Crystal Valley Blog

From a leprechaun-themed 5K run to Irish dancing to classic St. Paddy Day parties, you will be feeling the luck o’ the Irish this weekend! Also in the area are exciting concerts, theatre performances for the entire family, and even the Harlem Globetrotters! You will have no problem keeping everyone entertained this weekend!

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, March 15

IRISH DANCE AND DRAMA!
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, “A New Kind of Irish” dance performance! Blending the energy and excitement of traditional Irish dance with an epic dramatic tale, Rhythm in the Night is a special show that takes the audience on a mesmerizing journey. More than a dance performance, this renowned troupe of Irish dancers and musicians creates a fantasy world with an evil sorceress, a legendary hero, a faithful brother and an epic adventure taking place in the midst of lightning-quick shoe rhythms and graceful soft shoe jigs.

Led by Justin Boros, the former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, the accomplished cast features 20 of the world’s most skilled Irish dancers and musicians in a fast-paced and breath-taking experience. A state-of-the-art light show and explosive symphonic music add to the drama and excitement of the production. It’s an unforgettable experience the entire family will enjoy! 

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $41-$51
Phone: 720-509-1000

VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS BY A CELEBRITY VIOLINIST!

It’s always the right time to hear Vivaldi’s beloved classic, and this performance makes the familiar music absolutely spellbinding! Renowned violinist Sarah Chang has been performing with the best orchestras in the world for the past three decades—and she’s only 37 years old! That means, of course, that she was a child prodigy, debuting with the New York Philharmonic at the age of eight, and her technical virtuosity and artistic expression have continued to grow and delight audiences around the world ever since.

The talented Chang presents her version of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, followed by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla’s response, The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. As if the music wasn’t reason enough to attend, this concert gives you the chance to check out the brand-new UCCS’s Ent Center for the Arts, which will hold all of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Vanguard Performances. The stunning venue offers intimacy, connection, and sonic delights at every philharmonic concert!

Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS, Shockley-Zalabak Theater, 5225 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$65
Phone: 719-520-SHOW

Friday-Saturday, March 16-17

WIZARD OF OZ – THE BALLET!
Who knew Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion could be so graceful? In this delightful ballet adaptation of the classic story, you will journey with the characters you love “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The professionally-presented show features the talented young dancers from Littleton Youth Ballet (some of whom have won awards in ballet competitions). With six gorgeous backdrops and beautiful sets and costumes, this performance is the perfect way to introduce your child to the arts. 

Perhaps your child will be inspired by the Littleton Youth Ballet, a performing ballet company comprised of 103 young dancers between the ages of 8 to 18. The troupe offers each dancer quality performance experience to enable them to reach their fullest potential, not only as dancers, but in all areas of life. Watch the magic happen when they take the stage!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Fri., 6:00 p.m.; Sat., 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $21-$32
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday-Sunday, March 16-18

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – LIVE ON STAGE!
Treat your family to this classic musical, and you will be humming the memorable songs for weeks! This is the heart-warming story of a poor Russian family who find happiness in each other despite the attacks on their traditional Jewish lifestyle. Songs such as Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man, and the beautiful Sunrise, Sunset are familiar even to those who have never seen the musical. Presented by Lutheran High School, Fiddler on the Roof is sure to become one of your family’s favorites!

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12.50-$22.50
Phone: 303-805-6800

NEIL SIMON’S PLAY ABOUT SITCOM WRITERS
Get an inside glimpse of the early days of the television industry—from someone who was a part of it all! In the 1950s and 60s, it was the TV writers who created everything  from sitcoms to soap operas, and Neil Simon captures the grit and grind of those days in his play Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Due to the era in which the story takes place, the show contains some explicit language and content and is intended for mature audiences only.

Behind the glamour of show biz, it was the writers locked in smoky rooms who worked feverishly to make their deadlines, chugging cups of coffee and hoping to please their producers. Simon turns the laughs on the writers (and his younger self) in this frank and funny story of frustrated ambition and creative expression.

Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 E. Main St., Parker
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $24
Phone: 303-805-6800

ANDROCLES AND THE LION – THE PLAY!
The classic Aesop’s fable about brave Androcles, who takes a thorn from the Lion’s paw and is repaid with the loyalty of his unexpected friend, comes to life in a delightful stage adaptation for children! This production features a cast of characters in the style of Italian commedia dell’arte, which uses stock comedic characters to tell the story. The entire family will be enchanted by the playful antics of the characters in this heart- warming story about friendship. Recommended for children ages 5+.

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Fri., 6:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$20
Phone: 719-634-5581

Saturday, March 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY 5K RUN!
Make like a leprechaun and get ready to run for your pot of gold! Bring your family and friends, don your best Irish costume, and keep your eyes open for the golden kettlebell along the course—whoever finds it and brings it back to the finish will win $100! 

This festive 5K run/walk starts and finishes on Dorchester Street in Town Center and takes you through neighborhoods and along the Marcy Gulch Trail. Once you finish your 5K, your first beer is included with the entry fee! You will also receive a free pancake breakfast, race t-shirt, a custom pint glass, and a post-race party with the Reid School of Irish Dance! Bring the whole family, including dogs on leashes and babies in strollers!

Town Center South, 9352 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Registration: $25-$45
Phone: 303-791-2500

DRAMA DAY CAMP FOR KIDS!
Before attending the delightful Androcles and the Lion, your kids will love receiving a tour of the theatre and a personal meet-and-greet with the cast members. This fun, educational experience is open to kids ages 6-13 and will give your young emerging artist a chance to get inspired by behind-the-scenes activities and a taste of the limelight. Performance tickets to Androcles and the Lion are additional.

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Registration: $20
Phone: 719-634-5581

CLASSIC ST. PADDY’S DAY PARTY!

Enjoy all the traditions of the day, including corned beef and cabbage, live music, and of course, pints of beer! Bring your friends to this neighborhood party, with music by Dawn of the Suns beginning at 4 p.m.! Meal includes corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots and a roll. You’ll be feeling Irish indeed! 

Lone Tree Golf Club Bar and Grill, Lone Tree
3:00-7:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 Food with $2 Pints and $4 Drink Specials

THE ROADSHOW CONCERT
A showcase of the biggest names in Christian music, The Roadshow is an exciting evening of quality entertainment for the entire family! In its ninth year, the tour features the Grammy-winning duo, King and Country, along with Grammy nominees Matthew West, Natalie Grant and Zach Williams. Among the popular chart-topping artists slated to perform are the award-winning Bethel Music and Miami hip-hop duo Social Club Misfits. Join the thousands of families that come together in arenas across the country for an affordable night of fun and excitement for all ages!

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs             
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 
Phone: 719-520-SHOW

BOBBY BONES RED HOODIE TOUR
Syndicated country radio morning host Bobby Bones knows how to get things done. In addition to his day job, he’s also a best-selling author and chart-topping recording artist. The job he really loves, though, is stand-up comedian.

Join Bobby Bones when he takes the stage, “telling stories from my life and sharing observations from my warped mind” as he puts it. Full of honesty and awkwardness, his humor rings true with audiences everywhere. His 2018 show is brand new, with plenty of new jokes, so if you are a Bobby Bones fan, you won’t want to miss this performance! 

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs              
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $33.50
Phone: 719-520-SHOW

Sunday, March 18

THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS!
The Harlem Globetrotters are a legendary basketball team wrapped up in a show that’s been entertaining audiences of all ages for 91 years! Humor, personality, and of course the most awesome tricks with a basketball are their trademarks! If you are familiar with the Globetrotters, you will know why this show is a treat you won’t want to miss, and if you aren’t familiar with them, you owe it to yourself to get acquainted!

The Globetrotters will face a revamped Washington Generals team and showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter players will sign autographs and take photos with fans. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green – the Globetrotters’ show is guaranteed to thrill and astound the entire family!

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs             
3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $26.50-$131.50
Phone: 719-520-SHOW

BROADWAY COMES TO LONE TREE!
For an up-close and personal evening with one Broadway’s best voices, you won’t want to miss this solo performance by Mandy Gonzalez, currently starring in the hit musical Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler. With a powerful and intense voice, Gonzalez is best known for the role she created in the Tony Award-winning musical, In the Heights. She has also delighted Broadway audiences as Elphaba in Wicked and in television roles on The Good Wife, Madam Secretary and Quantico. Now she takes on the part of solo singer with this show, performing tunes as popular and diverse as Total Eclipse of the Heart, Breathe, and Defying Gravity, as well as songs from Elvis to Aretha. Come hear her “intense, arching version of I Dreamed a Dream that highlights her powerful voice” (D.C. Metro Arts).

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $33-$60
Phone: 720-509-1000

A Memorable Weekend in Crystal Valley!
Make this weekend memorable in the Crystal Valley area, with plenty of entertainment for the entire family! If this master-planned community isn’t your home, stop in and tour the stunning models offered by D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes. New Crystal Valley homes, in ranch and two-story models, are priced from the high $300s.