Arts briefs: Theater, music and more
Theater
INSURGO INTRODUCES BARD'S 'KING JOHN'
In William Shakespeare's gallery of unforgettable title characters, kings figure prominently, from "Richard III" to "King Lear."
Chances are, however, you've never made the acquaintance of King John. But leave it to Insurgo Theater Movement to serve up a new adaptation of the rarely performed "The Life and Death of King John," which opens a five-weekend run today.
Marked by battles and betrayals, the play depicts a power struggle among the descendants of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine to occupy the English throne after the death of the couple's eldest son, Richard the Lionheart. Among the contenders: Richard's youngest brother, John (John Beane), his young nephew Arthur (Sydny Considine) and the French prince Lewis (Oliver Jones). But the play finds its voice in Lionheart's illegitimate son (Brandon McClenahan), whose journey to self-realization helps shape the play.
Directed by Beane, Insurgo's artistic director, the production features a smoky updated atmosphere - and visceral combat staged by the ensemble.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays through June 16 at the Insurgo Theater, located on the third floor of downtown's Plaza, 1 S. Main St. Tickets are $19.95 plus tax for locals ($29.95 plus tax for visitors) and are available online at www. insurgotheater.org or by phone at 772-3897.
Music
BIG-BAND FAVORITES COMING TO ARTS CENTER
From classical to contemporary, the Dynamic Trombone Quartet's got your (musical) number.
Led by big band veteran Walt Boenig , a former member of the Glenn Miller and Harry James orchestras, the quartet headlines a free, all-ages concert Saturday afternoon at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.
Show tunes, marches, classical selections and, of course, big band favorites are all on Saturday's program. Hiroshi Suzuki , Mike Smukul and Dan Uhrich join Boenig, who formed his own big band 25 yeas ago and spent more than three decades performing in Las Vegas showrooms.
The concert begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Charleston Heights Arts Center Theatre, 800 S. Brush St. Tickets are free and may be reserved by calling 229-6383 or going online to www.artslasvegas.org.
Auto racing/car show
ROCKABILLY ROD REUNION REVS UP AT SPEEDWAY
It's no drag this Memorial Day weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway's ninth annual Rockabilly Rod Reunion and NHRA Heritage Series.
In addition to a drag race featuring nitro-burning Nostalgia Funny Cars and a burn-out contest on the Speedway's Strip dragstrip, the event includes rockabilly bands and DJs, two pin-up girl contests, a car show devoted to pre-1965 rides, a swap meet and a vendor midway.
The event kicks off today with a Test 'n' Tune session for participants. Saturday's show 'n' shine and Sunday's car show are open to all pre-1964 cars and customs. (Car show entry is free with purchase of a spectator ticket.)
Saturday's pin-up girl contest is for vintage dress; Sunday's features vintage swimwear. There's also a pompadour contest Saturday.
Spectator gates at the two-day event will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Three-day tickets are $50 for adults and $15 for kids; single-day tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate for adults, $5 for kids. They're available online at www.LVMS.com or by phone at 644-4444.
- By CAROL CLING
