A Russian’s Dance in Vegas – The Nutcracker
By Chad Felix
Tchaikovsky’s holiday season: visions of sugarplums and the mouse king; the waltzing of flowers and snowflakes; that magic castle and the iconic Nutcracker come to life. Despite a lukewarm reception at its 1892 debut in St. Petersburg, “The Nutcracker” has become a holiday staple and, for an increasing number of families, a steadfast tradition. Contemporary ballet companies have been most kind to this time-honored event throughout the years, enthusiastically presenting prospective audiences with a variety of performances to consider. The result, however, is a cavalcade of new questions to consider: suite or full score? Big company or small? On or off the strip? Which performance is right for my child? To help make that decision a little easier for you, we present this guide to Vegas’ incarnations of December’s cultural acme.
Off the Boulevard
In the season of crack-of-dawn department store specials, jet-setting in-laws and monstrous lines, a casual night at the ballet with the family probably sounds pretty close to perfect. Speaking your language? Check out these off-the-strip performances.
Boulder City Ballet Company
Low-key and just out of town, BCBC’s community performance may be just what a busy Vegas family needs. Held at the historic Boulder Theater and featuring an all-inclusive cast, this production is a small, intimate affair that will appeal most to casual attendees and those looking for something out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, at $20 a head, it is one of the most affordable of the lot. Performance dates are December 10-12. For tickets and more information, call 293-1161.
Las Vegas Ballet Company
Las Vegas Ballet Company offers another local option hosted at the Summerlin Library. This performance of “Nutcracker Highlights 2010” presents a shortened, greatest-hits type score and an introductory story time that is perfect for children and young adults. Just an hour and twenty minutes in duration, the performance is shorter than a full performance, perfect for those hard-pressed for time and those with antsy youngsters who are eager to participate but may not last a full performance. Performance dates are December 20-23. Tickets are just $17. For more information, call 735-5422.
Anaheim Ballet
Want to check out a touring company and stay off the strip? This season, you’re in luck! The South Point Hotel & Resort in Henderson is pleased to host Anaheim Ballet’s contemporary presentation of the holiday classic. Performance dates are December 16-19. Ticket prices range from $20 to $30. For tickets and more information, call 797-8055.
Amidst the Glitz
Perhaps some family members have just flown in and you’re excited to show off all the glitz and glamour that Las Vegas has to offer. If so, then these grandiose, on-the-strip performances are likely more up your alley.
Nevada Ballet
Show your home spirit by attending the largest local offering of the season. Hosted at the Paris, Nevada Ballet’s production is both the longest running and most lauded of the homegrown performances. Performance dates are December 17-19, 22-24 and 26. Ticket prices range from $30 to $80. For tickets and more information, call 946-4567.
City Ballet of San Diego
On tour and performing at the Planet Hollywood Theater for one-night only is the world-renowned City Ballet of San Diego. This prestigious group brings together artists from around the world, and for this special performance, fifty of Nevada’s finest will join the company. Featuring choreography by Tommy Award winner Elizabeth Wistrich, this is a performance that connoisseurs shouldn’t miss. Performance date is December 4. Tickets prices range from $54 to $84. For tickets and more information, call 745-3000.
So, whether it’s a modest local performance or a traveling company of worldwide acclaim, Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is a time-tested, holiday event that reminds us what the holidays are all about: family, friends, giving and music.
Maestro, If You Please – The Las Vegas Philharmonic
By Lisha Ross
We got slots that jingle, jangle, jingle, but we wouldn’t exactly call it music. And until the Las Vegas Philharmonic delighted audiences with their first virtuoso performance on Independence Day 1998, few musical institutions existed to transcend the tinny sounds of the city. In the Phil’s humble beginnings they performed at a premier party for “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” hosted by 20th Century Fox and provided background music for the CineVegas International Film Festival screening of “Nosferatu”, but it was in May of 1999 when they officially established artistic credibility with a stunning performance of Gustav Mahler’s second Resurrection Symphony. In the years that followed they would solidify their presence performing alongside international stars such as Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. Now in its 12th year, the LV Phil has grown into an internationally recognized ensemble, bringing culture to the community through moving classical soundscapes.
Billed as the most ambitious season yet, the 2010-2011 line-up will continue the Phil’s legacy of brilliant musicality with Maestro David Itkin in his fourth season at the helm. These must-see events will include five Masterworks Series performances, three Pops Concerts, the Youth Concert Series and a special Valentine’s Day performance.
Ever the crowd pleaser, the Pops Series returns with a jazzy bang on October 2nd with “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” featuring local favorite Clint Homes, followed by the intensely popular “A Christmas Celebration” on December 11th featuring “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular” stars Kristen Hertzenberg and Bruce Ewing with the Las Vegas Mastersingers. “An Evening with Rogers and Hammerstein” rounds out the series March 26, 2011 with four fabulous soloists–Lynette Chambers, Derrick Davis, Larry Morbitt and Joan Sobel.
Internationally acclaimed guest artists from the world over join the Phil in the Masterworks Series. On November 20th, Masterworks II presents Laura Liu, violinist, performing Maz Bruch’s Violin Concerto, along with the Philharmonic performing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Ringing in the new year on January 15th, the Phil is pleased to present Brahms Symphony No. 4 along with Aram Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto performed by Fabio Bidini. Cellist Zuill Bailey performs Dvorak’s Cello Concerto April 16th. The Master Series comes to a close May 21st with two faces, Mozart and Mahler. Those interested in learning more about the artists and music are invited to join Maestro Itkin before each performance at 7:15 p.m. for a pre-concert discussion.
As if Masterworks and Pops Series weren’t enough music for your ears, the LV Phil will also host additional events throughout the season, including two new Connoisseur Chef events and an entirely unique Cabaret Series complete with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dessert. Details about these events are forthcoming and will be available soon.
While music makes the Philharmonic shine, it’s their commitment to youth music programs that makes them one of the brightest cultural treasures in Las Vegas. On November 13th, the Phil invites young musicians to compete for the opportunity to perform on stage with the Philharmonic during the Youth Concert Series. They’ve also welcomed Alexander Prior, a 17-year-old British conductor, who will present an evening of romantic music on February 12th. Through youth programs such as these, the Philharmonic seeks to enrich and inspire school-age children with the power of music.
Looking to get involved? The Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild is in its 8th year supporting the orchestra through volunteer service and fundraising events. Providing members with a culturally conscious community, the guild is involved in all of the Philharmonic events and is always looking for more members. Contact 258-5438 ext. 225 to learn more about becoming a member.
All performances will be held at the Artemus Ham Concert Hall at UNLV, 4505 Maryland Pkwy. For tickets, showtimes and info on upcoming performances, visit www.lvphil.com or call 895-ARTS. See you at the Phil!
Gateway Gallery – A Labor of Love
By Lisha Ross
The Gateway to the Cultural Corridor, as the somewhat seedy area behind Stratosphere is known, may seem an unlikely locale for a gallery, and yet there it is. The Gateway Gallery Public Arts Collection began five years ago out of ever growing frustration over graffiti. But where others saw eyesores, Camille Duskin saw a novel opportunity to revitalize a downtrodden neighborhood with raw, urban-inspired art. The notion was simple; give the blank canvases, i.e. neighborhood buildings, over to local artists who would beautify the area with their creations. Thus, Camille created a nonprofit organization called The Gateway Gallery, which, over the years, has quickly turned into a full on visual and performing arts foundation.
To start out, Camille commissioned artist Greg Etchison to paint the corridor’s first mural on an apartment complex on Fairfield Avenue. Etchison’s mural, which features reproductions of gallery art by Picasso, Matisse, Degas, Gaugin and Monet, sparked a sense of pride in the community and inspired other property owners to donate their building facades to the cause. Spray paint artist Dray’s work blends musical instruments and facial features into a vibrant blend of colors and shapes; on another building a larger than life desert tortoise stands proud against a bright orange sky. Steven Naccarato’s thoughtful and geometric art depicts various rock art-like figures in imperfect symmetry.
Informed residents have probably heard of these murals over the years, but the Duskin’s passion for the arts didn’t start and stop in the corridor. Camille’s mission to bring community oriented arts to the city, as well as provide opportunities for aspiring local talent, has led to many an entertaining performance ranging from small recitals and lectures to off-Broadway style musicals at the Family Music Center and Trinity International School. In a touching tribute, Duskin actually transformed her late mother’s home in Peccole Ranch into Hattie’s House, providing a venue for teachers to conduct lessons and young performers to showcase their singing and musical talents in front of an unintimidating audience. The 2,600 sq. ft., single story home has been outfitted for acoustics with tiled floors, as well as 40 chairs and 3 pianos, and is free for use for qualifying teachers and performers.
One of Gateway’s most successful productions can be caught August 29th at Summerlin Library’s 300-seat Performing Arts Theatre. “I Know I Came in Here for Something” is a musical comedy revue in which four talented actors turn all those marvelous middle-aged experiences and faux paus like forgetting, erectile disfunction and menopause into hilarious tales and musical numbers. Similar to the Strip phenomenon Menopause, but with the inclusion of the male species, it’s a riot for those who “get it” and those who will eventually. The show sold out when it played the Starbright Theatre earlier this year, so you may want to get your tickets early by calling Show Tix 4U at (866) 967-8167. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for seniors. If you miss the August 29th show, fear not; “I Know I Came in Here for Something” has been such a huge success that plans for future performances are already in the works at community theatres across the valley and possibly a stint on the Strip.
In the meantime, stay tuned for 2nd Sunday events featuring an array of fresh, local musicians and singers; “Dance! Dance! Dance!” with the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre September 19th; “From Russia with Love” October 17th; “Broadway Favorites” November 14th; and “Undone Divas” in January. For more information on upcoming shows and venues, including the famous chamber music series beginning in October, check out www.gatewayartsfoundation.org or call Camille at 255-0695.
Entertainment Worth Saving – Super Summer Theatre
By Aly Wagonseller
It’s been a tough year for state legislators trying to balance a budget fraught with revenue losses from a declining tax base. So tough that they considered closing down several state parks, including Spring Mountain Ranch, the charming, country getaway that houses some of the best community theatre in the state. No wine? No cheese? No Super Summer Theatre under the stars? After 34 seasons, a crowd that’s gone from barely noticeable to more than 35,000 patrons per year, and substantial upgrades to this modest, yet capable facility, Super Summer Theatre almost fell victim to an economic empty pot; one, some say, has nary a rainbow in sight. Luckily, they’ve survived a near cultural catastrophe, returning with another season of fanciful productions, unparalleled talent, and what many consider a much needed respite from the glitz and fast paced pulse of daily Vegas living.
Jump starting this year’s agenda is P.S. Productions’ rendition of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Talented local producer Philip Shelburne, who tackled last year’s Buddy Holly Story, is back with this timeless tale about the whacky, inner workings of eccentric candy tycoon Willy Wonka and a poor, yet kind hearted boy destined to be his successor, little Charlie Bucket. Adults will love the irony and quick wit of Dahl’s intelligent writing style, while kids will delight in the fast paced storyline and whimsical collection of characters, including the infamous Oompa Loompas. Opening night for the production is June 9th, with subsequent performances running each Wednesday-Saturday evening through June 26th.
Jazzing things up in the month of July, audiences are transported back to the 1920s and 30s Manhattan club scene in Stage Door Entertainment’s Ain”t Misbehavin”. Named after the award winning Fats Waller tune, the play serves as a tribute to the black musicians of the era who helped to spurn a cultural revolution of creativity and ethnic pride known as the Harlem Renaissance. Piano playin’, rowdy songs and exuberant performances that exude Waller’s playful attitude on life make for a finger snappin’, toe tappin’ jivefest. The production runs each Wednesday-Saturday night from July 7th through July 24th.
The season rounds out with Signature Productions’ adaptation of Damn Yankees, a modernized retelling of the Faust, “sell your soul to the devil” legend set on the baseball fields of the 1950s; a time when everyone was gunning to beat the Yankees! Famous tunes include the campy “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets”, sung by the devil’s tempting seductress of the same name, and the inspirational “You Gotta Have Heart”. Performances start August 11th. The British National Theatre of America’s The Foreigner will also be held in September. Visit www.SuperSummerTheatre.com for ticket information and schedules.
Culture Through Collections
By Lisha Ross
Life is culture. Living is learning. You can learn about it while surfing the History or Discovery channels. You can sift through various websites and take your best guess as to whether the information is accurate or not. Or, you can make a short journey to that fabled place with all those FREE books. That place you spent hours toiling in the reference section in college. It’s your public library. And guess what! You don’t have to be writing a research paper or thesis to discover what historical gems and modern marvels are stowed away in the Special Collections department. Heck! You don’t need a reason at all, save for expanding your mind a bit, or maybe just spending a quiet, educational afternoon with the kids or all by yourself.
Especially Special
What’s so special about special collections? A special collection is full of rare and unique items that differentiate one library from another, often things you cannot find anywhere else in the world; books, posters, digital files, photographs, original documents and the like representing a specific theme. You’d be surprised how much work goes into the development and maintenance of such a collection. Committees are formed, experts consulted, media gathered and sorted. Once you experience it for yourself, you might understand. But the real joy is when you find a special collection that just speaks to you, and with so many libraries about town, each with their own unique collection, there is definitely something out there for everyone.
UNLV
Home of the mighty Rebels, our fair city’s university has one of the more grand collections in town, all dedicated to the history, culture and physical environment of Las Vegas and the exploration of the West. Like a museum gallery unto itself (except that you can actually touch the goods) the reading room of the special collections department on the third floor of the Lied Library is the only portion of the collection where you can view materials without requesting them. It houses the Taxe Collection on gaming, atlases and maps circa 16th century, Clark County Land Office Survey maps, a journal of George Wheeler’s expedition of the West, Ansel Adams’ Sierra Nevada picture book and a broad scope of related artifacts. A great feature here is a rather large assortment of 16-18th century books on gaming, including many by Edmond Hoyle, the well-known gamblin’ man who set the standard for modern gaming. If you’re at all interested in statistics, whether for practical purposes or intellectual stimulation, this will certainly tickle your fancy.
Everything else in the collection is closed stack, which means you must peruse the university website for items of interest and request them specifically. It’s well worth the effort, as this is where you’ll find some of the most exclusive materials. “Showgirls” contains drawings of garish costume plumage and, dare I mention, the topless female form; a reflection of the kind of vivid adult entertainment that put Vegas on the map, with notes of vaudeville, burlesque and Broadway. “Dino at the Sands” tells of Dean Martin and the Rat Pack through photographs and documents; “Welcome Home, Howard” explores the infamous aviator Howard Hughes; and “Las Vegas and Water in the West” covers the struggle between water supply and growth. At this point, you’ve barely breached the surface. There are still oral histories, modern how-to gambling guides, music and myriad other fascinations to uncover. Prepare yourself in advance by visiting http://library.nevada.edu/speccol/index.html.
Las Vegas
At the West Las Vegas Library, you’ll find the African American collection, focusing on the African American experience in Las Vegas, Nevada and the West. Built to promote a sense of community and to empower readers, especially African Americans, the collection is comprised of the Frederick Douglas collection, highlighting the works of the esteemed abolitionist; the National Collection and the Nevada Collection, both brimming with books and materials by and about African Americans in the western states of the U.S. and in Las Vegas, past and present. These stories are told through books, photographs, newspaper clippings, articles and memorabilia that have been graciously donated by members of the West Las Vegas Community. Check out more special collections in the Clark County Library District at www.lvccld.org, including the Asian Culture Collection at Spring Valley Library and the International Language Collection at Sahara West Library, among others.
Henderson
Looking for your roots? Start digging at the Clark County Genealogy Society Collection at the Paseo Verde Library (280 S. Green Valley Pkwy.). In a quiet room, you can research your lineage and find records from the Henderson area and around the globe. In addition to branching off the family tree, every Henderson library has a Nevada Collection, which contains not only historical and cultural photographs, objects and data, but also modern information on hiking trails and wildlife as well as books by Nevada residents. With Henderson Library’s virtual library (www.mypubliclibrary.com), you can also browse digital collections of photographs, newsletters and newspaper clippings, scrapbooks and memorabilia spanning about 7 decades of life in Henderson from World War II and onward.
There’s a wealth of knowledge tucked between the worn pages of those closed stacks and collections. See for yourself!
Historic Fifth Street School
A Cultural Hub in the Making
By Lisha Ross
In a city with a never-ending “out with the old” attitude, it’s invigorating to come across an antique like the historic Fifth Street School. Those of us who rarely venture downtown because of traffic or lack of interest are missing out on this newly renovated cultural epicenter. With the restoration of the Fifth Street School, Clark County has succeeded in rehabilitating one of its more dated landmarks, while simultaneously creating a cultural oasis for all to enjoy. Simply driving through the school’s main gates is like traveling through a portal in time and space, beckoning visitors’ imaginations back to a time when curious young minds roamed the halls. This energy echoes off of every brick, reconstructed beam and newly created sculpture, giving the space a distinctly vibrant feel that transcends the somewhat sordid surroundings that have come to characterize central Las Vegas.
Into the Past
A complex with a rich and colorful history, the Fifth Street School’s roots go back as far as the Depression-era days of the 1930s and Las Vegas’ early population booms. With the building of the dam and legalization of gambling in 1931 came huge economic growth, and the city had a need for a larger school for the children of its 12,000 residents. Until 1966 it was known as The Las Vegas Grammar school, which served 150 to 200 students each year in grades first through eighth. In the following decades, it served as Clark County offices, until it was turned over to the Redevelopment Agency on August 4, 2004, and rehabilitation of the old school began.
Perfectly Present
Today the complex houses local arts and architectural organizations, adding to the creative vibe that permeates the grounds, in addition to hosting a diverse array of educational, fun and entertaining cultural events throughout the year. Film screenings, poetry readings, lecture series’, theatrical performances and seasonal festivals are just a few events that families can enjoy in various areas of the school. What was once the locker room is now an art gallery; where kids used to shoot hoops in the gym is now an auditorium. What is now called Centennial Plaza is home to the award-winning sculpture by Stephen Hendee (which also doubles as a marker for the city’s centennial time capsule), a re-creation of the Liberty Bell, and benches for watching the world go by.
Go for the events, stay awhile to appreciate the Spanish Mission-style architectural elements. In fact, the architecture is so impressive that it was the recipient of the highly competitive Best of 2008 Award for design excellence. With white walls, rust-colored beams, open and semi-enclosed courtyards, the simplicity of its design is deceiving, given the amount of work that went into the restoration. The entire complex was restored to what experts determined to be its original colors, 141 doors and windows were carefully re-created, and the decorative fountain in the center courtyard, backed by green and blue mosaic tile patterns, is a spitting image of the original.
Looking Forward
Though it’s been slow to get its bearings, the future is looking bright for the historic Fifth Street School. Already, numerous events have been scheduled that will surely become annual favorites, including the highly acclaimed Vegas Valley and Target Children’s Book Festivals: A Celebration of the Written, Spoken and Illustrated Word slated to run again in November 2010. Also returning in October 2010 is Oktoberfest. This family friendly outdoor festival features a beer garden, traditional games and activities, Bavarian dancing, German and Bavarian food and much more. February 20th, the Woody Woods Big Band will perform inside the auditorium, so put on your dancing shoes and prepare to jump and jive with the whole family. Summer of 2010 will usher in the Downtown Children’s Series, a summer’s worth of performing arts and cultural entertainment for children.
The gallery, a rotating exhibition of art and photography by local artists, is currently only open during special events; however, groups and individuals may call Jeanne Voltura at 229-1012 ahead of time to schedule a walk-through. Original photographs of the school in its younger years are on display a few times per year. If they’re not in the gallery, they are likely floating around the complex somewhere, and you just might be able to request a viewing–they truly are a must-see.
Since some dates are tentative, and smaller events have not been solidified yet, be sure to check out www.artslasvegas.org for schedules and additional events. Most events at the school are free and open to the public.
Whether you go there to watch a show, stroll the courtyards or take a class, you’ll get a good glimpse of what this city could be like if only we would preserve and value the most intriguing aspects of our past, and move creatively into the future.
