Magic Moments, a one-of-a-kind annual pop-music revue that has given thousands of ordinary folks a chance to perform side-by-side – some with disabilities, some not – returns this weekend for its 41st soul-stirring iteration.

This year, the creative fairies behind Magic Moments are presenting “A Midwinter Night’s Dream” – an original mashup that presents Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Mardi Gras in present-day New Orleans – with dozens of songs ranging from Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband” to the Bayou classic “When the Saints Go Marching In” to all kinds of Broadway showtunes. All performed by a cast of 110 who span 70 years in age and all manner of shapes, sizes, ages, colors and abilities.

And  I am telling you, when you feel the transformative power of seeing a fully integrated community of performers, your heart will grow three sizes.

Mark Shonsey, an award-winning comedic actor who just starred in Town Hall Arts Center’s acclaimed production of “Urinetown,” returned to Magic Moments last year after eight years away for one very simple reason: His 6-year-old daughter, Lilly.

“Magic Moments is so good for me,” Shonsey said. “I get to perform alongside my daughter – and all along the way, I get to teach her about inclusion. She gets to learn first-hand that people with disabilities have talent. She gets to see first-hand that people with challenges are funny, wonderful people.”

The show, directed each year by the acronym-shortened True West Award-winning artist known as KQ, runs for only four days – from March 21-24 at Chatfield High School. But for those involved, the entire process is a three-month, life-changing experience.

“We all know that anytime you see someone for the first time, you cast an immediate judgment,” Shonsey said. “That’s OK. It’s human nature. But Magic Moments is a great way to break through those ‘first filters’ that we have.”

With his long list of theatrical credits, Shonsey qualifies as a ringer. He essentially serves as the narrator of the story, but his character is simply called “Scorekeeper.” “I keep the audience up to date on who loves who since it switches all over, just like it does in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’” he said.

Shonsey said you don’t need to know a member of the cast to fully enjoy the show. “It’s just pure enjoyment,” he said. “It’s lighthearted, fun, family friendly content. The best part is that you can truly see joy up on the stage – and that is a sight to see.”

This year’s performances run through Sunday at 7227 S. Simms St. in Littleton. Info at magicmomentsinc.org.

Original ‘Dreamgirls’ coming to Denver 

Two of the original stars of the first Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” are coming to Denver – for different reasons.

“Neon Lights,” the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus’ upcoming razzle-dazzle salute to Broadway, will feature Tony and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday, who was Broadway’s original Effie White. The high-energy concert takes place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at 7:30 p.m. March 29 and again at 2 p.m. March 30. Tickets $25 at axs.com …

And Sheryl Lee Ralph, the original Deena Jones and more recently an Emmy-winning actor from the hit TV sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” will be the guest speaker at the Mile High United Way’s annual “Women United” luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday (March 22) at the downtown Sheraton Hotel, 1550 Court Place. Tickets $350 at zeffy.com. Proceeds will support United Way programs that provide women access to stable housing, new job opportunities, child care and more.

Then, at 1 p.m. Saturday (March 23), Ralph will be signing copies of her new book, “Diva 2.0” at the Colfax Tattered Cover. It’s billed as “12 life lessons from me to you.”

City Park Jazz lineup

City Park Jazz’s 38th annual Sunday night summer season begins June 2 with Roka Hueka in the City Park Pavilion. Summer highlights will include Denver’s own Stafford Hunter and Jazz Explorations (June 9), Hazel Miller and the Collective (June 30), and Nelson Rangell (July 28). There also will be a special tribute to Bob Nelson, Tom Quinn and Denver piano legend Neil Bridge (all of whom passed away in 2023), featuring the Denver Jazz Orchestra (July 21). Details at cityparkjazz.org.

City Park Jazz also has named Deb Flomberg-Rollins its new artistic director. She’s the co-founder of the late Equinox Theatre Company and a former president of the Colorado Theatre Guild. Flomberg-Rollins has been handling City Park Jazz’s grant writing for the past four seasons.

An internet Ken-sation

Last week, we told you that all that Kenergy at the Oscars was directly traceable to Colorado-born choreographer Mandy Moore. Her “I’m Just Ken” dance number first stole the show – and then the internet.

A data-analysis company called Luminate has reported that Moore’s Ryan Gosling-led TV performance drew 10.6 million video views in the first seven days after the telecast.

On-demand audio and video streams of the song (from the soundtrack) also surged, topping three million the following week. That’s a 422% increase from the week before.

ABC’s ratings for the Oscars telecast itself were up by 4% over last year, drawing 19.5 million. That’s the biggest number the telecast has pulled in four years but still a disappointment given that experts were widely predicting more than 30 million.

And finally …

Last week, we told you about the Denver-based Give 5 Productions’ March 18 benefit to help re-open Icons, the only gay bar in Colorado Springs before it was closed in December by a fire in a neighboring business. The sold-out concert, produced by Julia Tobey, raised $6,634 at Hamburger Mary’s. Owners Josh Franklin and John T. Wolfe will need about $500,000 to reopen Icons in a new Colorado Springs location. Info at icons-co.com.