I had my suspicions the moment director Melissa Lilly made a pre-curtain speech telling the audience that “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” was an “inspirational” play. The Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts does many things well theatrically, but “inspirational” is not one of them.
When Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” first hit Broadway in 1970, it was generally regarded as the first adult musical to tackle an adult subject in an adult way. Its look at marriage through a circle of friends in modern Manhattan was ruthless and loving.
“The Witches” — based on a book by Roald Dahl of “Willy Wonka” fame — has many of the elements of a typical fairy tale, but, surprisingly, lacks what we might think of as the typical fairy tale ending. The bad guys are overthrown, but the results of their evil are not entirely washed away. It’s as if Dahl is suggesting there’s a certain amount of depravity that even innocent children have to learn to live with.
Lionel Clement, chef chocolatier at Wynn Las Vegas, will represent the United States at the 2009 World Chocolate Masters in Paris, sponsored by chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut, Oct. 14-16.
Ronald Memo named his new Irish-influenced bar and grill Murphy’s Law because he liked the play on words.
Wine: Campo de Borja Monte Oton
