DVDS
A stunning, slightly reserved beauty, Jennifer Connelly works rather infrequently for an actress acclaimed as one of the most intriguing faces on the big screen. Connelly has a magical way of looking alluring, intelligent and not-quite-available, all at the same time. She adds her star power to “Blood Diamond,” a worthy action thriller out on DVD this week, creating a nice chemistry with the all-grown-up Leonardo DiCaprio. “Blood Diamond” tells the tale of mercenaries and beleaguered family men struggling to set themselves free amid the oppressive gem trade in chaotic corners of Africa. We won’t see more of Connelly, alas, until “Reservation Road” appears later this year. | Michael Booth
VISUAL ARTS
Few subjects present more of a challenge to a painter than the Holocaust. In “Shadowed Time,” an exhibition extended through March 31 at the Sandra Phillips Gallery, 744 Santa Fe Drive, Irene Delka McCray offers a deeply personal take on the event’s horrors. In a group of four beautifully realized canvases, she deftly blurs reality and imagination, as she peers back into history through the memories and family photographs of her friend Martin Mendelsberg. 303-573-5969 or thesandraphillipsgallery.com. | Kyle MacMillan
MOVIES
Once in a while a critic’s choice should celebrate the joys of having good options. This week you (and the kids) have them. For adults, there’s “Reign Over Me,” Mike Binder’s sad, sweet story of a man who lost his family in 9/11, co-starring a finely tuned Adam Sandler and the always watchable Don Cheadle. For the family: Consider Terrence Howard’s latest, “Pride,” about a Philadelphia man who starts a swim team in a blighted neighborhood. There’s also the PG delight “The Last Mimzy,” a sci-fantasy yarn about siblings who find a strange cube full of wondrous, world-saving toys on the beach. | Lisa Kennedy
CLASSICAL MUSIC
“The Seven Last Words,” Franz Josef Haydn’s portrayal of Christ’s final moments on the cross, is one of the great choral masterpieces. St. Martin’s Chamber Choir will team with the Confluence String Quartet in performances of the piece at 7:30 p.m. Friday in St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 Washington St., and 7:30 p.m. April 1 in St. Elizabeth’s Church on the Auraria campus. Tickets are $20 general public, $17 seniors and $5 students. 303-298-1970 or stmartinschamberchoir.org. | Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
On Monday, the Denver Victorian Playhouse will stage a special performance of its slamming- doors 1971 British comedy “No Sex Please, We’re British,” about a young housewife who is inadvertently mailed an onslaught of porn. The performance benefits the family of cast member Dell Domnik, a longtime friend of many area companies including Hunger Artists. Domnik’s daughter Andrea died suddenly March 10, leaving behind two sons, ages 1 and 4. She was without insurance. 7:30 p.m., pay what you can. Call 303-433-4343, or send checks in Domnik’s name to Denver Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker St., Denver, 80211. | John Moore
TELEVISION
It all comes down to tonight on “Grease: You’re the One That I Want,” as viewers vote to cast the Sandy and Danny who will appear in a Broadway revival of “Grease.” The series finale airs at 7 tonight on KUSA-Channel 9. Compared to Fox’s “Idol,” viewers haven’t been “Hopelessly Devoted,” but the show has scored solid ratings for NBC. | Joanne Ostrow
POPULAR MUSIC
You need to hear only a few strains of “Take Me Down to the Infirmary,” “Low” or “Get Off This” to remember what made Cracker so special. The music created by David Lowery and Johnny Hickman was unquestionably special, and it’s the reason why they’re still at it – two of the hardest-touring guys of their generation. Cracker plays Thursday and Friday at the Soiled Dove Underground in Lowry with the Railbenders opening both nights. Ticket prices are a bit steep, but given that reserved seating (retailing at $37.50 per seat) for both shows is sold out, the demand is obviously there. General-admission tickets – $25 at soileddove.com – are still available. | Ricardo Baca
NIGHTLIFE
Le Rouge’s weekly Ladies Soiree nights will end with a bang Thursday at the LoDo nightclub. Launched on March 1 – the same night as the club – the wildly popular nights have generated lines down the block with free Moet champagne all night long for women, music from Madrid’s DJ Tatiana and elaborate ice sculptures. The Grand Finale, sponsored by Skye, will close the night’s run with a fashion show promising Denver’s hottest models and makeup. 1448 Market St. No cover. All night. 303-892-5555 or lerouge.us. | John Wenzel
