Today's Features

  Garrison Keillor delivered his unique brand of folksy charm to a South Jeffco audience Aug. 30 at the Chatfield Botanic Gardens, along with a little taste of life in Lake Wobegon.

The revered radio host and author, along with Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band, sound effects man Fred Newman and musician Sara Watkins, gave thousands of fans of the radio variety show “A Prairie Home Companion” an hours-long performance that included staple sketches such as “News from Lake Wobegon” and “Guy Noir, Private Eye.”

Once upon a time, there was a talented group of 58 singers and dancers, a sprinkle of colorful costumes, and a large helping of Stephen Sondheim’s challenging score. This is the recipe for happily-ever-after when the Colorado Children’s Theatre presents “Into the Woods, Jr.,” opening on May 1.

  Ashley Bissel is staring at the ceiling, trying to think of butterflies.

She lies on a platform, her head held motionless by a white mesh mask that looks like a prop from a low-budget sci-fi movie. Technicians in white coats circulate around a sparse room and prepare equipment, as her mother cradles her hand.

Then the time comes for everyone to leave — everyone except Ashley, who raises her fist. In it is a novelty foam brain, which she gives a pronounced squeeze. The symbolism is lost on no one.

  Thriftiness and space exploration may not seem like words that rest well in the same sentence, but a visit to education entrepreneur Mark Palmere’s summer camp might cause one to reconsider that notion.

At Space Voyage Academy, which is not affiliated with NASA, students ages 5 to 16 combat summer brain degradation with flight simulations on antiquated computers and exploration in inflatable space vehicles crafted of sheet plastic and duct tape.