Smith Center Blog

Community Impact / Broadway Las Vegas

Vegas Resident’s Family Part of True Story Portrayed in Broadway Musical

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."

Performances and Artists

Violin Virtuoso Joshua Bell Mixes Music and Friendship in Upcoming Performance

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.

Education and Outreach

How One Heart of Education Award Winner Brought STEAM to School

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.

Education and Outreach

Southern Nevada Youth to Perform in Hollywood Christmas Parade

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.

Performances and Artists

Philharmonic Holiday Show Offers ‘Full Meal’ of Seasonal Sounds

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.

Education and Outreach / Family Programming

Southern Nevadans with Special Needs Enjoy Special Performance of ‘The Lion King’

Las Vegas resident Therese Arguelles-Luz has always wanted to take her son on the autism spectrum to a Broadway production. But for many years, she decided against doing so. “I was skeptical if he could sit and enjoy full-length performances,” Arguelles-Luz explains. She was finally able to take her son by attending The Smith Center’s very first sensory-friendly presentation of a Broadway production, Disney’s “The Lion King.”

Community Impact

BLIND GRAMMY NOMINEE TEACHES CCSD STUDENTS THE BENEFITS OF HARD WORK

As guitarist Raul Midon’s fingers nimbly skipped down the frets of his instrument on stage at Las Vegas Academy, the over 300 students in the audience cheered at his fiery improvisation. None were phased by the sunglasses on the Grammy-nominated artist’s face, a subtle reminder of his lifelong blindness.

Performances and Artists

4 Things That Will Shock You About Kris Kristofferson

A three-time Grammy winner best known for country megahits, Kris Kristofferson has penned honest, folksy tunes recorded by over 450 artists. Beyond reaching the masses through his music, the prolific entertainer has also graced the silver screen through the decades in hit films like 1976 classic “A Star Is Born” with Barbra Streisand.

Discovering The Smith Center

Discover Big Laughs and Up-Close Performances in Troesh Studio Theater

If you think you’ve seen all The Smith Center has to offer, think again. Many Smith Center visitors have yet to experience its third venue, Troesh Studio Theater. Seating up to 250, this special theater inside Boman Pavilion houses The Smith Center’s most engaging shows best experienced up close.