Leave it to Disney to turn kid’s fare into big- budget, Tony award- winning hits.
Before they were Broadway-bound, “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” saw life as animated musicals. They also raked in the cash and awards when they jumped from screen to stage. “Tarzan,” based on the Disney film of the same name, is currently gracing the Great White Way.
Denverites will have a chance to see the latest adaptation when we host the world premiere of “The Little Mermaid.” The Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex will reverberate with familiar songs like “Under the Sea,” plus nine new tunes by Academy Award-winner Alan Menken and lyricist Glen Slater.
The family-friendly production runs July 26 through Sept. 9. Tickets don’t go on sale until March 18, but mark your calendars because the best seats are likely to swim away quickly.
Prices for single tickets have not been released, but if you’re feeling antsy they are available as part of Denver Center Attractions’ 2007 season. Subscriptions start at $181. (303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org)
Clipse was one of the few hip-hop acts to join Ghostface Killah atop many “Best of 2006” pop music lists. The Neptunes-
produced album “Hell Hath No Fury” documented a lesser-seen side of Virginia Beach with deft rhymes about the devastating effects of the drug trade. The group visits the Boulder Theater March 7, with support from Lazy Eyze, D.O. the Fabulous Drifter and Dow Jones. Tickets for the all ages show are on sale now. ($20, bouldertheater.com)
Ted Leo & Pharmacists have earned the adulation of indie-
punk kids everywhere for their punchy, socially conscious songs that invoke the spirit of Elvis Costello and Billy Bragg. Leo also toured so hard in 2003 that his larynx collapsed. The last time he visited Denver was just a few months after that ordeal. With that behind him, he’ll embark on a national jaunt in March and stop by the Mile High City again. Tickets for the April 22 show at the Gothic Theatre are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($15, Ticketmaster)
Neko Case sings with such clear-eyed wisdom that it’s hard to believe she came from punk rock roots. Cutting her teeth as a drummer in several punk bands, the alt-country singer struck out on her own as a more traditional, if still deliciously dark, vocalist. Widely considered one of the best voices on the scene, Case is touring with the likes of Merle Haggard and playing massive festivals. She visits the Gothic Theatre April 4 with longtime collaborator Jon Rauhouse. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($20, Ticketmaster)
Menomena released the year’s first great indie rock album, “Friend and Foe,” earlier this week, so it’s nice to know it won’t skip Denver this spring as part of its national tour. Catch the loop-happy trio at the Hi-Dive April 7. ($8-$10, hi-dive.com)
