By Angelia McGowan

For the past 16 years, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” has been affectionately recognized by many in the Denver community as “Granny.”

Audiences, young and old, look forward to the holiday season when they can share Granny’s memories of her youth, dancing in festivals around the world. The lead character in the modern dance extravaganza by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Granny has danced at the African Harvest, the Native American Winter Solstice, the Celtic Yule Time, Las Posadas in Mexico, the ancient Hebrew Festival of Lights, the Chinese New Year, Junkanoo in the Caribbean, and in gospel celebrations of the birth of Christ.

“The show has become such a tradition in the community that I guess you could say that Granny’s memories have now become Denver’s memories,” says Cleo Parker Robinson, founder and internationally-acclaimed artistic director, choreographer and dancer. “From the community to our cast members, a lot of people have grown up with Granny.”

This season debuts a largely new cast including senior ensemble member Marisa Mack as “Granny” and Chivas Merchant-Buckman as “The Junkanoo King.” Marceline Freeman, who danced the role of “Granny” for 14 years, serves as artistic advisor to Parker Robinson, and will reprise the new role of “Granny’s Granny” for a second season.

“Granny” veteran Vince Robinson and new cast member Ghandia Johnson join Cleo Parker Robinson, appearing as the three “Angels of the Rainbow.”  New ensemble member Laurel Richardson and alumnus ensemble member Ryan LeVeille appear as “Granny’s” devoted grandchildren, “Nakia” and “TiSean.”  Longtime “Granny” musician Mark Caldwell returns for his second season as musical director, with an outstanding band comprised of some of Denver’s finest jazz and gospel musicians.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has been presenting its major concerts at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus since 2006. This is the second season to bring “Granny” to the Newman Center’s Byron Theatre.

“The intimate Byron Theatre makes everyone feel they are part of Granny’s village,” says Parker Robinson.

The show runs weekends Dec 1-23, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will also be two performances on Friday, Dec. 21. Single tickets $38 (adults), $33 (students, and seniors 65+), and $25 (children 12 and under) are on sale now. To charge by phone, call 303-871-7720 or 303-295-1759 x13. To purchase tickets in person, visit the Newman Center Box Office, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday –Friday (SW corner of University & Iliff), or at the Ritchie Center Box Office, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday (2240 E. Buchtel Blvd). Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at 303-357-ARTS (2787), online at ticketmaster.com, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. For information, or to request accommodations for a disability, call 303-871-7720, Option 2. Groups of 10 or more, call 303-295-1759 x 13.

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