Movies
Lars, of the thorny and big-hearted independent dramedy “Lars and the Real Girl,” has been described as a “lovable introvert.” Hardly. That label speaks more to our tentative grasp of mental illness than to the reasons painfully shut-off Lars introduces an anatomically correct, life- size sex doll as his girlfriend, Bianca, to his family and neighbors in a small New England town. Ryan Gosling continues to make it clear he’s no flavor of the month but a performer of lasting impact. And Patricia Clarkson does wise work as the psychologist who encourages Lars’ sister-in-law and brother to go with the delusion. Where it takes them, the townspeople and us is absurdly ridiculous and often sublimely touching. Lisa Kennedy
Television
You wouldn’t know it in Colorado, but there is life beyond the World Series (on Fox from Denver at 6 tonight). ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters,” at 9 p.m. on KMGH-Channel 7, tightens the focus on the divorcing Walker sibling Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) and her ex, Joe (John Pyper-Ferguson), and the beginning of what looks like an ugly custody dispute. Lisa Kennedy
Opera
At a time when the Great White Way has been taken over by television and movie stars taking a break from their main careers, true Broadway legends are few and far between. One performer, though, who definitely fits that description is Patti Lupone, who recently starred in the highly successful revival of “Sweeney Todd.” The Tony Award winner will present a concert at 8:30 p.m. Saturday (following a gala dinner) in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House as a benefit for Opera Colorado. The program is titled “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda,” an allusion to the musicals in which she wishes she had performed and those in which she did. Tickets for the concert only are $25-$57. 303-357-2787 or Lisa Kennedy
Stage
There’s just no way to summarize the story of “The Night Heron” and make it sound interesting. But trust me, it is. It’s Jez Butterworth’s sad and darkly comic tale of two isolated, unemployed British gardeners whose lives on a lonely marsh are upended by a cool ex-con who might snap your finger in two if you get it close to her. It’s part “Frankenstein,” part “Waiting for Godot.” Paragon Theatre’s new production is notable for the skillful acting by Michael Stricker, Warren Sherrill, Jarrad Holbrook and a deliciously creepy Mare Trevathan. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Nov. 10 at the Phoenix Theatre, 1124 Santa Fe Drive. $17-$19; 303-300-2210 or Lisa Kennedy
Visual arts
The public gets its first chance this weekend to tour the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver’s new $15.9 million building at 15th and Delgany streets. Although the exterior is easy to overlook, the interior has much to offer with its subtle interplay of materials and hushed fusion of natural and artificial light. On display for the debut is “Star Power: Museum as Body Electric,” a group of interrelated yet independent solo exhibitions by seven internationally known artists. A free public opening with extended hours will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today. Regular admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for seniors and free for K-12 students and children younger than 5. 303-298-7554 or . Lisa Kennedy
Nightlife
The bulk of Halloween club parties happened last night, but a Denver nightlife institution has yet to spring its trap. The Church’s 11th Annual Masquerade Ball takes place tonight at that storied, cavernous venue – the perfect place to slip into another persona, grab a cocktail and move to the hip-hop music on the main floor, or indulge your goth side in the basement. Prizes and giveaways continue through the evening, and the 18-and-up crowd ought to keep things lively. 1160 Lincoln St. No cover before 10 p.m. $15. 303-832-3528 or . Lisa Kennedy
Popular music
Maroon 5 is one of the biggest pop bands in the world. And so how bizarre is it that its most recent single and its accompanying video, “Wake Up Call,” are so reminiscent of R. Kelly? As a song, “Wake Up Call” is typical Maroon 5 material. Singer Adam Levine, in his trademark tenor, laments being on the losing side of an affair. But the video – a sendup of Hollywood gangster films – is like Kelly’s “Trapped In the Closet” with a white cast. It’s goofy, to say the least – especially when Levine brandishes a gun and shoots a man dead. Regardless, Maroon 5 brings its high-energy stage show to the Fillmore Auditorium on Monday and Tuesday. Monday’s show is sold out, but tickets for Tuesday are still available at . or 303-830-8497. Ricardo Baca
