Glenwood Springs, about a half-hour from my mountain home, draws visitors with its fabulous opportunities for hiking (a favorite is Hanging Lake), biking along the recreation path in Glenwood Canyon, the new whitewater kayaking park, the world’s largest hot springs pool and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. But it’s never been known for its evening entertainment. Until now.
The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue brings together some of the most talented performers in the Roaring Fork Valley for song-and-dance routines and silly skits that had me crying I was laughing so hard. Last night the audience guffawed and giggled through nearly two hours of funny, totally original routines, including a current-day riff on “Who’s On First,” a rap about black bears rifling through downtown restaurant dumpsters (relevant to me, with a recent bear-in-my-garage incident), a hilarious tap-dance number about 1930′s movie production “code” (on-screen kisses can last no more than 6 seconds) and many, many more. The audience gets into the act by guessing lines from popular movies. I won a free drink by shouting out “Steel Magnolias!” (She had me at “M’Lynn”).
I was impressed not only at the number of different skits, but also how many quick costume changes occurred and simply how busy the five actors and actresses were (plus the talented pianist who also hopped up on stage a few times). Not only are the five vaudevillians performing, but they also tend bar and wait tables before and during the show. The “pub style” menu (with full bar) features sandwiches, salads and appetizers like chicken wings and quesadillas. No menu item costs more than $9.
And that’s the beauty of the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue — it’s a cheap night out. Ticket prices are only $18 per adult, $15 per child. While some of the routines included, er, some adult references, nothing was too bawdy for my nine-year-old daughter (no foul language at all). She didn’t fully understand some of the jokes but it didn’t really matter. The performers did such a great job of creating exaggerated characters, just watching their body movements and facial expressions was a hoot. For example, a Masterpiece Theatre-like reading of The Beatles’ “I Am the Eggman” lyrics brought down the house. My daughter didn’t know it was a Beatles song, but thought the silly actor was hysterical.
The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue only runs weekends through September, with Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon performances. Organizers are planning a repeat season next summer, but would like to expand the theater year-round. If you’re in the Glenwood Springs area — even vacationing in Aspen (about 50 minutes away) –Â do not miss this top-notch, family-friendly, affordable entertainment. Your funny bone will thank you.
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