Flying high at the Eldorado Casino

They've done it again at the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno - a show that is spectacular enough to merit that description. The Eldorado seems to specialize in this kind of show, a circus of sorts, with dazzling acts all wrapped into a very fast-paced, intriguingly loose plot.

This time it's "Balagan - Cirque-Style Extravaganza." Fifteen acts vary from mime comedy to two men in Hulk-like T-shirts doing stunts, such as balancing head-to-head with the other.

Then there's Polina Volchek, who does things with Hula Hoops that kids have yet to discover. She twirls and twirls, adding more hoops with every twist.

Mikhail Chebotarev works from two banners of silk high above the Eldorado stage, climbing and slipping around in fine aerial style out over the audience. Siarhai Marhai does incredible things with a cube of chrome pipes 6-feet-square, tossing it around like a feather in the air.

"Balagan was a marketplace in old Russia ... small circus groups from all over would come to the market and perform," explains Balagan creator and producer Misha Matorin.

A multinational cast of 22 performers hailing from Russia, China, Great Britain and the United States bring this show to life. In minutes, they perform awesome stunts that must have taken years to perfect.

The show runs through July 2. Call for show times (it's dark Mondays; show schedule subject to change). VIP and group seating are available, as well as show packages at the Eldorado Showroom Box Office. Tickets start at $28.95 plus tax per person, with discounts for seniors over 60, children ages 5 to 12 and Club Eldorado Gold Members, and above. Call (800) 648-5966 or 786-5700.

Bob Malone in town

Bob Malone, a favorite from the House of Blues circuit to the famed Bitter End, will bring his high-energy, Cajun-blues keyboards and songwriting talents to Comma Coffee on Friday. A New York native, Bob fell in love with New Orleans and its unique style of music early in his career.

He has recorded five albums, and is on tour to promote his latest release, "Born Too Late."

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15, and kids are free with paying adult.

Foreign film fun

Apparently, Steven Spielberg's latest movie, "Munich," isn't going to make it to Carson City, so here's an interesting alternative. It's an Italian film, "Malena," with 13-year-old boy Renato falling in love with Malena, the beautiful widow of an Italian officer living in Sicily. It's complete with subtitles, but you don't really need them all that much. Lots of laughs and some bitter moments, but adding up to a boy maturing. It looks back at the Italian neorealism of the 1950s.

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