Wonderbound offers Valentine’s Day Escape

Step into a drab and doldrum landscape where humans are merely drones – but not for long. From their residence on Mount Olympus, the gods on high send Aphrodite and her steadfast assistant, Hermes, down to bring love back into the world. Acquiring a job as a 30’s era switchboard operator, Aphrodite gets busy making connections – for better or for worse. Garrett Ammon’s Aphrodite’s Switchboard featuring new music by Denver psychedelic folk band Chimney Choir hits the stage on February 9.

“Chimney Choir is a wonderfully adventurous band and it has been a pleasure developing another new project with them,” said Garrett Ammon, Wonderbound Artistic Director. “Aphrodite’s Switchboard has pushed all of us into new territory while exploring themes that have captivated humanity through the ages. This production is a great example of the magical possibilities that arise through the collaborative process.”

This full-length evening of theatrical dance will mark the second time that Chimney Choir and Wonderbound have collaborated together since the 2015 sell-out hit Boomtown. A brand new album by the eclectic group boasts up-tempo electronic beats combined with folk harmonies and instrumental melodies that lend the perfect emotional landscape to a tale that is part comedy, part tragedy and, in the style of Garrett Ammon, all fantastical.

“The music has truly led the way with Aphrodite’s Switchboard, giving us the opportunity to experiment with new composition techniques and instrumentation. We have never written so much material together, but were able to spend a few weeks in a cabin outside of Fairplay where we dove more deeply than ever before into our creative process,” said Kevin Larkin of Chimney Choir. “For this show, a lot of the narrative is based on Greek Mythology which has been fun for us to explore conceptually. It has been a fascinating process trying to tie ancient myths into modern times and we are so excited to collaborate with Wonderbound again – they amaze us with each new production.”

Aphrodite’s Switchboard runs from February 9-24 at three Denver Metro Area theaters. As always, the public is encouraged to experience the performers, not only at the official shows throughout the season, but in the Wonderbound rehearsal space. Visitors are asked to call 303-292-4700 to confirm rehearsal schedules. Tickets, which cost $30 each, can also be ordered by phone or online at www.wonderbound.com.

Photo by Amanda Tipton.