Crystal Valley Blog

One of the all-time most influential and beloved composers in the U.S., Leonard Bernstein, makes an appearance this weekend through the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s tribute to his work. And it’s only one many outstanding events in the area that awaits you! Take the kids to a family-friendly ballet based on The Jungle Book or a live musical version of the classic Disney movie, The Little Mermaid. Or, join an historical walking tour to sample fine cuisine. It’s all happening in and around Castle Rock starting…tonight!

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, January 25

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BALLET
This whimsical, original ballet based on the short story Rikki-Tikki-Tavi in Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book will delight the entire family. Performed by Ballet Ariel, this spellbinding ballet is set in a tropical jungle and tells a story of great courage in the face of overwhelming danger. When two slithering cobras threaten the family of the little mongoose Rikki, he stands ready to do battle to protect them.

Renowned director Ilena Norton, in collaboration with contemporary choreographer, Gregory Gonzales, created this captivating piece to the melodic and rhythmic music of Alberto Ginastera, a leading Argentinian composer of the 20th century. Norton’s fluid and elegant style combined with Gonzales’ slightly edgy approach, results in an innovative and novel ballet the whole family will enjoy.

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

Thursday-Saturday, January 25-27

LAUGH WITH SARAH TIANA
Welcome y’all, to a real down-home Southern gal’s humorous take of the world! Originally from Calhoun, Georgia, Sarah Tiana’s act emphasizes the thrills of growing up after “The War Of Northern Aggression” and trying to survive in the current battle of the sexes. As a “downright ‘Merican,” Tiana has done over 12 tours of comedy for the troops. A trip to Iraq at the beginning of the war is highlighted in the documentary film, We Love You Mrs. Bevins. She has also been a correspondent on The Soup Investigates and has appeared on Love You, Mean It. Her versatile talent extends beyond comedy to the world of sports, where she has written for the ESPY Awards and the Rob Riggle NFL segments on FOX. Don’t miss Tiana’s Southern brand of humor when it hits the Mile High City!

Comedy Works-South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $14-$22
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, January 25-29

SAFARI IN 3D
Journey to the wildest continent on earth: across, over, and through its magical realms.  Wild Africa in 3D transports you via the waterways of this enchanted kingdom, giving you glimpses of fantastic places and amazing creatures not visible from highways or byways. Above the plains on seasonal winds, cascading along raging rivers or sheltering coral cities, you will be plunged into the fascinating secrets of this incredible world. It’s an adventure where you will truly believe the real world is more extraordinary and awe-inspiring than any fictional world.

CU South Denver, 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree
10:00 a.m., 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8-$10
Phone: 303-315-9444

THE LITTLE MERMAID – ON STAGE
A beloved Disney classic based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most memorable stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Featuring the same songs you know and love from the movie, the stage production sparkles with a real-life Princess Ariel as she follows her heart and dreams ashore, far from her ocean home. 

With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, the stage version of this family favorite will charm you with its irresistible songs, including Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World. Join Ariel and all of her sea-loving friends in this magical musical fantasy for the whole family.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Thurs., 6:30 p.m., Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $24-29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Saturday, January 27

BACK TO BASICS CRAFTING
Have you always wanted to learn the craft of crochet? Or maybe you’re more of two-needle person and would rather learn knitting basics? Now’s your chance at this Back to Basics Crafting session where experts will help you get started! At 9:00 a.m. the knitting basics will begin and at 11:00 a.m. the crochet class starts.

Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock 
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!

LEGO® BUILDING COMPETITION
The best cure for the mid-winter doldrums—building with Legos®! Participate in a family-fun challenge that will exercise your creativity and ingenuity. Meet other Lego® enthusiasts and compete to win prizes! Snacks will be provided, but you bring the enthusiasm and love of building!

Spending your Saturday afternoon at your local library branch may be habit-forming. In addition to perusing real live copies of books, libraries host a wide variety of events for the entire family.

Parker Library, 20105 E. Main St., Parker
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Register: Free
Phone: 303-791-7323

Saturday-Sunday, January 27-28

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOOD TOUR
Spend an afternoon in the heart of historic downtown Colorado Springs, eating and walking to your heart’s content! A downtown food tour developed for locals and visitors, this is Rocky Mountain Food Tours’ famous flagship tour. As you meander down Tejon Street, envision an old horse-drawn carriage, hear the chug of the railroad, and learn about the trade of gold and silver at the Mining Exchange. Be transported to yesteryear in between bites as your tour guide enchants you with thrilling tales of the Wild West.

This tour features five diversely delicious culinary destinations within the easy walking distance of one-half mile. Each destination will prepare generous helpings of their homemade provisions with some non-alcoholic beverages, too. Thirsty trailblazers can elevate this appetizing adventure by adding alcohol pairings at up to four locations. To encourage quality conversation and the forming of foodie friendships, the tours are limited to 14 guests. Embark on a culinary adventure and make new friends in the process!

271-299 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs
Sat., 2:00-5:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $55
Phone: 800-656-0713

BERNSTEIN’S 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Don’t miss the first event of a six-week festival dedicated to the genius and humanity of Leonard Bernstein! The Colorado Springs Philharmonic celebrates his life and music, following in his footsteps to demonstrate the power of creativity to overcome intolerance. Bernstein’s words ring true more powerfully today than ever: “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.”

Arguably the most celebrated musician of his time, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), composer, conductor, musician and teacher, gave voice to music and made it come alive for generations of concert-goers. A pre-concert lecture begins one hour prior to the performance his weekend’s concert, Bernstein No. 1. Seize this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life and legacy of Leonard Bernstein!

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$73
719-520-SHOW

Tuesday, January 30

MY FATHER’S DRAGON
When nine-year old Elmer Elevator hears about a baby dragon who is held captive by the ferocious animals of Wild Island, he sets off on an adventure to rescue the dragon and return him home. With the help of his friend the Alley Cat, Elmer packs everything he thinks he’ll need – including chewing gum, two-dozen lollipops, seven hair ribbons and a box of rubber bands! With pluck and ingenuity Elmer makes his way to the Island, outwits the wild animals and saves Boris, the dragon. But can they find their way back home? With talking animals, a daring rescue, a flying dragon, buried treasure and lots of humor throughout, this fabulous adventure uses puppets, masks, inventive scenic effects and original music. Enchantment Theatre Company brings you the story of a compassionate and courageous young boy and his unlikely friendship with a yellow and blue-striped dragon.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: $5
Phone: 720-509-1000

Live Entertainment Near Crystal Valley!
You don’t have to look far to find quality entertainment when you live at Crystal Valley! Homeowners here love the variety of things to do nearby, including plenty of live performances and activities for the whole family. When you are in the neighborhood, stop by and visit the beautiful new models offered by D.R. Horton,  Kauffman Homes and Richmond American Homes. Crystal Valley homes are available in ranch and two-story models and priced from the high $300s.