Arts & Culture in Lafayette

Elvis Cinemas invites wide-eyed audiences to plunge into the ocean, soar above the clouds, and traipse across stretches of barren desert, all from the comfort of a theater seat. Its trio of theaters shows Hollywood blockbusters but keeps ticket prices down by playing them slightly after their initial release, when the characters have learned from their mistakes and changed their movie’s plot accordingly. Unlike the massive movie corporations whose theater complexes pop up in every city and shopping mall, Elvis Cinemas is Colorado owned and operated and focuses all its attention on just three theaters.

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.

A movie palace to its core, The Cinema Grill favors a vibrant color scheme rarely seen outside the early days of Technicolor. The lobby's multi-hued walls surround the checkerboard box office with bright yellows, blues, and purples, while neon curlicues on the ceiling beckon movie-goers toward their movie. The menu of American staples mirrors the colorful decor with glowing margaritas, desserts topped with maraschino cherries, quesadillas speckled with green peppers, and deep-fried rainbows. Once ensconced in their swivel chairs, guests bathe in the high-definition (and sometimes three-dimensional) glow of the silver screen as servers take food orders and keep eating areas laden with plates of buffalo wings and shrimp fettuccine alfredo. Beers, cocktails, or glasses of wine are also available.

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.