Pre & Apres Theater Cocktails at Range. Make it a Motown Date.
By Kimberly Lord Stewart
I heard it through the grapevine that Range was serving pre and après-theater cocktails that take a cue from Broadway plays at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. On the opening night of Motown, which runs through this weekend, the cocktail was a twist on the Detroit’s Big Smash cocktail.
Tommy Lloyd, food and beverage director for Renaissance Hotel, worked his magic on a smash hit of spiced rum, raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, and spritzer of lemon-lime soda. It goes down really easy, just like the Supreme’s rendition of Baby Love.
As for the play Motown, it was a walk down Detroit’s memory lane. When you see Berry Gordy, Diana Ross and a young Michael Jackson come to life on the stage, it’s easy to see how this close knit family of talent had such a legendary influence on American music. I dare you to stay still in your seat.
Range has other artistic interpretations planned for future plays. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ( April 22-26) is a sangria refresher of raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, lemon juice, pink lemonade, Limoncello and sparkling wine. To stay with the biblical theme, Try this with the fish and chip fritters. Loaves and fishes never tasted so wonderful with these fried morsels of salt cod brandade dipped in a Great Divide ale batter.
Daddy Warbucks wouldn’t be where he is today (or tomorrow) without his evening cocktail of bitters, lime juice, ginger beer, Oregat and spiced rum. Annie, would likely order the artichoke and kale wood fired flatbread to share with Daddy Warbucks. It’s dressed with pecorino, mozzarella, potato, roasted garlic and lemon olive oil. The play runs from April 29 – May 10.
Later this summer, stop by for a wickedly good summer cocktail called the Brick Road Punch. This spicy potion is both tart, sweet and a little naughty (sound like Elphaba?), with Sweet St. Germain, tart lemon grass and grapefruit and hot chiles.
Wicked is playing from June 3 through July 5th.
Lastly, Book of Mormon’s Elder Price would no doubt ask for another of The Virgin, a mocktail with lemon, sage, and simple syrup, with a splash of soda water. For sinners, ask for a generous jigger of Ketel One Citron. Book of Mormon is in the theater Aug 11-Sept.13.
Denver Center for Performing Arts Remaining 2015 Season at a Glance:
Motown The Musical Buell Theatre March 31-April 19, 2015
Annie Buell Theatre April 29-May 10, 2015
Wicked* Buell Theatre June 3-July 5, 2015
The Book of Mormon* The Ellie Aug 11-Sept 13, 2015
Kimberly Lord Stewart is Colorado-based freelance food writer, who was spent her early childhood at her grandfather’s diner in Detroit listening to Motown hits in the jukebox.
