Smith Center Blog

Broadway Las Vegas

Beauty and the Beast: An Enduring Fairytale

A traditional fairytale first published in France in the mid-18th century, “Beauty and the Beast” is an enduring story of love and friendship that has been translated into hundreds of versions worldwide.

Performances and Artists

A Singer By Any Other Name

Arnold George Dorsey is more generally known by his internationally-recognized moniker: Engelbert Humperdinck. But, to paraphrase Shakespeare, a singer by any other name would sing as sweet.

Supporting the Arts

Donor Q&A with Benson Riseman

Benson Riseman has a flair for creativity as seen in the renovation of his Veer Towers penthouse – which has been featured in publications from Vegas magazine to The Wall Street Journal – that could rival even the most elaborate Broadway set design to grace the stage of Reynolds Hall.

Supporting the Arts

Donor Q&A with Carol Benchley

Carol Benchley is a regular patron at The Smith Center, but she is a standout in the crowd recognized for her quick smile and irresistible enthusiasm for every show she attends. We are privileged to have her support our Education and Outreach programs in the many ways The Smith Center touches the lives of students and educators.

Supporting the Arts

Time to Meet a Donor – Les and Andi Silver

Les and Andi Rothschild Silver have an infectious enthusiasm for the performing arts and an encyclopedic knowledge of “all things Broadway.” Talking with these two aficionados is like taking a crash course in Performance 101 and we are tremendously grateful – and fortunate – to have them as a part of The Smith Center family.

Discovering The Smith Center

In Honor of Mary Smith, Go Hogs!

Our Dee and Don Snyder Founders Room on the mezzanine level is filled with eye-catching contemporary art. It’s also home to a “smiling” pig on a pedestal. Razorback hogs, an animal associated with “The Natural State,” were a favorite of Mary B. Smith, the late wife of Fred W. Smith for whom The Smith Center is named.

Supporting the Arts

Donor Spotlight with Dr. David and Carol Redfearn

We first got to know Dr. David and Carol Redfearn at a post-show meet & greet with the cast of Annie and have enjoyed living vicariously through tales of their travels ever since. Relative newcomers to the Las Vegas valley, they have been champions of The Smith Center as both patrons and donors since our doors opened.

Supporting the Arts

Supporting The Heart of the Arts with Phillip Peckman

Phillip Peckman, CEO of The Peckman Capital Corporation, is a champion for improving the quality of life for local residents. Peckman has made it a priority to instill a sense of community in his daughter, Shea. Together they been supporters of The Smith Center since the beginning, both as patrons and donors.

Bonnie Lemert AKA The Social Director

If you have ever had the good fortune to meet Bonnie Lemert you have no doubt been captivated by her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. Bonnie is a subscriber to the Broadway Las Vegas series and a regular donor to The Smith Center annual fund. She is a tireless advocate for the arts and a champion for environmental causes and clean energy.

Education and Outreach

On Broadway….Camp Broadway That Is

Last month, The Smith Center hosted one of its most wonderful annual events – Camp Broadway. Returning for the fourth season, the intensive summer camp introduces school-age participants to the world of Broadway. It is staffed by performing arts professionals who engage with the theater-loving kids in creative ways.