MOVIES
By the end of director-writer Nora Ephron’s “Bewitched,” buoyant homage to the 1960s TV series, you may be mildly bewildered, largely at how the realms of the real and the magical overlap. And certainly actor Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is hot and bothered by the non-actress he’s found to play Samantha opposite his Darrin. But most of all – thanks to a wonderfully unburdened performance from an enchanting Nicole Kidman as the sorceress who wants to live a mortal’s life but just can’t – you’re likely to be bewitched.
– LISA KENNEDY
VISUAL ARTS
More than 100 examples of the best Japanese design from 1990 to the present will be featured in “Japanese Design Today,” a traveling show organized by the Japan Foundation. Showcased will be a range of products, including cameras, toys and furniture. It opens Thursday with a free reception from 7 to 9 p.m. and continues through Aug. 27 at Metropolitan State College of Denver’s Center for Visual Art, 1734 Wazee St. Call 303-294-5207.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
TELEVISION
Has any viewers’ choice voting show this ordinary ever gotten this much advance publicity? “America Chooses the Greatest American” (7 tonight on Discovery) complete with what they call a live “reveal” of the winner, is hosted by Matt Lauer.
– JOANNE OSTROW
POPULAR MUSIC
Not sure how the whole ladies-underwear thing is working out for Tom Jones, who turned 65 earlier this month, but the big-throated singer who has always been a hit with women will bust out all of his charm, chest hair and chart-topping hits Wednesday when he rocks the Universal Lending Pavilion with Tower of Power in support. Tickets to the show, which is a benefit for Holy Family and Machbeuf high schools, run $35-$150 and are available via Ticketmaster outlets.
– RICARDO BACA
STAGE
The surprise treat of the early summer season is the 37-year Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre’s four-star production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” in Grand Lake. The 14-member professional company, recruited from 10 states, is solid from top to bottom, led by Robbie Thompson as a beast with a voice of gold. But the real stars of this show are the 45 eye-dropping handmade costumes by Jesus Perez. In repertory through Aug. 20 with “Annie Get Your Gun” and “A Grand Night for Singing” at 1025 Grand Ave. Tickets $15-$20 (970-627-3421, rockymountainrep.com).
– JOHN MOORE
CLASSICAL MUSIC
More people attend the Santa Fe Opera from Colorado than any state other than New Mexico. It’s not hard to understand why. The company is one of the best in the country and provides yet another reason to visit this beautiful Southwestern city. This year’s opera season opens Friday with Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot.” In all, five productions will be mounted, with performances through Aug. 27. Call 800-280-4654 or visit santafeopera.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
NIGHT LIFE
Regardless of whether kids in clubland are perplexed by the Reggaeton sound emerging on TV and pop radio or already caught up in its electric fusion, the place to catch this latest mix of hip-hop and meringue is Club Sky upstairs at Jackson’s All-American Sports Grill, 1520 20th St., on Saturday nights during Zocalo, an event hosted by DJ Psycho of the Radio Bums. Admission is $5. Ladies drink free before 11 p.m. Information at 720-628-7088.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
