Crystal Valley Blog

If you are looking for something to engage your young children, there are a number of activities, classes, and performances geared towards little ones this weekend! Opera Colorado presents a family-friendly version of Hansel and Gretel in both Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, and a performance of Fiddler on the Roof BY kids will entertain the entire family. A 3D Meerkat movie and the final weekend of The Sound of Music on stage are some other great choices!  

TODAY/TONIGHT, January 9

SHEEP AND CATTLE WARS
No, it’s not the latest Pixar movie with the Sheep in white hats against the Cattle in black hats—but it is a fascinating PBS documentary about the battle over grazing and water rights in the Old West. You’ll learn about this surprisingly violent and long-lasting feud that erupted in “bloody grass” battlefields, gunfights, court cases and massacres. There was even a feud right here in Castle Rock!

Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock
6:45 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-814-3164

HANSEL AND GRETEL AT THE OPERA
This is a perfect way to introduce the entire family to opera—with a familiar and beloved fairy tale! The professional opera company, Opera Colorado, comes to the neighborhood with a performance that’s family-friendly and accessible. 

The opera is sung in English and staged traditionally, so even the youngest audience members will be able to follow the trail of breadcrumbs in the Magic Forest, as Hansel and Gretel seek their way back home. Of course, they run into the witch and her gingerbread house instead…but all ends well for the pair! Adults will appreciate the musical virtuosity of the production!

Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 – $15
Phone: 303-791-2500

Thursday-Saturday, January 9-11

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, JR.
One of the most well-loved scores in musical history comes from the nine-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof. With songs like Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man, Sunrise Sunset, and Matchmaker, you’ll be tempted to sing along.

This special adaptation for young performers follows the familiar story of a small rural Jewish community in 19th Century Czarist Russia, with Tevye the milkman trying to protect his daughters and his way of life from a changing world. The universal theme of the importance of tradition is as relevant as ever, and the beloved music will resonate with young and old.

Main Stage, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree
Thurs./Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Phone: 720-509-1000

Thursday-Sunday, January 9-12

MEERKATS 3D
Can you imagine a better way to spend a morning or afternoon than with these extraordinary and adorable creatures? Thanks to Disney’s Lion King, we may think we know the personality of a meerkat—but this amazing 3D film proves that fact is even more entertaining than fiction! 

You’ll get to know a family of these tiny but strong creatures, as Meerkats 3D follows a year in their life. You’ll witness how this family of 20 will battle a rival gang to protect their territory, their pups, and their lives as they also contend with the desolate environment which is their home.

CU Denver South, 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree
10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $8-$12
Phone: 303-315-9444

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE RINK
Want to become a better skater? Castle Rock’s community Rink at the Rock offers lessons! Whether improving your glide with lessons or lots of solo practice, ice skating is a great way for kids and parents alike to get some exercise and spend quality time together. It’s the perfect cure for cabin fever!

The White Pavilion, 414 Perry St., Castle Rock
Thurs., 4:00-8:00 p.m.; Fri., 4:00-9:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $6-$8
Phone: 303-814-8142

FINAL WEEKEND SOUND OF MUSIC 
In case you haven’t had a chance to experience everyone’s favorite musical on stage, this weekend is your final opportunity! All of your favorite songs from the movie, including The Sound of Music, My Favorite Things, Maria, Do-Re-Me, and Climb Every Mountain, are even more memorable live.

The entire family will love this heartwarming story of hope and courage! This show is recommended is for ages 6 and up.

Fine Arts Center at CC, 30 West Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs./Fri.,7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$50
Phone: 719-634-5581

Friday, January 10

DOWNTON ABBEY TEA
If you’ve always dreamed of living in the times and manners of Downton Abbey, this is your chance to act out your fantasy! Dress up in your favorite bonnet (or other early 20th-century garb) and make your way to attend High Tea at a Castle with a local cast of Downton Abbey characters! 

Your very own local castle at Cherokee Ranch will be hosting a tea, complete with champagne, warm scones, finger sandwiches and delightful pastries, while the theatrical troupe performs a short piece inspired by Downton Abbey. There will also be Downton Abbey games with prizes for the smartest of the lot!

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $65
Phone: 303-688-5555

MOMMY AND ME SOCCER DAY
For young soccer wannabes, ages 15 months to 3 years old, this FREE event hosted by Soccer Buddies is a great way for kids to get a head start on the sport! Parents attend with children, while coaches teach some of the basics of soccer with an exciting energized twist.

Children remain engaged, participating, and having fun the whole time!

Castle Rock MAC, Phillip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Friday – Saturday, January 10-11

STAND-UP BOBBY COLLINS
There’s a reason he’s been around forever—comedian Bobby Collins is totally relatable. Even though he’s from New York (with his signature New York accent), Collins’ talent lies in his ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences everywhere appreciate the honesty of a comic who points out the absurdities of day-to-day situations.

He’s got an everyman quality that makes you want to go out and share a beer with him. In fact, he’s got lots of friends in the business— Chris Rock, Ray Romano and Drew Carey have all invited him to work with them, and he’s also toured with titans of entertainment like Frank Sinatra, Cher, Julio Iglesias and Dolly Parton. Rosie O’Donnell specifically requested that Bobby take over as host for Stand-Up Spotlight.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $27
Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday, January 11

FROZEN DANCE WORKSHOP
Your young princesses ages 3-5 will delight in this icy ballet adventure presented by the Frostbite Sisters! Anna and Elsa will teach young dancers how to build a snowman, freeze the room, and start a blizzard. A fun obstacle course will help dancers save Princess Anna by giving her a warm hug! The workshop concludes with dancers learning a dance to the song Let it Go!

Register under Dance Exploration: Princess Events and Dance Camps—Class Number  63222.
Castle Rock Recreation Center, 2301 N. Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Registration: $25-$30
Phone: 303-660-1036

LOCAL BEST-SELLING AUTHOR
Meet and greet Colorado author Sandra Dallas when she appears at the Highlands Ranch Library for a literary evening! Dallas will give a reading from her best-selling fiction and talk about her new novel, Westering Women. A book sale and signing will follow the author’s presentation.

Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Registration: FREE
Phone: 303-791-7323

CABARET WITH THE CAST OF THE SOUND OF MUSIC
It’s the cast of The Sound of Music, but this extra special cabaret evening features songs that are NOT in The Sound of Music! Especially if you have caught these talented performers in the production of the musical, you will appreciate how versatile they are!

Featuring Jerry McCauley on the keys, and Lauren Lukacek (Maria) and Trevor Martin (Captain von Trapp) as your emcees, this is an adult performance with a cash bar.

Fine Arts Center’s Deco Lounge, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 (suggested donation)
Phone: 719-634-5581

Sunday, January 12

ANOTHER CHANCE TO SEE HANSEL AND GRETEL
This children’s opera production of the classic fairy-tale is designed specifically with younger children and their families in mind. No scary elements—instead the witch is wonderfully wacky—and Hansel and Gretel come up with inventive ways to escape from her gingerbread cottage.

Opera Colorado presents their touring production of the fairy-tale with an engaging score and lyrics sung in English! 

Main Stage, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5
Phone: 720-509-1000

Family-Friendly Thing to Do Near Crystal Valley!

There’s always something to do near the family-friendly community of Crystal Valley! Enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of Castle Rock and surrounding area where cultural and entertainment activities abound! If you’re in the area, stop by the amazing model homes from Century Communities, D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes, and find out why our community is among the top five fastest-growing in the state with new homes priced from the $300s.