Las Vegas Nevada News Feed

When: Saturday, December 13, 2008 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

What: For the holiday season the Las Vegas Philharmonic will present the second concert in its exciting new Pops series. A Christmas Celebration! will introduce a fresh, new holiday program performed by the Las Vegas Philharmonic featuring performances from guest soloists, Joan Sobel, Leslie Harper, Matt Newman and Tod Fitzpatrick along with performances from The Las Vegas Master Singers and The University Children’s Chorale. The concert will also welcome a surprise visit from a special international guest celebrity who is sure to bring the holiday cheer!

Where:
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Concert Ticket Prices: Concert ticket prices range from $25 to $65, excluding tax and fees. To purchase concert tickets or to subscribe to remaining season of Pops and Masterworks concerts, please call the UNLV Box office at (702) 895-2787 or visit LasVegasPhilharmonic.com.

About Las Vegas Philharmonic: Founded in 1998, the Las Vegas Philharmonic is the third largest arts organization in the state and six-time recipient of the Best Performing Arts Group award. The Philharmonic has grown into a nationally recognized orchestra, entertaining growing audiences with a continuously expanding program which currently includes: a Masterworks Series featuring some of the best touring artists in the world; a Connoisseur Series that presents top soloists performing in some of the city’s most luxurious homes; a variety of special events; a new Pops Concert Series for 2008-2009; and its annual Fourth of July “Star Spangled Spectacular” concert. The Philharmonic has created an extraordinary impact on the cultural and educational life of Southern Nevada and will find its new home in the $475M Smith Center for the Performing Arts slated to open in 2011.

Comments Off

For the third consecutive year, AAA has awarded SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand and Joël Robuchon the highly coveted Five Diamond Award, an accolade that recognizes these establishments among the world’s most elite hotels and restaurants.

“The AAA Five Diamond Award is a wonderful distinction for two of our most revered offerings,” said MGM Grand President & COO Gamal Aziz.  “SKYLOFTS and Joël Robuchon are very special places, and this award reflects the unique, quality experiences they provide our guests.”

AAA/CAA’s 65 full-time tourism editors evaluate and rate more than 58,000 hotels and dining establishments across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean each year – which is more than any other rating entity.  Of those, only 103 resorts and 59 restaurants, or 0.28 percent, earned the highly coveted AAA Five Diamond rating for 2009.

These prestigious honors follow a multi-year evolution that has redefined MGM Grand as the ultimate Las Vegas experience.  SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand, one of only five Las Vegas hotels to earn this honor, debuted in January 2005 as a rare and private sanctuary of 51 two-story accommodations with expansive views of the Las Vegas skyline.  SKYLOFTS provides the quintessential Loft environment and the height of personalized attention including Dream, Spa and Music Butlers, 24-hour concierge service, luggage packing and unpacking services and pre-engraved stationery.

Culinary history was made in Las Vegas when legendary Chef Joël Robuchon opened his first fine dining restaurant in the United States at MGM Grand in September 2005.  Named “Chef of the Century” along with scores of other accolades and honors, Chef Joël Robuchon presents unparalleled cuisine in a stunning setting.  In a city that has become known as a world-class dining destination, Joël Robuchon stands out among the best as one of only five AAA Five Diamond restaurant award winners.

Chef Joël Robuchon said, “We are proud to receive the Five Diamond Award for the third year.  Our stellar team has earned this honor because they create memorable experiences from the moment our guests arrive until the moment they leave.”

Hotels and restaurants must meet a list of stringent criteria evaluated by AAA trained professionals to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award.  AAA experts judge lodgings on the exterior of the facility, public areas, guest rooms, amenities and bathrooms.  Restaurants are evaluated on criteria including food, service, décor and ambience.

Michael Geeser, AAA Nevada spokesperson, said, “SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand has risen to the top among Las Vegas properties.  Five Diamond properties display physical attributes that are complemented by an extensive array of personalized services for every guest, which consistently exceeds the expectations of even the most refined traveler.  SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand has done that for the third time.”

Comments Off

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts announces new development plans for the world-class performing arts center to be built downtown. Citing recommendations from design architect David M. Schwarz, the exterior of the Smith Center will now be built using Indiana Limestone instead of the previously discussed rose metaquartzite. In addition, the 650-seat small hall previously envisioned for the campus has been removed from the building program.

Recognizable from its use in many of the nation’s great buildings and landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Empire State Building, Indiana Limestone was deemed the most appropriate choice for The Smith Center.

“Indiana Limestone is the most proven material used for buildings of this stature. This stone will add grandeur and elegance to The Smith Center and will stand the test of time,” said David Schwarz, president and chief executive officer of David M. Schwarz Architects.

In addition to the change in material, The Smith Center is also making adjustments to the building program. The previously contemplated 650-seat small hall, which was to be home to Nevada Ballet, has been removed from the plan. Due in part to Nevada Ballet’s projected growth, the Ballet will now be using the 2,050-seat main hall for all productions.

Plans for the cultural center now include a total of three theaters. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other intimate performances. The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children’s theater and local community events.

“We are pleased to adapt to the growing needs of our resident companies and arts partners,” said Myron Martin, president of The Smith Center. “The three Smith Center theaters will provide wonderful programming for the community and I am convinced that this decision will allow us to consider a number of opportunities that will only enhance the offerings of our arts campus.”

City officials and Newland Communities approved all plan revisions for The Smith Center. A new rendering has been created and models of the main hall are being produced and will be available for public viewing in the near future. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is slated for early 2009.

About The Smith Center

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a public/private partnership that will become the centerpiece of cultural life in Las Vegas offering a blend of performances by local arts groups as well as first-run touring attractions. The 4.75-acre cultural complex will feature inviting lobbies with beautiful balconies, refined acoustics and a tastefully landscaped plaza linking surrounding hotels, restaurants, shops and offices in downtown’s 61-acre urban development, Union Park. Home to three theaters; a main hall, cabaret theater and flexible studio, The Smith Center will be a living room for the community; a place that will educate, entertain and excite the citizens of our great community. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center is planned for early 2009 with a projected opening in 2011. For more information about The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, please visit http://www.thesmithcenter.com.

Comments Off

The most famous cast of holiday characters, including Clara, Fritz, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy, reunite for Las Vegas’ most cherished and beloved annual event – The Nutcracker! Staged by Ballet Mistress Clarice Geissel-Rathers, with original choreography by Bruce Steivel, this annual tradition will be presented on Wednesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 28, 2008 at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 Maryland Parkway. Ticket prices range from $85 to $45 with premium and non-premium dates available and can be ordered by calling (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting www.nevadaballet.com.

Perhaps the most famous fairytale ballet of all time, The Nutcracker premiered over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia. Based on the famous novel by E.T.A. Hoffmann entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, it was turned into a classical ballet by choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with an amazing score by Peter I. Tchaikovsky. This production not only became the most distinguished ballet in the world, but grew to become Tchaikovsky’s most celebrated composition.

“The Nutcracker is a city’s classical mainstay – and Nevada Ballet Theatre is proud to offer that to Las Vegas” says Interim Artistic Director James Canfield.

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s version of this heart-warming holiday tale has been enchanting local families for over 25 years and each time, the company has welcomed over 90 students into its yearly production. This season, to add to the excitement, the company held open auditions for this festive classic on Saturday, September 6. Aside from students from the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, boys ages 7 and up and girls ages 11 an up from the community or who attend area dance schools were invited to audition for the city’s premiere holiday event. Students will be cast in the roles of Clara, Fritz, soldiers, mice, and party scene children.

First performed in America by the San Francisco Ballet, the New York City Ballet made The Nutcracker even more popular when it premiered George Balanchine’s version in 1954.  This family-friendly classic was catapulted into a true American pastime with hundreds of professional ballet companies and dance academies performing it all over the country. It is known as the most beloved ballet as it reveals the mysteries and enchantments of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of innocent children.

THE NUTCRACKER 

December 17- 28, 2008

Choreography: Bruce Steivel

Music: Peter I. Tchaikovsky

Venue: UNLV Performing Arts Center, Judy Bayley Theatre

Performance Description
What would the holiday season be without snowflakes, hot cocoa, and The Nutcracker? Nevada Ballet Theatre’s production has it all! Captivating performances, lavish costumes and sets, special effects, and Tchaikovsky’s soaring masterpiece completes an annual experience that thousands flock to each year. Bring your friends and family to an enchanting winter tradition here in Las Vegas.

Ticket Information
Call the UNLV Box office at: 895-ARTS (2787)
Premium Dates: Section A, $85; Section B, $55
Non-Premium Dates: A, $75; Section B, $45

Performances
Wednesday, December 17 at 8 pm
Thursday, December 18 at 8 pm
Friday, December 19 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, December 21 at 1 pm & 4:30 pm
Tuesday, December 23 at 8 pm
Wednesday, December 24 at 1 pm
Friday, December 26 at 2 pm & 8 pm
Saturday, December 27 at 2 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, December 28 at 1 pm & 4:30 pm

NUTCRACKER CHARACTER PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AND BOUTIQUE – NEW!

This year, Nevada Ballet Theatre will offer special holiday photos with the beautiful “snowflakes” from its most popular and beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Photo opportunities will be offered during intermission at all 15 performances of this holiday masterpiece. For only $10, patrons can pose with these beautiful ballerinas for a treasured keepsake memento! In addition, Nevada Ballet Theatre’s boutique will have Nutcrackers, special Nutcracker books and CDs available for purchase.

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE NUTCRACKER – GROUP DISCOUNTS

Corporations and organizations are encouraged to bring their staff and employees to a performance of The Nutcracker as a unique holiday gift or to sponsor underserved youth groups. Groups of 15 or more will enjoy fantastic savings and personal service. To book your group, contact Marketing Manager Julie Wright at (702) 243-2623 ext. 234 or email jwright@nevadaballet.com. Discounts are only available on non-premium dates.

SINGLE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Single Tickets for the remainder of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s 2008-2009 Season are on sale and can ordered online at www.nevadaballet.com or by calling the UNLV Performing Arts Center box office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787).

For more information on Nevada Ballet Theatre, its programs, or for 2008-2009 production-specific information, call Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Marketing department at (702) 243-2623 or email info@nevadaballet.com.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Nevada Ballet Theatre is the largest professional ballet company and dance academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, dancers for the 33 member company have been recruited from around the world and include artists with international performing experience.  This classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets.  The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire regional, statewide and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Beginning in 2011, Nevada Ballet Theatre will be a resident company in the new world-class Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Comments Off