‘Tales of Old Nevada’ take on a new look

Friday, Feb. 7, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

"Tales of Old Nevada" will open Feb. 14 and run through Feb. 23 at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Show times are 7 p.m. Feb. 14-15 and 20-22 and 2 p.m. Feb. 16, 22 and 23.

Directed by Karen McKenney, the production includes a variety of scenarios about the pony express, mail-order brides, old-fashioned bread baking, an Indian war council and cattle rustlers, to name a few.

"The challenge for me each year," says McKenney, "is to discover historic tales that are dramatizable. There are lots of really interesting and fun anecdotes, but the question that always needs to be asked is: Will there be enough action and visual interest to work on stage?"

To test a story out, McKenney has her actors improvise from a story outline. "It's a creative way to see if we can turn the printed page into a theater piece," she says.

Jay Neal wrote the music for the show. Several songs will be used in his "Southwest Originals" recording collection due out next year.

Tickets are $5, $3 for teens and seniors and $2 for children under 12. For ticket purchases or more information, call 229-6211.