Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001 | 8:37 a.m.
The Nevada Ballet Theatre's annual production of "The Nutcracker" is an all-new production featuring new choreography by NBT Artistic Director Bruce Steivel, and Alexandre Vassiliev's new set and costume design ... It is a much shorter run this year but in the much larger Rio Samba Theatre, tonight through Sunday ... Ticket prices are comparatively reasonable, even lower for seniors and children.
There is a post-premiere party scheduled following tonight's "Nutcracker" performance, a Snowflake Tea Saturday at noon, and a Sugar Plum Party at 3 p.m. Sunday ... Call the Samba Theatre box office (252-7776) for prices and details ... Nevada Ballet Theatre, originally the Nevada Dance Theatre, has come a long way since its first concert in September 1972.
Choreographer and dancer-turned-author Vassili Sulich, founder of Nevada Dance Theatre, chronicles the history of NDT and his 25 years as its artistic director in "Vision in the Desert" ... Subtitled "A Dancer's Life," it is an easy read with a nice flow, much similar to sitting with Sulich in his living room ... There is truth and sadness, but no anger.
For those who prefer participating in a Christmas party, Tony Orlando has few peers when it comes to throwing an onstage party whatever the occasion ... "The Tony Orlando Christmas Show" is the attraction at The Orleans tonight through Sunday ... If your budget allows, try to see both "The Nutcracker" and Orlando's show.
"Cheval," at Harmon Avenue and the Strip, is another reasonably priced choice, a return to circus in its original form with incredible horses and equally incredible performers, sensational acrobats and inspired comedy segments ... This is for the entire family ... It is only in through Jan. 6 ... It should be a sure bet for a return when its current tour is completed.
Star-policy rundown
Pre-holiday selections are slim, but choice: It's Mac King afternoons, Clint Holmes evenings (Harrah's); Blue Man Group (Luxor); Carrot Top, and Rick Springfield starring in "EFX Alive" (MGM Grand); Danny Gans (Mirage); Rita Rudner (New York-New York); Orlando (Orleans); Ronn Lucas afternoons, Scintas evenings (except Wednesday and Thursday), when it's Earl Turner (Rio).
Plus Steve Wyrick (Sahara); Kingston Trio (Suncoast); Rick Thomas (Tropicana) and Melinda, the First Lady of Magic, at 7 p.m., and Charo in "Bravo," 9 p.m. (Venetian) ... There is show action from noon until 9 p.m. when the "Thunder From Down Under" performs at the New Frontier ... "Rock and Roll Legends" was originally scheduled as a 4 p.m. show; it also plays at 7 p.m.
Thursday's jazz finds the Marv Koral All-Stars including Carl Fontana, Ronnie DiFillips and Chris Gordon at the Jazzed Cafe, starting at 7:30 p.m., and Irv Kluger & friends are in residence on Fridays at Pogo's ... Some of the finest big-band sounds can be found (and heard) backing "The Rat Pack is Back" in the Sahara's Congo Room.
The Asylum Theatre presents "The Play Pen" Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. (Winchester Center) ... Trombonist Walter Boenig's Big Band is in concert, 2 p.m. Saturday (Charleston Heights Arts Center) ... On Sunday at 3 p.m. it's the LV Woodwind Quintet (Reed Whipple Center) ... Admission is free for the last two, but tickets are required.
Pre-Christmas rants
Frank Sinatra was one of the finest entertainers in the previous century ... The so-called observance of his natal date, Dec. 12, was really a slot machine promotion ... His memory deserves better ... While I'm on this subject, slots implanted in bars make that former bastion of good fellowship just another part of the hotel or restaurant's slot department.
Another peeve is "call waiting," rudeness brought to its lowest level ... Why should a person who called after I did be given priority? ... Add to this list the so-called menu where you press buttons and fill in personal information over an extended period only to be told there would be a five-minute or longer wait before you will be able to talk to a live person.
Most importantly, the world's most powerful country should be able to deal with adversity within the limits of the Bill of Rights and Constitution, as we have for the past two centuries-plus, without depriving its citizens of its rights ... Having so stated, I feel good and am ready to resume my pre-Christmas chores with proper good humor.
One more thing, let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas ... Get into the spirit and try to keep it going until next Christmas at least ... See you Friday.
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