MOVIES
On Friday, director Marco Tullio Giordana’s “The Best of Youth Part 1 & 2” began a two-week run at the Starz FilmCenter. So pull out your PDAs and see what you can resked in order to see this two-part, six-hour family saga. The Caratis’ tale begins in the summer of 1966 as brothers Nicola and Matteo study for exams and ends nearly 30 years later with the lovely symmetry of a sweeping novel. Nearly 8 miles of film unspool during the “The Best of Youth.” What amazes is that each step in the Caratis’ journey is so well worth it.
– LISA KENNEDY
VISUAL ARTS
Stephen Batura is on a roll. In 2004 alone, the Post named him artist of the year after he was featured in a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver and received a $216,000 commission for a mural at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. His recent paintings will be featured in a two-person exhibition continuing through Sept. 17 at Robischon Gallery, 1740 Wazee St. An opening reception is set for 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Call 303-298-7788 or visit robischongallery.com.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
STAGE
Country Dinner Playhouse’s “Oklahoma!” is most recommendable for Amy Board’s performance as Ado Annie, the girl who cain’t say no. That you just can’t tell for certain whether her every move is spontaneous or rehearsed down to the last, perfectly punctuated eye roll is what makes Board’s extraordinarily natural breakout performance the highlight of an exuberant, if slightly flawed, staging. Showtimes 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 1:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (dinner 90 minutes) through Sept. 4 at 6875 S. Clinton St. Tickets $34.95-$39.95 (303-799-1410).
– JOHN MOORE
TELEVISION
One of the most profound statements about television ever committed to film, Peter Weir’s “The Truman Show” (1998), is on TBS at 6 tonight. Jim Carrey plays a man whose life is controlled by a director (also a father figure/divine presence?), observed by hidden cameras and telecast minute by minute to a global audience. And this was before “reality TV” was a staple.
– JOANNE OSTROW
POPULAR MUSIC
Are you “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’?” Then you’re already fully aware that Journey plays the Universal Lending Pavilion on Tuesday. Nostalgia will reign while the band, which is decades beyond any relevance, will likely indulge in “Only the Young,” “Open Arms” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” And somewhere, someone holds up a Bic lighter in tribute.
– RICARDO BACA
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Julia Fischer is one of the hottest young violinists around. The 22-year-old has performed with the New York Philharmonic and toured with conductor Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. She makes her Aspen Music Festival debut at 6 p.m. Friday, performing Bela Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with David Zinman and the Aspen Chamber Symphony. Tickets are $63. Information: 970-925-9042 or aspenmusicfestival.com.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
NIGHT LIFE
Feeling naughty? Whether you’re ready to don your tightest corset or in the mood to play voyeur, Friday at Rock Island (1614 15th St.) promises one of the year’s sexiest parties. “Whip It,” the annual fetish fashion and counterculture event, marks its 10th anniversary with the theme “Ten Bedtime Stories,” hosted by Little Miss Easy and featuring entertainment by Ooh La La, Pinky500, Slave 1 Designs and more. Door prizes, free food and a vacation giveaway are part of the fun. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $7-$10. Information: 303-572-ROCK.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
