Arts briefs: Theater, music and dance
TEEN SEX COMEDY GOES CAMP AT ONYX
Ah, the ’80s. Reagan’s in the White House and the Cold War still threatens to heat up. And at rustic Camp Tigglebitties , ubernerds Nolan and Dwight vow to lose their virginity to the beauteous Lacey St. Clair – even if it means ending their friendship.
Such are the horny dilemmas faced in "Summer Camp! The Musical." The Table 8 Productions original scores its world premiere this weekend at the Onyx Theatre.
"Summer Camp!" provides a raunchy, rockin’ homage to that early-’80s staple, the teen sex comedy, according to Table 8’s Troy Heard – who provides the book, directs the show and collaborated on lyrics with composer Angela Chan.
After watching late-night cable telecasts of such genre classics as "Porky’s," "Meatballs" and "Revenge of the Nerds," Heard notes, "like any red-blooded, prepubescent male, I always thought there was way too much story between the shower scenes. This is my chance to fix that." Adding musical numbers representing different ’80s rock styles amps the "awesomeness," he adds.
The show includes audience interaction, including a splash zone, "but since this is a sex comedy and not a horror spoof like ‘Evil Dead,’ " the show "is definitely adults only!" Heard warns.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, today through Aug. 26, at the Onyx Theatre, 953 E. Sahara Ave., inside Commercial Center. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door and online at www.onyxtheatre.
KRALL TOUR INCLUDES STOP AT SMITH CENTER
Diana Krall’s most recent studio album – the Grammy-winning "Quiet Nights" – came out in 2009.
But that doesn’t mean she’s been taking it easy since then.
The singer-pianist with the mellow voice – and a string of nine No. 1 Billboard Jazz chart debuts – visits The Smith Center Monday night as part of her 40-city "Summer Nights 2012" tour, which teams Krall with guitarist Anthony Wilson, bass player Robert Hurst and drummer Karriem Riggins.
In addition to performing on four continents, Krall produced Barbra Streisand’s "Love Is the Answer" and contributed "Simple Twist of Fate" to the charity album "Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan," honoring 50 years of Amnesty International. She joined Paul McCartney on his album of standards, "Kisses on the Bottom." And let’s not forget that special White House visit in May, when she performed as part of the Gershwin Prize tribute to songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, later telecast on PBS’ "In Performance at the White House.”
Finally, did we mention that her new album, "Glad Rag Doll," is scheduled for release in October? She describes it as "a song and dance record" – and, although filled with vintage tunes, "we all just went in there as if the songs were written yesterday. I didn’t want to make a period piece or nostalgia record," she said according to her website.
So, clearly, she’s got a lot to talk – and sing – about.
Krall performs at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave.
Tickets ($2-$162) are available by phone at 749-2000 or online at www.thesmithcenter.com.
BENEFIT SPOTLIGHTS YOUNG PERFORMERS
It’s art – with a heart – as a long-running series of benefit performances, "Concert Fantasy" and "Fantasy Petite," finds a new home this weekend at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave.
Presented by the Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts, the two Reynolds Hall showcases – for performers 3 to 18 – will include a gymnastics tribute to the Olympics, Latin rhythms and Asian themes, along with New Orleans and USO influences. A video wall and various special effects will complement the young performers.
Net proceeds from "Concert Fantasy" and "Fantasy Petite" will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas; the shows have raised more than $420,000 for local charities and scholarships since 1977, according to conservatory officials.
"Fantasy Petite," at 2 p.m. Saturday, spotlights 3- to 8-year-olds. "Concert Fantasy" – featuring dancers, singers, gymnasts and martial artists from 8 to 18 – will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets ($31.50-$49.50) are available by phone at 749-2000 or online at www.thesmithcenter.com.
Contact reporter Carol Cling at ccling@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0272.
