It’s almost showtime: Theatre Aspen

This spring, friends Amanda Hirsh and Erica Simpson of Aspen hosted a special reception for patrons of Theatre Aspen at the home of Amanda and her husband, Bret Hirsh. Both women serve as co-chairs for Theatre Aspen Next (or TA Next), a newly formed committee designed to bring the next generation of supporters of this beloved cultural institution into the fold.

Guests socialized and connected over their shared passion for the performing arts before gathering to hear from the hosts about the profound community impact of Theatre Aspen’s work.

A highlight of the evening was the discussion of Theatre Aspen’s vital education initiative downvalley in Parachute. Because local public schools operate on a limited four-day week, Theatre Aspen steps in on the fifth day to provide a full day of programming. This includes robust theatre education, childcare, lunch, and transportation, serving as an essential support system for working families while rounding out a comprehensive arts education for the students.

Theatre Aspen’s Director of Development, Amiee Turner, shared exciting details for the upcoming summer season at the Hurst Theatre Tent, located at 470 Rio Grande Place. The diverse three-show mainstage lineup includes Sylvia, which opens the season on June 17 and runs from June 15 through June 27. The show is a smart, sophisticated, and funny comedy about a marriage, a midlife crisis, and a stray dog, proving to be a touching production. A Chorus Line follows on July 7, running from July 3 through July 25. This Broadway classic captures the ambition and emotional stories of ensemble dancers. Grease (my personal favorite with memories from first seeing the film in the cinema in the late 70s) closes the season on August 1, running from July 31 through August 29, bringing nostalgic romance and energetic choreography to the stage.

Layered on top of this are two highly anticipated summer traditions. Guys and Dolls in Concert will take place on July 13 and July 14, marking the spectacular annual collaboration with the Aspen Music Festival and School at the Klein Music Tent. Additionally, the Summer Cabaret Series returns on June 28, July 19, and August 16, featuring world-class brunch and dinner performances hosted at the Hotel Jerome.

Reflecting on the lineup, Simpson noted after the reception that while the main stage and the kids’ shows are essential to a full summer, she has a quiet soft spot for Storytime. This free Tuesday-morning program for children ages two to five regularly draws as many as a hundred little ones each week.

Tailored for young professionals, creators, and theatre lovers aged 21 to 45, TA Next was created for individuals who want to do more than simply buy a ticket. The committee’s mission is to infuse new creativity, generosity, and energy into the organization, acting as ambassadors to sustain Theatre Aspen for decades to come. Members will host vibrant events aimed at bringing a younger audience to the Hurst Tent while raising critical funds for both mainstage productions and educational programming. Annual commitments are structured around two tax-deductible tiers at a thousand dollars and fifteen hundred dollars. Benefits are tailored for active locals with ticket discounts, upgrades to Opening Night pre-show receptions, and complimentary companion tickets to the Summer Cabaret Series at the Hotel Jerome.

Summer theatregoers should be forewarned that anticipation is already exceeding demand with the Locals’ Season Pass now completely sold out. Single tickets for all the summer productions are officially on sale through theatreaspen.org.

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