Garner Galleria Theatre Has Been Very Successful

DENVER (CBS4) - Twenty years ago the Garner Galleria Theatre opened with its production of "Forever Plaid."

In those years it has seen 23 shows on its stage.

CBS4 Critic at Large Greg Moody took a look at just how successful.

"The Garner Galleria only has 211 seats. Over the years it has featured 6,361 productions of 23 shows. It has also been outrageously successful. For the Denver Center this has been the little theater that could," Moody said.

It sits quietly across from the Ellie Caulkins Opera House packed in under the parking lot. Inside it's tight and cozy and not much bigger than a standard cabaret.

"Forever Plaid" opened the place in April, 1992 and came back for more. Other shows that held the stage included the "World Goes Round," featuring the music of Kander and Ebb, followed by the music of the 1940s with "Swingtime Canteen."

"Overall, actually for the size of the venue and the time that we've been here, I'd say that it's been the Little Engine that Could," said Randy Weeks, president of Denver Center Attractions.

Weeks produced his first show at the Garner and it's special to him as well.

Best of all, it has been a prodigious moneymaker for the Denver Center. With only 211 seats -- over 20 years and 23 shows -- the theater has grossed more than $27 million. Not bad for a little theater that could.

On stage now is the return of one of the most popular shows in Garner Galleria history -- "I Love You, You're Perfect. Now change." It was in Denver for years before but that won't happen this time. It's got a set closing date, so buy tickets early and often to the delightful show.

Call (303) 893-4100 for tickets and information.

LINK: Denver Center for the Performing Arts

- Greg Moody is CBS4's Critic At Large. His reports on CBS4 News are featured on the CBSDenver.com Entertainment section.

- Also, don't miss Moody's entertaining bio, his Top Spots in Denver lists, and his frequently updated Moody's Picks page.