diverse performances and educational experiences that are mirrors for ourselves and windows into others. We create in service to our audiences, our staff and artists, the UCCS students and community, and the people of Southern Colorado to envision a better world. Founded in 1975 by artistic director Murray Ross, costume designer Betty Ross, and an ensemble of passionate artists, today the program is led by artistic director, Caitlin Lowans, who was appointed in 2018 – the same year the Ent Center of the Arts opened its doors to the community. Caitlin brings a passion for community-engaged work that celebrates the diversity of human experience.entcenterforthearts.org/theatreworks
About the Ent Center for the Arts
This first-class arts facility, located on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus serves the community as a hub for the arts and an inspiration in academics. The vision for the facility was and is to foster a creative environment to house arts that will serve the Pikes Peak region, allowing artists to inspire and amplify one another rather than compete against one another. Art brings together diverse peoples and ideas in ways no other discipline can, and the Ent Center will be a pillar of the arts community within Colorado Springs.entcenterforthearts.org