2/13/2019
Family Programming / Performances and Artists
Patrick McDonnell, New York Times bestselling author, captured inspiring moments from Goodall’s animal-fixated childhood in his whimsical and popular children’s book, “Me… Jane." These experiences would lead Goodall to follow her dreams and achieve groundbreaking work studying chimpanzees in their own environment.
2/1/2019
Supporting the Arts
Generous supporters of the ongoing Campaign to Sustain The Smith Center include Las Vegas resident TJ Matthews, retired chairman of International Game Technology, a leading gaming company headquartered in Nevada. Read our interview below with Matthews about his incredible career, and why he chose to support The Smith Center’s future.
2/1/2019
Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists
The storyline of “Come From Away” might seem unlikely for a Broadway musical, depicting the real-life story of 7,000 airline passengers grounded in Gander, Newfoundland after 9/11. Yet thanks to the vision of Director Christopher Ashley, this musical achieved a heartwarming and moving portrayal of humanity in the midst of dark times.
12/12/2018
Supporting the Arts
There is likely much about jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, that you don’t know. For instance, Fitzgerald personally founded a charitable foundation that today continues to serve a broad number of needs, including promoting education opportunities for children, fostering a love of music, and providing basic essentials for those in need.
12/3/2018
Community Impact / Broadway Las Vegas
When Simon Robinson’s family booked a flight for Sept. 11, 2001 to visit him in Florida from their home in England, he was nothing but elated. Simon and his wife Sarah — now both Las Vegas residents — highly anticipated their family’s visit, as the couple had only recently moved to America from their native England. This incredible true story is captured in the acclaimed Broadway musical “Come From Away."
11/30/2018
Education and Outreach
At Advanced Technologies Academy in Las Vegas, teacher Kevin Chung has students thinking about some unusual concepts. For instance, what is the best approach to designing a functional robot arm? And what is the key to building a vehicle powered by a mousetrap? These are just a few of the complex projects students tackle through the Science Olympiad program Mr. Chung created at his school.
11/30/2018
Performances and Artists
Before Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell took the stage at The Smith Center’s star-studded opening night event in March 2012 — where he was featured among music legends like Carole King, Willie Nelson and Arturo Sandoval — he admitted the venue took his breath away.
11/23/2018
Education and Outreach
To say this holiday season will be full of cheer for Henderson student Benjamin Barnes is putting it lightly. Through his participation in The Smith Center’s annual Camp Broadway youth theater program, the 14-year-old has earned the opportunity to perform with a handful of other Southern Nevada youths in a festive song-and-dance routine in the 87th Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 25.
11/21/2018
Performances and Artists
When Gerard Alessandrini, whose Tony-winning revue Forbidden Broadway has parodied top Broadway productions for decades, witnessed the sweeping impact of Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton,” he knew just what he had to do. He had to spoof it.
11/21/2018
Performances and Artists
As guest conductor for the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s holiday show on December 1, 2018, at The Smith Center, Dick McGee is the first to point out that the show will cover a lot of festive ground. “We’re trying to do something for everybody,” explains McGee, an acclaimed Las Vegas conductor and musician.