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October 10, 2025

Casa Bonita’s Spooky New Labor Dispute, DCPA’s Latest Flop, and Den-Mex Redemption

City Cast Denver

Casa Bonita’s Spooky New Labor Dispute, DCPA’s Latest Flop, and Den-Mex Redemption

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The Denver Center for the Performing Arts announced this week that it was ⁠shutting down Off Center⁠, its immersive theater programming. Meanwhile at Casa Bonita, the restaurant unveiled its “Casa Boonita” theming for the Halloween season, which ⁠sparked a labor complaint⁠ over the associated reduction in roaming characters. So, is Denver over immersive art? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by returning fave, comedian Joshua Emerson, to dig into the local art scene and the unclear future for immersive performers. Plus, our wins and fails of the week. 

Bree discussed the ⁠Denver cop who was fired⁠, as well as Gustavo Arellano’s ⁠latest thoughts on Den-Mex⁠ in Westword — you can also hear ⁠his conversation about regional cuisine⁠ on our show from a few years ago. Paul mentioned ⁠fears of ICE showing up⁠ at Ball Arena, Avalanche player Brent Burns’ ⁠hilarious looks⁠, and Bree’s bestie Karma Leigh’s amazing ⁠Av’s jersey design⁠. Joshua talked about ⁠union issues at Casa Bonita⁠, the Denver American Indian Commission’s ⁠internal turmoil⁠, and ⁠the Av’s return⁠

Do you think immersive art is dead or very much alive? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at ⁠denver.citycast.fm⁠.

Watch clips from the show on YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@citycastdenver⁠ or Instagram ⁠@citycastdenver⁠

Chat with other listeners on reddit: ⁠r/CityCastDenver⁠

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: ⁠membership.citycast.fm/Denver⁠

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 10th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

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