Shakespeare Reigns This Weekend and Beyond!
This weekend you can enjoy night after night of Shakespearean plays – both classic renditions and updated interpretations for audiences who speak olde English and don’t! You can also find entertaining performances by musicians and cirque athletes — with various locations in nearby Boulder, Lafayette, Thornton and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 28
AMELIA’S BIG IDEA
Ten-year-old Amelia Smart wants to build a dog park. Her pet Gadget needs a safe place to play, but her big idea to transform Townville will take a lot of work! Along the way, Amelia will need help from the Mayor, the Librarian, Mr. Delivery, and others. Kids (suggested ages 4-12) will learn about teamwork, community, and civic ambition through catchy songs and live acoustic music in this can’t-miss world premiere. Warning: You might take some big ideas home with you.
Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: FREE
Info: 303-718-7100
PICNIC ON THE PLAZA
If you’re in the mood for a picnic today (Thursday), bring your basket and beverage to the plaza and enjoy free live music from 12:00-1:00 p.m. This week lunch to the tunes of Dean Himes, country singer, songwriter, and recording artist. He’s performed with big bands and small ensembles, large and intimate venues from the east coast to the Rocky Mountains.
Festival Plaza, 311 S. Public Rd., Lafayette
12:00-1:00 p.m.
FREE
CREATIVE NIGHTS: ROCK MANDALAS
Explore your meditative Zen and creative side with creating your own rock mandalas. Have a special rock? Bring it in and have fun! Learn about the meaning of mandalas from different culture along the way. All Items are provided to create your next masterpiece! Each art project is beginner friendly for ages 18+ only, and registration required.
Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Avenue, Longmont
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Tickets: (only 15 spots available)
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT: HAZEL MILLER
Hazel Miller has toured North America, Europe, the Far East, Middle East, and Central America. Hazel is always backed by some of the finest musicians and vocalists in the world. Whether she’s singing the blues, jazz, pop, or Gospel, her voice charges the songs with a primal dose of genuine soul. Make your way to Longmont Museum’s grassy courtyard where you can sit in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets and enjoy adult beverages (purchased on site) and concession snacks.
Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
6:30-8:00 p.m.
FREE
Info: 303-651-8374
COLORADO MUSIC FESTIVAL
Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto might never have seen the light of day — the pianist for whom it was written initially declared it “absolutely unplayable.” Luckily Tchaikovsky ignored this criticism, published his concerto, and unveiled what has become one of the most famous piano concertos of all time. Pianist Gabriela Montero brings her “monster technique and thrilling tone” (Seattle Times) to this concerto. Principal Guest Conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni returns to conduct Prokofiev’s masterful Fifth Symphony. “I conceived of [Symphony No. 5] as glorifying the grandeur of the human spirit . . . praising the free and happy man,” said Prokofiev of the uplifting symphony he composed against the backdrop of WWII. Mussorgsky’s haunting and beloved Night on Bald Mountain opens this all-Russian program.
Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$75
Info: 303-665-0599
TWO GENTLEMENT OF VERONA
Friend or foe? While traveling abroad in Northern Italy, best friends Valentine and Proteus find themselves at odds over the same girl, putting their fidelity to the test. In “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Shakespeare delivers a charming adventure complete with romantic intrigue, disorderly servants and a band of honorable outlaws.
“Tis pity love should be so contrary.” — Shakespeare.
Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, CU, Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$81
Info: 303-492-6132
ARIEL POSEN PERFORMS
Ariel Posen’s music occupies the space between genres. It’s a rooted sound that nods to his influences — heartland rock ‘n’ roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop — while still moving forward, pushing Posen into territory that’s uniquely his own. He turns a new corner with Headway, a solo album that finds the songwriter taking stock of his personal and musical progress. Already celebrated as a frontman, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Ariel Posen hits a new high-water mark with his second album — an album that prioritizes songwriting above all else, showcasing the progress of a lifelong musician who’s still in the middle of an upward trajectory.
Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St.
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$17
Thursday-Sunday, July 28-31
HOLD YOUR FIRE
Documentary lovers might want to schedule time this weekend to catch reality film at its most visceral. In 1973, four young African-American men stealing guns in Brooklyn were cornered by the NYPD. A violent gun battle ensued, killing a police officer and beginning the longest hostage siege in NYPD history. The NYPD’s 130-year-old policy was to deliver an ultimatum, then respond with deadly force. Could visionary police psychologist Harvey Schlossberg convince his superiors to do the unthinkable — negotiate with “criminals” — and save twelve hostages from an impending bloodbath? In never-before-seen film and gripping interviews with survivors, HOLD YOUR FIRE uncovers what really happened in this landmark event with the potential to revolutionize American policing.
Boedecker Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12
Info: 303-440-7826
JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in interactive scenes inspired by the beloved film. Now, the park that was only a promise comes to life right before your eyes.
– Discover the science of Jurassic World
– Meet the most adorable baby dinos
– Get up-close and personal with velociraptors
– Come face to face with life-size dinosaurs
Don’t miss this awe-inspiring journey into Jurassic World: The Exhibition, for a limited time in Denver.
National Western Center, 5004 National Western Dr., Denver
Weekdays: 11:00 a.m.-6-8:00 pm.; Weekends: 10:00 a.m.-7-8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19.50-$94.50
Info: JWE@roundroomlive.com
OUTDOOR THEATRE: THE BOOK OF WILL
“Not of an age, but for all time.” So reads the posthumous tribute to Shakespeare in the First Folio, the first-ever published compilation of the playwright’s work. An evocative love letter to one of theatre’s greats, “The Book of Will” tells the heartfelt and hilarious true story of the artists and friends who undertook the herculean effort to publish the Bard’s plays in the wake of his death. Since 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has delighted audiences with professional theatre on the CU Boulder campus. Complete your Colorado summer with Shakespeare under the stars in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre—complimentary seatbacks included.
Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, Hellems Arts and Sciences, Boulder
Thurs./Sun.: 7:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat.: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$81
Info: 303-492-6132
CIRQUE ITALIA’S GOLD UNIT
Cirque Italia’s Gold Unit performers can’t wait to take you back to a time when hula hoops and soda fountains were abundant, Elvis Presley dominated the airwaves, greased hair was all the rage, and street racing was a parent’s greatest concern! Come along for the ride when a 1950s-obsessed adolescent falls asleep and dreams of living in this revolutionary era. This high-octane show is guaranteed to captivate and engage every kiddo and Daddy-O in the audience.
Cirque Italia believes multi-culturalism is one of our strongest assets. Our show features performers from Argentina, Brazil, Romania, and many other countries. Of course, these incredible artists are preparing to wow you with their astounding acts. Master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics, and even a wheel of death! Want to know more? You’ll have to come ‘dream’ with us as we travel back in time.
Cirque Italia’s mission is to provide high-class entertainment suitable for all age groups, where all are welcome at our strictly animal-free shows!
Denver Premium Outlets Parking Lot, 13801 Grant St., Thornton
Thurs-Sat: 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$50
CORIOLANUS BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Follow the tumultuous career of one of ancient Rome’s super soldiers in Shakespeare’s white-hot war play. An enduring, resonant tale, “Coriolanus” raises questions about the power of common people, the efficacy of leaders who always speak their mind and the strength of a democracy run by polarizing political schemes.
Since 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has delighted audiences with professional theatre on the CU Boulder campus. Complete your Colorado summer with Shakespeare in the elegant indoor University Theatre.
University Theatre (indoors), 261 University of Colorado, Boulder
Thurs., 7:30 p.m. and Sun.,2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$70
Friday-Saturday, July 29-30
ARTS IN THE PARK: BOULDER OPERA
The City of Boulder is proud to present the Boulder Opera performing ‘Eras of Opera’ at the historic Glen Huntington Bandshell. This performance traces the history of the Opera back to the 16th century, classical period, romantic period and all the way to the contemporary era under the stars. This family-friendly concert features some of Boulder’s most talented rising artists, performing classic arias and scenes from Handel, Mozart, Bellini, Verdi, Floyd, Heggie and more! Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks ‘King Como Quesadillas’ and ‘Arepa’s Caribbean’. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the PLAY Boulder Foundation. Guests are welcome to bring outside food into the venue, however, outside alcohol may not be brought into the venue.
Glen Huntington Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$10
Info: 303-444-7328
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL
A smart and sexy coming-of-age romp set in elegant 1950s France, “All’s Well That Ends Well” introduces audiences to Helen and Bertram—one, a brilliant but poor physician’s daughter, the other, a wealthy, roguish soldier—as they grow up and grow into themselves in order to find love.
“Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie, which we ascribe to heaven.”–Shakespeare
University Theatre (indoors), 261 University of Colorado, Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$70
Saturday-Sunday, July 30-31
BOULDER FINE ART STREET FESTIVAL
The second annual Boulder Fine Art Street Festival is nestled in an artsy, eclectic haven and will feature local and national artists and fine crafters all displaying their handmade work in a safe, outdoor environment. Exhibitors include silver, glass and crystal jewelry, beaded items, watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media artists, sculptors, photographers, wood carvers, fiber artisans and more. You’ll also find books, candles, soaps, clothing, hats, food items, furniture, home goods and leather products like handbags and hair accessories.
Boulder Fine Art Street Festival, 1710 29th St., Boulder
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
FREE
Sunday, July 31
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Principal Guest Conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni conducts a special Midsummer Night’s Dream. This performance pairs Mendelssohn’s lush score, which includes the instantly recognizable “Wedding March,” with a dramatic reading by actor John de Lancie (American Shakespeare Festival, TV’s Star Trek The Next Generation) to summon Shakespeare’s fairies, royalty, and fools in love. Mendelssohn penned Midsummer’s overture at age 17; Bizet was the same age when he wrote his Symphony in C, a surprisingly mature work, effervescent and full of contrasts. The program opens with a brand new orchestral arrangement of Jessie Montgomery’s vivid Starburst, which is, in her words, “a play on imagery of rapidly changing musical colors.” New! John de Lancie has added a meet and greet session following the concert, free with ticket.
Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$75
Info: 303-665-0599
Friday, July 29
ETOWN PRESENTS: CHRIS SMITHER
Reviewers and fans from around the world, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, agree that Chris continues to be a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist, and intense performer as he draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers. Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for 50 years, Smither is truly an American original.
eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30
Tickets: Pay What You Can
Information: 303-492-1411
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
This water wonderland mixes family fun, a variety of exhibits, an Aquatic Carousel ride, 4-D Theater, upscale-casual dining and spectacular marine life in Denver. Explore the Aquarium Adventure exhibit with more than 1 million gallons of extraordinary exhibits. Dine in the Aquarium Restaurant seated around a 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium featuring a variety of delicious menu selections.
Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St., Denver
Fri.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Admission: $18.99-$24.99 (More for Exhibit – Plus passes)
Phone: 303-561-4450
Life in Erie, Colorado
There’s lots to do near the master-planned community of Colliers Hill, whether it’s right in Erie, or 20 minutes away in Boulder. If you don’t live here yet, check out the stunning model homes from KB Home, Richmond American Homes – and now open, Boulder Creek. Priced from the $600s, this fast-growing new home community in Northern Colorado has lots of exciting amenities to offer new home buyers, too!
