A Night At Denver's Edge Theater

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 25, 2014 7:00 am EST

(credit: The Edge Theater Company)

When it comes to theater in the Denver area, there is a lot to enjoy. As the premier theater complex in the state, The Denver Center Performing Arts Complex is home to seven different theaters, the Denver Center Theatre Company and Denver Center Attractions, which bring in huge Broadway touring companies. However, there are so many smaller theaters found scattered all over the Denver Metro area, offering inexpensive shows and very high-quality entertainment. In many cases, a show at one of these smaller theaters is less than the cost of a movie and you get the wonderful opportunity to see these incredible artists in an intimate setting, while supporting many local talents. One of these great little artistic gems is The Edge Theater in Lakewood.

The Edge Theater Company
1560 Teller Street
Lakewood, CO 80214
(303) 232-0363
www.theedgetheater.com

The Edge Theater Company was established in 2011 with the promise of bringing risky, edgy material to the stage. This company has certainly lived up to that promise with more than 23 different staged works already, including an annual festival celebrating local playwrights and original work. The theater originally took up shop in the former home of The E Project Theatre at Colfax and Kipling but has since moved into a larger space just down the street on Teller Street. Most recently, The Edge has been recognized with six Henry Award nominations, the premier award for theater in Colorado. The six nominations include Best Season for a Company as well as recognition for the many talented men and women that have worked on specific shows over the past year. If you haven't taken the time to check out The Edge, there is a lot to see at this lovely space in Lakewood.

What To See

The remainder of the 2014 season includes several fascinating and exciting productions. Opening August 29 is "A Steady Rain" by Keith Huff, a story about two policemen who struggle with a deadly error in judgment. Following that is the well-known "Buried Child" by Sam Shepard, opening October 17. "Buried Child" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about an American family with a very dark secret, by one of America's most iconic playwrights. And lastly, December brings "The Familiars" by Ellen K. Graham for an original Edge production about family traditions during the holidays.

Getting There

With such a central location, The Edge is very easy to find. It's located just off West Colfax at Teller Street in Lakewood, just minutes from downtown Denver. You can easily access the company via the Colfax exit at I-25. Then head west to Teller Street, make a right and you will see the building on your right. There is also plenty of free parking in the attached lot, so you won't have to factor in parking fees for your visit to The Edge. Arrive a little early and you can enjoy a drink or peruse the art in the lobby before the show.

Dinner Before The Show

Of course, you'll want to grab a bite to eat before the show, and Lakewood has several wonderful dining options that are very close to the theater. For a light, fresh bite, try Kazoku Sushi on Colfax, just a few blocks from the theater. You'll find lots of great rolls and sashimi options, plus some of the best miso soup in town. Or check out the Saffron Grill just down Kipling near 9^th for some delicious Greek and Mediterranean options in a converted gas station. Or visit Dino's Italian Food at Colfax and Kipling for one of the oldest and most established Italian restaurants in town. Of course, you are very close to both Downtown Denver and the Belmar area, so there are many fantastic options for a delicious dinner before the show.

Drinks After The Show

Once you've enjoyed a great play at The Edge, you'll want to grab a drink with your friends to discuss the great entertainment you've just seen. The Edge's proximity to downtown Denver makes a trip to just about any bar in the area very easy, or you can hop into one of the many smaller bars in the area for a laid-back environment and some inexpensive drinks. Check out The Dive Bar on Colfax for great drinks and its delicious spin on classic bar food. You may even catch a karaoke night, or you can play a game of pool or just take a seat and discuss all of the interesting plot points and talent you just enjoyed at The Edge Theater.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.