Colorado Ballet’s “Don Quixote,” Five Points’ historic bid and more
FRIDAY- OCT. 13 » As one of western literature’s most sympathetic fools, Don Quixote allows us see our shortcomings reflected in his earnest, windmill- battling folly. But that’s just the starting point for Colorado Ballet, which infuses Cervantes’ timeless tale with the classical skill required to pull off “Don
Quixote’s” 1869 dance adaptation. From the Spanish- inspired choreography by Marius Petipa to music by Ludwig Minkus ( performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra), “Don Quixote” is a traditional, athletic reminder that struggle can be beautiful — and insightful. Various performances Oct. 4- 13 at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. Tickets: $ 30-$ 155. 303837- 8888 ext. 2 or coloradoballet.org
Thunder, rain and sparks. SATURDAY » Appropriate for the whiplash- inducing weather changes this week, Golden’s Thunder and Rain will headline the Broomfield Auditorium on Oct. 5 as part of the “Bluegrass at the Audi” series from Colorado Bluegrass Music Society. The acclaimed, globe- trotting Americana quartet — led by the nimble, casually devastating voice of Erinn Peet- Lukes — brings an inspiring amount of hustle to an already- crowded field, crossing over from traditional bluegrass lovers to wider audiences at festivals and club shows. Martin Gilmore Trio opens the concert. 3 Community Park Road in Broomfield. Tickets: $ 15-$ 20. coloradobluegrass.org
Five Points’ historic bid. SATRUDAY » Dr. Justina Ford, Denver’s first African-American female doctor, delivered more than 7,000 babies over 50 years despite being denied access, help or equal standing in the city’s early 20th century medical community. Thanks to her trailblazing work, her house ( which was picked up and moved from its original location on Arapahoe Street) was repurposed as Five Points’ Black American West Museum & Heritage Center. That nonprofit is hosting an open house Oct. 5 to rally for a muchneeded, $ 150,000 grant — and you’re invited. The free, public event gathers some of the last living folks who were delivered by ( or were patients of) the late Dr. Ford for a photo shoot and oral history project, alongside a home tour, historical enactors, food trucks, live music ( The Spirituals Project choir, Rudy Grant & the Buffalo Riders Band, etc.) and more. 10 a. m.- 4: 30 p. m. at 3091 California St. bawmhc. org or voteyourmainstreet. org/ denver
Family fun. OPENING THIS WEEK » As artistic seasons get underway across the metro area so, too, are kid- friendly theater productions you won’t see during summer months. Premieres this week include BiTSY Stage’s family- friendly
“The Necromancer’s Stone,” a very Harry Potter- sounding title that’s actually based on a folktale about a voodoo queen and missing uncle. The free performances ( with donations accepted) run 7: 30 p. m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 1 p. m. and 3 p. m. Saturdays through Nov. 23 at 1137 S. Huron St. bitsystage. com. Also opening this week: An adaptation of the classic picture book
“Goodnight Moon,” with all the broad, comforting familiarity that implies. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts production is ideal for kids pre- K through second grade and runs various times and dates Oct. 4- Feb. 16, 2020, at the Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre. 1101 13th St. Tickets: $ 10-$ 16. dcpa.org