“Tosca,” Chelsea Handler’s “Horny” tour, spaced-out in Boulder and more things to do in Denver this weekend

“Tosca” leads opera’s grand return

Nov. 6-14. It’s been so long since Opera Colorado staged a major production that it’s fair to wonder if people have become accustomed to their absence (let’s hope not). That ends this weekend with the return of Puccini’s “Tosca,” an audience favorite that will this year feature soprano Melissa Citro (Minnie in 2016’s “La fanciulla del West”), along with tenor Rafael Davila and baritone Luis Ledesma making their Opera Colorado mainstage debuts.

Premiering on Saturday, Nov. 6, and playing Nov. 9, 12 and 14, the shows will feature live music by the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of music director Ari Pelto, and sets and costumes courtesy of Seattle Opera. Masks and vaccinations for patrons over the age of 2 are required. (Pro tip: Don’t bring a 2-year-old to the opera.) Shows at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. Tickets: $55-215. Call 303-468-2030 or visit operacolorado.org for more. — John Wenzel

The holidays are here! (almost)

Friday-Jan. 2, 2022. Too early for holiday entertainment? Not at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center, which as of Friday, Nov. 5, has begun offering its holiday shows for eager audiences.

Main stage shows this year are “Winter Wonderettes” (Nov. 5-Dec. 26) and “Plaid Tidings” (Nov. 19-Jan. 2, 2022) with tickets for both ranging $37-$54. Also on tap following the holiday shows: “Little Shop of Horrors” (Jan. 28-March 6, 2022), “Once on this Island” (April 8-May 8, 2022) and “The Wedding Singer” (May 27-June 26). 450 W. Main Street in Littleton. 303-794-2787 or pick up tickets and see more details at townhallartscenter.org. — John Wenzel

Laugh it out with “Horny” Handler

Thursday. The past 20 months have been tough on our psyches. If you’re at a place yet where you can laugh about it, at least a little, head to Denver’s Paramount Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 11, and join comedian Chelsea Handler on her “Vaccinated and Horny Tour.”

The acclaimed author, TV host and podcast phenom is known for tackling topics without mincing words, from the raunchy and ridiculous to very real-life issues like women’s rights. Handler’s 2019 book “Life Will Be the Death of Me… And You Too,” for example, explores her experience with therapy and grappling with the loss of her older brother. Of particular note for the Colorado audience is Handler’s recent affection for cannabis, which promises to surface in her material. Be sure to get on her level before you go.

Handler performs two shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place. Tickets cost $49.50-$169.50 at ticketmaster.com. — Tiney Ricciardi

Way, way out in Boulder

Nov. 8. Outside of the Denver Museum Nature & Science, it’s not always easy to find cosmic edu-tainment along the Front Range. Fortunately, there’s Boulder — a nationally known hub or aerospace, meteorology and, oh yeah, astronomy. That means supernova-quality guests for the return of Chautquaua’s Space Series, which explores fascinating topics on the edge of our understanding.