Smith Center Blog

Performances and Artists

The Surprising History of ‘The Nutcracker’

In keeping with past holiday seasons, Southern Nevadans continue to enjoy their annual dose of fairy tale magic with Nevada Ballet Theatre’s mesmerizing performances of “The Nutcracker.” Over 100 years old, this beloved ballet remains a festive staple performed worldwide. This production had a long journey to becoming a classic.

Performances and Artists

How Vonda Shepard Became the Musical Voice of ‘Ally McBeal’

“I remember one night lugging my keyboard in the rain, into a club that held 30 people,” Shepard recalls. “Jump to a year and a half later, and I’m touring in Europe, playing a festival for 46,000 people.” Shepard says What brought on this dramatic change? The television series "Ally McBeal."

Supporting the Arts

Smith Center Superfan Supports Her Favorite Community Resource

Kathy strives to ensure the center remains a community resource, because of how it provides a performing home for the Nevada Ballet Theatre, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, local theater companies like Broadway in the Hood, as well as touring Broadway productions and musicians across all genres.

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

The Making of Music and Lighting in Jack Thorne’s A Christmas Carol

Playwright Jack Thorne’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is staged unlike any other version of this story before it. The critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning production — originally conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus — is as beautiful and enchanting as you would expect a holiday extravaganza to be.

Performances and Artists / Broadway Las Vegas

The Magic of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Lives On

From musicals to stage plays to miniseries and films, adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” continue to be produced, performed and patronized. During Christmastime, enjoying “A Christmas Carol” remains as longstanding a tradition as decorating homes, singing carols and purchasing gifts.