Live & Local: Ballyhoo Denver Lights Up the Highlands with Performance and Community Connection
On the corner of Tejon and W 33rd, Ballyhoo Denver has officially put down its roots. Julia Tobey, a Colorado native and passionate theatrical producer, director, and performer, founded Give 5 Productions and now Ballyhoo. “I've been nomadic, meaning I have rented venues or venues have hired me to produce in their space. So to have our own little playground, it is truly a dream come true.” I got the opportunity to sit with Julia Tobey after opening night of their first production in their new home and learned more about this transformative venue in the Highland neighborhood.
Ballyhoo is a third space, outside of one’s home or work, meant for human connection and live storytelling with a mission to combat the ongoing loneliness epidemic. With 60% of adults in our country feeling lonely, and a higher risk for LGBTQ+ individuals due to the discrimination and stigma they may face from society or even among family members, Ballyhoo wants to fill the hearts of our community with joy, as joy too is an act of resistance. “We are a very queer-forward space. We are bipoc-forward space. We want to create this space that just truly feels safe to everyone and anyone who wants to come in, whether it's just to grab a latte, our café's open seven days a week, or to come to one of our shows (or) drag brunches. We're literally doing crafting and storytelling nights soon, so somebody can learn how to crochet and then also hear a story just from a local community member. So yes, joy, joy, joy, that is our number one goal.”
Upon entering, the café greets you with coffee, drinks, and light bites while a set of double doors leads you to a beautiful theater space aimed at uplifting LGBTQIA+ stories around Denver through performance. Drag, theater, cabaret, music, comedy, and more will grace the stage while art will hang on its walls through rotating exhibitions, the latest curated in partnership with the BRDG Project which occupied the space before Ballyhoo. From the street, giant glass garage doors give you a welcoming view inside Ballyhoo. “Brett Matarazzo of BRDG Project, when he first showed me the physical space, he talked about the glass garage doors. Western facing, southern facing, we have these glass garage doors that in fair weather we open, and he said, 'This is how we teach people they need art, which was so powerful to me.'”
Their very first production at 3300 Tejon St was brought back by popular demand. Hedwig and the Angry Inch, now in its final week, is a moving exploration of identity, love, and pain starring Clark Destin Jones as Hedwig, an eclectic and electric glam punk-rock star. Through her eyes and music, she shares her story through comedy, memories, and songs backed by her band the Angry Inch. The show covers many potentially triggering themes, making it more suitable for mature audiences, but through it all, she brings you along on her journey with an authentic and unapologetic transparency.
As we collectively witness her transformation by the end of the show, it is undeniable that she is a survivor. Director Kelly Van Oosbree acknowledges in her program note that “Survival, especially for queer and trans communities today, is a form of resistance” and says this production was brought back to the Ballyhoo stage to “remind every audience member that there is strength in vulnerability, beauty in imperfection, and liberation in finding your own voice.” Next summer, Ballyhoo welcomes the 30th anniversary of the musical RENT to their stage directed by Rodney Hicks, an original cast member from the 1996 Broadway production.
Stay connected to upcoming events and productions via their website, Ballyhoo Denver.
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