Most big-budget touring musicals and plays that come through Denver take place at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, one of the country’s largest theater producers, but the local scene has always been bigger than that. There are plenty of original, independent productions, as well as top-n otch theater companies and venues, that can provide an experience that is just as good, if not better, than some acclaimed national shows — especially when it comes to ticket prices. Some shows are comparable, with $50 to $60 tickets that offer the best sightlines. But Denver Center shows can also easily top $100, from original plays such as “Cowboys and East Indians” (cheapest ticket: $93) to touring Broadway productions such as “Water for Elephants.” Tickets for that are mostly $100 or more — unless you don’t mind a limited sightline that puts you at an extreme angle from the stage. Here are five upcoming shows that are building new and younger audiences, taking risks, and otherwise doing Denver’s theater scene proud. Isadora (Paola Miranda, left)) and the titular visitor Yolot (Natalie Fuentes) in "Wolf at the Door." (Brandon Nieves, provided by Su Teatro) “Just Like Us” Su Teatro, one of the only Latino theaters in the U.S. — and a Denver gem — pushes boundaries with subject matter and format, and “Just Like Us” is no different. Based on the novel by Colorado journalist and author Helen Thorpe, “Just Like Us” dives into the “poignant true story about the experiences of four young Mexican women coming of age in Denver,” producers wrote. “This play explores themes of identity, friendship, and poses difficult questions about what makes us truly American.” A play that explores the complexities of immigration and basic human rights? Sounds like something we could desperately use right now. Written by Karen Zacarias and directed by Fidel Gomez and Micaela Garcia de Benavidez, it runs March 12-29 at Su Teatro Performing Arts Center in the Art District on Santa Fe. Tickets are $17-$20. Visit suteatro.org/just-like-us for more. In “The Cost of Living,” John (Jamie Rizzo) and Jess (Valentina Fittipaldi) navigate the complicated economics of caretaking on stage for Curious Theatre Company. The outfit is known for producing original plays. (Michael Ensminger, provided by Curious Theatre Company) Related Articles Colorado Home and Garden Show, ‘Pete the Cat’ on stage, and more things to do this week South Broadway theater in Denver exits bankruptcy, foreclosure Plastic surgeon says producer duped him into investing in Broadway shows Step inside Cleo Parker Robinson’s $25 million new addition, a state-of-the-arts utopia Denver Center’s ‘Cowboys and East Indians’ explodes Western clichés with heartfelt comedy “Birthday Candles” Following the censorship-themed “Bad Books,” the latest show from Denver’s Curious Theatre Company follows Ernestine Ashworth as she “spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe,” producers wrote. “Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century.” The heartbreaking, poignant and funny play is written by Noah Haidle, with direction by Christy Montour-Larson, as part of Curious’ 28th season. “Birthday Candles” runs March 7 through April 5, with previews on March 5-6. Tickets are $37-$57 at curioustheatre.org/event/birthday-candles Boulder's Catamounts theater group tends to pop up in unusual places, from outdoor spaces to shipping containers. (Provided by The Catamounts) “Uncontainable” The whole notion of “immersive entertainment” has become a stale marketing concern, but two of the freshest performing arts companies on the Front Range — The Catamounts theater group and 3rd Law Dance/Theater — know that “immersion” by any other name is just “transporting.” Acclaimed for playing with the tones and expectations of their environment, The Catamounts’ mischievous spirit and 3rd Law’s crisp, innovative contemporary dance will come together late spring to close out their respective artistic seasons. “Uncontainable,” directed by Amanda Berg Wilson and Katie Elliott, runs May 28-June 15. And here’s the novelty: it’s being performed in eight shipping containers in the old Macy’s parking garage at the 29th Street Mall in Boulder. Tickets and performance times will be forthcoming at thecatamounts.org or 3rdlaw.org. Actors appear on stage in "My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War" at Purple Rose Theatre Co. in Ann Arbor, Mich. The show is making its Denver debut at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. (Sean Carter Photography, The Purple Rose Theatre Co.) “My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War” This odd and alluringly titled play will have its regional premiere at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden, which boasts one of the most handsome new(ish) theater spaces in the state. The comedy follows a “forced-to-downsize Michigan matriarch and her grown children,” who “clash over everything from tofu to Toledo to goal posts to Gordon Lightfoot,” according to the official description. Dealing with aging by laughing? That sounds great to us. It’s penned by “A Jukebox for the Algonquin” playwright Paul Stroili, whose most recent work lit up Miners Alley like a fireworks display. “My Mother and Michigan/Ohio War” runs Feb. 20-March 29 at Miner’s Alley in Golden. Tickets are $45-$60 at minersalley.com/event-list. Jeff Jesmer, left, and Sophia Badia in And Toto Too's "Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex." (Photo by Brian Landis Folkins, provided by And Toto Too) “Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex” Which do you prefer? Fortunately, this show doesn’t make you choose. Taking over the Buntport Theater space for its latest production, Denver’s And Toto Too company is offering another world premiere in writer Edith Weiss and director Susan Lyles’ “Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex.” The comedy covers a lot of ground: extortion, political correctness, religion, Shakespeare, suicide, PBS, “and of course mediocre sex,” organizers wrote. But check it out soon because it closes this week. Open now, “Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex” runs through Feb. 28 at Buntport Theater in Denver. Tickets: $22.13-$32.64 via andtototoo.org. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox. ...read more read less