Heritage Square Music Hall

Heritage Square has earned its name: Although the attraction -- tucked into the foothills in Golden -- has some modern draws, such as the alpine slide and bumper cars, people flock to this little corner of the metro area for the old-timey soda shoppe and stores hawking handmade wooden toys (among other wares). And the Music Hall is one of the reasons Denverites keep heading west throughout the year. It offers fun in down-home style -- first with food in a large, friendly dining room, then with an outrageously hammy melodrama acted by seasoned, talented performers who are clearly enjoying themselves. These productions aren’t weighted with high concepts or the huge costumes or over-miked sound of the commercial variety. Rather, they’re funky, funny and unpretentious. Sing along or heckle if you want -- but be prepared to find yourself on stage or with a cast member perched on your lap if you sit too close to the front.