Be still your heart. Robert Redford is scheduled to come to Denver next year as part of the Unique Lives & Experiences lecture series.
Since the series began in Denver in 1999 it’s been women only, speaking to a mostly female audience. And some major big shots have spoken, including Coretta Scott King, Ann Richards, Leslie Stahl, Maya Angelou, Cokie Roberts, Janet Reno, Madeleine Albright, Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem and Barbara Bush. Redford is the first guy – and a high-profile way to begin.
“The series has always been for women but not necessarily of women,” says Denver producer Nancy Rebek. “We did a survey, and adding a male to the mix was embraced by our patrons.”
The series begins Feb. 6 with TV newscaster Judy Woodruff. Then it’s boxing personality Jackie Kallen (the inspiration for Meg Ryan in “Against the Ropes”), March 6; former Planned Parenthood president Faye Wattleton, March 27; Broadway legend Carol Channing, April 24; Queen Noor of Jordan, May 15. And, drumroll please, Redford on June 7.
All talks will take place at the Buell Theatre. Subscriber renewal forms should arrive by mail this week. The series will be open to new subscribers in late October. Call 877-872-8124.
Scratch
Call it Katrina’s second wave.
5280 magazine has canceled its scheduled Thursday night blowout that was to benefit Colorado Children’s Campaign. The $150 tix would have included food from such top eateries as Bistro Vendome, Emma’s, Flagstaff House, Palace Arms, L’Atelier, Panzano, Restaurant Kevin Taylor, Rioja and Somethin’ Else.
“We had a big meeting last Monday, and we decided to take a step back and step out,” says 5280 mouthpiece Keely Rubis. “A lot of our vendors are involved in relief efforts. People are going to four or five hurricane events this week, and rightly so. There will be a better time to do a 5280 party.”
Local charities are in for some tough times – and they know it. They went through it with Columbine and with Sept. 11. And there’s nothing much anyone can do about it.
Wicked, wicked ways
The Broncos play on Monday Night Football Sept. 26 against the Kansas City Chiefs – and before the game, Stephanie J. Block, the Wicked Witch of the West in “Wicked” at the Buell, will sing the National Anthem.
It may be your only chance to see her. The show was sold out long before it opened Friday night with a gala celebration.
But wait, my pretty! Producers are holding a lottery 2 1/2 hours before each performance for 24 tickets, $25 each. You have to show up in person at the DCPA box office, limit of two tix per person, cash only.
City spirit
Dave Matthews Band raised $1.5 million for Katrina relief at its Sept. 12 Red Rocks concert … KUSA-Ch. 9 sports guy Drew Soicher cracked some sexy jokes about Dennis Rodman becoming commish of the Lingerie Football League on the 5 p.m. newscast last week – and didn’t even get a smile out of deskmates Adele Arakawa, Kathy Sabine and Bob Kendrick … Sez who: “If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade. Then find someone who’s life has handed him vodka and have a party.” Ron White
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Husted also appears on Fox 31 News. You can reach him at 303-820-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com.
