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Parker: Beary unfortunate wardrobe malfunction befalls ballet dancer

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 1, 2005 at midnight

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Colorado Ballet's dancing bear Richard Glover apparently lost his "bearings" when he fell into the orchestra pit of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during last Saturday afternoon's performance of The Nutcracker.

The "unbearable" incident occurred when Glover's costume head wouldn't stop spinning, and the first-year Colorado Ballet performer couldn't tell heads from tails.

"It was a wardrobe malfunction," quipped a spokesman at Denver's Theaters and Arenas division.

The performance took a brief "pawse" (sorry) before resuming. James Harvey, a member of the pit orchestra, said Glover brushed the arm of one of the musicians before landing on the plastic-lined floor.

The dancing bear was able to claw his way backstage under his own power and he was transported to a hospital, where he was examined and released.

Glover was apparently in hibernation and unavailable for comment on Wednesday. But Harvey talked to Glover, a former Pittsburgh Ballet dancer, backstage on Saturday night. "He was smiling a lot and told me he was OK," Harvey said.

In response to concerns from youngsters who witnessed Glover's fall on Saturday, a dancing bear greeted audience members in the lobby following the performance. However, another dancer was inside the costume, according to a company spokesman.

TRIPLE TREATS: Denver developer and restaurateur Jim Sullivan is capitalizing on the success he's made out of nine75, the kicked up comfort food spot at 975 Lincoln.

Sullivan is taking executive chef (and son-in-law) Troy Guard's menu and multiplying it into two more restaurants: one in the Belmar shopping center and another at 120th and Federal.

The 120th and Federal spot, called North of nine75, could open as early as the summer. The Belmar branch, called West of nine75, aims to open in early 2007.

"Troy is an unbelievable chef," said Sullivan about Guard, who studied under Roy Yamaguchi of Roy's, opened Tao in New York City and worked for Richard Sandoval at Zengo in Denver. "He has such a passion for food."

GIFT GIVING: Avalanche Captain Joe Sakic's better half, Debbie, will help out during Teaming Up For Tykes, a clothing drive for needy women and children, from 2 to 6 this afternoon at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, 10900 E. Briarwood Ave., southeast of Arapahoe Road and Havana.

Items such as formula, bottles, baby food and toiletries will be distributed to women and children from metro area shelters. More info:

CHRISTINES COME BACK: The original members of the Denver-based '90s pop band The Christines will reunite for one night only at 8 p.m. Friday at the Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. It's all part of Rising Up!, an Andy Warhol-esque evening of art, music, cinema and fashion featuring Denver's underground art scene.

Also on the bill are Denver's (die) Pilot, mod popsters the StartUps, DJ Jason Heller and host Sid Pink. Tickets at the door.

EAVESDROPPING at a wedding in Colorado Springs: "Would you like to sit with the bride's family here on the right or with the groom's family across the aisle on the far right?"

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-892-5224 or e-mail .