Dates & Times

Click here to download a digital copy of the playbill!

ABOUT THE PLAY AND PLAYWRIGHT
Dive into the significance of this play and learn about its award-winning playwright.

The Humans’ Depicts a Family, and a Country, Under Pressure
A thorough review of The Humans posted in The New York Times gives the reader a taste of what to expect.

Stephen Karam Talks About His Tony-Winning ‘The Humans’
This Boston Globe article features an interview with the playwright where he unpacks his inspiration for the play and his decisions to create such an intriguing and suspenseful kitchen sink drama.

The Humans – About the Show
This 3-minute video clip features the original cast of the show as they talk about the complexities of the show and how that intrigues them.

‘The Humans’ Interview with Charlie Rose
This in-depth interview with Stepehen Karam gives a closer look in to the mind of the playwright and the show’s impact.

Stephen Karam’s Plays Treat Anguish as a Laughing Matter
A New York Times article that gives a profile on the playwright and his writing style.

9/11 & PTSD
Erik, like many survivors of 9/11, is tormented by PTSD left in the debris of the 9/11 tragedy, this section explores the feelings of guilt that can often come from being a survivor.

“9/11 & PTSD Rates”
This article, updated in July 2018, offers quick statistics surrounding 9/11 survivors and rates of PTSD experienced.

“Quality of Life of Person Injured on 9/11”
This scientific study examines the lasting effects of 9/11 on those who were injured by it.

“9/11 Through A Child’s Eyes: Survivor Overcomes PTSD, Addiction
This CBS article interviews a young woman who was in middle school when 9/11 happened and explores the struggles she continually feels as a survivor.

INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING
Read about the complexities that accompany intergenerational communication, one of the play’s biggest themes.

The Human-ness of Each Generation by Chris Hale
Curious examines three different studies on generations to illuminate some of this play’s themes.

Generations & the 2012 Election
Pew’s research study that analyzes generational differences through the lens of the 2012 Presidential Election.

Differences in Mental Health Education Across Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials
Research study from Georgia Southern University that studies the difference in access to mental health education across multiple generations.

Three Generations Under One Roof
This AARP article offers perspective on the rise in intergenerational households and the implications that this causes.

What does “limited view” mean?
For our production of The Humans, seats in Row A (first row of the orchestra level) are challenging. Patrons in those seats may have trouble seeing action happening on the second floor of the two-story set. Patrons seated there can still see and hear the full play, but won’t be able to see actors’ lower legs and feet. Additionally, patrons will be looking up rather than forward to view the play while action takes place on the upper level. The majority of the upstairs action takes place at the beginning of the play, with the majority of the play taking place on the main level, where visibility in the front row is excellent.

What is the runtime of this show?
The runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes. There will be no intermission.

Is there an intermission?
No intermission for this show.

Are there any advisories I should know about?
There are no stage effects of potential concern for The Humans.

Curious offers an advisory about any stage effect of potential concern to patrons’ health. We don’t offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any concerns about content or language, please contact the box office.

Can I bring my kids?
We require that audience members find alternative activities for children under 6 years of age. In addition, our material may not be appropriate for young people under 14 years of age. We will gladly discuss subject matter with parents or guardians before the performance in order to make an informed decision for you and your child. Before purchasing tickets, please email or call our Box Office at 303.623.0524.

Where can I park?
Curious is pleased to offer various options for complimentary parking on performance days: the Denver Community Credit Union parking lot directly across the street; the lot directly adjacent to our theatre; on-street parking along Acoma. Please make sure to pick up a parking permit from our Box Office if you wish to park in either lot. Note that these lots are only available for the two hours before a performance and one hour following; Curious does not own either lot and the owners will tow vehicles left past midnight.

Is Curious wheelchair accessible?
Yes. However, due to the age of our building (1890s!), there are a few quirks to our accessibility. When buying tickets, know that Rows F & G are fully wheelchair accessible and all seats are removable. All seats on the orchestra level of the theatre are accessible to those with mobility concerns, however, the other rows of the orchestra do involve a small step up and the seats are fixed. The balcony of Curious is only accessible by stairs. Know that the bar for Curious is located in the balcony; however, Curious staff are eager to assist you by serving you from your seat should you have mobility concerns that prevent you from stairs.

The front entry of Curious is stairs-only, so those with mobility concerns or in a wheelchair may enter the building through the double red doors on the south side of the building (where you will also find accessible parking spaces) beginning 30 minutes before the show. Please let the ushers or staff know that you have arrived so we may greet you if we miss you slipping in.

May I eat/drink in the theatre?
You bet! Our bar is on the balcony level and carries wine, beer, and bourbon in addition to treats, chips, coffee, water, and soft drinks. All are permitted in your seats, although we ask that you unwrap any candy before the show begins.

Where do I pick up my tickets?
If you have selected Will Call for your tickets, they will be available at the Box Office one hour prior to the show. If you selected Print-at-Home, simply print out the PDF that was emailed to you or show that attachment on your phone to the ushers when you arrive, no need to see the box office.

Can I change my tickets to another performance?
Usually, yes. If you know your dates have changed, do contact us as soon as possible to ensure comparable seats are available for your new date. Sometimes our shows do sell out and occasionally an entire run will sell out. So it is always best to call early with a change.

What if I arrive late?
Patrons who arrive late will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager, and may not be seated in their assigned seats until intermission. In the event that a performance runs without an intermission, latecomers will be seated in a location that will not disrupt the performers or other audience members. We reserve the right to deny admission to latecomers when a performance has been running for 15 minutes or more.

Will the show go on in a snowstorm?
Curious will make every possible attempt to continue with a scheduled performance in inclement weather. However, in the VERY RARE case that local authorities deem it unsafe, we will alert all patrons of the canceled performance and reschedule you following our return to normal operations. Should you feel personally unsafe driving in weather, you are encouraged to call the box office to move to a later performance if one is available.

Is it cold/hot in the theatre?
While we make every attempt to ensure our patrons and performers are comfortable in our space, Curious is in a church built in the 1890s; we have no A/C or central air (although we do have two swamp coolers and radiant heat). Temperature control can be a challenge in the extreme cold or extreme heat of Colorado. We encourage you to wear light layers to ensure your comfort.

Do you offer group discounts?
Yes! Call the box office to get a quote for the performance you would like to attend. Discounts vary by performance. As a general rule, bigger discounts are given for Thursday evening performances early in the run of a show.

How can I become a volunteer?
Call or email the box office for information on joining our volunteer corps.

Can I get the program ahead of time?
Yes. About one week before the show opens, you can find our full program in the Go Deeper section.

In Media

• REVIEW: Telluride Inside Tall Tales

  by Mark Stevens, Telluride Inside

  Karam’s ear for natural conversation is uncanny. The team of actors in this ensemble, sharply directed by Dee Covington, brings the script to life with restraint. Not a moment feels forced. The play runs not quite two hours, but there is no intermission. You get the feeling that Karam is saying real life does not take intermissions. The play invests so heavily in its long fuse than when the fireworks finally come, they mean business.

• REVIEW: ‘The Humans’ mines rich ore of family life

  by Sonya Ellingboe, Highlands Ranch Herald

  No question, however, about how strongly this family loves one another. Karam’s script is beautifully written and carries the story along through dialogue. The cast is skilled and all the characters carefully crafted.

• REVIEW: Denver Theatre Perspectives

  by Edwin Lobach, Denver Theatre Perspectives

  I don’t necessarily like to employ superlatives, but, this was the best play I’ve ever seen. When visiting family and friends for Thanksgiving, love is expressed through banter and fighting, observance and memories. Some might think of turkey, the parade, the men in tights throwing and handling oblong balls about, but don’t forget about the news we haven’t broken to family, the vulnerability we become around them, and, in most cases, forgiveness and the plain ol’ giving thanks for what we yet have. All said, though, it’s how we relate and reflect in Stephen Karam’s The Humans about a tri-generational family Thanksgiving.

• A Look Inside Denver's Curious Theatre Company

  by Lukas Crosby, 303 Magazine

  Hidden in a church only 37 years younger than the city of Denver — Curious Theatre Company is a thriving theatre company dedicated to social justice. Founded in 1997 by a group of actors from around the country — Curious Theatre Company has grown to over 25 professional actors, designers and directors.

• REVIEW: Marlowe's Musings

  by David Marlowe, Marlowe's Musings

  This is provocative theatre that’s not for the theatregoer looking for a night of light, fluffy entertainment. Disturbing, and at times uncomfortable, THE HUMANS will reward those seeking an evening of theatre as Art.

• REVIEW: ColoradoDrama

  by Bob Bows, ColoradoDrama.com

  In Dee Covington's fine-tuned, well-timed, and deftly nuanced production, we never are never far from the core value that keeps this family afloat—their unconditional love for one another. Indeed, this is what makes this dark comedy a thoughtful choice for the holidays.

• Arts and Culture: Curious Theatre Company is acting as 'The Resistance'

  by Joanne Ostrow, Denver Business Journal

  In the purplish state of Colorado, Curious Theatre Company pulls no political punches. The nationally recognized not-for-profit, professional theater prides itself on being part of the “Resistance,” dedicated to exploring matters of social justice. “Our audiences are up for doing the hard work of thinking about the issues,” Producing Artistic Director Chip Walton said.