8/9/2017
Community Impact / Supporting the Arts
Those who work day to day with attorney Lauri Thompson might not believe she was once on television hurtling women over her head in a sweat-filled ring. But Thompson, a Smith Center Member and 37-year Las Vegas resident, rose to rapid fame as one of the original members of GLOW — Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
7/14/2017
Inside the Theater
Or maybe you just want to experience The Smith Center’s three theaters when they’re empty, to scope out the best seats? You can discover all of this and more, during free tours at The Smith Center.
7/10/2017
Supporting the Arts
Many people can say they’ve jetted to the Big Apple to see Broadway shows. But how many also enjoy special meet-and-greets with the shows’ casts and creative team members, on top of attending a national theater competition highlighting Las Vegas performers? A group of Smith Center donors, Board members and their guests, that's who.
6/15/2017
Supporting the Arts
Passion for community and the arts rang true at this year’s much-anticipated Chairman’s Celebration hosted by The Smith Center in May.
5/16/2017
Inside the Theater
Glory, prestige and impressive ticket sales typically follow when shows receive Tonys. Although millions around the world watch the star-studded awards ceremony on TV each year, only a chosen few actually vote for Tony winners. Fortunately, The Smith Center President and CEO Myron Martin is a member of this select group.
5/16/2017
Supporting the Arts
Aspiring to leave a positive mark on the world, married couple Judy Peatrowsky and Erik Novikoff knew they needed to plan ahead for their hard-earned money. With their path to retirement already laid out, a friend inspired the Las Vegas couple to leave some of their estate to The Smith Center after they’re both gone. It was an option they embraced quickly.
5/8/2017
Supporting the Arts
Many choose planned gifts deferred after their lifetimes, such as donations in wills and trusts, leaving a legacy that supports the arts for years after they’ve gone.
4/13/2017
Supporting the Arts
When Las Vegas resident Judy and her husband Ben decided they wanted to leave their resources in a trust to something they believe in, it wasn’t initially obvious what that would be. That is, until they went to Branford Marsalis’ show at The Smith Center, and witnessed local students brought in for a special visit with the iconic musician.
4/12/2017
Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists
“After we play the exit music, invariably 100 people hang out for the entire play-out,” says Jamie Johns, maestro for the show’s national tour. “They have huge smiles on their faces and they’re staring into the pit, wanting to see how it’s done and ask us questions.” He isn’t surprised. The music of “Phantom” has driven the show’s popularity for nearly 30 years.
3/15/2017
Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists
Adapting a beloved film for the stage can be deceptively challenging — especially if it’s a classic movie like “An American in Paris” starring Hollywood icon Gene Kelly with timeless songs by Ira and George Gershwin. The creative team for this Broadway show knew the stage version must shine on its own terms.