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Some may look to the East and West coasts for the U.S.’s best opera, theater, classical music and ballet — but aficionados know that Denver is home to a performing arts scene to rival any other city. Explore the best upcoming performing arts events in Denver.
WHEN: Thru April 5, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
"The Phantom of the Opera" is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.
WHEN: Thru May 10, 2026
WHERE: Garner Galleria Theatre
This Bram-new comedy is one you can really sink your teeth into. Filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references, it’s a 90-minute, gender-bending, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic, perfect for audiences of all blood types.
WHEN: Thru May 10, 2026
WHERE: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Arvada
Based on an extraordinary true story, "Come From Away" chronicles how the isolated town of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. Filled with traditional Irish folk music and stirring musical ballads all performed by an onstage band, this breathtaking musical is a true celebration of hope, humanity and unity.
WHEN: April 3–May 3, 2026
WHERE: Wolf Theatre
Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, "Next to Normal" deploys wry humor and brutal honesty to explore how a family navigates their darkest hours—and finds the path to new beginnings. On the surface, Diana has it all: a house in the suburbs, a successful architect husband and two sharp-witted teens. But beneath this perfect facade is a nuclear family on the verge of exploding, doing everything they can to make it through another day in one piece. Propelled by an unforgettable pop-rock score, this is an honest and unflinching ride through the complexities of mental health and unconditional love.
WHEN: April 14–26, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you’ve never felt before – "Hell's Kitchen," a new musical from 17-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose new songs and greatest hits about growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway. Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who opens her heart and mind to the power of the piano. Set to the rhythm of the 90s, "Hell's Kitchen" is a love story between a mother and daughter. It’s about finding yourself, your purpose and the community that lifts you. Come remember where dreams begin.
WHEN: April 17–May 31, 2026
WHERE: Singleton Theatre
“English Only.” This one rule governs language instructor Marjan’s classroom, where she teaches four adult students outside of Tehran. Together, they leapfrog through a linguistic playground, chasing fluency through a maze of word games, listening exercises and show-and-tell sessions. They hope that one day English will make them whole. But it might be splitting each of them in half. Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning English is a disarmingly funny and tender play about the foibles of language and miscommunication. Make sure you’re marked as “present” for a work Variety calls “undeniably one of the best plays of the decade.”
WHEN: May 1–31, 2026
WHERE: The Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Theatre
From the Tony Award-winning writer of "The Inheritance and The Legend of Georgia McBride" comes a music-and-dance-filled portrait of a tight-knit Puerto Rican family striving to make it in show business. It’s 1959, "West Side Story" is a Broadway sensation, and the Candelarias’ small Manhattan apartment is filled with big love and plenty of talent. With news of a film version of the hit musical in the works, it seems that the family’s dreams of the spotlight might finally come true. But a sudden notice announcing a neighborhood-wide eviction threatens to destroy their home and the passions that have sustained their American Dream.
WHEN: May 2, 5, 7, 8 & 10, 2026
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
"Madama Butterfly" makes its highly anticipated return to Opera Colorado, bringing Puccini’s emotionally charged masterpiece to the stage. This iconic opera tells the story of Cio-Cio San, a young Japanese geisha whose unwavering devotion to an American naval officer leads to devastating heartbreak. With its lush, soaring melodies and timeless themes of love and betrayal, "Madama Butterfly" remains one of opera’s most moving works.
WHEN: May 5–10, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
"Hadestown" intertwines two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, "Hadestown" is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
WHEN: May 7, 2026
WHERE: Newman Center for the Performing Arts
For more than three decades, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has dazzled audiences across the globe. He has recorded over 50 albums and earned a reputation as one of today’s most extraordinary pianists. In a rare recital appearance, Thibaudet brings his signature color and refinement to Debussy’s complete Préludes, Books 1 and 2—an immersive journey through shimmering impressionistic landscapes and evocative musical poetry.
WHEN: May 7, 2026
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Colorado Symphony presents a collaboration with Denver's Clyfford Still Museum featuring contemporary works and the premiere of a specially commissioned piece.
WHEN: May 7–17, 2026
WHERE: Wonderbound
This original Garrett Ammon creation will plunge you into a world of lavish temptation and audacious encounters of the roaring 20s. But indulgence and excess carry consequences. Featuring live music by the brilliant Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra as they reimage the music of George Gershwin and other celebrated composers of the era.
WHEN: May 8–June 7, 2026
WHERE: Town Hall Arts Center, Littleton
This hilarious musical is part felt, part flesh and all heart! Follow Princeton, a recent college graduate (and a puppet), as he navigates love, work, and purpose in a quirky New York neighborhood filled with colorful characters. Oddly hopeful, think of this show as a sort of “R-rated” Sesame Street for the stage. With clever songs and playful moments aplenty, this fan favorite tackles life’s messy bits in a way that is funny, relatable, and delightfully naughty. And fun fact: in 2004, "Avenue Q" beat out "Wicked" to win the Tony Award for Best Musical, reminding underdogs everywhere never to lose heart! Because for better or worse … everything in life is only for now.
WHEN: May 9, 2026
WHERE: Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Join in the joy for the spring performance by the Lamont Baroque Orchestra! This ensemble focuses on the dramatic and expressive world of European music from the 17th and 18th centuries.
WHEN: May 13–17, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Back by overwhelming demand, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical "MJ" is making a victorious return to Denver. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, "MJ" goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying sold-out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, London’s West End and Hamburg, Germany once again.
WHEN: May 22–24, 2026
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
See the classic movie while the Colorado Symphony performs John Williams' legendary score live.
WHEN: May 30–June 21, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Broadway’s spellbinding spectacular is coming to Denver. Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world like never before at this record-breaking hit and winner of six Tony Awards, including best play.
WHEN: July 29–Aug. 2, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
This vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss.”
WHEN: Aug. 11–23, 2026
WHERE: Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Based on the classic film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," this dramatic live version features flying cows, killer rabbits and tons of international humor.
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