Denver lost a major player in the theater community when Robert “Bob” Garner died after a short illness recently in his home. He was 80.
Garner, whose namesake graces the Garner Galleria Theatre, the cabaret-style showroom inside the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, was a pioneer in bringing Broadway touring shows to town as the head of Denver Center Attractions.
He was a fixture on opening night performances for all the major productions that brought their shows here. In addition to theater, Garner was passionate about cruising by sea, which he did frequently with his theater pals.
He was that guy that you wanted to hang out with during a pre-performance cocktail party, dinner or a post-party because he always had the best stories, and wasn’t allergic to a little harmless gossip.
I’ll miss his enthusiasm, energy and that twinkle in his eye when he had something juicy to share. Opening night performances will be missing a big fan.
My eyes adored it
Walk Like a Man (or Woman), and get yourself to the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys,” the Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, now playing through Aug. 11 at the Buell Theatre.
If you are of a certain age (like me), you will be able to sing along to all 35 songs the fab four perform during the musical about the group’s rise and fall from fame.
It’s the story of four Italian-American youths from New Jersey growing up in the 1960s who could have chosen prison over music. But instead, they pushed out hit after hit but not without personal sacrifice.
One of the show’s highlights is back-to-back presentations of “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” The crowd goes wild.
“At that moment the audience has forgotten they’re watching four actors and they root for these four guys as though they really are the Four Seasons in their youth,” Rick Elice, one of the show’s Tony-nominated book writers, told Applause magazine.
New Sur la Table now open
When the Seattle-based kitchen store opted to leave the Cherry Creek Shopping Center last April, the store announced it would move to new bigger digs across the street at 121 Clayton Lane.
This new location opened last week with room to offer cooking classes in addition to kitchen gadgets and goodies.
Curtis Hotel offers package fit for king and queen
Can’t make it over to the summer Olympic games? Let The Curtis – A Doubletree by Hilton give you the royal treatment with the over-the-top Gold Medal Getaway – the Package of Champions.
Priced at $5,000 per night for two people, the gold-medal experience includes:
• A one-night stay in the company of Mick, Ringo and James Bond in the hotel’s British Invasion Suite.
• MINI Cooper rental to cruise Denver in Austin Powers style.
• Breakfast and lunch for two either in The Corner Office or room service.
• Brand new Nintendo Wii console with Olympic-style sport games to take home.
• Two day-passes to Denver’s Elitch Gardens Theme Park to perform your own death-defying stunts.
• Two one-year memberships to 24 Hour Fitness.
• In-room Olympic amenity of Twinings English Tea, Harrods biscuits, chocolate medals and a box of Wheaties, the “Breakfast of Champions.”
• Valet parking.
The Package of Champions also includes an Olympic viewing party in a private event space for up to 20 friends, including:
• Bite-size British faves like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
• Brit-beverages like cask-ale, grog and spiked tea.
• Projection of the Olympic games to watch all of your favorite events.
• Private performance by Beatles impersonators.
• A chance to hobnob with British celebs (impersonators).
The Package of Champions will be offered from now until Aug. 12 and is priced at $5,000 per night for two people, based on availability. To book, please visit www.thecurtis.com or call 800-525-6651.
Pagliacci’s countdown
Pagliacci’s, the iconic Denver restaurant at 1440 W. 33rd, closes Aug. 19 after a 46-year run. The families — five generations have run the place — collectively decided to sell the building to a developer who plans to construct apartments, then concentrate on creating a prepared food products business.
If you crave one more plate of Pagliacci’s veal parm or spaghetti and meatballs (not to mention their famous minestrone), some reservations are still available by calling 303-458-0530.
Tip: Be sure to order the garlic bread, which is more like garlic Texas toast.
Ruth’s Chris returning
Ruth’s Chris steakhouse, which ditched Denver in 2009, has selected a site in downtown Denver at 700 15th St. to make a comeback.
While the Florida-based restaurant company won’t confirm, the broker who leased the space said it’s a done deal. Speculation is that the new Ruth’s Chris — this time a company-owned store rather than a franchise — will open next summer.
Suburban don’t-miss
Centennial will be feeling its city spirit during the Seventh Annual Celebrate Centennial Under the Stars, a family-friendly outdoor festival, beginning at noon Aug. 11 at the new Centennial Center Park.
The fun-filled day will celebrate the park’s grand opening with a visit from the Radio Disney Road Crew, food, activities and live music from the 17th Avenue All Stars, Adam Rey, Atomic Brass Project and Opie Gone Bad. The movie “We Bought a Zoo” starts at sunset.
Centennial Center is adjacent to the City’s Civic Center, located on the north side of Arapahoe Road, between South Revere Parkway and South Vaughn Street. For more information, visit www.centennialcolorado.com.
Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column is new in the newspapers and on the websites of Colorado Community Media. Parker, who also writes for Blacktie-Colorado, gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303-619-5209.
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