Arts & Culture in Columbine

From basement beginnings to their own bona fide theatre space, the Bovine Metropolis Theater has nourished the improv community of Denver for over a decade. Co-owner and artistic director Eric Farone, who cut his comedic chops at famed Chicago institutions such as Second City and iO, and his cohort Denise Maes, have trained over 700 actors in the art of improvisation. Now with seven different shows and up to eight performances per week, the Bovine Metropolis Theater ensures that Denver never has a drought of quick-witted, off-the-cuff talent.

The Secret Garden runs from May 26 through September 6, and Aesop fables from September 22 through November 7. Shows are performed Fridays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. There's no show on the 4th of July, but there will be special Monday matinees of The Secret Garden on May 31 and September 6 at 2:30 p.m.

With a blazing marquee declaring “Hollywood” in towering neon letters, SouthGlenn Stadium 14 invokes the image of classic cinemas while still using the latest moviegoing technology. More than 2,500 high-backed seats cradle viewers across 14 theaters equipped with state-of-the-art Sony Digital 4K projection systems. Nine of these theaters also surround audiences with RealD 3-D systems, allowing them to revel in the thrills of endless snakes-in-a-nut-can scenes. Before films, the SkyboX Bar and Grill offers up a full-service menu of café entrees and craft drinks, including $1 domestic beers, $2 craft beers, and $1 fountain sodas. Entrees and beverages can be delivered to viewers lounging in Premiere Cinema balcony seats or enjoyed in the Skybox lounge.

Movie Tavern transfixes one's taste buds and imagination by blending all-digital cinema with premium seating and sit-down dining. Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to showtime, so that they can leisurely peruse an extensive menu of chef-inspired American cuisine, from kobe beef sliders to pizza and sandwiches. Nimble and unobtrusive servers slip in during the show to deliver orders, and can be called on for more drinks or dessert with the push of a button. At select locations, guests can opt to sip margaritas or signature cocktails at the bar before heading in to see a show. Audiences get to enjoy first-run films every week, retro cinema every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and breakfast food paired with early morning movies on Saturday and Sunday. While geared toward adults, the family-friendly establishment also serves finger food for kiddies along with film-inspired dishes. Guests can head to the bar or straight to the movie without ordering food, giving them some latitude in shaping their night out.

Additionally, Movie Tavern treats audiences to myriad benefits with their membership program. Anyone can sign up for free online to receive one free movie ticket on the spot and one free ticket every year on their birthday, as well as invites to screenings and other special events.

Recognized by Examiner.com as one of Denver's top five hidden theater gems in 2010, the intimate John Hand Theater seats guests close enough to the action to absorb every line and offer hugs to actors after particularly emotional scenes.

On Saturday, July 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the classic board game Clue springs to life throughout the city of Denver during the Mile High Murder Mystery Race. Dozens of teams, each with two–six people, race around the city to sleuth out the who, why, where, and when of the dastardly deed—and, of course, recover the weapon, be it candlestick, pistol, or expired jar of mayonnaise. Teams uncover clues that lead them to each destination. In scavenger-hunt style, they find items along the way that ultimately help them solve the whole whodunit.

The day starts at 8 a.m. at Stoney's Bar and Grill, where racers can revel as they await the start of the race, comparing team names such as "Mystery Machine" and "CSI Vegas" or slipping on the final elements of their costumes. Teams must be there by 10 a.m. for registration and race announcements, and the caper officially begins at 11 a.m. After the race, hardworking detectives will be duly rewarded—there are cash prizes of $300, $150, and $75 for first, second, and third places, respectively, as well as awards in categories such as best team name, best tweet of the day, and best costume.

Though the race gives participants the chance to play hero for the day, 10% of the proceeds will fund the actually heroic mission of Cops Fighting Cancer: to support Colorado cancer patients and their families both financially and emotionally.