Treasure Valley arts: Spotlight on the month of April

Rehydrate, refuel, and focus. Then carry the euphoria of the Treefort Festival into events upcoming in April.

Across the Treasure Valley, the month of April offers plenty to experience when it comes to the world of art and performing arts. Theater productions, burlesque shows, and dance showcases promise to entertain. So, too, do the sweet sounds of opera, orchestra, and concerts hitting the stage.

Need more? Laugh along with comedy shows at numerous locations and enjoy art show openings and exhibits across the valley.

Read on to see a selection of what the Treasure Valley arts world has on tap in theater, burlesque, music, comedy, and more in April.

Treasure Valley - On Stage

Down the line, running April 23 - May 10 at Boise Contemporary Theater, is the world premiere of The Life You Gave Me by Novid Parsi. Parsi's play appeared as part of BCT's BIPOC Playwrights Festival in 2023.

On April 24, the Boise Bard Players open their latest season with The Servant of Two Masters. Directed by Chris Canfield, this commedia dell'arte play by Carlos Goldoni runs through May 4 at Trailhead Boise.

Boise Little Theater, Eagle Theatre Company, and Stage Coach Theatre all have plays hitting the stage in April. At BLT, Keep On Laughing by Paul Elliot runs April 4 - 19. Southern Fried Funeral hits the stage at Eagle Theatre Company April 11 and one week later, Ordinary Days opens at Stage Coach.

At the college level, both the College of Idaho and Boise State University theater departments have productions on the books. At C of I, presented by the theatre and music departments, is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Directed by Thomas Newby, this show runs April 10 - 19.

Over on the Boise State campus, at the Danny Peterson Theatre, The Little Prince runs April 11 - 27.

On April 2, the touring production of the hit musical Wicked flies into the Morrison Center, with performances through April 13.

Stepping into the world of dance and burlesque, highlights include:

• Idaho Dance Theatre presents: Resonance at the Boise State Special Events Center (4/17-4/20)

• Dream Team Variety closes out its season with Flora Fantasia (4/18, 4/19, 4/25, 4/26)

• On April 19 at The Balcony Club, Den of Sin Burlesque presents: Undress the Universe

Volume up with music fun

Concert season ramps up in April, with concerts daily across the Treasure Valley. Whether taking in the sounds at a large arena or an intimate setting at a coffee shop or winery, there are tastes for everyone. (Check out the music section for a complete listing).

Album release parties are fun events to attend, especially with local artists. Two to highlight (at the time of this writing) to enjoy in April:

• The Dedicated Servers w/ The French Tips - album release show at Shrine Social Club - April 11

• Curtis Stigers 'Songs From My Kitchen' Record Store Day Album Release at The Record Exchange - April 12

The Boise Phil and Opera Idaho are joining forces on April 26 & 27 to celebrate the showstopping hits of Broadway with Broadway Pops.

Treasure Valley arts: Comedy

Comedy is really gaining a foothold and growing in the Treasure Valley in recent years. This is evident with the number of venues, shows, and open mics taking place not only in April, but on a regular basis.

Whether hosting touring comedians, locals who are veterans on the scene, or newbies testing their comedic chops, there are plenty of chances to catch a show. Places like the Comedy Lounge, Mad Swede Brewing, the Egyptian Theatre, and the recently re-emerged Liquid Laughs are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to venues.

Kevin Hart (Idaho Central Arena 4/19), Jenny Zigrino (Comedy Lounge 4/5), and Ahren Belisle (The Egyptian 4/30) are but a few to see in April.

One can also check out upcoming April shows at The Creative Space in Garden City or The Green Room, where improv tends to be the name of the game.

Or, to get your share of drunken history, be sure to check out Lectures by Lushes at White Dog Brewing (Boise) on April 25. (April's show will benefit the Anser Charter School).

Art exhibitions

April marks the return of the First Friday Art & Studio Stroll in the Live-Work-Create district in Garden City. This event takes place on April 4 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

That night also marks the opening reception for In Pursuit of Poetry and Magic. The exhibition features new artwork by Sue Latta and will run at Visual Arts Collective through the end of May.

The latest exhibition at the Art Source Gallery is "Awaken: Inspiration, Renewal and Transformation", running through April 28.

On April 13, be sure to check out the Spring Ethereal Arts Bazaar, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the old location of Crescent Boise on Franklin Rd.

Keep tuned into what's happening around the Treasure Valley arts scene by bookmarking the Arts Boise website. Don't see your event, group, venue, or production listed on any of the pages? Please reach out to artsboise1@gmail.com with the date, time, ticket info, etc. to get listed or to simply learn more.