Denver's Finest

This year's Democratic National Convention is going to tip our sunny, microbrew-buzzed cowtown right into the national spotlight. Just think: CNN and Fox News filming on the 16th Street Mall, or Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert sending their pseudo-reporters to La Bohème, or the History Channel rerunning Denver: 1908-2008. This is the Mile High City's big fifteen minutes. But for a slightly more intimate look at the city, catch Denver Stories at Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma Street, which continues the yearly examination of D-town through four short plays focused on local luminaries. "We try and honor people who have dedicated a large portion of their lives to improving Denver socially, politically or culturally," says Curious's Tonya Malik.

Starting tonight at 6 p.m., "MASTERPIECE -- theatah" examines Denver Art Museum director Lewis Sharp and his troubles overseeing the construction of the Hamilton Building. "Carrying the Torch" follows the president/chair of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, Elbra Wedgeworth, from her childhood in Curtis Park to her success in bringing the DNC to Denver. "Que Pasa, Denver" tells the story of local restaurateur Kristy Socarras Bigelow's unusual first visit to the building that would become Cuba Cuba. Finally, "107 Short Plays About Papa Jack Weil" is a scattershot look at the life of the 107-year-old CEO of Rockmount Ranch Wear.

Tickets are $100 for individuals, $300 for a Premium Patron Couple and $2,500 for VIP box seating. For more information, call 303-623-0524 or go to www.curioustheatre.com.
Wed., May 21, 6 p.m., 2008