TELEVISION
The longest-running comedy in TV history launches its 17th season tonight. “The Simpsons” features Alec Baldwin as a guest voice. He plays a marine biologist who introduces Marge to the wonders of the sea, and life away from Homer, in an episode titled “Bonfire of the Manatees.” At 7 p.m. on Fox Channel 31.
– JOANNE OSTROW
STAGE
Something is intentionally amiss in Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins”: John Hinckley asks Lee Harvey Oswald for his autograph. Sara Jane Moore and Squeaky Fromme form a “hippie and a housewife” comic duo to hunt down Gerald Ford. That everything seems oh so wrong in Sondheim’s “hit-man parade” means the fearless Next Stage Theatre Company gets it mostly right. Some in the cast aren’t up to the vocal challenge, but Gene Kato’s production is proof that musical theater can delve into deeply disturbing material and still be funny and entertaining. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Sept. 24 at the Phoenix Theatre, 1124 Santa Fe Drive. Tickets $17-$20 (2-for-1 Thursdays); call 720-209-4105 or go to nextstagedenver.com.
– JOHN MOORE
VISUAL ARTS
With 32 works by just 10 artists filling only the lower level of the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver, 1275 19th St., the “2005 Biennial Blow Out” comes off as something of a letdown. That said, this biennial is the most important such event in the state, and this installment does include some strong works, especially those of clay sculptor Jeff Starr of Denver, who emerges as the show’s unequivocal star. The exhibition continues through Sept. 25. Call 303-298-7554 or visit mcartdenver.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
MOVIES
Lasse Hallström has long brought us terrific, emotional movies that veer toward sentimentality without falling into the ridiculous. Remember “My Life as a Dog,” “The Cider House Rules,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” etc. Now, with “An Unfinished Life,” Hallström again achieves that fine balance with Robert Redford as an aging, angry rancher, still trying to reconcile his perfect son’s accidental death.
– MICHAEL BOOTH
POPULAR MUSIC
The Vibrators celebrate their 30th year of punk-rock existence next year, and while it seemed like the U.K. punk band went away for a spell, they didn’t really. The band, famous for the 1977 record “Pure Mania” and the track “Baby Baby,” has been off the road for only about a year since it first started. And now they’re back, playing Wednesday night at the Lion’s Lair. Tickets are $10 at TicketWeb outlets.
– RICARDO BACA
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Finally, the anticipation is over. Jeffrey Kahane, who was appointed the Colorado Symphony’s new music director in April 2004, will take over his duties this season. He leads season-opening performances with famed violinist Joshua Bell at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets. Tickets are $17.50-$75. Call 303-623-7876 or visit coloradosymphony.org.
– KYLE MACMILLAN
