Columnist Joe Delaney: Nevada Ballet Theatre begins its annual holiday season run

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999 | 9:50 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or joe@vegas.com.

Nevada Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker," with music by Tchaikovsky, begins its annual holiday season run this evening in UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre. ... This production is choreographed by NBT Artistic Director Bruce Stievel. ... It is sad to note that this year "The Nutcracker" will go back to recorded music after several years of a live orchestra, always so vital to all forms of dance expression.

Also opening tonight for a three-day stand in the Mirage's Siegfried & Roy Theatre is the spectacular "Moscow 2000" with a cast of 60 of the Soviet Union's finest performers.

The Amy Grant Christmas special with the Nashville Symphony plus special guests Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, and the Katinas, will perform at 7:30 this evening, Thomas & Mack Center. ... Las Vegas seems to be doing much better in the classical department these days.

More specials

Musical Director Harold Weller and the LV Philharmonic's Holiday Spectacular Concert will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in UNLV's Ham Hall. ... Brian Boitano's Holiday Skating Spectacular featuring fellow Olympic gold medalists Kristi Yamaguchi, Oksana Baiul and Alexei Urmanov, is the Mandalay Bay Events Center attraction Saturday at 8 p.m. ... Prices range from $15 to $50.

Mexico Vivo Dance Company presents "Decembre Mexicana," tonight through Dec. 21 (dark Sunday) in the Winchester Community Center. ... Admission is just $7, $5 for seniors and children under 12.

The 30-member troupe will celebrate the holiday traditions of Mexico, including Posadas, Pastorales, Navidad, New Year and the Day of the Three Wise Men. ... Choreographer Ixela Gutierrez was formerly a soloist with Mexico's famed Ballet Folklorico Nacional.

Star-policy rundown

Choices are few but choice with Buddy Greco and the Lezlie Anders Orchestra and special guests for dancing and good listening (Flamingo Hilton); Bill Acosta (Luxor); "The Osmond Christmas Christmas Show," (MGM Grand); America, Friday and Saturday (Monte Carlo); Don Ho and the Kids Next Door (Orleans); Danny Gans (Rio); Andre-Phillippe Gagnon (Venetian) and Brian Evans, Friday and Saturday (Tropicana).

One of the finest singing impressionists, nightclub-style, Bob Anderson will be the Desert Inn Starlight Lounge attraction through the holidays, closing Jan. 2. ... Anderson is a top-quality singing entertainer as himself.

Another Anderson, comedian Louie Anderson, no relation, will take over the Monte Carlo's Lance Burton Theatre, Tuesday-Dec. 25. ... Anderson, the Gentle Giant of Comedy, always does special performances at Christmastime, very funny and for the entire family, including grandparents.

Enjoy and contribute

You can see a good show and do good at the same time, helping a most worthy cause by attending one of the performances of "Doo Whop Ditty," billed as a "Street Corner Christmas," continuing at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday in the Riviera's Royale Pavilion. ... They have added a 2 p.m. Sunday performance; prices are just $15, $21 includes the buffet, with the proceeds going to support the M.A.S.H. Center locally.

Author Peter Levinson will be autographing copies of his brilliantly written and extremely thorough book, "Trumpet Blues, The Life of Harry James," tonight at 7 o'clock in the Borders Books Store at 2190 N. Rainbow Blvd. ... James ranks with the very best.

Walt Boenig's Little Band with the Big Band Sound will play for dancing, Saturday at 7 p.m., Charleston Heights Center. ... There's so much to do this weekend; do something, enjoy.

Thursday addenda

Melissa Etheridge performs in Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena Saturday at 8 p.m. ... Etheridge is hot with her new album,. "Breakdown," and a top- 10 single from it, "Angels Will Fall." ... Ronnie Rathers and Split Decision, alternating with the Jim Dixon Trio, are a double-winner entry at Hammilton's in New York, New York.

Gary Dicksenson and Norman Clifford are a good listening duo, Thursdays through Saturdays, in the Key Largo Casino, Flamingo and Paradise. ... Take time out from shopping and addressing Christmas cards. ... See you Friday.