John Hand Theater is tucked away near 1st and Quebec in the Colorado Free University building. Originally named “Toad Hall,” it was renamed in honor of its founder, John Hand, and presented its first main stage production in October of 2014. The theater is housed in the historic Air Force Base Fire Station, the main stage and backstage areas reside where fire trucks once stood at the ready. Hand procured seats from a defunct movie theater in California, keeping with the historic charm.
“The Hand” is home to two companies, Firehouse Theater Company and Spotlight Theatre Company (you can also follow both companies on Facebook, see below). John Hand Theater produces 8-9 shows a year – there’s something happening nearly every weekend of the year! To buy tickets for one show or a season pass, visit the individual theater company’s website, for Firehouse Theater Company buy here and for Spotlight Theatre Company buy here. The theater seats 85 patrons, creating an intimate setting and ensuring that everyone gets a good seat. Outside there is easy, free parking and inside you can find a small selection of reasonably priced snacks and drinks to enjoy with the show.
Spotlight and Firehouse are semi-professional theater, meaning the actors get a stipend, but still have “day jobs.” For each show, about 50-100 actors from around the Denver metro area audition. For more information about how to audition for a particular show or become active in the larger Denver theater community, visit the Colorado Theatre Guild.
The current production, Enchanted April by Spotlight Theatre Company is a hilarious and moving romantic comedy. The play tells the story of two frustrated London housewives who decide to rent a villa in Italy for a holiday away from their bleak marriages; they recruit two very different English women to share the cost and the experience. There, among the wisteria blossoms and Mediterranean sunshine, all four women bloom again in ways that they, and we, would never expect. For a complete review visit. There are only six performances left (final show on Sat, March 21st @ 7:30 pm), so don’t delay!
Next up in John Hand Theater is, The Lion in Winter by Firehouse Productions, which is a modern day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action – the play examines the inner conflicts of a powerful English family who fight hard over love and power during the Christmas of 1183.
Season passes offer lots of benefits – in addition to better rates on show tickets, there is a free ticket exchange and season pass holders get discounted guest tickets and invitations to special events. Season passes will go on sale soon for the Fall 2015 – Fall 2016 season.
Future Productions for 2015
Firehouse Theater Company
April 4 – May 2, 2015
THE LION IN WINTER
An epic tale of love and intrigue
by James Goldman
Directed by Rick Bernstein
Spotlight Theatre Company
May 16 – June 13, 2015
ROPE
An edge of your seat thriller
by Patrick Hamilton
Directed by Bernie Cardell
Spotlight Theatre Company
June 27 – July 25, 2015
THE FOREIGNER
Non-stop hilarity!
by Larry Shue
Directed by Katie Mangett
Firehouse Theater Company
August 29 – September 26, 2015
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
Tony-award winner for best play
by Christopher Durang
Directed by Steve Tangedal
Spotlight Theatre Company
October 10 – November 7, 2015
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Experience the power of this classic
Adapted by Christopher Sergel, from the novel by Harper Lee
Directed by Bernie Cardell
Firehouse Theater Company
November 20 – December 19
A RING-A-DING CHRISTMAS
A Crooner Holiday Revue
by Jim Landis, Arrangements by Eric Weinstein
Directed by Kelly Van Oosbree