Crystal Valley Blog

This week, marvel at the gorgeous and breathtaking Cirque Du Soleil on Ice or be amazed by Chinese acrobatic performers with the world-renowned Peking Acrobats! And music is in town, too, with a rockin’ tribute to Janis Joplin and two Disney musicals that the kids won’t want to miss. With events ranging from art that tells a story to the life of butterflies, you will have plenty to choose from in Castle Rock and surrounding areas this weekend!

Thursday-Saturday, February 1-3

HANG OUT WITH BOBBY COLLINS
Native New Yorker Bobby Collins is just an everyday guy—who happens to have performed alongside friends, Chris Rock, Ray Romano and Drew Carey as a professional standup comedian. He has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition through the humor of day-to-day situations, even though he has toured with titans of entertainment like Frank Sinatra, Cher, Julio Iglesias and Dolly Parton. Rosie O’Donnell even specifically requested that Bobby take over as host for Stand-Up Spotlight. Yet his genuine everyman likability shines through it all.

Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations of the ludicrous aspects of life, as well as his wry commentaries on world events. Collins has appeared at comedy clubs and events across the country, as well as numerous television appearances on legendary shows like Letterman and The Tonight Show with both Jimmy Fallon and Jay Leno. Come see why Collins continues to add new fans of all ages to his loyal base of diehard followers.

Comedy Works-South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$26
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, February 1-4

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – ON ICE!
Delight in the fanciful Cirque du Soleil experience, even more breathtaking on ice! World-class ice skaters and acrobats take their new frozen playground by storm, challenging the laws of gravity with a flurry of unexpected acrobatics. You will be mesmerized by the adventures of Crystal, the show’s main character, when she sets out on an exhilarating quest to fulfill her destiny through her own imagination. She glides across the ice of this surreal world in pursuit of what she is destined to become: confident, freed and empowered.

Crystal is a brand-new kind of performance combining circus arts with skating disciplines. Skaters exploring the connection between these art forms through a journey of initiation and self-discovery. The result is an awe-inspiring fusion of art and athletics and whimsy that you won’t want to miss!

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. 
Tickets: $31-$153 
Phone: 719-520-7649

TELL ME A STORY – THROUGH ART
Spend a long winter’s afternoon immersing yourself in contemplative art! The professionally-curated PACE Center Art Gallery features Tell Me A Story, an exhibit that explores the question of where art comes from and the concept of tapping into one’s psyche for inspiration. Featuring four artists who delve into stories from their pasts to produce beautiful work in the present, this exhibit will appeal to a wide range of tastes and interests.

One of the featured artists, Frank Sampson’s, work is a sort of retelling of his mother’s adventurous stories. His art is rich in fairytale lands where wild beasts roam peacefully. There are many stories in this exhibit, and many storytellers. Immerse yourself in all of them!

PACE Center Art Gallery, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Thurs.-Sat., 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun., 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Phone: 303-805-6800 

BECOMING BUTTERFLIES
It’s not too early to dream about spring! Becoming Butterflies is a fascinating interactive exhibit produced by the CU Museum of Natural History that looks at some of the world’s most captivating insects throughout their entire life cycle. Follow them on their courageous journey, overcoming natural enemies, evading predators, and transforming from a tiny egg to a creeping caterpillar to a delicate winged flyer. Learn how butterflies impact our lives and the role we play in their survival. See brilliant images of Colorado butterflies, study four species through hands-on activities and discover how some of our favorite foods are a result of the relationship between caterpillars and plants. By the time you leave, you will have a new appreciation of these magnificent, magical insects!

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

THE LITTLE MERMAID – LIVE ON STAGE!
Join the precocious Princess Ariel on her journey from her beloved ocean home to her destiny ashore. Don’t miss this chance to see the popular animated Disney film live on stage! Sing along with all of the memorable songs you know and love, including Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World. You will be swept away by this charming musical fantasy, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless story of love, destiny, and dreams come true.

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

Friday, February 2

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
Janis Joplin is one of the enduring music legends, exploding onto the music scene in 1967 like a Roman candle in the sky. Almost overnight, she was crowned the queen of rock and roll. This special tribute, celebrating the woman and her unforgettable musical legacy, is “exhilarating…remarkable…a joyful ruckus” (The Washington Post). 

A Night with Janis Joplin brings Janis to life again—that unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with southern comfort. This sensational show features such unforgettable songs as Me and Bobby McGee, Piece of My Heart, Mercedes Benz, Cry Baby, and Summertime. It’s a musical journey celebrating Joplin and her biggest musical influences, including icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith. You will not want to miss the show that “will rock your world!” (Los Angeles Times).

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30pm, CO 80903
Tickets: $45-$55
(719) 960-4725

DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS – A NIGHT OF WORDS AND MUSIC
When music and stories come together, especially in support of refugees and immigrants who are new to Denver, it is bound to be a powerful and inspiring evening. Stratus Chamber Orchestra teams up with the renowned Lighthouse Writers Workshop and Picture Me Here, a storytelling fellowship for immigrants, to perform readings and music that allow the imagination to soar. In this creative collaboration, the theme of “dreams” is explored through the interplay of words and music, enhanced through images and photographs. 

By looking at the concept of dreams in a different way, the audience and performers dream together about the hope that the future holds for us all. Some of Denver’s best writers and storytellers provide the words, and Stratus Chamber Orchestra presents the music in their innovative immersive style.

First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 S. Colorado Blvd., Englewood
7:30 pm
Tickets: $10-25 
303-388-4962

Friday-Saturday, February 2-3

FATHER-DAUGHTER SWEETHEART BALL
Can’t wait for Valentine’s Day? If you are the father of a little girl, take this opportunity to treat your special sweetheart to a night full of fun, laughter, and dancing at the Father and Daughter Sweetheart Ball at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. She will delight in twirling around the dance floor with you, like a real fairy-tale princess! Enjoy refreshments, dancing, a corsage, and a special gift for each little sweetheart. In addition, you will receive a commemorative photo of the two of you on your special day!

Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
Fri.-Sat., 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 early bird pricing, $33 week of event
Phone: 303-791-2500

Saturday, February 3

BACK THE BLUE FOR ZACK – 5K RUN
In response to the tragic event on New Year’s Eve, the community has pulled together to organize a fundraiser to benefit Deputy Zachary Parrish’s family and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Fallen Officer Fund. The Back the Blue 5K Run/Walk was inspired by the sacrifice of Deputy Parrish and his Douglas County brothers behind the badge. Come together with hundreds of fellow Coloradans for a 5K Run/Walk in memory and gratitude of the sacrifice our men and women in blue make every day.

Entry fee includes participation in the timed race, indoor warm-up area and after-party with a pancake breakfast, a race shirt, and admission to the Douglas County Lifestyle Expo, where the awards ceremony will be held. Packet pick-up will take place at Boulder Running Company, Greenwood Village, on Thursday and Friday, February 2 and 3, from 3:00-7:00 p.m., or starting at 7:00 a.m. the day of the race. Spectators are welcome! The expo is free and open to the public and will include a kid’s obstacle course, interactive displays and more.

Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $35-$40
Phone: 720-733-6900

Saturday-Sunday, February 3-4

DISNEY LIVE: MICKEY & MINNIE’S DOORWAY TO MAGIC
Everyone’s invited to this unforgettable evening of Disney moments in a live stage performance that features all of the classic Disney characters. Mickey and Minnie Mouse pull back the curtain to reveal a mesmerizing world of follies and grand illusions! 

Who might show up? Of course, the comical duo of Donald Duck and Goofy, as well as 25 of everyone’s favorite characters!  Young fans will be captivated as the Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown and the Toy Story gang busts out of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider will make a spectacular stage debut as they rise into the sky on floating lanterns! With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you won’t know what to expect or who might join in the fun.

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.; Sun. 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$60
(719) 960-4725

Wednesday, February 7

PEKING ACROBATS
This world-famous performing troupe elevates circus acrobatics to an art form, resulting in a fanciful performance that will enchant the entire family! For the last 30 years, Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics, pushing the envelope of human possibility through their amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. As masters of agility and grace, they perform daring maneuvers atop stacks of chairs and bicycles. As expert jugglers, they amaze with their astonishing dexterity and incredible balancing feats. They defy gravity with their precision tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics, showcasing tremendous skill and ability.

See for yourself how “the Peking Acrobats regularly pass from the seemingly impossible to the virtually unbelievable” (Los Angeles Times). Accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments and high-tech special effects that punctuate the music and acrobatic feats, the Peking Acrobats deliver all the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival! 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$46 
720-509-1000

Live Entertainment near Crystal Valley!
Whimsical entertainment keeps the mid-winter blues at bay in and around the Crystal Valley area! Homeowners here delight in the wide variety of things to do nearby, including plenty of live performances and events. When you are in the neighborhood, stop by and visit the beautiful new models offered by Kauffman Homes, Richmond American Homes, and D.R. Horton. New Crystal Valley homes are available in ranch and two-story models and priced from the high $300s.