MOVIES
Very few Hollywood movies show a realistic day at work. That’s just one of many gifts from the terrific “North Country,” a disturbing and rich exploration of men and women trying to live together as gender roles change all around them. Starring Charlize Theron and an eye-popping supporting cast, “North Country” tells the true story of the first class-action sexual harassment case, from a rugged iron mine in northern Minnesota. Sure to be on a number of Oscar lists by the end of the year.
– MICHAEL BOOTH
TELEVISION
In television’s early days, sole sponsors served as underwriters for programs, avoiding the glut of commercial interruptions so common today. On “60 Minutes” tonight at 6 on KCNC-Channel 4, viewers get more time for stories and fewer ads, thanks to a single sponsor (Philips Electronics), which will give back half the commercial time. Among the stories: an interview with basketball star Michael Jordan. Imagine if this experiment caught on.
– JOANNE OSTROW
POPULAR MUSIC
If you revel in literate, anachronistic post-folk, you already have your tickets to tonight’s Decemberists concert at the Paramount. But if you are not yet familiar with the excellent indie-pop collective from Oregon, all you need know is their penchant for shrewd storytelling and keen melodies. Their stories are epics, whether they’re talking about a mariner’s revenge or the tribulations of teenage love at soccer games, and their carefully crafted melodies and harmonies – constantly fooling with pop pomp and formula – are unlike anything else in today’s popshere.
– RICARDO BACA
STAGE
Country Dinner Playhouse’s smoking “Ain’t Misbehavin”‘ (winner of the 1978 Tony Award for best musical) honors songman Thomas “Fats” Waller with a quirky and imaginative revue that glides by as smoothly as melted butter down an ear of corn. The score includes the hits “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Squeeze Me” and “This Joint Is Jumping.” 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 1:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (dinner 90 minutes before) through Oct. 30 at 6875 S. Clinton St. in Greenwood Village. Tickets $34.95-$39.95 (303-799-1410).
– JOHN MOORE
NIGHT LIFE
The Colorado Blues Society has orchestrated a fantastic event today from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hudson Gardens (6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton). Showcasing some of the area’s premier blues acts, this Hurricane Katrina benefit includes performances by The Erica Brown Band, The Delta Sonics, Willie Houston and The Blues Prowlers, Acoustic Soul, Bruce Delaplain and Dan Treanor. Admission is $10.
– ELANA ASHANTI JEFFERSON
