MOVIES
When African refugee Kee tells her protector that her pregnancy was a virgin event, Theo (Clive Owen) stops in his tracks. In 2027, it’s enough that Kee is the first pregnant woman in a world gone infertile more than 18 years ago. Now this too? Kee may be joking, but “Children of Men” director Alfonso Cuarón is definitely winking. After all, the gifted filmmaker’s stunningly crafted tale of sacrifice, mayhem and miracles suggests there is more than one way to tell a nativity story. Like many a dystopian film (“Fahrenheit 451” comes to mind), “Children of Men” is permeated with sorrow and anger. It’s thoughtful but willfully anti-sentimental. Thank goodness then for Michael Caine’s turn as Jasper, Theo’s dearest friend. Oh, his humanity. |Lisa Kennedy
CLASSICAL MUSIC
MahlerFest returns for its 20th year with one of the more famous guest performers in its history – acclaimed baritone Thomas Hampson. After a series of previews, chamber concerts and related events beginning Wednesday (see mahlerfest.org for a complete lineup) comes the main event – performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 of Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde,” a kind of choral symphony. The concerts in Macky Auditorium on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus will feature an orchestra with musicians from across the country. Tickets are $10-$40. 303-449-1343 or 866-464-2626 or ticketswest.com. |Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
In its 49-seat salon, the Nonesuch Theater’s production of “Always … Patsy Cline” is as cozy as your living room. This may not be the seminal production of Ted Swindley’s country confection, but everything about it is likeable. The affable Gina Schuh-Turner as Patsy? Likeable. The affable Nancy Conover as best friend Louise? Likeable. The litany of classic songs? Likeable. Even if this staging doesn’t pack the emotional wallop it could, that combination will make for a likeable evening … always (three stars). 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through March 3 at 216 Pine St., Fort Collins. $15 (970-224-0444 or nonesuchtheater.com.| John Moore
VISUAL ARTS
What is realism? Attempting to follow in the footsteps of Rembrandt, Velázquez and thousands of other creators, today’s artists are constantly searching for new ways to answer that age-old question. Some of this region’s best representational painters will be featured in “REALationships: Works of Surreal Inspiration,” an exhibition running Saturday through March 11 at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden. A free opening reception will take place 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday. 303-279-3922 or foothillsartcenter.org.|Kyle MacMillan
POPULAR MUSIC
When My Morning Jacket takes over the Ogden Theatre on Friday and Saturday, Denver audiences will have the opportunity to see and hear one of the most critically lauded bands of the past five years. Singer-songwriter Jim James has surrounded himself with three other musicians from his Louisville, Ky., hometown, creating music that has intoxicated critics, fans and famous record execs too. (My Morning Jacket is on Dave Matthews’ ATO Records.) Elvis Perkins opens both nights. Tickets, $25, available via TicketWeb.| Ricardo Baca
NIGHT LIFE
If you’ve been to Danceotron, Denver’s most booty-shakin’ weekly dance party, then you know it never disappoints. DJ Sara T, who will celebrate the night’s sixth anniversary in April, has a staggering – and staggeringly good – array of the freshest vinyl from around the world. This week she gets a little help from friends Pat Collins, music director at Radio 1190 in Boulder, and Natalia Disko, who helms Tramp Wednesdays at Rock Bar. Just don’t blame me if your pants split from all the dancing goodness. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway, $5, 9 p.m.|John Wenzel
DVD
Neil Burger nicely adapts an evocative short story by Steven Millhauser, re-creating pre-World War I Venice and the great era of of magicians. In “The Illusionist,” Edward Norton plays Eisenheim, a master conjuror who has a grudge against the crown prince and a flame for the prince’s girlfriend (Jessica Biel). The illusions are beautifully done, and Norton’s natural intensity makes Eisenheim as riveting as a magician is supposed to be. Released Tuesday. *** 1/2 |Michael Booth
