Crystal Valley Blog

LOW TICKET ALERT for a captivating aerial and musical performance by Cirque de la Symphonie with the Boulder Philharmonic at the Lone Tree Arts Center! But wait, there’s more!  This weekend and next enjoy the clean comedy of Nate Bargatze, or the music of Cher, the Rolling Stones or Abba. Or you can Scavenge the Rock, take a Trolley Tour or celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, May 2

SCAVENGE THE ROCK
What better way to learn about Castle Rock’s history than to explore Downtown Castle Rock with a scavenger hunt? Pick up the clue sheets at the Castle Rock Museum between May 1 and May 31. Go around town to complete the tasks on the sheet. Return the sheet to the Castle Rock Museum to receive a gift and you can be entered into a drawing to win season passes to the Summer Concert Series, golf certificates and much more. You have the whole month of May to complete the hunt. Bring your family, friends, co-workers or do it on your own. It’s a fun and easy way to learn some history and get to know Castle Rock. It’s a fun and easy way to learn some history, get to know Castle Rock better and win some prizes.

Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock
Wed.-Fri., 12:00-5:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 am.-4:00 p.m.
FREE

THE CHER SHOW
Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.

THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Saturday, May 2-4

JAMIE LISSOW
Actor and comedian Jamie Lissow is currently a regular weekly guest on the #1 rated late night talk show, Gutfeld! on Fox. Jamie is best known for his starring role in two seasons of the Netflix Original Series Real Rob, alongside SNL alums Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Norm Macdonald and David Spade; a show Jamie co-wrote and co-produced.

Jamie has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, has his own half hour Comedy Central special and a Dry Bar Comedy Special with over 20 Million views. Jamie recently wrapped his first movie, Daddy Daughter Trip, where he appears alongside John Cleese, Rob Schneider, and Micheal Bublé – a movie he co-wrote and produced. Jamie is currently writing and will be starring in the feature film, The Animal 2, for Fox/Tubi and headlining stand-up comedy shows across the country.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 p.m. & Sat., 9:45
Tickets: $35
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, May 2-5

ANASTASIA
Follow the enthralling story of Anastasia Romanov. This young woman, believed to have survived the Russian Revolution, grapples with amnesia and alongside a clever con artist and a former soldier, seeks to uncover her identity in post-revolutionary Russia.

Inspired by the beloved 1997 animated film, this musical seamlessly weaves history and fiction into a compelling narrative. Featuring an exquisite score, including the enchanting songs “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Anastasia promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the magic, romance, and intrigue! Secure your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary journey into the world of Anastasia!

Parker Arts Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$25
Phone: 303-805-6800

RENT
Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 

Set against the backdrop of the late 1980s/’90s in New York, Rent contains adult content, including profanity, homophobia, drug addiction and substance abuse, homelessness, sexuality, and the struggles of the AIDS crisis.

FAC, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $26 to $60.50
Info: 719-634-5583

Saturday, May 4

TROLLEY TOUR OF CASTLE ROCK
In honor of Historic Preservation Month join the annual Trolley Tour!This year’s focus will be, ”Who’s in a Name: the stories behind Castle Rock’s Street Names.” Meet at the Castle Rock Museum to board the Town trolley for the free tours. Tour times are at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and are approximately 45 minutes long. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Please call or email the museum to reserve your spot at 303 814-3164 or museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org.

Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock
Starting at 9:30 a.m.
FREE
Reservations: 303-814-3164

ROSES 101
Growing roses in Colorado can be as challenging as it is rewarding! There are many new and overlooked rose varieties that thrive in our region and the trick to growing those beautiful roses that will fill your garden with robust blooms, vibrant colors and delectable fragrances is choosing the right ones, as well as how to take care of them!

Join Peggy Williams, A Rosarian with the Denver Rose Society as he leads you through the basics of roses, how to choose roses for a Colorado garden, and reviews best practices for planting, growing and caring for happy, vigorous roses year after year.

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
10:00 a.m.
Registration: $15-$20

NATE BARGATZE LIVE!
Hailed as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” by The Atlantic Magazine and a “Rising Star,” by CBS Morning, 2021 Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world. Bargatze will make his debut appearance hosting Saturday Night Live on October 28^th on NBC/Peacock. 

An Old Hickory, Tennessee native, Bargatze followed in the showbiz footsteps of his father, a former clown turned world class magician, who’s influence is seen on his’s 2015 debut Comedy Central special, Full Time Magic and his debut album, Yelled at By a Clown, which reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks.

Bargatze’s half-hour Netflix Special The Standups, premiered in 2017 and his first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid, premiered globally with rave reviews in 2019. In 2021, he released his critically acclaimed second Netflix special, The Greatest Average American, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. On January 31^st, Nate released his latest and third one-hour special, Nate Bargatze: Hello World, on Amazon Prime which now holds the record as Amazon’s most-streamed original comedy special in its first 28 days of viewership.

Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable, evident in his 13 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on Conan four times and has appeared on Seth Meyers and James Corden respective late night shows. 

Bargatze was featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, one of Marc Maron’s “Comedians to Watch” in Rolling Stone, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture’s ‘50 Comedians You Should Know’ in 2015. He also appeared on the cover of Variety’s annual comedy issue in 2022. 

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
3:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $39
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

SWAN LAKE BALLET
Experience the legendary Swan Lake, ballet of all ballets, performed one night only at Pikes Peak Center with a live score played by the Boulder Symphony. The ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76 was initially a failure, but it is now one of the most popular ballets of all time. The scenario, initially in two acts, was fashioned from Russian and German folk tales and tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky’s music.

The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $55
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, May 5

CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA
Qdoba will be serving up yummy bites of festive food and you’ll witness mesmerizing performances from Ballet Folklórico dancers as they grace the courtyard with their traditional dances. Meet your favorite characters from Encanto and let your creativity shine at the hands-on face painting station. Enjoy a taste of culture and community at the annual Castle Rock Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
12:00-3:00 p.m.
FREE

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE
The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Cirque de la Symphonie join forces to bring a truly unique and mesmerizing performance to the stage. Through this awe-inspiring collaboration of musicianship and artistry, audiences will be transported to a world of wonder and excitement as they witness the seamless integration of music and acrobatics in this unforgettable performance.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$60

NEXT WEEK: Monday, May 6

THE DAWN OF AI
The recent release of the artificial intelligence (AI) program ChatGPT has catapulted this technology to the forefront of global conversations. The enormous potential of AI has many people both excited and fearful. Join Active Minds as we explain what AI is, how it can be used for good, and also its potential for abuse.

Please stick around afterwards for a brief, interactive demonstration of AI. An ageless event for adults. 

Castle Rock Library, Philip S. Miller Event Hall A, Castle Rock
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Free: REGISTRATION REQUIRED

ARMED FORCES DAY CONCERT
The United States Air Force Academy Band will be joining forces with the USAF Academy Cadet Chorale and the Colorado Springs Chorale to present a patriotic concert in celebration of Armed Forces Day and the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the Air Force Academy. The concert will feature patriotic favorites and highlight the contributions of Service Members, both past and present. The concert will also celebrate the Colorado Springs Military Affairs Council’s Outstanding Enlisted Award nominees and their contributions to the local community.

As one of only two Air Force premier bands and the only Department of Defense premier band located west of the Appalachian Mountains, the USAF Academy Band provides year-round support to the United States Air Force Academy and the more than 4,000 cadets in the cadet wing, helping develop outstanding leaders of character who will serve our country as officers in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. The Academy Band maintains a rigorous performance schedule in support of Cadet and Air Force troop morale, recruiting and community outreach. For over 60 years, the Academy Band has used the power of music to inspire Air Force personnel and the nation they serve, produce innovative musical programs and products, and communicate Air Force excellence to millions around the globe.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE EVENT – TICKETS AT BOX OFFICE ONLY
Phone: 719-575-9632

Tuesday, May 7

ALAN DOYLE: WELCOME HOME TOUR
Alan Doyle— actor, producer, best-selling author, and best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland’s beloved Great Big Sea these past 20+ years— hardly needs an introduction. With five solo albums under his belt, Doyle has been touring the world with his ace six-piece band for the last decade. In late 2014, Doyle released his best-selling memoir Where I Belong, followed by A Newfoundlander In Canada released in October 2017, and All Together Now released in November 2020.

Amidst these projects, Doyle found time to write music for and appear on CBC’s Republic of Doyle, guest on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, a role in 2014’s Winter’s Tale and 2010’s Robin Hood. With his 2022 live album “Here, Tonight” and a recent JUNO nomination for his 2021 album “Back to the Harbour”, Doyle chalks up a lot of where he is right now to luck. “I’m the luckiest guy I’ve ever even heard of,” he says. “This was all I ever wanted, a life in the music business, singing concerts.”

Parker Arts Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$55
Phone: 303-805-6800

ARTS AFIELD
The Arts Afield “en plein air” membership program allows small groups of visual artists special access to varied locations on the property on most Tuesdays, several months each year, serving artists who paint, sketch, draw, or take photos at the group site.

Click HERE to see the individual dates and locations. Artists pre-register for each date meet in the parking lot on Arts Afield mornings.

Everyone carries in and carries out their supplies, to enjoy the day from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m. in the summer). Artists have stated these are inspiring days for capturing images of the vistas, land, wildlife, and structures and may use the garage restroom (near the Castle) during their visits. Dates and sites are subject to change and are weather-permitting. See the calendar months to select dates – including a couple of sunset dates that will be confirmed soon.

Each date requires a $32 access fee, with a completed signed Land Liability Waiver form on file that will be emailed to you. Alternatively, artists who participate frequently will benefit from a money-saving annual package which offers multiple dates and an option to participate in a show in Cherokee Castle, for $180 pre-paid annual fee. A code will be provided to those who purchase the annual package.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
8:30 a.m.
Cost: $32 each or $180 package (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

Wednesday, May 8

BILLIE & ELLA: ARTS IN THE AFTERNOON
Jazz vocalist and educator Rajdulari brings her unique blend of jazz stylings to celebrate the music of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. This concert will be an introspective look into the lives and music of both iconic singers.

Arts in the Afternoon is a monthly hour-long program that features some of the finest classical, jazz, opera, and other artists from the Denver metro area.  Many shows include an educational component, with the artists sharing historical and artistic insights about their program.  Following most performances, patrons enjoy complimentary refreshments and conversation with artists. 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 720-509-1000

ADAM ANT WITH ENGLISH BEAT
Stuart Leslie Goddard, better known as Adam Ant, is an English singer, musician, and actor. He gained popularity as the lead singer of new wave group Adam and the Ants and later as a solo artist, scoring 10 UK top ten hits from 1980 to 1983, including three UK No. 1 singles. He has also worked as an actor, appearing in many films and television episodes. The tone of Ant’s debut solo album, Friend or Foe, was defined as glitzy glam pop with “tongue-in-cheek tunes, delivered with an excess of flair and good humour”. It was also described as being “one of Ant’s best records and one of the best new wave albums”. In a review for Strip, the songs were considered to contain a “mixture of driving, danceable rock with humour”. He’s a prolific songwriter and has headlined and toured the world since 1979.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $40
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday, May 9

ABBA EUPHORIA
This tribute show to ABBA is unparalleled, featuring a family ensemble with parents and their children in the starring roles of the legendary group – ABBA! At just 16, AnnaSarina steps into the shoes of Anni-Frid with a voice so captivating it has moved audiences to tears, ever since her first performance in Malaysia at age 8.

Her brother Keaton, 19, skillfully handles the piano, and has been mastering Benny’s parts from ABBA since he was 11.

Linda Maze, the mother portraying Agnetha, is a seasoned singer-songwriter who has toured extensively with her husband Phillip Dunget, taking on the role of Bjorn, across Canada, Europe, and the USA. Prepare to sing your heart out and dance to ABBA’s timeless hits like “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes it All,” “Mamma Mia,” “SOS,” “Waterloo,” “Super Trouper,” and many more!

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $50
Phone: 303-805-6800

ELEANOR, A PLAY
This tour du force performance by Deborah Persoff brings to life the smart, strong and greatly admired First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. The play is set in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC, and explores places that figured largely in Eleanor’s life. It will be performed with an intermission during which an American classic dessert will be served. 

Ms. Persoff is engaging and riveting in this solo performance, directed by Christine Kahane, and is often featured in lead roles at Vintage and many other metro venues. She has been honored in The Best of Westword, the Drama Critics Circle Awards, and has received the distinctive Henry Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre. 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:45 p.m. Doors Open/Cash Bar/Tours
7:30 p.m. Show Commences
Cost: $62 + 3.50 Fee (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

Friday, May 10

LTSO PRESENTS VIVA L’ITALIA!
The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra closes out its 2023-24 season with a salute to Italy. Highlights will include guest artist Jenny Bouton performing a piccolo concerto by Vivaldi, Felix Mendelssohn’s enrapturing Italian Symphony (No. 4), and other pieces inspired by the beauty and culture of the Italian peninsula.

The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra (LTSO) was founded in September 2000 with the mission of being a first-class community orchestra, enabling musicians to perform orchestral music in the city of Lone Tree and South Metro Denver at a high standard, thus enriching the lives of the community and members through music.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$30
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday-Saturday, May 10-11

MUSIC OF THE ROLLING STONES
The Philharmonic Rocks! Frontman Mick Adams joins a full rock band and entire Philharmonic for a celebration of The Stones’ iconic albums, Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed. Featuring favorites including “Sympathy For the Devil,” “Street Fighting Man,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Midnight Rambler,” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” as well as classic hits from their ABKCO years, including “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Ruby Tuesday.”

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25 

Saturday, May 11

TITO PUENTE, JR. LIVE!
“A dazzling show filled with charisma, flair and all the right dance moves. His skill at playing, singing, and dancing was undeniable…Tito Puente, Jr. shined with a talent that was all his own.” —The Examiner

Son of the legendary American salsa and Latin jazz musician Tito Puente, Tito Puente, Jr. has emerged as one of the most exciting Latin musicians on the scene today. His explosive stage presence, backed by a sizzling band, is a high voltage celebration of music, evoking the showmanship of Tito Sr., Desi Arnaz and other Latin greats

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$50
Phone: 720-509-1000

Things to Do Near Crystal Valley!

Looking for a residential community in Castle Rock with new homes for sale? Look no further! Just minutes from downtown is the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, and Richmond American Homes. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.