Movies
One debate fostered by Todd Haynes’ bold, fluid appreciation of the “many, many lives of Bob Dylan” might be: Will it most bedevil Dylan-tantes hankering for a more traditional biopic or those folks with little of the troubadour’s back story under their belts? Buoyed by rich performances — in particular Cate Blanchett as the prickliest Dylan persona and Christian Bale as a reticent folksinger fresh to the New York scene — “I’m Not There” is a beautifully wrought essay on the shape-shifting of identity, creative and otherwise. Lisa Kennedy
Television
“Spiderman 2,” the excellent 2004 sequel, stars Tobey Maguire as the conflicted superhero in a web of intrigue. It’s regarded by some Spidey aficionados as the best of the three. With Kirsten Dunst as MJ and Alfred Molina as Dr. Octopus. Rated PG-13 for violence, it airs on FX (Comcast digital Channel 27) tonight at 5:30. Joanne Ostrow
Stage
In what can only be compared to the unearthing of a rare treasure, Germinal Stage Denver director Ed Baierlein has dusted off Eugene O’Neill’s rarely performed “More Stately Mansions” — a sequel to “A Touch of the Poet” — and reveals it as a masterpiece. Baierlein stuns us with rare insight into the playwright’s complex layering of an epic American tale on a classical Greek tragic structure. Using masks, abstract impressionism and Japanese Noh movement techniques, Baierlein leaves surface realism behind and transports us to the subconscious battleground in telling this epic tale of an 1830s American family. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 16 at 2450 W. 44th Ave. $15.75-$19.75 (303-455-7108, ). Bob Bows
Classical music
From 16th-century Spanish songs to works of today, Tapestry, a four-woman a cappella ensemble, offers an off-beat, intriguing take on the holiday season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Newman Center Presents program in the University of Denver’s Gates Concert Hall is titled “In the Company of Angels,” and the heavenly inhabitants recur in the evening’s selections. Selections include Patricia Van Ness’ “The Nine Orders of the Angels”; traditional Portuguese romances extolling Queen Isabel, known as the “Angel of Peace”; and excerpts from Rachmaninoff’s “The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.” Tickets are $25-$49. 303-357-2787 or . Kyle MacMillan
Popular music
Tori Amos calls her latest live recordings project “Legs & Boots.” (Right, as in bootlegs.) Bring up . and you’ll see the link that leads you to the recordings — which are available a few hours after each show’s completion. There’s no word on whether her Denver show on Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Theater is being recorded for immediate release, but if the set lists from her previous shows are any indication, fans of Amos’ piano pop can expect to hear some of the singer-songwriter’s favorite songs — hits and album tracks alongside the covers she’s been playing throughout the years. Amos is still supporting the record “American Doll Posse.” Tickets are available via . or 303-830-8497. Ricardo Baca
Nightlife
The Funky Buddha lounge is better- known for its sleek, mood-lit interiors, electro-dance soundtrack and beautiful young things than its art, but Art Tuesdays — an every-other- week night that features a variety of artists and media — doesn’t mind messing with that image. This week, photographer Chris Earle will offer his creative wares while patrons enjoy happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., a new-ish appetizer menu and two-for-one well, wine and draft beers. Tuesday. 1037 Broadway. No cover. 303-832-5075 or . John Wenzel
Visual arts
In the “Third Front Range Student Art Exhibit” in 2003, several young artists made a strong first impression, including sculptor Susan Jean Hart who has gone on to a promising professional career. The graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver is one of three artists featured in “Nature. Interrupted,” an exhibition opening Friday at the Sandra Phillips Gallery, 744 Santa Fe Drive. The show, which explores humanity’s intrusion into the natural world, also includes works by Anna Kaye and Pauline Foss. An opening reception is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. 303-573-5969 or thesandraphillips . Kyle MacMillan
