“God Lives in Glass” performed in 2011.
By John Katsilometes
Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 | 1:31 p.m.
Don Cadette
Keith Thompson hosts Composers Showcase at Smith Center.
For many years, the ever-optimistic Keith Thompson has been seeing this glass as half full.
It should be close to the brim this weekend at the Smith Center.
Set for 3 p.m. Sunday at Reynolds Hall is Thompson’s pet project, “God Lives In Glass — A Theatrical Musical in Concert.” (Tickets are $19 to $79 and are available at the Smith Center website.
Showcased at Las Vegas venues over the years, “Glass” has grown to an ambitious, full-scale musical. Over the years, it has been rolled out at church halls, Flamingo Library Theater, Horne Theater at College of Southern Nevada and, finally, Judy Bayley Theater at UNLV, where it was performed in 2012.
As Thompson, music director of “Jersey Boys” at Paris Las Vegas, says, “ ‘God Lives in Glass’ takes a look at different ideas about who or what God might be as seen through the eyes of young people from all over the planet.
“The musical never tries to preach a particular ideology or doctrine, but rather looks through the ‘glass’ as both a mirror and window to see ourselves and the diverse world by which we are surrounded.”
The show also serves, in part, as a fundraiser for the Smith Center Education and Outreach programs.
This week, Monday By the Numbers focuses on this project. Roll the stats:
12: Times “God Lives in Glass” has been performed in Las Vegas.
9: Years since Thompson first staged the production.
24: Singers in the show at that time.
11: Musicians in the show.
2: Dancers in the show.
20: Dancers in the show Sunday.
20: Members of the orchestra.
75: Singers and actors in the ensemble and choir.
10: Musicians under Thompson’s direction in “Jersey Boys.”
7 to 14: Ages of youth performers taking part in the production as actors, singers and dancers.
4,200: Approximate number of religions worldwide.
1: Religion that has been the focus of a musical staged at Reynolds Hall this year (“The Book of Mormon”).
600: Seating capacity at Judy Bayley Theater.
2,000: Seats Thompson needs to sell at Reynolds Hall.
240: Seats Thompson fills each month at Cabaret Jazz for Composers Showcase of Las Vegas.
12: Times (approximately) Thompson plugged “God Lives in Glass” from the stage at Cab Jazz on Wednesday night.
Paris Las Vegas The Paris Las Vegas transports visitors to the City of Light. Paris Las Vegas captures all the details of Paris, right down to the cobblestone sidewalks and half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Wrought iron street lamps line the 85,000 square foot casino with the legs of the Eiffel Tower sit in the middle of 1,700 slots and 90 table games.
Guests can dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, but beware, it's by reservation only. Diners can watch the world pass by at Mon Ami Gabi, a fine French restaurant where the most popular tables are the ones outside facing The Strip. Dining isn't just limited to the French, Asian restaurant Ah Sin is host to many dishes from the Pacific Rim. If you've just hit the jackpot on the casino floor, try the $777 Kobe beef and Maine lobster at Le Burger Brasserie.
Famous pastry chef Gaston Lenôtre opened a branch of his renowned pastry shop on the cobblestone-lined Le Boulevard, a street filled with intimate shops and restaurants, all underneath a blue cloud-filled ceiling. Strolling along Le Boulevard don't be surprised to see an extremely lifelike bronze statue move, that's because it's a real person
The City of Light doesn't go dark after dark. Anthony Cools - The Uncensored Hypnotist checks inhibitions at the door and pushes the limits of the audiences mind and body. Sitting right above the restaurant is nightclub Risqué, Paris' ultra lounge that is as fun as it is fantastic. 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas,
NV 89109
702-967-4111
The Society Inc The Smith Center for the Performing Arts offers a blend of performances by resident companies and touring attractions. The 5-acre cultural campus features three performance spaces, which includes a main performance area with more than 2,000 seats. This downtown cultural center of Las Vegas looks to educate, entertain and excite community members.
OUR MISSION
To provide and preserve a high-quality performing arts center that is embraced by the community and recognized as a vital force by supporting artistic excellence, education and inspiration for all.
OUR GOALS
To entertain, educate, enrich and inspire the southern Nevada community.
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to the generous support of our dedicated founders, members, donors and community partners, The Smith Center continues to provide a wide variety of services for Southern Nevada residents, including access to world-class performances, inspirational Education and Outreach programs for students and teachers, and a unique space to host events, meetings and special occasions. Celebrating our fifth season, we depend upon public support to fulfill our mission and serve as the Heart of the Arts for many years to come.
With ticket sales covering just 75 percent of our operating budget for each season, the remaining 25 percent comes from the community we serve. Philanthropic support at all levels helps provide programming that entertains, educates, enriches and inspires. By giving to The Smith Center, you play a vital role in providing an important resource for our community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many opportunities to volunteer and play a direct role with your community's performing arts complex. Volunteers engage with staff and patrons to enhance experiences at The Smith Center, and can serve in various capacities including tour guide/docent, usher, security team member or community ambassador. As important members of The Smith Center team, volunteers help us remain financially sustainable and provide numerous services for the community. Please show your support for The Smith Center's mission by gifting your time and unique skills.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Members' annual support provides crucial resources for The Smith Center's artistic programming, education opportunities and cultural enrichment each year. There are a variety of giving options and levels, and Members receive exclusive benefits and behind-the-scenes opportunities based on their level of support. To learn more, please visit www.thesmithcenter.com/support-us/members.
The Encore Society recognizes those generous donors who have included The Smith Center as a part of their estate plan. Corporate Sponsorship is available to companies to underwrite all, or part, of a program, performance or event.
Fanfare! is The Smith Center's young progressional networking organization, open to anyone with an interest in the performing arts who is between the ages of 21-40. And our Show Dedication allows for the celebration of an individual or special occasion with unique recognition opportunities during a specific performance.
SERVICE AREA
The Smith Center provides world-class performing arts and outreach and education throughout the Southern Nevada region.
YEAR ESTABLISHED
2012.
The organization originally formed in 1996 as the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Myron G. Martin President and CEO Donald D. Snyder Chairman Dr. Keith Boman Vice Chairman Mark Tratos Secretary Michael Yackira Treasurer David Dunn Alan M. Feldman Richard Haddrill Fred Hipwell Nancy Houssels Todd-Avery Lenahan Scott MacTaggart Jerry Nadal John Nelson Richard Plaster Rory Reid Kim Sinatra Roger P. Thomas 4104 Cathedral Falls Ave North Las Vegas,
NV
702-749-2000
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
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