Crystal Valley Blog

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2018 is the Year of the Dog! And its characteristic word is ACTION! This is going to be a good year in all respects, and that includes all of the awesome events you get to attend by living in the Castle Rock area! This weekend you won’t want to miss world-class dance, music, and theatre events—from Russia to China to Texas—all within easy reach of Crystal Valley.

TODAY/TONIGHT Thursday, February 15

MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET PRESENTS CINDERELLA
There are two Cinderella stories that unfold in this memorable performance: the first is the exquisite fairytale put to music and dance, and the second is the story of the dance company itself, an unexpected success at a time in history when prospects for breaking away from the establishment were not favorable. The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1986, in the former Soviet Union, at a time when Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of glasnost and perestroika were changing the political landscape. Riding this wave, Sergei Radchenko, the legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, sought to realize his vision of an independent dance company which would bring together the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies—and the Moscow Festival Ballet was born. The company has been successfully touring the world ever since, keeping true to its classical Russian roots. 

Cinderella weaves all of the rags-to-riches magic of the story into a breathtaking and stunningly beautiful performance, blending humor with drama, against a rhapsodic score by Sergei Prokofiev. The Chronicle raves, “this is an impressive performance of a classical ballet, energized with dramatic expression and sensational steps” that will make you believe in happily ever after.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $33-$55 
Phone: 720-509-1000

Thursday-Saturday, February 15-17

LAUGH WITH ROCKY LAPORTE
Rocky LaPorte delivers the kind of laughs you get when hanging out with the guys, a down-to-earth, streetwise style of comedy that’s easy to love. With his trademark Brooklyn accent, LaPorte has become one of the most popular comedians in the country. Fresh from the most recent season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, LaPorte’s TV appearances have also included Showtime’s The Godfathers of Comedy, a special starring five of America’s most hilarious Italian-American comics. He has also appeared in two Tim Allen movies; Crazy on the Outside and The Shaggy Dog.

As part of the renowned USO program, he traveled with Drew Carey to Iraq to entertain the troops, and the performance became part of the Showtime special Patriot Act: A Jeffrey Ross Home Movie. His clean blue-collar style of comedy has earned him his own NBC pilot: the Rocky LaPorte Show.

Comedy Works-South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $17-$25
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, February 15-18

INTIMATE APPAREL – A BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRY OF A PLAY!
Set in 1905 New York City, Intimate Apparel is the story of Ester Mills, a 35-year-old African-American seamstress who supports herself by making beautiful undergarments. Esther’s clients range from socialites who demand the finest lingerie to a prostitute in need of working clothes. In addition to exquisite undergarments, Ester also supplies her clients with prudent and discrete advice. The play unfolds as delicately as the lovely fabrics from which Ester sews her garments.

Intimate Apparel has earned playwright Lynn Nottage two Pulitzer Prizes, the 2004 New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award. The unlikely heroine was inspired by Nottage’s great-grandmother, and the resulting play is a poetic tribute to the joys and sorrows of her life.

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs./Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$45
Phone: 719-634-5581

MENHIRS – A CONTEMPLATION OF ART AND TIME
A menhir is a tall standing stone, erected in prehistoric Western Europe…and still standing. This exhibition features new works by artist Melissa Furness that center around these ruins and the environments where they exist, asking questions of time itself. The exhibition highlights the paradox that occurs when confronted with ruins: our thinking splits into two paths–one that leads backward in time and another that travels forward, paths that are wandered upon simultaneously. 

CU South Denver, 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8-$12
Phone: 303-315-9444

Friday, February 16

BLUEGRASS CONCERT WITH THE HUMMIN’BIRDS
There is nothing like old-time Appalachian tunes, mixed with country, bluegrass and gospel, to lift the spirits! Join the Hummin’Birds in concert for an old-fashioned evening of vocal harmonies and playful instrumentation.

The Hummin’Birds draw their inspiration from early masters in American music styles, including Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, Bob Wills, Doc Watson, Cindy Walker, Les Paul and Mary Ford, and more! This concert is part of Good Shepherd’s Music with a Mission Concert Series. Admission is free, and donations will be collected for Heifer International, a charity organization working to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities. The concert is free with a suggested donation to Heifer International.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 8545 E. Dry Creek Rd., Centennial
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Phone: 303-740-2688

Saturday, February 17

CHINESE NEW YEAR CULTURAL FAIR AND CELEBRATION
Come usher in the Year of the Dog with a colorful celebration featuring an exciting Chinese dragon and lion dance, an amazing Kung Fu demonstration, traditional folk dances, and a musical performance. The Chinese New Year Celebration is performed by talented school-age children who are eager to help you learn more about this rich culture. All children in attendance will receive a red envelope, the traditional means of giving a blessing to the younger generation in the Chinese New Year.

Come early or stay after the performance to attend the 2018 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair. See an array of educational, art and craft displays, and items for purchase. 

Southridge Rec Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
Performance: 2:00-3:00 p.m.; Fair: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8-$11
Phone: 303-791-2500

ELVIS LIVE –  A BURNING LOVE TRIBUTE!
Don’t miss the most authentically-costumed “Elvis” there is! Renowned and iconic Elvis impersonator, Aaron Black, performs all of your favorite classic Elvis hits and dons authentic replicas of Elvis’ jumpsuits, made by the same company who made the originals. You’ll be dazzled by the single-most recognized Elvis costume ever, the Aloha Eagle suit, complete with the jeweled cape that Elvis wore in the famous Aloha From Hawaii TV Concert.

This unprecedented event at Cherokee Ranch & Castle includes dancing, dinner, a teddy bear, scarf, and photo opportunity with the King after the show. You are invited to step back to the 60s and 70s by wearing retro evening wear!

Cherokee Ranch, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $80
Phone: 303-688-5555

Saturday-Sunday, February 17-18

BERNSTEIN’S SERENADE – AN ELEGY TO THE GOOD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
“Love is simply the name for the desire and pursuit of the whole” (Plato). When Bernstein created one of his most elegant orchestral works, Serenade, he followed the narrative of Plato’s Symposium, eavesdropping on Athens’ greatest minds as they discussed the true nature of love. As Serenade’s five movements unfold, Bernstein captures the essence of the speakers, as well as the dynamics of their friendships. Plato realized that true love transcends human existence and connects with the eternal through all things Good and Beautiful–-an insight that Bernstein captured in his music. 

Leonard Bernstein was a worldwide celebrity — and an enigma. This performance of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic unpacks “Lenny,” including his influences, his faults, and his personal passions. Doing justice to his legacy means digging deeper than just the music, and by the time this captivating evening is over, you will have a greater understanding of the genius of Bernstein. 

UCCS Entertainment Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs              
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$72
Phone: 719-520-SHOW

APHRODITE’S SWITCHBOARD – A DANCE PERFORMANCE!
What if Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, were a switchboard operator, controlling the connections between people as they form relationships? The innovative dance company, Wonderbound, takes this delightful premise and creates an entire show around it, collaborating once again with Chimney Choir. This time, the two groups explore the complex idea of love by delivering a performance that blends tradition and innovation, vulnerability and courage, and intimacy and openness. With its trademark knack for candid explorations of the human experience, Wonderbound weaves a tale of love, magic and mystery.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$40
Phone: 303-805-6800

Sunday, February 18

CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE AT THE OUTLETS!
The courtyards of the Outlets at Castle Rock come alive with a colorful, fanciful Chinese New Year parade and celebration! Don’t miss the dragons as they sashay around the square in their traditional dance! Right beside them, dancers and artists from the Denver Chinese School, Jasmine Flower Dance Academy, will perform traditional folk dances to welcome in the Year of the Dog! And you will be astounded at the demonstration by the Denver Shaolin Kung Fu Academy!

This celebration includes traditions and activities in all of the outlet stores, including the ancient Chinese “Red Envelope” gifting tradition of giving away red envelopes filled with gift cards and promotions. Chinese New Year lanterns and decorations will also be available for kids 12 years old and younger. Come out to the outlets for a lucky start to the Chinese New Year!

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 303-688-4495

CHAMBER MUSIC – MOZART’S WINDS
Who needs a full orchestra? When the magical notes of the Chamber Music Wind Ensemble from Denver University’s Lamont School of Music ring out, you will be caught up in the beautiful arrangement of Mozart’s opera classic, The Marriage of Figaro. Its overture and arias are brought to life under the leadership of the Grammy-nominated bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann. Though it’s a small ensemble, these talented DU music students perform majestically, rivaling any career classical musician!

Parker Arts’ Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 E. Main St., Parker
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22
Phone: 303-805-7728

LYLE LOVETT AND ROBERT EARL KEEN – LIVE IN CONCERT!
There is a special magic when two old friends take the stage together, a familiarity and rightness as real as picking together on a front porch. For country music legends Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, that’s exactly what happens when they appear together in concert. Both were students at Texas A&M University in the late 1970s when they met at an informal jam session. While each has gone on to establish his own stellar career, their lives have continued to bump into each other’s, much to the delight of their fans.

A renowned singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett defies traditional definitions of American music in a career that has produced 14 albums. The Texas-based musician reinvents country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues with an eclectic style that has broad appeal. Robert Earl Keen has been working for the past three decades in the genre he loves the most—country music—from the release of his debut album through 19 albums, including six live albums. From his humble beginnings on the Texas folk scene, he’s blazed a trail that’s earned him living-legend status in the Americana music world. Don’t miss this chance to see two of country music’s biggest legends together on one stage!

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $39.50-$79.50
Phone: 719-960-4725

Always Something to Do Near Crystal Valley!
There is no shortage of world-class entertainment in the Crystal Valley area! Homeowners have a wide range of activities and events nearby, including plenty of live performances by world-class artists. Drop by for a visit and tour the beautiful new models offered by D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes. These new Crystal Valley homes are available in ranch and two-story models and priced from the high $300s.