Film Festival, Spamalot and Elton John!

November 3, 2022

Amazing concerts are happening this weekend, not the least of which are Elton John, Zach Bryan, and Straight No Chaser – plus comedy is everywhere thanks to Rodney Carrington, Chris D’Elia, and cast members from Whose Line is it Anyway? in its traveling show. You’ll find plenty of entertainment within 30 minutes from your front door this weekend near Southshore.

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, November 3

VETERANS’ SALUTE
Join your neighbors and friends to honor our veterans who have served this country in one of the military branches, often overseas in harm’s way. This year’s event will be especially memorable as everyone celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the United States Air Force! Guests will have the opportunity to interact and learn more about organizations in the community prior to a formal ceremony and luncheon. The tentative schedule includes a Vendor Fair from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and the ceremony and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver, 13200 E. 14th Pl., Aurora
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Admission: $10

ZACH BRYAN: AMERICAN HEARTBREAK TOUR
Zach Bryan is a singer/songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma, proud of his small-town roots and whose music is fueled by a desire to stay true to himself. The 25-year-old served 7 years in the Navy before being honorably discharged. His success is found in his raspy voice, a mix of classic folk melody and outlaw country with a raw edge that cuts to the bone. His breakthrough moment makes all that clear as day. In the video for “Heading South,” shot by phone outside of his Navy barracks in humid 95-degree heat, Zach’s passion echoes off the strings of his trusted Guild. 

Drenched in sweat and belting words that he had written minutes earlier, the moment is authentic, brutal, and real. Millions of fans have now seen that video without any sort of industry assist, and millions more have connected to the tender, sincere songs found on Zach’s 2019 debut album “DeAnn”. A man of simple words, Zach’s ability to create depth in his work is rivaled by few artists. He believes that who you are only extends to the person you are today, an ideology reflected in everything he creates.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$65

Thursday-Sunday, November 3-6

FOR THE KIDS: LITTLE RED
Theatre for Young Audiences is back! Enter the forest for an adventure with the lovable LITTLE RED. This charming, song-infused retelling of Little Red Riding Hood finds Little Red at the center of new adventures and new ways of seeing familiar characters. With a wandering wolf, a gardening grandma, a forest at risk, and characters from other tales joining in, Little Red discovers her own power as a vital doer in her community. Joyous and inspiring, the musical captures the warmth of Little Red and her family of smart, engaged females while also welcoming a new friendship between Red and Wolf. Get your tickets to the fun! Bring your children to their first theatre experience and spark a lifetime of wonder.

Randy Weeks Conservatory Theater,  1101 13th St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 10:00 a.m.; Fri., 12:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $16-$30

LAST WEEKEND FOR MUCH ADO
This refreshing spin on a 400-year-old classic is not to be missed. A playful comedy layered with all the rich complexity that comes with Shakespeare’s work, Much Ado About Nothing is a snappy, surprisingly timely meditation on gossip, gender roles, and the follies of romance.

Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick arrive in the Sicilian port town of Messina after a decisive victory on the battlefield. As they join in the post-war celebrations at the governor’s estate, Claudio takes a liking to their host’s daughter, Hero. Meanwhile, Benedick engages in a different sort of battle with Hero’s cousin, the quick-witted Beatrice. Cupid-like characters conspire to bring our quartet of lovers together, while darker forces seek to drive them apart. Can love truly conquer all when the combined powers of deception, betrayal, and envy stand in its way?Much Ado About Nothing is comedic, yet cautionary. Elegant, yet down to earth. It’s mischievous and undeniably merry. It might just be the world’s most well-known (and beloved) Renaissance rom-com.

DCPA, Kilstrom Theatre, 1385 Curtis St., Denver 
Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$76

LAST WEEKEND FOR TEMPTATIONS MUSICAL
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.

Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. 

Written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), and featuring the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, On Your Feet!), the unforgettable story of this legendary quintet is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more. The New York Times calls it, “Pretty close to perfection.”

Tickets are limited, so check now for the weekend!

Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Thurs.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$120
Phone: 720-865-4220

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
The Hilarious Musical Ripped from The Hilarious Film!England. 932 AD. The Legendary King Arthur is on a quest to find the Holy Grail and restore peace to the land. With the knights of the round table by his side, he’ll have to grapple with beautiful dancing girls, flatulent Frenchmen and killer rabbits. The smash-hit Broadway comedy comes to life at Vintage this fall! Book by Eric Idle; Music and Lyrics by Eric Idle, John Du Prez, & Neil Innes; Directed by Bernie Cardell.  Playing in the Nickelson Auditorium.

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-38
Phone: 303-856-7830

THE CROWN: LIVE!
Two actors reimagine the story of how Elizabeth Windsor became Queen Elizabeth II — and recreate the resplendent Netflix series in 80 minutes of frenetic hat-passing, period accents and corgi impressions. Originally staged in 2019, the show pays due respect to both the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’s historic reign and what the future holds since they’ve passed. A perfect treat for both fans of the show keenly waiting for the fifth season–and for those wondering what all the fuss is about! This royal comedy comes from the pen of parodic mastermind Daniel Clarkson, co-creator of Olivier Award-nominee Potted Potter.

Having been cruelly overlooked for her dream role as Queen Elizabeth in blockbuster series The Crown, budding starlet and number one fan of all things royal, Beth brings her own take on the epic story of the Royal Family to the stage instead… with her agent Stanley coerced into playing (almost) all the other roles–from Prince Philip to Princess Margaret, and all the commoners in between.

DCPA, Garner Galleria Theatre, 1385 Curtis St., Denver 
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $42-$46

Thursday-Sunday, November 3-13

45TH ANNUAL DENVER FILM FESTIVAL

Despite the circumstances each year brings one thing is constant: The Denver Film Festival brings the best of storytelling from around the world to you. Now in its 45th year, the Denver Film Festival is committed to delivering that quintessential DFF experience of cinematic storytelling and the people behind it. The Festival will run through November 13 with a robust lineup of in-person Red Carpet presentations, feature length film screenings, documentaries, shorts, music videos and episodic content, as well as immersive and virtual reality programming, events, panels, parties, industry guests and films in competition. Screenings, events and entertainment will be held at venues throughout the city including the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Botanic Gardens, AMC 9 + CO 10 and the Tattered Cover East Colfax.

ARMAGEDDON TIME, James Gray’s semi-autobiographical telling of his childhood in New York. The film, starring Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, and Anthony Hopkins, has already received rave reviews and is anticipated to be a serious awards season contender. Also featured on the Red Carpet will be the Nov. 8 Centerpiece Presentation of the Sam Mendes helmed, Olivia Colman starring, EMPIRE OF LIGHT. Big Night, November 10 features the Al Sharpton-centered documentary LOUDMOUTH. The Festival’s Nov. 12 Closing Night Red Carpet film features Sarah Polley’s long-awaited return to the director’s chair with WOMEN TALKING, a film with an ensemble cast including Frances McDormand, Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, and Jessie Buckley.

Special Presentations include THE WHALE, with its much-touted performance by Brendan Fraser as a severely obese man trying to reestablish a relationship with his teenage daughter. SHE SAID stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as the New York Times journalists who together broke one of the most important stories in a generation – a story that shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood. THE SON follows director Florian Zeller’s Oscar-winning THE FATHER, this time with Hugh Jackman balancing increasingly fraught relationships. Fans of documentaries will want to check out ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED, an examination of artist Nan Goldin and her efforts to shed light on the opioid epidemic and one-time pharmaceutical titans the Sackler family.

Denver Film Festival, Various Locations and Times
Info: DenverFilm.org
Box Office: 720-381-0813

Friday, November 4

ELTON JOHN: FAREWELL TOUR
According to Billboard, Elton John’s Farewell Tour is now the third biggest grossing in history with $661M and growing and it may well be the longest tour in history, as well. Named ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’, Elton John’s tour will last for three years and will include 300 dates. To all you Gucci addicts out there: prepare to drool because Elton has selected the fashion house’s Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, to create all the glittery outfits for the tour’s entirety. Sir Elton Hercules John is nicknamed Rocket Man after his 1972 hit single of the same name. John has released 31 albums since 1969. John began playing the piano at age 4 and at age 11 was awarded a scholarship to the London Academy of Music but quit before graduating to pursue a musical career.

Multiple Grammy-winning legend and flamboyant superstar, John is the most enduringly successful singer/songwriter of his generation. He is third most successful artist overall behind only Madonna and the Beatles having sold over 300 million records worldwide in a six-decade career. He has logged nine No.1 singles and seven consecutive No. 1 albums. John is also a noted humanitarian having raised millions for charity and founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation. 

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $375+

RODNEY CARRINGTON: COWBOY COMIC!
Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. Rodney is fresh off the release of his latest album, “Get Em Out,” (released 2019) which hit #1 on iTunes. His album “Here Comes the Truth” (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special.

Over the years, he’s starred in his own TV sitcom, “Rodney”, which ran for two seasons on ABC, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film, “Beer for My Horses,” which won the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and starred in his own Netflix special “Here Comes The Truth.” Rodney’s also appeared on countless other TV shows, including the ACA (American Country Awards), hosting the American Country New Year’s Eve Live show on FOX, and won “Supporting Character of the Year” from the CMT Music Video Awards for his appearance on the Trace Adkins’ music video “I Got My Game On.” (MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY).

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75
Phone: 303-623-0106

Friday-Saturday, November 4-5

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
What’s this?! Back by popular demand, see one of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films like never before! The full-feature film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected on the big screen with dialogue, singing, and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s darkly charming score played live by your Colorado Symphony. Families are welcome to this symphonic movie night – stay for the credits 

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$113 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876

Friday-Sunday, November 4-6

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 3
History is replete with turning points and with the completion of his revolutionary Third Symphony, Beethoven forever changed the idea of what a symphony could be. A clear bridging of the Classical and Romantic eras, the Eroica (“Heroic”) Symphony explores what it means to be human in a work that is larger and more emotional than a symphony had ever been before. In it, Beethoven’s passion rises to the forefront, using broad strokes of sound to convey the very nature of humanity, while reimagining a future for music filled with endless possibility.

Cellist Sterling Elliott — a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient — brings youthful energy to Elgar’s Cello Concerto, a deeply emotional work filled with soaring themes and quiet anguish that will leave audiences entranced. The Colorado Symphony Chorus takes center stage on Vaughan Williams’ Walt Whitman-inspired Toward the Unknown Region, a remarkable marriage of music and text, with Williams’ inspired music perfectly encapsulating Whitman’s noble, humanistic aspirations. These works will spring to life in the hands of Maestro Peter Oundjianand your Colorado Symphony.

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$98 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876

Saturday, November 5

CHRIS D’ELIA LIVE!
Chris D’Elia has become one of the most in demand performers in comedy. His highly successful podcast Congratulations With Chris D’elia has been a mainstay on iTunes’ comedy podcast charts since its debut in February 2017. He is also a co-star
on The King and The Sting And The Wing with Brendan Schuab.

As a stand-up, D’Elia is has toured the US and Canada with his show, Follow The Leader. D’Elia has three comedy specials available on Netflix, No Pain (2020), Man on Fire (2017), Incorrigible (2015), and he was chosen as one of four comics to represent the US in Netflix’s 2019 Series Comedians of the World which features 47 comedians from 13 regions in eight different languages. His first special, White Male, Black Comic, debuted on Comedy Central in 2013 and he can be seen on Comedy Central’s Roast Of Justin Bieber (2015). D’Elia’s stand-up is for guests 18 and older.

Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St., Denver
8:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 7:00)
Tickets: $25-$150+
Phone: 303-778-1500

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: Whose Live Anyway? — 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. 

Cast members Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray and Special Guest Drew Carey will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast on stage! Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones. All ages are welcomed, but please note that some PG-13 language will be used during the performance.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $89-$168
Phone: 303-623-0106

Sunday, November 6

STRAIGHT NO CHASER
Straight No Chaser has had an amazing decade. Ten years after turning a collegiate hobby into a recording career that has taken them around the world on tour, the a cappella group tells its story through music on ONE SHOT. 

Their seventh LP features 16 genre-spanning songs, and 10 entertaining conversational interludes, as the members of Straight No Chaser trace their unlikely rise from an undergraduate singing group at Indiana University to a beloved Atlantic Records act with a devoted international fanbase. Along the way, Straight No Chaser has sold more than 1.6 million albums in the U.S. and amassed more than 100 million YouTube views thanks to tightly arranged songs, impeccable vocal harmonies, and a healthy sense of humor. Yet Straight No Chaser’s success was never a given—these singers have worked hard to make the most of an unexpected opportunity when they signed with Atlantic and released their first album, HOLIDAY SPIRITS, in 2008.

So much of what Straight No Chaser has done over the past 10 years is the stuff of dreams: They’ve collaborated with Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Dolly Parton, to name a few. They’ve performed on national TV early in the morning, on Today; and long after dark, on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. They’ve toured North America, Europe, and Australia, and consistently rank among Pollstar’s top 100 touring acts in North America. The group is 10 years in the game, and are still a successful act. What started just for fun is now a career, and the guys have no intention of stopping. 

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $79-$82
Phone: 303-623-0106

NEXT WEEK: Thursday, November 10

DANCING QUEEN – A TRIBUTE TO ABBA
Experience an explosion of sheer grooviness with The Music of ABBA featuring the Finnish pop sensation Rajaton and your Colorado Symphony. Dance the night away, enjoying ABBA’s infectious hits like “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and so much more!

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$98 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876

Friday, November 11

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR
The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire which includes everything from medieval to contemporary to experimental music. These gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty are part of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world. Don’t miss your chance to see the Vienna Boys Choir at Boettcher Concert Hall in 2022!

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$98 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876

Friday-Saturday, November 11-12

MIKE VECCHIONE LIVE!
Mike Vecchione is an American comedian and actor whose stand-up has been described as “rapid-fire delivery, Mike has made numerous appearances on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, Netflix, SiriusXM and more. Based in New York City, Mike headlines across America as well as internationally. Mike has appeared on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, Comedy Central’s Fresh Face Debates, and Russell Simmons Presents: Stand Up at the El Rey Theatre.

Mike also had a guest appearance on the IFC hit show Z Rock.Mike was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and when it comes to late night television, Mike has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon, as well as Conan on TBS. Vecchione shot his own Half Hour Special for Comedy Central and has released two comedy albums, Muscle Confusion and The Worst Kind of Thoughtful.

Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. 
Tickets: $42
303-595-3637

Friday-Sunday, November 12-14

DOT: AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY COMEDY
The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood. Playing in the Bond-Trimble Theatre.

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-34
Phone: 303-856-7830

Saturday, November 12

BERNADETTE PETERS & THE SYMPHONY
Multi Award-winning performer Bernadette Peters joins your Colorado Symphony for an evening of Broadway hits. Peters is one of Broadway’s most acclaimed performers including in the musicals Hello, Dolly!, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, and many more. Don’t miss this glamorous evening at Boettcher Concert Hall as only Bernadette Peters can do.

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $90 plus fees & taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876

The Arts, Music and More Near Southshore!

Enjoy Life at the Lake in the master-planned community of Southshore—and find all sorts of  entertainment within easy reach! You can personalize your living space – just check out the beautiful model homes from Richmond American Homes and Century Communities. It’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home here, priced from the $700s.