Don’t be fooled by the downhome nickname: the Ellie, as Denverites call the home of Opera Colorado and the Colorado Ballet, is a world-class venue through and through. The crown jewel in the Denver Performing Arts Complex spans four levels from orchestra to balcony, ringed by a soaring foyer spangled with modern art (including a spectacular Dale Chihuly chandelier). And while the main attractions occur inside the lyric auditorium—from Tosca and La Bohème to Romeo and Juliet and the annual run of The Nutcracker—pre-theater dining at Kevin Taylor’s downstairs makes for a sumptuous sideshow.

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2. Opera Company of Philadelphia Is Toast of “Opera Town”
3. Glamour and Grandeur Alike at The Oxford Hotel
4. Glitz and Giggles at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
5. The Bluebird Theater’s Still Singing After All These Years