Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Summer theater to include ‘Showboat,”Music Man’

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 14, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

SUPER SUMMER Theater '97, scheduled to begin shortly with another dynamic group of musical offerings at the meadow theater at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, had a grand beginning to celebrate the season ahead.

Held at Regency Towers, the May meeting of the Advisory Board began with greetings from board Chairman Bobby Miller, who gradly announced that Summer Summer Theater '97 will include "Showboat," "Music Man" and "Barnum." These delightful family-fare productions, priced to include all of Southern Nevada, provide most of us with cool evenings under the stars and the joys of picnic suppers with loved ones.

Tony and Jeanne Costa were overhead discussing with Betty Sullivan Cleary, her plans for "Music Man," while the subject of how many volunteers would be needed was debated by Sue Linda Hill, Alice Rissman, Ed Dahl and Carol Gibbins.

Ray Eicher, who has put his efforts toward the completion of a granite walkway between the parking area and the meadow, was applauded for his efforts by Cathy Wagner, Bethanie Gist, Peggy Sue Reed, Joe Urcioli, Marti Takagaki, and Dee and Myron Thorn. Pam and Richard Tetreault, who also worked to have further enhancements to the theater area in place for "Super Summer '97, were seen with Nevada State Parks Ranger Jan Prida. Later, as the group converged on the refreshment table, Adrienne O'Donoghue, Sal and Cindy Garcia and Mary Gafford added their compliments to those already given to the volunteers, who help on a year-round basis.

Homer Rissman, credited with contributing much of the effort that resulted in a permanent stage structure in the meadow, was seen with former Las Vegas Mayor Bill Briare and Jim Kropid. Nearby, Brooke Ansley and Perla Woodard looked through scrapbooks of past seasons.

Introducing cast members for "Showboat" was director-producer Robert Cox with his stars, Ealise Davis, Marjorie Pierce and Patrick Thompson. Making a debut of sorts as well were the newly designed logo shirts for the season, presented by Harold Smith of the merchandise committee. Stealing the show was Woodsy Owl's entrance, a conversation-stopping moment enjoyed by supporters Judy Sylvain, Joann Blystone, Terry and Hoppy Little, and Ed Dodrill.

To learn more about the summer musicals or the May 29-30 performances of the Four Freshmen, call 594-PLAY.

House party

This week promises a fun outing for young familes or indulgent grandparents with the Bedrock House Party and Auction. Hosted by Nevada Association for the Handicapped at the center, 6200 W. Oakey Blvd., the party will run 3-5 p.m. Saturday. With ice cream and lemonade as well as craft and bake sales planned, you can even bring your little angels for a bit of face painting. Nevada Child Seekers will be present to photo-ID your children as well.

On the auction block will be a fantasy playhouse, straight from Bedrock, designed by Harris and Associates Architects. Designed with all our little cavemen and cavewomen in mind, this shady playhouse has windows and doorways ideal for pets and kids alike. The Stone Age abode is easy to move, made of no-care materials and free of any hook-up needs.

Come see the Bedrock House and join the party on Saturday. For complete details, call Angie Wallin, NAH development director, at 870-7050.

Gameworks

Built to embrace the tempo of the Las Vegas Strip and yet massive enough to set its own mood, Gameworks-Las Vegas is an equal drawing partner with neighbors All-Star Cafe, Coca-Cola Showcase and MGM Grand.

Cavernous yet intimate, the multilevel entertainment center goes beyond boast to actually provide attractions for every age. The interactive games can take the player through every physical and visual motion of a Jet Ski or bobsled, challenge your driving edge in a manner fit for Daytona or boggle the mind with the best of emerging game technology.

The recent media night at Gameworks was a great evening, providing a chance for guests and their families to test their skills and explore the 47,000-square-foot playland. With my godson Ryan Sax, a soon-to-be teen, calling the shots as we explored the options, the experience was wonderful.

Sampling stations from the Gameworks restaurant dotted the upper decks with table service provided for those in the mood for a trendy pizza, salads or sandwiches. A side trip to the adults-only lounge provided a wallop with foaming margaritas and lively conversation. Below, where the games are supreme, personnel in their distinctive Gameworks garb provided guidance for the novice players and explained the gear necessary for challenging the 75-foot rock-climbing wall.

R&R Advertising executive Howard Stutz, answering questions about a mysteriously wrapped area, explained Gameworks' newest attraction will be "Vertical Reality," an interactive adventure where players may find themselves soaring or dropping, according to the game's action.

Gameworks, after a month's technical run-through and a series of celebrity and special-event parties, is now open to the public.