RJ’s arts and culture writer shares her 5 favorite Smith Center performances
Since The Smith Center opened its doors, I’ve been fortunate to experience many memorable performances at the center’s multiple venues.
Some were expectedly impressive. (See: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater andMichael Tilson Thomas leading the London Symphony Orchestra.) Others, such as Cabaret Jazz’s monthly ComposersShowcase, turned out to be unexpectedly exciting.
In honor of The Smith Center’s fifth anniversary, here’s a list of five favorite performances.
1.“The Tempest” (2014) Such stuff as dreams are made on: The Smith Center’s first world premiere, this literally spellbinding Shakespeare production, co-adapted and co-directed by Las Vegas’ own Teller, began its theatrical voyage under the canopy of a carnival tent pitched in Symphony Park. A veritable phantasmagoria of delights, this was (and is) a“Tempest” for the ages, undeniably unique and utterly entrancing.
2. Stephen Sondheim (2012) The Broadway titan shared backstage memories, self-deprecating confessions and his creative philosophy (“The only kind of chances worth taking are the kind where you almost kill yourself”) in a scintillating evening made even more so thanks to musical performances by Tony-winners Christine Ebersole and Brian Stokes Mitchell. If there’s anything better than listening to Sondheim’s words, it’s hearing Sondheim’s songs; as a result, this turned out to be the best of both worlds.
3.Yo-Yo Ma, Odair and Sergio Assad (2012) Superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma and guitar wizard brothers Odair and Sergio Assad(among others) led a magical musical tour to Brazil and beyond, reflecting Ma’s ongoing interest in world music — and his positively contagious delight in collaboration.
4. “Fun Home” (2017) Not always a fun place to be, this heart-wrenching Tony-winner proved that musicals can challenge gotta-sing-gotta-dance traditions to generate genuine, depth-charge dramatic power.
5.Barbara Cook (2012) The Smith Center’s swellegant Cabaret Jazz has welcomed many virtuoso performers, but this living legend (one of the few who truly deserves the term) delivered unalloyed joy with her dedication to the art, and heart, of popular song.
Read more from Carol Cling at reviewjournalcom. Contact her at ccling@reviewjournal.com and follow @CarolSCling onTwitter.
People started talking about The Smith Center for the Performing Arts long before the doors officially opened on March 10,2012. Now, almost 2,000 performances later, there's even more to say. Here are five perspectives on The Smith Center'simpact during its first five years:
• Paul Beard, vice president/chief operating officer, The Smith Center: "It would be hard to find anything to complain about. I think that people in Las Vegas almost can't remember a time when The Smith Center wasn't here."
• Cynthia Gregory, artistic coach, Nevada Ballet Theatre: "It'sso good for this company. The company looks so much better onstage. This has the grand majesty of it, the grandeur of it.It's wonderful for ballet. Anybody can come and enjoy it."
• Troy Heard, artistic director, Majestic Repertory Theatre: "Besides being a cultural crown jewel … The Smith Center's educational outreach program has becomea necessary addition for valley students. [It] is guaranteeing that ourchildren are engaging with the arts early enough to instill a love and appreciation that will last a lifetime."
• Torrey Russell, founder, Broadway in the Hood: "The Hood has cast over 400 local youth and young adults fromdifferent walks of life who experienced the sheer exhilaration of performing onstage at The Smith Center. We are honoredto kick off our third Broadway in the Hood season at The Smith Center and we are looking forward to celebrating 30 more!"
• De Ann Letourneau, concertmaster, Las Vegas Philharmonic: "It's just put us on the map, (as) when people like (renownedviolinist and conductor) Pinchas Zukerman go on NPR and he says it's one of his favorite halls. … In the outside world,everyone knows about The Smith Center. ou just know it's going to be great. … It's been agame-changer for Las Vegas as a community."
