Flick Pick

Obviously, movies are an important part of Munchkins, Movies & Music, a biweekly event whose third edition takes place on Friday morning at the Oriental Theater. After all, the word itself gets second billing in the title. But specific films aren’t part of the draw, according to Scott LaBarbera, a...

By Michael Roberts

March 12, 2009

Audio By Carbonatix

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Obviously, movies are an important part of Munchkins, Movies & Music, a biweekly event whose third edition takes place on Friday morning at the Oriental Theater. After all, the word itself gets second billing in the title. But specific films aren’t part of the draw, according to Scott LaBarbera, a managing partner of the Oriental. “The Highlands Mommies put this together,” notes LaBarbera, referencing the active online community based in Northwest Denver (http://highlandsmommies.findsmithgroups.com). “They pick the movies” — which can range from cartoon shorts to old favorites.

Just as important, though, is Anya and the Music Train, a group that provides live music of the sort that inspires kids to sing along. This interactive approach nurtures the kind of camaraderie that’s at the heart of the Highlands Mommies’ mission — and the combination appears to be catching on. The first session drew about fifty parents and tots; the second, two weeks later, doubled in size. Clearly, Munchkins is undergoing a growth spurt.

The fun gets under way at 10:30 a.m. at the Oriental, 4335 West 44th Avenue. Tickets are $3, and children under twelve months get in free. Learn more at 303-455-2124 or www.theorientaltheater.com.
Fri., March 13, 10:30 a.m.; Fri., April 3, 10:30 a.m., 2009

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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