TicketSmarter Announces Spotlights and Showstoppers

Spotlights and Showstoppers: UNC's Guide to Must-See Musicals and Comedy Shows
Get ready to immerse yourself in a spectacular array of arts, theater, and comedy taking place around the University of Northern Colorado. This guide aims to help you navigate the eclectic blend of live shows, legendary musicals, and side-splitting comedy acts hitting local venues over the coming months.

The Phantom of the Opera Tickets

: Premiering in London's West End in 1986 under the helm of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Phantom of the Opera took the world by storm with its haunting melodies.
Notable Performers: Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford were the original stars, bringing life to Christine and the Phantom.
: This show snagged seven Tony Awards on Broadway, including Best Musical, showcasing its breathtaking set design and unforgettable score.
Unique Fact: The iconic chandelier drop scene remains one of the most dramatic stage spectacles in modern musical theater.

Taylor Tomlinson Tickets

Taylor Tomlinson has swiftly become one of the most talked-about comedians of her generation, renowned for her candid commentary on navigating adulthood. After making waves with her Netflix special Quarter-Life Crisis in 2020 and following up with Look At You in 2022, she's garnered acclaim for her ability to transform personal anecdotes into universal hilarity. Raised in California, Tomlinson first stepped onto a comedy club stage as a teenager, honing her craft with wit well beyond her years.

Hadestown Tickets

Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown began life as a folk-opera concept album before blooming into a mesmerizing stage production. It officially opened on Broadway in 2019 and swiftly earned eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, thanks to its enthralling retelling of the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice. In Hadestown, moody jazz elements blend with stirring folk melodies, providing a distinctive musical landscape unlike any other Broadway show. One particularly striking element is its intimate set design, which envisions the underworld as an industrial dystopia. Four or five sentences barely scratch the surface of this musical's brilliance, so be sure to experience it for yourself.

Hamilton Tickets

Debut and Influence: This groundbreaking musical hit off-Broadway in 2015 before transferring to Broadway, rapidly morphing into a cultural juggernaut.
: Lin-Manuel Miranda penned the show after reading a biography of Alexander Hamilton, revolutionizing how history could be told through hip-hop and R&B.
: The production amassed 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, underscoring its innovative approach to storytelling.
Notable Performers: Original cast members included Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and Daveed Diggs, each making a name for themselves beyond the show's success.

Matt Rife Tickets

Matt Rife's ascent in the comedy world has been marked by viral stand-up clips that showcase his rapid-fire banter and playful crowd interactions. Growing up in small-town Ohio, he discovered his knack for humor early on, eventually performing in various clubs and snagging TV appearances. Among his notable recent specials, he's gained attention on social media platforms where his comedic riffs on relationships, social norms, and day-to-day struggles have captured a huge following. Critics praise Rife's genuine, off-the-cuff style as he draws heavily from real-life scenarios.

The Lion King Tickets

Debuted on Broadway in 1997, featuring elaborate puppetry and costumes that reimagined the beloved Disney classic for the stage.
The music by Elton John and Tim Rice complements the African rhythms, immersing audiences in the heartbeat of the Savannah.
Directed by Julie Taymor, it was among the first Broadway musicals to feature innovative staging inspired by global theater traditions.
Garnered six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, celebrating its breathtaking visuals and timeless story of the circle of life.

Mean Girls Tickets

Drawing inspiration from Tina Fey's cult-classic 2004 film, Mean Girls opened on Broadway in 2018, following a pre-Broadway run in Washington, D.C. This musical version weaves comedic genius with high-energy choreography, bringing the quirky personalities of North Shore High to center stage. The original cast featured Broadway talents like Erika Henningsen, Barrett Wilbert Weed, and Taylor Louderman, who brought new dimensions to their iconic characters. Fans love its updated references to modern teen life, giving the show a fresh, relevant spin.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets

Originally opening in London's West End in 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child received nine Olivier Awards, marking a historic sweep for a stage play. The narrative picks up where J.K. Rowling's book series ends, diving into the complexities of adult life for Harry, Hermione, Ron, and their offspring. The production is often praised for its extraordinary illusions and stagecraft, giving audiences the sensation that real magic is unfolding before their eyes. Notably, the show's two-part format was eventually streamlined for shorter run times, making it more accessible for fans to see in one day.

Gabriel Iglesias Tickets

Affectionately known as "Fluffy," Gabriel Iglesias has enjoyed widespread popularity for his playful, clean comedic style mixed with voice effects and storytelling. He gained national exposure through specials like I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy in 2009 and later in Aloha Fluffy, both of which showcased his gift for turning everyday scenarios into riotous skits. Born in California, Iglesias discovered early on that using humor was his personal superpower to tackle life's hurdles. His sets often revolve around relatable topics: family relationships, food, and cultural anecdotes.

Hairspray Tickets

Broadway Debut: Hairspray first danced onto Broadway in 2002, based on the 1988 John Waters film.
Notable Performers: Harvey Fierstein's portrayal of Edna Turnblad remains iconic, while Marissa Jaret Winokur garnered a Tony for her role as Tracy.
Awards and Accolades: The show scooped up eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, praising its upbeat tunes and social commentary on racial integration.
Fun Fact: Set in 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray adds a buoyant layer of comedy to important themes, making every performance both entertaining and poignant.

Moulin Rouge Tickets

Inspired by Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, Moulin Rouge the musical opened on Broadway in 2019 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Lavishly staged, it weaves a medley of contemporary and classic pop tunes, transporting spectators to an extravagant Parisian nightclub at the turn of the century. With eye-popping costumes and elaborate dance numbers, each scene bursts with color and spectacle, echoing the film's playful spirit. This production was honored with 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, further cementing its flamboyant reputation.

Ain't Too Proud Tickets

Ain't Too Proud chronicles the remarkable story of The Temptations, one of Motown's most successful vocal groups. Opening on Broadway in 2019, the musical draws you in with its soulful hits like "My Girl" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." The original cast featured Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, and Jawan M. Jackson, each embodying a member of this legendary ensemble. In addition to earning a Tony for Best Choreography, the show celebrates the group's obstacles and triumphs, offering a deep dive into their journey through fame, friendships, and heartbreak.

Nate Bargatze Tickets

Nate Bargatze, known as the "Tennessee Kid," is celebrated for his laid-back demeanor and clean comedic approach. Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, he often integrates Southern charm into stories about everyday life, family, and personal quirks. His Netflix specials, including The Tennessee Kid (2019) and The Greatest Average American (2021), showcase his ability to make the mundane feel refreshingly humorous. Critics and fans alike praise Bargatze for his unassuming stage presence and the genuine warmth that accompanies his sets.

Six the Musical Tickets

: Six emerged from the minds of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017.
Historical Angle: The show reimagines the wives of King Henry VIII as pop stars, each delivering a powerhouse number detailing her side of history.
: After moving to Broadway, Six garnered multiple Tony nominations and ultimately won for Best Original Score in 2022.
Unique Twist: The dynamic blend of modern pop melodies and Renaissance references sets it apart from traditional musicals, delighting audiences with every catchy tune.

Wicked Tickets

Taking flight in 2003, Wicked delves into the backstory of the witches from L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz. It was penned by composer Stephen Schwartz and writer Winnie Holzman, inspired by Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The original Broadway production was anchored by powerhouse performers Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda), whose vocal chemistry helped it become one of Broadway's top earners. The show, which won multiple Tony Awards, dazzles with gravity-defying special effects and thought-provoking themes of friendship, identity, and destiny.

Local Theaters Around Greeley, Colo.

Wondering where to catch these phenomenal shows and comedic acts? Greenly boasts a range of venues for live entertainment, including campus theaters at UNC and a few spots in the broader community.

Union Colony Civic Center is beloved for its spacious auditorium, top-quality acoustics, and program diversity. A downtown venue hosting a variety of musicals, comedians, and community theater events.
The Moxi Theater doubles as a local music haven and an experimental space for comedy open-mics and smaller-scale performances. Known for live music acts, but occasionally hosts smaller stage plays and comedy nights.
Norton Theatre often spotlights student talent, making it a cozy way to see fresh faces in the performing arts. Found on campus, ideal for student showcases and select touring productions.

Wrapping Up the Excitement

Now's the perfect time to gather friends, family, or classmates and embark on a season of unforgettable live entertainment that will captivate your senses and spark spirited conversation. And remember, if you're looking to snag a great deal, be sure to use promo code "BEARS5" through TicketSmarter for a special discount.