Around Town by Harriet Hunter Ford

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Apparently it’s the season for dark stories. “Bright Ideas” gives an insight into the lengths to which some parents are willing to go to make sure their darling offspring gets into the “right” preschool. Little 3-year-old Mac is next on the waiting list for Bright Ideas Early Childhood Development Academy and everyone knows that a child who attends this lofty educational establishment will be set for life.

The parents go through assorted machinations to assure their son’s placement at the top of the waiting list. The cast is very strong, but I have to give a a special shout-out to Haley Johnson. Haley took on several roles and made each very distinctive. Her comic timing is impeccable. Pat Payne directed “Bright Ideas” with a deft hand and it was a special treat to see Avenue Theater’s Executive Director Gavin Mayer, whom I knew when he was the drama coach at Pomona High School in Arvada. “Bright Ideas” plays through Oct. 3. at Avenue Theater, 417 E. 17th Ave., Denver. For tickets and info, call 303-321-5925 or visit www.avenuetheater.com.

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And, finally, something on the lighter side –; a musical. “Saturday Night Fever” features tunes from the Bee Gees, like “If I Can’t Have You,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep is Your Love” and “Night Fever.” It’s light-hearted and doesn’t have a compelling story line, but it’s just plain fun. As usual, the set is fantastic with lots of moving pieces that change the scene from the paint store to Mom and Dad’s house to the disco hall.

And, I knew when I saw the note that Mondo Guerra is the costume designer, that my senses would be awakened. I was not disappointed. Sadly, I didn’t have a chance to visit with either Mondo or Rod, but Assistant Director Pat Payne filled me in on Mondo’s great thrift store adventure in his search for costumes. Mondo also built some of the delicious pieces and I suspect I could tell you which ones. Rod Lansberry can always be counted on to direct with precision and flair. The musical runs through Oct.4. For tickets and info, call 720-898-7200. Online at www.aradacentewr.org.

If you are a Stephen Sondheim fan, this is the show for you. “Sondheim on Sondheim” combines live music featuring tunes from “West Side Story,” “Into the Woods” and “Sunday in the Park with George,” along with “original and archival commentary” from Sondheim. Pat Payne, who is himself a huge Sondheim aficionado, directs the very able cast.

The musical runs through Oct. 25 and is presented by Cherry Creek Theatre Company, which has taken up residence at Shaver-Ramsey Showroom (fabulous Oriental rugs–;and they’re for sale), 2414 E. 3rd Ave. in Cherry Creek North. Parking is limited. For tickets and info, call 303-800-6578 or visit www.cherrycreektheatre.org.