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.

Critics are quick to make comparisons in the world of art. It’s often easier to define an artist’s body of work by what it resembles rather than by what it is. Many critics have compared artist Andrew Baird’s work to that of abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock. However, this comparison is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Baird’s signature style and densely layered paintings. One must see Baird’s work in person to grasp the depth of this Evergreen artist’s technique.

“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.