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.
2/4/2017
Performances and Artists
It’s 5 a.m., and time for a 5k run, back and forth along a steep incline. Next comes preparing a meal from scratch. Beyond that stretches a long day packed with training regimens. Just the start of another day for those in training to join the Taiko drumming group Kodo. Says spokesperson Yui Kawamoto, “All the performers go through this basic training.”
1/12/2017
Inside the Theater
These include Oscar Goodman, former mayor of Las Vegas and a key player in the city’s support of The Smith Center, which involved a donation of land for both the facility and Symphony Park.
1/11/2017
Broadway Las Vegas
The music of Motown has entertained Americans for generations, but many fans might not know the intriguing history of the famous record company. Broadway smash “Motown: The Musical,” headed to The Smith Center in mid-January, delves into many of these untold stories.
12/29/2016
Discovering The Smith Center / Inside the Theater
Tasked with booking all non-Broadway shows and concerts at The Smith Center, Glenn Medas hears a lot of suggestions. He welcomes them all, but with no promises. That’s because many factors impact what fits best in The Smith Center’s three theaters.