Another chance to see 'The Crucible'

If you missed the Carson Performing Arts' "The Crucible" last weekend, you've got another chance at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The show is on the apron of the Community Center, 851 E. William St. That means there are only 80 seats, so you better make a reservation if interested. Call 887-0438.

This Arthur Miller play is about a colonial days witch hunt in 1692 in Salem, Mass., and how hysteria often feeds such events. Draw parallels with today, if you've got opinions. Karen Chandler, drama teacher a Carson High, is the director and the cast is students from her advanced theater classes.

We caught Alicia Freeman in the role of Abigail and a fine job she does. She alternates with Caitie Berger. Robert Stewart was Proctor in the performance and he offers a forward version of the role. Jeremiah James alternates.

One of the problems with a double cast is that reviewers usually only see one cast in action. Too bad; Brittany Cook was convincing in the show we saw, but it would have been nice to see Briana Berger's performance.

Different music

The Gospel Hummingbirds are coming to town at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. This is gospel music as exciting as any rock performance, with the five performers offering harmony right out of a revival meeting.

We've been listening to their CD "Live In Paradise," and it's a rockin' fine time. "God Is Going to Give Me a Crown" really hums and "Come On Jesus" is moving. Yes, jazz is America's original art form, but gospel music like this is right up there. Tickets are $20 general and $17 BAC members, seniors, and students. Call 883-1976.

On the other side of the CD is Damian Marley's CD "Welcome to Jamaica." This is pure reggae provided by Bob Marley's son, Damian, and it is, as the jewelbox says, "xRock." Little hard for these old ears to catch the more subtle side of reggae, but we keep trying. The date has been changed for Marley's show "Welcome to Jamrock" to Friday at Caesars Tahoe Showroom, Stateline. Showtime is 9 p.m. Fork over $25 in advance for the all-ages show.

Monsters on display

This might be better in the sports section, but we figure that a show of monster trucks battling in freestyle and side-by-side racing should be entertaining. "Monster Jam" happens in Reno's Livestock Events Center, 1350 Wells Ave., at 8 p.m Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. With up to 2,000 horsepower, these giants should offer quite a huff-and-puff battle.

OUT OF THE PAST

Continuing our digging into the movie vaults, we viewed "Sex, Lies and Videotape" and found it worth the time.

Steven Sonderbergh's film looks at a frigid housewife (Andie MacDowell in her first starring role) and her relationships. Not all that sexy (no nudity) but plenty of sexy talk.

n Sam Bauman is entertainment editor for the Nevada Appeal. Contact him at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.