by Tommy Milo

Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient is a record-holding troupe devoted to shadow casting, an art they showcase in union with Rainbow Cult. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jolee Harston, the Head of Marketing, in anticipation of the upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Play, which has been entertaining at Denver’s Meow Wolf installation over the past few years. Tickets are available for this year’s Summer Beach Party Extravaganza on July 9th and 10th.

Tommy Milo: Given the improvisational aspect of the Rocky Horror performances, from a rotating cast to ample room for ad libbing, has there ever been a feeling that the text of Rocky Horror has been changed for a new audience?
Jolee Harston: Part of the joy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and shadow casting is that we are constantly working on adding/updating callbacks to be relevant to current events. We have a callback script that we mostly stick to, but we work together as a cast to come up with new jokes and bits, as well as checking in with any callbacks that may not feel appropriate in the current day and age. The original callback script for Rocky Horror is still very present in our performance. 

Milo: After attending multiple shows, I’ve noticed small changes to the cast’s traditions and catch phrases. How do you meet the moment and remain conscious of the audience and surroundings while making changes like these?
Harston: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at its core, is a film meant to challenge norms and remain somewhat shocking. We try to find a balance between still bringing humor and pushing boundaries, while also being aware of certain things in the Rocky community that may have worked at one point, but no longer hold the same meaning and may be considered offensive. Language is ever-changing, and that gives us an opportunity to be creative and find new ways to express certain sentiments in a new way.

Milo: There was a recent controversy surrounding the PACE Center performing arts in Parker, Colorado, having to do with the censorship of LGBTQ flags. In such a contentious time for representation and diversity among the performing arts, how does Rainbow Cult break the mold?
Harston: I can’t speak for Rainbow Cult, but Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient breaks this mold by being LOUD, PROUD, AND UNAPOLOGETIC about the message of the film and our cast’s beliefs. Before every show, our MC delivers a speech where we clearly state our shows are not a place for hate in any form – racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and F*CK NAZIS. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has historically been a safe place for the queer community and those looking for freedom and rebellion. The film and shadow casting community is about breaking gender norms, and we hope anyone who comes to our performances leaves with a little more freedom and confidence to express themselves authentically in all areas of life.

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The post Spotlight: Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Play appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show, May 9–Jun. 13
The Dinner Detective brings their True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show to Embassy Suites in Downtown Denver almost every Saturday—shows are scheduled until Jun. 13, but they run year-round. Each dinner will feature a night of comedy and crime in which no one is safe from being named a prime suspect, and the real culprit is hidden among the audience.

True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show | May 9–Jun. 13 | Embassy Suites, Denver

Rocky Horror Picture Show With Shadowcast, May 23
As with all showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the audience is encouraged to sing, dance, and interact with the comedy horror musical. However, this special showing will include Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient (CEI) as a shadowcast. While the original cult classic plays on the big screen, CEI will be singing and acting on stage alongside the characters.

Rocky Horror Picture Show With Shadowcast | May 23 | Sie FilmCenter, Denver

45th Annual Chocolate Lovers Fling, May 9th

Get ready for a night filled with chocolate, charity, and cheer! This decadent gala is dedicated to sharing stories and supporting the community of domestic violence survivors, complete with a feast of fine dining, live and silent auctions, and, of course, plenty of chocolate. Raise money for survivors and their families, and unwind with lively music and a Caribbean Nights theme. Connect with your community on May 9th at 5:30 p.m. and learn how you can best support the survivors in your life.

45th Annual Chocolate Lovers Fling | May 9th | Omni Interlocken Hotel, Broomfield

Boulder Ballet: Radiance, May 15-17th

The Boulder Ballet is putting on a new recital with contemporary works from Jorma Elo and Nicolo Fonte. These two choreographers are some of the most sought-after dancer-makers in the world, and the Boulder Ballet will have a chance to perform their radiance at the Dairy Arts Center. The dances are electric, unforgettable, and impossible to look away from.

Boulder Ballet: Radiance | May 15th-17th | Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

Seth Meyers, May 8th

After demand for a second night to be added, Seth Meyers is hosting a late show at the Paramount Theatre. This kind of performance is the one that requires a lot of laughter to deal with the world’s current events. Seth Meyers does an excellent job of keeping you entertained from the opening act to the last line.

Seth Meyers | May 8th | Paramount Theater, Denver

“Being Grayson,” May 8 

“Being Grayson,” a photo exhibit by Julia Vandenoever, will be on display at East Window & Gallery in Boulder from May 8 to June 26. This solo exhibit shares the story of raising her neurodivergent son as a neurotypical parent. She aims to bridge the gap between parents, educators, and neurodivergent communities in understanding community support for neurodiversity. 

Learn more about the exhibit at Vandernoever’s artist talk on Thursday, May 14, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Being Grayson | May 8th-Jun. 26th | East Window & Gallery, Boulder

Colorado Shakespeare Festival, May 30th

CU Presents brings a full summer of Shakespeare to the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, with three productions — Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, and Shakespeare in Love. Professional performances under the stars at one of Colorado’s most beloved outdoor venues.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival | May 30th – Aug. 2nd | Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, Boulder

Tough Knuckle Teddy, May 8th

One of the scene’s most compelling rising acts brings their signature raw energy and dynamic sound to one of Boulder’s most storied venues. An all-ages show with doors opening at 7:30 PM and music beginning at 8:00 PM. An adult must accompany guests under 16.

Tough Knuckle Teddy | May 8th | Fox Theater, Boulder

Broncho, May 14

Oklahoma-based indie-rock band, Broncho, brings their hazy, genre-bending sounds to Boulder’s own Fox Theatre, revisiting a decade of their album, Double Vanity, with the kind of loose, hypnotic energy that has defined their live shows.

Broncho | May 14, 8 pm |  Fox Theater, Boulder

Naomi Watanabe, May 14

Japanese comedian and cultural force Naomi Watanabe brings her From Tokyo tour to Boulder Theater, folding sketch, stand-up, and her larger-than-life persona into a performance that lands somewhere between comedy set and pop spectacle. Known for viral impersonations and a fashion-forward stage presence, Watanabe’s U.S. run marks a continued push into English-language audiences with a style that’s as physical as it is sharply observant.

Naomi Watanabe – From Tokyo | May 14 | Boulder Theater, Boulder

Alan Doyle and Beautiful, Beautiful Band with Special Guests Bandit on the Run, May 10

Alan Doyle is a Canadian folk-rock artist who has experience as lead for the band Great Big Sea. Now, he joins Beautiful, Beautiful Band for a highly anticipated U.S. tour. For an extravagant performance that blends rock music with classic Celtic folk, come to one of Boulder Theater’s most anticipated May shows.

Alan Doyle and Beautiful, Beautiful Band with Bandit on the Run | May 10th | Boulder Theater, Boulder

Broomfield Symphony presents Winners of the Young Artists Competition, May 16

This May, the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra brings back one of its most fun and important traditions as the Broomfield Auditorium showcases the winners of the annual Young Artists Competition. This exciting show profiles the most talented young musicians in the Broomfield area.

Broomfield Symphony Presents Winners of the Young Artists Competition | May 16th | Broomfield Auditorium, Broomfield

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The post Scene Stealers | May 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.