Topdog/
Underdog
by Suzan-Lori Parks | Directed by Steven Sapp
Previews: August 27-28, 2026
August 29 – September 20, 2026
A Pulitzer Prize–Winning Modern Classic
Two brothers. One room. A lifetime they can’t outrun.
By Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog is a fierce, darkly funny story of Lincoln and Booth—bound by blood, rivalry, and names that feel more like prophecy than coincidence. As old wounds resurface and survival becomes a daily gamble, the play asks what we inherit—and what it costs to break the cycle.
Tense, intimate, and electric, this is theatre that puts you right inside the collision between love and survival.
(The playbill will be posted at least one day before previews.)
Content Advisory
Curious Theatre Company offers public advisories about stage effects that may be of concern to patrons’ health, such as strobe lights, theatrical fog, or smoking. This show contains no health advisories.
If you have questions about age appropriateness or stage effects that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the Curious Theatre Company Box Office at 303.623.0524.
If you would like to know more about the content of Topdog/Underdog, read more under "Details".
Details
This production contains strong language, mature themes, sexual references, simulated violence, the use of a prop firearm, and gunshot sound effects. Audience discretion is advised. Topdog/Underdog is recommended for ages 12+.
Events & Post show conversations
Educator’s Night
September 3, 2026 | 7:30pm
A night for educators—teachers, principals, paras, and beyond. Enjoy $10 tickets and a hosted happy hour to connect with colleagues.
Use promo code: EdNight29
YaYa Night
September 4, 2026 | 7:30pm
High school and college students are invited to attend for $10—no fees. Stay after the show for a post-performance conversation.
Use code: YaYANight29
Pay What You Can Night
September 11, 2026 | 7:30pm
We want theatre to be accessible to all! Join us on this night and choose the price that works for you.
Tickets are available in $5 increments when selecting seats online. If you don’t see the amount you need, contact the box office at 303-623-0524 or boxoffice@curioustheatre.org.
Relaxed Performances
September 11, 2026 | 7:30pm
Ideal for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. A judgement-free zone where many of the audience “rules” are relaxed. We may leave the house lights up at just a pinch through the performance or if you feel you need to leave the performance for any reason, you may. Most of our patrons will not notice very much different — if at all — in their experience. No reservations are required.
Post Show Conversations
Friday, September 4, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Team & Cast
Season Sponsors
- SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District)
- The Shubert Foundation
- Diana & Mike Kinsey
- The Nord Family Foundation
- Virginia W. Hill Foundation
- Artemis Coaching & Elisa Canova
- Susan Cooper & Dr. Rick Cohn
- Fredricka Jura
- Harmonious Fund
- Chip Horne & Dr. Jan Kennaugh
- Michael Potts & Lisa Corbin
Show Sponsors
ENSEMBLE
Judy Cadwaller
Ellen and Dale LaGow
FRIENDS
Alyssa Williams
Cajardo Lindsey
LINCOLN
Bio
Cajardo Lindsey is an acting company member at Curious Theatre Company. Some of his theatre credits include: Dee in DOWNSTATE, Mr. Blake in THE MINUTES, Gerald Lamott in AMERIKIN, Charles in FIREFLIES, Reggie in SKELETON CREW, Lank in DETROIT ’67, Simon in THE WHIPPPING MAN, Ogun in THE BROTHER/SISTER PLAYS, Lyons in FENCES (Curious Theatre Company); Bob Moses & David Dennis in ALL THE WAY, Mr. Smith & Jim Spence in JUST LIKE US, Moving Man in A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Denver Center Theatre Company); Walter Lee younger in A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Tom Robinson in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Arvada Center); Godfrey Crump in CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY (The Aurora Fox); Herald Loomis in JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE, Nick in WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, Zachariah in BLOOD KNOT (Shadow Theatre Company); William in LOBBY HERO, Paul Sheldon in MISERY, Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon in THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA (Miner’s Alley Playhouse); Ross Gardiner in VISITING MR. GREENE, Jim Tyrone in A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN, Hoke in DRIVING MISS DAISY (Cherry Creek Theatre). Social media: @cajardo
Rakeem Lawrence
BOOTH
Bio
Rakeem Lawrence is grateful to be back at Curious! Regional: ROMEO & JULIET, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST,PIPELINE, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (THEATREWORKS); ROMEO AND JULIET (Shakespeare Theatre Company), BITE SIZE:TOXOPLASMOSIS, GOODNIGHT MOON (Denver Center), DOWNSTATE, GLORIA (Curious Theatre Company), SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION (Redhouse Arts Center); PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Virginia Stage Company), STOCKADE (Local Theatre Company); AIRNESS (Benchmark Theatre); KILL MOVE PARADISE (Unicorn Theatre); TWELFTH NIGHT, ROMEO AND JULIET (Colorado Shakespeare Festival); BURNING BLUEBEARD (The Catamounts) MY FAIR LADY, LITTLE WOMEN, MARY POPPINS (Quintessence Theatre Group); VIOLET, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (Aurora Fox) ADA AND THE ENGINE (Studio Theatre, Tierra Del Sol) @svhman
Production Team
Steven Sapp, Director
Steven Sapp (he/him) is a co-founder/core member of UNIVERSES Theater Company. Playwriting/Acting credits include: AmericUS; UNISON; PARTY PEOPLE; AMERIVILLE; The Denver Project; One Shot in Lotus Position; BLUE SUITE; SLANGUAGE; RHYTHMICITY; THE RIDE. Acting-only credits include: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS OFF THE RAILS. Directing-only include: FAIRVIEW; TITUS ANDRONICUS, SERIOUS MONEY; THANKSGIVING PLAY; FIREFLIES; PASSOVER; SWOPERA; METAMORPHOSES; THE SEVEN; Alfred Jarry’s UBU: ENCHAINED. Awards/Affiliations: Drama League Next Stage Residency, 2023-2024 Astere E. Caleyssens Artist in Residence, 2020 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation National Playwright Residency Program recipient; 2015 Doris Duke Performing Artist Award (Theatre); Oregon Shakespeare Festival Acting Company Member (3 Seasons:’12-‘14); 2008 U.S. Cultural Ambassador w/ the U.S. State Dept./Jazz at Lincoln Center - Rhythm Road Tour; 2008 TCG Peter Zeisler Award; 2002 TCG National Directors Award; 2002-2004 and 1999-2001 TCG National Theater Artist Residency Program Award; 1998 and 2002 BRIO Awards (Bronx Recognizes its own-Performance); Van Lier Fellowship w/ New Dramatists; Co-Founder of The Point CDC; New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect; BARD College, BA - Theater. Publications: SLANGUAGE in The Fire This Time (TCG Books); BLUE SUITE in The Goodman Theatre’s Festival Latino - Six Plays (Northwestern University Press); PARTY PEOPLE in The Manifesto Anthology (Rain City Projects- Fall 2014); Featured on the covers of American Theater Magazine 2004 and The Source Magazine 2000. Member: Actors Equity Association (AEA)
Go Deeper
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Playbill
The complete digital playbill will be available on our website at least one day before the first preview performance. Complimentary one-sheet programs will be available at the theatre for all patrons.