Arts and Entertainment

“101 Dalmatians” is a powerful story about family, animal cruelty and the triumph of kindness. It grabbed audiences in its first incarnation, the 1961 animated version, and it continued to warm hearts in the 1996 live-action version of the film. What could be more heartwarming than this classic story performed by the elementary school cast from StageDoor Theatre? On Thursday, May 10, the young actors from the Conifer-based theater open their production of “101 Dalmatians Kids,” a rollicking musical version of the canine tale.

“Guys and Dolls” is a classic Broadway hit that has been reprised hundreds of times. The Colorado Children’s Theatre’s reprisal is no less sentimental than a Broadway revival of the show. “Guys and Dolls” was the first show performed by the Colorado Children’s Theatre when it opened its doors in Evergreen seven years ago.

In spite of budget cuts and increasing class sizes, there are still many things to celebrate in our mountain area schools. As a community, we celebrate athletic success, and we celebrate musical accomplishments. For more than 15 years, a group of Jefferson County educators and parents has organized an event to celebrate academic success, particularly success in writing and literacy. Each year more than 350 students from all mountain schools gather to celebrate the skills of writing and storytelling at the Mountain Area Young Writers’ Conference.

“Curtains,” the newest production at StageDoor Theatre, is a comedy whodunit that pays homage to the brassy musical comedies of the 1950s. “Curtains” was created by the powerhouse musical-theater team of Fred Ebb and John Kander, who were responsible for such great musicals as “Chicago” and “Cabaret.”