AURORA | So much of life is grand, even divorce after 50 years of marriage. ‘Grand Horizons,’ now playing at the Vintage Theatre in Aurora, explores the big picture of just about everything with wit and charm.
That’s just one in a list of “must see and do” starting this weekend and beyond in the metro area. Read on for more ideas.
’Grand Horizons’ at the Vintage Theatre
The Vintage Theatre is set to take audiences on an emotional rollercoaster with its upcoming production of Grand Horizons, a sharp and poignant play that explores love, identity, and the realities of long-term marriage. Written by acclaimed playwright Bess Wohl and directed by Bernie Cardell, the production boasts a compelling blend of humor and heartfelt drama.
Set in a retirement community, Grand Horizons begins with a bombshell: Nancy, after fifty years of marriage, announces she wants a divorce. The revelation throws her adult children into turmoil as they struggle to comprehend their parents as individuals with unfulfilled desires and personal needs. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey through the complexities of love, compromise, and self-discovery.
Since its Broadway debut, Grand Horizons has been praised for its witty dialogue and touching exploration of relationships.
IF YOU GO:
When: March 21 – April 27. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, curtains vary.
Tickets: $20-$36
Details: vintagetheatre.org and 303-856-7830
Venue: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra launches ‘Salon Series’ with jazz piano spotlight
Jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike are in for a treat as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra debuts its new weekday salon series in partnership with the Aurora Fox Arts Center. The series, designed to celebrate music, culture, and community, kicks April with a deep dive into the evolution of jazz piano, featuring acclaimed pianist Eric Gunnison.
This intimate one-hour event will explore jazz piano from the 20th to 21st centuries.
Gunnison is a mainstay of Denver’s jazz scene and a globally recognized musician. He will share his expertise on the instrument’s journey from ragtime roots to contemporary interpretations.
Moderating the event is CJRO founder and executive Director Art Bouton, creating an interactive atmosphere where audience members are encouraged to engage with questions and discussion. Suited for children and adults.
IF YOU GO:
When: 11 a.m. April 8
Tickets: $10-$20 and group rates are available.
Tickets: coloradojazz.org or 303-739-1970.
Aurora Fox Arts Center: 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Entrance is on the east side of the building.
Humor and heartstrings offered in ‘Maybe I Should Stop Talking’ at Su Teatro
Prepare for a solid mix of laughter and heartfelt moments as Stories on Stage presents “Maybe I Should Stop Talking” for one matinee only.
. This live performance will bring to life three engaging and humorous stories that explore the delicate balance between connection and oversharing when it comes to recounting personal stories.
The performance features Geoffrey Kent, Jessica Robblee, and Kristina Fountaine. Kent, a nationally recognized actor and one of only 20 Fight Masters with the Society of American Fight Directors, brings his dynamic stage presence to the event. Robblee, the Producing Artistic Director of the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, is known for her diverse contributions to the Colorado theater scene. Fountaine, a Denver native and Henry Award nominee, has graced the stages of Curious Theatre, DCPA Theatre Company, and the Arvada Center.
Stories on Stage, now in its 24th season, is celebrated for its captivating performances of literature brought to life by skilled actors. The event includes a silent auction and a complimentary milk and cookies reception after the show.
IF YOU GO
When: 2 p.m. April 6
Where: Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive
Tickets: $26
Details: www.storiesonstage.org and calling 303-494-0523
Aurora Fox — ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
The Aurora Fox Arts Center brings the Tony Award-winning drama ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ to the stage through April 13. Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel, the show follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a brilliant but socially challenged teenager, as he investigates the mysterious death of his neighbor’s dog. What begins as a detective story quickly evolves into a deeply moving journey of self-discovery, perception, and resilience. Directed by Richard R. Cowden, the production features striking visual effects that immerse audiences in Christopher’s unique perspective. “This play is a deeply moving exploration of perception, trust, and resilience,” said Cowden. “It’s a story that resonates as both a mystery and a profound coming-of-age journey.” Recommended for teens and older, the production includes strong language, mature themes, and sensory-sensitive effects.
IF YOU GO
When: March 21 – April 13, with curtains on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: Aurora Fox Mainstage Theatre, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $17-$42
Details: AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org and 303-739-1970.
What’s to come with space travel, an expert panel discussion
Join leading space industry experts at for an insightful panel discussion on the future of crewed space missions. Covering topics such as astronaut health, technological advancements, international collaboration, and commercial spaceflight, this event offers a deep dive into what lies ahead for human space exploration.
The panel features Alires Almon, an expert in behavioral health in space; Barry Hamilton, CEO of Red Canyon Engineering; Angie Wise, Chief Safety Officer at Sierra Space; and Carolyn Overmyer, Chief Engineer of the Orion Program at Lockheed Martin.
IF YOU GO
Tickets: $20-$25 and must be purchased in advance. Online sales close at Noon March 28.
When: 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Where: Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Blvd.
Details: wingsmuseum.org and 303-360-5360
DAVA’s Open Studio Invites Young Artists to Explore Creativity
Young artists and curious minds are invited to unleash their creativity at the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts Open Studio, a free program designed to inspire youth through hands-on artistic exploration.
The Open Studio offers a dynamic space for children ages 6-14 to experiment with a variety of art forms, including ceramics, drawing, painting, and sculpture.
More than just an art class, the Open Studio integrates elements of science, health, and cultural learning, making it a well-rounded creative experience. By engaging in community arts projects and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math activities, students develop problem-solving skills, social collaboration, and artistic confidence.
Parents only need to complete a one-time registration, after which students can drop in freely to participate. This initiative provides a supportive environment for young learners to express themselves while fostering essential skills for future success.
IF YOU GO:
When: 2:30 p.m. April 1
Where: DAVA Studio at 1405 Florence St.
Details: www.davarts.org or 303-367-5886.
Tickets: No charge
World Premiere of ‘Collecting Myself’
And Toto too Theatre Company celebrates 20 years of championing women’s voices with the world premiere of *Collecting Myself*, a one-woman musical by Denver playwright Paula Jayne Friedland. Featuring original songs and personal storytelling, the show explores the search for meaning and purpose with humor and heart. Through humor, vulnerability, and soulful melodies, Friedland unpacks the highs and lows of her search for direction, asking: “What does it really mean to find your purpose?” Funny and uplifting, Collecting Myself celebrates the courage to follow your passions and the beauty of finding your own way.
IF YOU GO:
Tickets: $27.38-$32.64 for general admission
When: 7:30 p.m. April 10-12, April 17-19
Where: The Roaming Gnome Theatre, 10522 E. 25th Ave.
Details: www.andtototoo.org
Ballet Ariel presents ‘A Night in Spain Featuring Carmen Suite and The Three Cornered Hat’
Ballet Ariel closes its season with A Night in Spain, a captivating double-bill featuring Carmen Suite and The Three Cornered Hat. Resident choreographer Gregory Gonzales re-imagines Carmen Suite, a tale of love and betrayal set to Bizet’s timeless music. Artistic Director Ilena Norton presents a fresh take on The Three Cornered Hat, a comedic ballet blending Spanish dance and classical ballet.
IF YOU GO:
When: April 12 at Cleo Parker Robinson Theater, 119 Park Avenue West and April 26-27 at the Lakewood Cultural Center 480 S. Allison Parkway.
Tickets: $20-$35
Details: www.balletariel.org or call 303-945-438