Tonight. Silent gestures can communicate as well as any spoken word and even better if there’s a language barrier in place. That’s the philosophy behind Theatre
Shkidy, a Russian troupe performing at the Lakewood Cultural Center tonight. Their latest touring show, “Starry Stories,” tells a cheerful, yet philosophical, tale with dance, mime and music. It’s been described as a cross between Tim Burton movies and
Cirque du Soleil – in short, arty, gently weird family fare. Tonight’s show is the last of a brief run in Lakewood, but they’re working on coming back during their spring 2008 tour. 7:30 p.m. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway; 303-987-7876. Tickets are $28 for adults, $18 for children age 3 to 12, $25 for students with ID and seniors age 65 and older.
Saturday. What does a John Williams score sound like? Vaguely threatening, staccato strings and soaring melodies: “Superman.” Triumphant brass announcing a fanfare: “Star Wars.” Williams is responsible for some of the most memorable movie music. Just hearing a few notes instantly triggers visions of Indiana Jones’ nimble escapes or of dangerous dinosaurs brought back to life. It’s why he’s a huge success and why the Colorado Symphony Orchestra presents “The Sound of Cinema: Best of John Williams” on Saturday. The program features music from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Jaws,” the “Harry Potter” films and, of course, “Star Wars” and “Superman” – plus more. 7:30 p.m. Boettcher Concert Hall, 14th and Curtis streets; 877-292- 7979. Tickets are available through . Prices range from $15 to $69.50, with discounts for seniors and students.
Saturday. Is there a budding jazz legend practicing in your basement? Saturday offers a chance to pick the brain of professional trumpeter Wayne Bergeron when the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra presents his clinic at Cherry Creek High School. Bergeron’s first CD, “You Call This a Living?” scored him a Grammy nomination in 2004 after years of session and big-band work. He’s still a sought-after player in his L.A. hometown, recording with dozens of artists from Beyoncé to Barry Manilow. No wonder his second disc is called “Plays Well With Others.” The trumpet clinic starts at 2 p.m.; Bergeron also performs in concert at 7 p.m. Cherry Creek High School Auditorium, 9300 E. Union Ave., Englewood. Tickets are $20 for the concert and clinic, $10 for the clinic only and $15 for the concert only. For more information and advance tickets, visit .
Thursday. First published 60 years ago, Anne Frank’s World War II diary of her life in hiding is now a classic. Her story is known around the globe, and it’s getting another retelling by the Denver Center Theatre Company in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Diary of Anne Frank,” starting Nov. 9. Thursday’s preview performance is part of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Free For All series – meaning, yes, it’s free to everybody. 6:30 p.m. The Space Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets. Free tickets are available at the complex box office before the show, beginning at 4:30 p.m. It’s first come, first served, and one ticket per person in line. The show is recommended for kids ages 13 and older; no children under 6 allowed.
