Miners Alley’s Len Matheo joins to talk about the pros and cons of running a bar, plus Top 10 Colorado Headliners.

Len Matheo

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Toni Tresca and Alex Miller are joined by Len Matheo, Producing Artistic Director at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. We wanted to talk about serving alcohol in theatres — the pros and cons, revenue opportunities, disruptive patrons etc. — and since Miners Alley has one of the most full-service theatre bars in Colorado we figured Len would have some thoughts. He also gives us the low-down on what’s up on stage at MAP this year and next.

Later in the episode we dig into our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows from around Colorado you might want to check out. Here they are, in no particular order:

Chapter summary

Chapter 1: Recent Show Reviews (01:14 – 14:46)

The hosts discuss recent productions they’ve attended:

  • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Denver Center) – Praised Chris Coleman’s direction and the mostly-local cast including Noelia Antweiler, Larry Hecht, and Mark Rubald. They appreciated the in-the-round staging in the Kilstrom Theatre, which enhanced the feeling of being trapped with the characters. Discussion of whether the five children added value to the production.
  • Shucked (touring production) – Described as “Music Man plus corn” – a silly, funny show with great songs and choreography. Both hosts laughed constantly throughout.
  • Nice Work If You Can Get It (Lone Tree Arts Center) – Strong production featuring the husband-wife duo Marco Robinson and Adriane Robinson, with beautiful sets and smooth stage management. A Gershwin jukebox musical.
  • Frankenstein (Platte Valley Theater Arts, Brighton) – Nick Dear’s adaptation told from the creature’s perspective, featuring an impressive performance by Jeffrey Parker. Dark and violent with excellent tech elements.
  • Dance Nation (Phamaly Theatre Company) – Toni found this production disappointing, feeling it softened the edges of Claire Barron’s intense script about adolescent dancers.

Chapter 2: News & Announcements (20:00 – 26:00)

  • Buntport Theater is buying their warehouse space on Lipan Street – $2.65 million over five years
  • Miner’s Alley is in the silent phase of their capital campaign for phase two (black box space and education center) – approximately $7-14 million needed
  • Discussion of a New York Times podcast “Bringing Broadway Home” about accessing theater through streaming, cast albums, and other media outside of live performance
  • Miner’s Alley holiday season: Running two shows in rep – It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and Stocking Stuffers (a new sketch comedy by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso)

Chapter 3: Main Topic – Alcohol in Theaters (26:00 – 44:45)

Len Matheo discusses the bar culture at Miners Alley and theater bars generally:

Key Points:

  • The original article about drunk theater patrons was from West End theaters in the UK, not necessarily an American problem
  • Miners Alley rarely has issues with drunk patrons; problems usually occur during holiday season with people who don’t normally attend theater
  • Growing trend toward non-alcoholic (NA) drinks – significant demand for NA cocktails and beer
  • The bar is not a major profit center (unlike restaurants) because only about a third of patrons drink, but it creates community and a gathering space
  • All bartenders are TIPS-trained for responsible alcohol service
  • Miners Alley uses real glassware (Mason jar-style to prevent breakage) and offers craft cocktails, local draft beers, and quality wine
  • New addition: cup holders being installed by end of year
  • Opening one hour early for happy hour to create more of a destination experience
  • Bar manager Jenna Moll Reyes (also an actress) creates custom craft cocktails for each show

Other Theater Bars Mentioned:

  • The Savoy – “classy” bar experience, stays open an hour before and after shows
  • Vintage Theater – nice bar
  • Buntport – honor system fridge with local IPAs, Venmo payment
  • Boulder Dairy Center – high-quality commercial bar
  • Springs Ensemble Theater – now located in back of a speakeasy called the 59er with full food menu

Philosophy: Creating a sense of belonging and community, attracting younger audiences (millennials and Gen X) through the bar experience

Chapter 4: Miner’s Alley 2026 Season Preview (44:45 – 48:00)

Len outlines an ambitious 2026 season:

  • Winter Comfort & Comedy Festival (January-March) – partnership with City of Golden to bring visitors during slow retail season
    • Two comedies in rep: The Female Odd Couple and My Mother in the Michigan-Ohio War by Paul Stroili
    • Headline comedians from out of state (possibly Second City)
    • Comedy classes, improv performances, clowning classes
    • Events at multiple Golden venues
  • Rest of 2026 Season:
    • Pump Boys and Dinettes (jukebox musical)
    • Taco Town by Luke Sorge (world premiere)
    • Good Night Oscar (regional premiere) starring David Nehls
    • Holiday shows TBD

Chapter 5: This Week’s Headliners (48:49 – 58:00)

Closing Notes:

  • New theater deals page added to OnStage Colorado website
  • Upcoming reviews: Frankenstein, Wonderbound‘s Rock Ballet, Nosferatu, Lizzie, Cult of Cthulhu
  • Subscribe to the Theater Blast newsletter (Thursdays)
  • OnStage Colorado now posting to Denver Reddit
Editor & Publisher at  |  + posts

Alex Miller is editor and publisher of OnStage Colorado. He has a long background in journalism, including stints as the top editor at the Vail Daily, Summit Daily News, Summit County Journal, Vail Trail and others. He’s also been an actor, director, playwright, artistic director and theatre board member and has been covering theatre in Colorado since 1995.

+ posts

A Colorado-based arts reporter originally from Mineola, Texas, who writes about the evolving world of theater and culture—with a focus on the financial realities of making art, emerging forms and leadership in the arts. He’s the Managing Editor of Bucket List Community Cafe, a contributor to Boulder Weekly, Denver Westword and co-host of the OnStage Colorado Podcast. He holds an MBA and an MA in Theatre & Performance Studies from CU Boulder, and his reporting and reviews combine business and artistic expertise.