The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals.
The Notebook
Keep your tissues handy: The musical rendition of this classic tearjerker is coming to the Mile High City. This iteration features new music from Ingrid Michaelson and is directed by Michael Greif of Dear Evan Hansen fame, so even the most avid Notebook rewatchers will find something new to love about the story. Dec. 16–28; times vary; tickets start at $47
Profs & Pints: Mary Shelley Speaks
Maybe you haven’t thought about Frankenstein since AP English—but since the new film directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Jacob Elordi has hit the big screen, perhaps it’s time to get reacquainted with the original story. Start at this educational event, where professional storyteller Susan Marie Frontczak will portray author Mary Shelley. As you sip on brews from Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar, you’ll hear from Frontczak—er, Shelley—about how she came up with the concept for Frankenstein at the age of 18, her marriage to Percy Shelley, and much more. Dec. 16; 6–8:30 p.m.; $15
Hanukkah at Pizzeria Bubbie’s
If your Jewish bubbie and your Italian nonna collaborated on dinner, the result might be this Hanukkah meal at Boulder’s Pizzeria Alberico. The special holiday prix-fixe affair will include courses of challah bread and matzo ball soup; lamb meatballs; pizza alla giudia with crème fraíche, salmon, dill, capers, and chives; latkes; and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) for dessert. Dec. 18; reservations start at 4 p.m.; $85 per person, extra $55 for wine pairing
HoliSLAY at Meow Wolf
Sleighing the season takes on a whole new meaning at Meow Wolf’s over-the-top holiday drag show. Drag queens and kings, including Talia Tucker L’Whor and Benjamin Banjee Misdemeanor, will put on a seasonally themed cabaret with dancing, extravagant outfits, and music spun by DJ Blaque Gurl. Dec. 19; 8 p.m.; $37–$47; ages 21 and up
A Christmas Carol: A Participation Play
Instead of fighting to keep your eyes open during your family’s annual Nutcracker night out, become a part of the performance. Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center is hosting this one-hour adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—and audience volunteers will be the ones portraying some of the classic characters, including the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Dec. 17–20; 11 a.m.; $10
Songs and Stories for the Longest Night
We have some bad news: The shortest day (and longest night) of the year is on Sunday. The good news is that instead of waiting out the darkness at home, you can join your community at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder for this winter solstice celebration. As the night wears on, musicians including Martin Gilmore and Ingrid Avison will keep you occupied with tunes and storytelling. Dec. 20–21; 7 p.m.; $26
