Smith Center Blog

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

Adapting Alanis Morissette’s Epic Album into a Powerful Broadway Musical

When Tony-winning Director Diane Paulus first approached Alanis Morissette about adapting her iconic “Jagged Little Pill” album into a musical, Paulus had grandiose ideas in mind. “I did say, ‘I feel like your album is epic, and we have to do something epic theatrically,’” says Paulus, who also directed beloved musical “Waitress.” “There are many people who want to live inside ‘Jagged Little Pill,’ with the visceral nature of this music.”

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

How Broadway Smash ‘The Prom’ Delivers a Powerful Message with Comedy and Dazzling Music

Performing in smash Broadway musical “The Prom,” Kalyn West genuinely feels she’s making a difference. “We know that we are telling a really important story, and what we do directly affects people’s lives for the better,” says West, who performed in the original Broadway show, and now costars as Alyssa Greene in the musical’s national tour. “That’s really special.”

Performances and Artists

Four Impressive Facts About the Woman Behind Miranda Sings

Teens and young adults nationwide recognize Miranda Sings by her overdrawn lipstick, off-key vocals and adorably obnoxious opinions. And while this fictional character’s antics have earned more than 50 million followers on social media, her fans might be even more impressed by Sings’ creator – the highly talented singer, actress and comedian Colleen Ballinger.

Performances and Artists

How Some Minor Criminal Activity Launched John Tesh’s Career

John Tesh boasts a long list of accolades for his globally acclaimed career as a radio and television host, pianist and composer, including three gold records, 8 million albums sold and several Emmys. But before all that, he got kicked out of college and his home.

Performances and Artists

The Family Legacy That Keeps Brazilian Music Alive

Her family built a global following as Brazil’s First Family of Music, starting with her grandfather Seu Jorge, a famous mandolin player, followed by her father Sergio and uncle Odair, hailed as one of the world’s preeminent guitar duos.

Performances and Artists

How Lena Prima Learned to Light Up Vegas Stages From Her Father, Louis Prima

She spent much of her youth watching her father Louis Prima – one of the most renowned big-band leaders in entertainment history – performing at Vegas’ glamorous lounges in the ‘60s and ‘70s, where she enjoyed his infectious music and charismatic persona up close.

Performances and Artists

Reviving the Classic Vegas Vibe of Louis Prima

Lena Prima’s memories from growing up in Vegas aren’t like most people’s. With her father, Louis Prima, one of the most renowned big-band leaders in music history, much of Lena’s youth was spent at Vegas’ iconic casinos and lounges of the ‘60s and ‘70s to watch him perform.

Performances and Artists

How Makana Learned One of the World’s Rarest Guitar Styles

The Hawaii native’s introduction to music began with learning ukulele as a young boy – but he found his true inspiration when he caught a local TV show featuring Hawaiian slack-key guitar master Raymond Kaleoalohapoina’oleohelemanu Kāne and his young protégé Bobby Moderow Jr.