Cashman Photography
Betty Buckley with cast members of “Mystere” at Treasure Island on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012.
By John Katsilometes
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 | 6 p.m.
Scogin Mayo
Betty Buckley is starring in "The Vixens of Broadway" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Cabaret Jazz in Smith Center.
Nela Zolotic/Cashman Photography
Betty Buckley at "Zumanity" in New York-New York on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.
Betty Buckley is a legend on Broadway, but she is well connected in Las Vegas. Consider her appearance 15 years ago at UNLV’s Ham Hall.
She lit up the university’s performing arts center that night. Later, she was afforded VIP status as an audience member at Bellagio.
This distinctly Vegas doubleheader unfolded 15 years ago, when Buckley appeared at UNLV as part of the university’s Best of the New York Stage series. Myron Martin, who has since lured Buckley to Cabaret Jazz in Smith Center for four shows this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, was heading up the university’s performing-arts schedule at the time.
After Buckley’s show at Ham Hall, Martin and she had planned to hit the new Cirque du Soleil show at Bellagio, “O.” Hotel owner Steve Wynn had arranged for Martin and her to see the show the same night she appeared at UNLV.
“Steve Wynn and Elaine came to the show, and I was talking about my arrangement of ‘The Very Thought of You’ being inspired by (Monet’s) The Water Lilies, the impressionist painting,” Buckley said in a phone interview last week. “After the show, he came up and gave me a big hug and said, ‘We’re holding the curtain for ‘O’ so you can see the show at the Bellagio in its entirety.’ ”
Buckley and Martin hustled to Bellagio and after the show Wynn hosted yet another unveiling.
“Afterward, he brought us into his private art gallery,” Buckley said. “And there was the painting. It was a pretty memorable night.”
On another trip, Buckley was registered at a hotel off the Strip. Wynn stepped in once more, as he owns lots of hotel rooms.
“He moved my assistant and I into the Wynn,” Buckley said. “He has been a great friend and a generous supporter.”
Commonly referred to as “The Voice of Broadway” and a Tony Award winner for her portrayal of Grizabella the Glamour Cat in “Cats,” Buckley is among the most respected Broadway stars to visit Las Vegas. Along with her wide-spanning TV and film career, she has headlined around the world in theater and concert.
As always, those who pay attention to live performances in Las Vegas wonder what someone of Buckley’s stature has to say about Smith Center. Buckley appeared at Cab Jazz last year.
“I think it’s a great, very resonant hall,” she said. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful place.”
Buckley show is titled “The Vixens of Broadway.” Tickets are $39, $59 and $79. As she describes the format, “These are songs from the ‘other woman,’ or the second lead, and they are a bunch of show-stopper songs, very lighthearted.” In the set are “When You’re Good to Mama” and “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.”
Buckley hopes this show leads to a more frequent schedule in Las Vegas.
Artemus Ham Hall at UNLV 4505 Maryland Parkway Las Vegas,
NV 89154
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
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