MOVIES
OK, a few folks peeled out of a recent screening of “Superbad,” director Greg Mottola’s unapologetically juvenile celebration of teen-guy friendship and humming hormones. Maybe they split because the protagonists – especially the powerfully profane Seth – have more words for sex acts and bodily fluids than the Inuit have for snow. But if you can accept that any Judd Apatow-produced comedy is bound to shove the envelope, then there’s bawdy fun to be had in the story of high school best friends Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) as they embark on a quest for the unholy grail of senior-bash booze. Plus, the movie’s running joke of meta-nerd Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse in a super debut) using one pimpin’ moniker for his fake ID isn’t simply worth the price of the ticket. It’s nearly priceless.|Lisa Kennedy
VISUAL ARTS
While most landscape artists look up, Karen Kitchel likes to look down. The former Coloradan focuses on little details – a tuft of grass, a crack in the pavement – using her crisp, realistic style to imbue the these tiny worlds with unexpected drama. Her latest series of oils on panel, which revolve around the inevitable cycle of life and death, are on view through Sept. 1 in her third solo exhibition at the Robischon Gallery, 1740 Wazee St. 303-298-7788 or .|Kyle MacMillan
MUSIC
In the realm of cabaret – the art of performing the Great American Songbook in intimate settings – Andrea Marcovicci reigns supreme. As part of her annual workshop at the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp in Steamboat Springs, she will join fellow singer Karen Mason and several musical collaborators for a faculty concert at 8 p.m. Friday in the school’s Julie Harris Theatre. The students will take their turn the following evening at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for Friday and $10 for Saturday or $30 for both concerts. 800-430-2787 or perry-mansfield.org.|Kyle MacMillan
STAGE
TheatreWorks is presenting a unique Elizabethan double bill in Colorado Springs: “Hamlet” in repertory with “Antonio’s Revenge,” a play by John Marston that director Murray Ross believes has not been professionally produced in more than 400 years. Like “Hamlet,” it also was first produced around 1600, and it tells almost the same story, yet director Murray Ross sees the latter as “a grotesque and comic parody of the ‘Hamlet’ story, written by the Elizabethan equivalent of Quentin Tarantino. Think ‘Hamlet’ meets ‘Kill Bill.”‘ The two plays will feature the same actors in parallel roles. The plays run on alternate nights at the Bon Vivant Theater, 3955 Cragwood Drive, through Sept. 2, with double-headers of both on Saturday and Sept. 1. Call 719-262-3232 or go to theatre for showtimes. |John Moore
POPULAR MUSIC
Not that she carries any credibility musically speaking, but you still can’t deny Hilary Duff’s star power – and her uncanny ability to keep up her sparkling reputation as the anti-Britney. Sure, Duff will date a rock star, score the Mac contract, release fluffy pop records, promote a self-branded perfume and wear the provocative outfits. But as Spears gets crazier and crazier, Duff appears to be keeping it cool and playing the role model for the all-American teenager. Perhaps that’s why her latest full-length offering is called “Dignity.” Her fans will gather at Coors Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village when the pop star plays a show there Tuesday. More information: or 303-830-8497.|Ricardo Baca
NIGHTLIFE
It’s been a steamy August so far in Denver, and it’s about to get steamier. On Thursday the 2008 Colorado Firefighter Calendar will debut at Rise Nightclub with a runway show and Firefighter Bachelor Auction to benefit the Children’s Hospital Burn Center. The popular fundraising calendar – the past two have raised nearly $200,000 – features our flame-dousing heroes (14 men and one woman) in various sweat-inducing poses. If you’re looking for a hot night out, this is it. 8 p.m. 1909 Blake St., $25 general admission, $55 VIP, rise-nightclub.com.|John Wenzel
