MOVIES
Don’t blame “Jaws” for the predicament we find ourselves in this summer: the ravenous incursion of the blockbuster sequel. Although it was Steven Spielberg’s 1973 shark tale that set the first post for what became the summer tentpole flick, “Jaws” remains a grippingly fun feat of storytelling. So forgo Spidey and see one of the finest studio entertainments as the Denver Art Museum continues its “Hooray for Hollywood” series. Not only did “Jaws” challenge studio marketing and distribution strategies, “it might be the best scare-funny movie ever made,” says DAM’s film series curator Tom Delapa. So go ahead: Wade into DAM’s Sharp Auditorium, Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Building, West 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Street. Tickets $7-$8; 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org. | Lisa Kennedy
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Four members of the Mercury Ensemble, a Colorado-based chamber orchestra, also perform as a string quartet. The foursome – composed of Lynelle Harding and Naomi Sue Smith, violins; Sarah Richardson, viola; and Wayne Templeman, cello – will present its next concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Grace United Methodist Church, 4905 E. Yale Ave. The program will consist of works by Shostakovich and Ginastera. Tickets, available at the door, are $10. 303-722-3854 or mercuryensem ble.com. | Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
The Aurora Fox’s “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is most notable for strong performances by Chris Reid as a hollow, harrowing Brick who shifts from stoic to stormy in a snap; and the great Jack Casperson, whose hard and hateful Big Daddy is just a horrible old hick. The play begins and ends on the shoulders of Maggie the Cat, and while Rebecca Gibel is too young and unspoiled to maximize the sad comedy in Maggie’s pathos, her sultry performance announces the arrival of a promising new dramatic leading lady. Well worth a look. Final performances 2 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. May 13. $20-$24 (303-739-1970), aurorafox.org. | John Moore
VISUAL ARTS
Given the stunning, varied landscape of Colorado, it is no surprise that artists have been inspired by it since the first intrepid ones ventured to the region. A traveling exhibition, “Masterpieces of Colorado Landscape: A Then & Now Look at Landscape Painting in Colorado,” highlights more than 40 of the best artists in this genre from the 19th and 20th centuries. The show, which opens Saturday and runs through July 8 at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. in Golden, marks the 40th anniversary of the Colorado Council on the Arts. An opening reception is set for 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday. 303-279-3922 or foothillsartcenter.org. | Kyle MacMillan
TELEVISION
NBC offers another retrospective clip job plus interviews, “Saturday Night Live in the ’90s: Pop Culture Nation,” at 8 tonight on KUSA-Channel 9. Among those debriefed are creator Lorne Michaels and cast members Dana Carvey, Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Nealon, Cheri Oteri, Molly Shannon and David Spade. | Joanne Ostrow
DVDS
Mainstream critics across America were befuddled by “Little Children” last fall and winter. The film about suburban New Jersey angst had some of the right elements: Kate Winslet, for starters, and that’s often enough to carry any film. Literary credibility, with Tom Perotta having penned the book and co-written the screenplay with director Todd Field. “Little Children” (out on DVD this week) ended up with three Oscar nominations, and was on a few critics’ top 10 lists for the year. But others, including both Denver Post film writers, found it strangely hollow and unsatisfying. The problem lies with the book itself – there were no characters to like, and not much plot to speak of. When nothing happens to anybody you care about, it’s tough slogging. But Jackie Earle Haley’s nominated supporting role is worth seeing, and Winslet is always worth watching. | Michael Booth
NIGHTLIFE
It’s more than a little ironic that a club called 5 is hosting a party to help combat global warming, but it’s a good kind of irony. The upscale martini bar will also use the event to celebrate two years on the scene – no small feat for any club in the ultra-competitive LoDo jungle. An educational presentation on global warming will be followed by the lounge’s first annual Courtyard Fashion Show. Be sure to check out the new bottle-service cabanas in the courtyard, and get there early for free Skyy vodka martinis 8-9p.m. Core Power Yoga passes and Capitol Records CDs will be given to anyone making a suggested donation to benefit StopGlobalWarming.org. 9 p.m. 1475 Lawrence St. Free. 303-260-7505 or lotusentertainment.com. | John Wenzel
POPULAR MUSIC
Elvis Costello is a living legend. Whether you’re listening to vintage classics such as “This Year’s Model” or “Armed Forces” or one of his more modern masterpieces – “When I Was Cruel,” for example – the songwriter’s genius is obvious. He’s one of England’s most celebrated voices for a reason, and he’s experimented lately with releases spanning rock, pop, jazz and classical. He plays the Fillmore tonight. Tickets are pricey at $45, but Costello is worth it. | Ricardo Baca
