AURORA | It’s not going to be cold and windy inside a bevy of local and regional theaters this weekend. So you can escape January’s cold and doldrums at the same time learning things you never imagined about elephants or watching someone get duct-taped to a chair.
Check out what’s fun and frivolous in this week’s Sentinel Colorado Muse collection of events.
The Secret World of Elephants
This world-class exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science uses interactive displays and fossil specimens to show the deep history of these giants. Visitors can learn about how elephants communicate through low-frequency vibrations and see how their ancestors adapted to ancient environments. Through hands-on interactions, you will feel the low-frequency rumbles elephants use to communicate, explore how they reshape their environments and come face-to-face with some of their ancestors.
IF YOU GO: Daily through Jan. 25 at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Details at dmns.org.
Exit, Pursued By A Bear
This dark, theatrical comedy weaves absurdity and emotional complexity in a story about Nan, who decides to break free from her troubled past and literally tape her abuser to a chair as part of a wildly imaginative re-enactment of their shared history. With sharp, surreal humor and memorable character dynamics, the production challenges audience expectations while probing themes of catharsis, redemption, and the messy evolution of relationships.
IF YOU GO: Opens Jan. 16 Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through Feb. 1 at the People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $17.55-$32.55. Go to www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-772-6950.
The Choir of Man: A high-energy musical celebration
At the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, “The Choir of Man” brings a raucous blend of harmony, rhythm, and stagecraft to life. Often called the ultimate “feel-good” show, its cast of singer-dancers performs everything from rock classics to folk and pub tunes with foot-stomping gusto and magnetic stage presence. The production’s unique setting—complete with a working bar on stage—feels like a night out rather than a traditional musical, making it an immersive experience for friends, date nights, and theatre lovers alike.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.at the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, 1301 13th St. Tickets: $41-$124 at www.denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100.
“The Shark Is Broken”
In a regional premiere full of wit and backstage antics, Vintage Theatre presents “The Shark Is Broken”, a fast-paced comedy chronicling the untold story of the making of “Jaws”. Running through Feb.15, 2026, this uproarious show dives into the turbulent production of one of cinema’s most iconic blockbusters — where the “shark” (the mechanical prop affectionately nicknamed “Bruce”) repeatedly malfunctions, tensions between stars mount, and absurdity bubbles over both on and off the constructed set. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon and directed by Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry, “The Shark Is Broken” artfully blends slapstick humor with sharp character interplay among actors portraying Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss as they bond, bicker, and booze their way through endless technical setbacks. The Vintage’s Bond-Trimble Theatre space enhances the immediacy of the experience, placing audiences at the heart of the chaotic shoot — much like being “on set” with this hilariously beleaguered cast. Whether you’re a movie buff curious about Hollywood folklore or simply seeking a night of uproarious, character-driven comedy, this show offers both laughs and glimpses into the unpredictable theater of filmmaking.
IF YOU GO: Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. Curtains vary at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St. Tickets: $20–$36 at www.vintagetheatre.org or call 303-856-7830.
The Long View: Making Art a Part of Life — DAVA Opening Reception
Downtown Aurora Visual Arts opens its newest exhibition with a public reception celebrating the career of artist Linda Graham. “The Long View” examines how creativity evolves over a lifetime, featuring ceramic and mixed-media works that reflect decades of experimentation and personal growth. The opening reception invites visitors to meet fellow art lovers, engage with the artist’s themes of persistence and curiosity, and explore how art-making can be woven into everyday life. Light refreshments and informal conversation make this a welcoming entry point for both seasoned collectors and first-time gallery visitors.
IF YOU GO: Friday, Jan. 16, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. at the DAVA studios, 1405 Florence St. No charge for admission. For details, call 303-724-0550 or go to www.davarts.org.
The Wild Robot — Family Film Screening
Families are invited to an afternoon screening of “The Wild Robot,” an animated feature that follows a robot stranded on an uninhabited island who must learn to survive — and connect — with the natural world. Adapted from the beloved children’s book, the film combines lush animation with themes of empathy, adaptation, and environmental awareness. The Aurora Fox’s family-friendly screenings are designed to be welcoming and relaxed, making them ideal for younger viewers experiencing theatrical movies for the first time.
IF YOU GO: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m. at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $5. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org or call 303-739-1970.
Rewild Your Rhythm — Guided Sound and Yoga Journey
This immersive wellness experience combines gentle yoga movement with live DJ-curated soundscapes, encouraging participants to reconnect with their bodies and senses. Designed for all skill levels, “Rewild Your Rhythm” focuses on breath, rhythm, and mindful presence rather than athletic intensity. Hosted in the artistic environment of Manos Sagrados, the session blurs the line between movement class and performance art, offering a restorative pause in the middle of winter.
IF YOU GO: Sunday, Jan. 18, noon–1:30 p.m. at Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave. Admission is $20. For details, call 303-746-8200 or go to manossagrados.com.
\Denver Jewish Film Festival marks 30th anniversary
The Denver Jewish Film Festival celebrates three decades of cinema, culture, and community with its 30th annual festival, running Jan. 22 through Feb. 1 at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center. The 2026 edition features a carefully curated lineup of 40 films — narrative features, documentaries, and shorts — written or directed by Jewish filmmakers or exploring Jewish culture, identity, history, and contemporary life. The festival is known for bringing films to Denver that are rarely screened locally, pairing in-person showings with filmmaker Q&As, lectures, and community conversations that encourage dialogue across backgrounds and generations. Opening night kicks off Jan. 22 with a red-carpet VIP reception followed by “The Ring”, a warm and multigenerational dramedy inspired by Adir Miller’s Holocaust survival story. Festival highlights throughout the run include “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire” with a post-screening lecture and talk-back with director Oren Rudavsky; “Full Support”, an intimate and humorous look at women’s lives set in a Tel Aviv bra shop; “31 Candles”, a rom-com about identity and delayed adulthood; and “Kissifum”, a coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of a turbulent period in Israeli history. The festival closes with “Match Maker 2”, accompanied by a champagne toast and a tribute honoring longtime festival contributor Mark Boscoe.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 22–Feb. 1 at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. Multi-film passes are available. Details and tickets at tickets.jccdenver.org/djff.