Romantic show boasts colorful plot

"Debbie Loves Dallas" at Harveys at Lake Tahoe is a sparkling, witty and fun show on the stage at the casino.

Yes, there are some topless numbers, but they are so modest as to make that aspect almost superfluous. It's maybe not for your grandmother, unless she has a fine sense of humor. But it's sure to be a hit with the summer visitors.

Starring is blonde, veteran showgirl Lindsey Ann Crothers, who plays Debbie, who wants to be a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys. Crothers captures the spirit of teen cheerleaders (Debbie's on the high school cheer squad) with vibrant, always cheerful enthusiasm, bouncing from moment to moment.

She's the key to the show and she keeps the action moving along with cheerful élan. Soap opera fans may recognize her from her appearances in "As the World Turns."

The other six women keep the hoofing high-stepping, with Brooke Jacob as the foil for Crothers. Amy Garza is a ballet dancer gone legit.

This might be the beginning of a different kind of show for Casino Alley in Stateline. There's a plot line and a romantic story, with Adam Lambert offering an nice ballad or two. Included are some new not terribly memorable new songs. But the producer Anita Mann knows her business and her business is entertainment, which she professionally produces.

Just to clear up any confusion, this is not a live version of the ancient porno film "Debbie Does Dallas."

The show will be in place for a while, with no closing date set. That means you've got time to catch this truly fun show.

"Debbie Loves Dallas" is on stage at 10 nightly Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets are $32 Tuesday through Friday and Sunday; and $38 on Saturday. Call (800) HARRAHS (427-7247) Show-goers must be at least age 21. See "http://www.harrahs.com."

Classics at the BAC

"Friday Classical Lunches," the Brewery Arts Center's summer music series, begins this week. A "fine dining" experience is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays on the arts center's patio. Admission is free. Light lunches, snacks and beverages will be sold, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own.

Also at the arts center, the classical guitar society is hosting a benefit for the Sierra Nevada Guitar Society at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the ballroom. Admission is free. All proceeds go toward a classical guitar festival and competition Aug. 10-13, with events in Crystal Bay, Incline Village, Reno and of course at the BAC, where visiting artist Craig Einhorn will play Aug. 12.

On Friday, join Larry Aynesmith, Jonathan Smart, Andrew Orhen and Micah Dunn. "Each of us will play a little bit and talk about the society," said Aynesmith. "It should be a nice, quiet evening. The ballroom is a wonderful place for classical guitar. It sounds great, and you don't have to amplify." For information, visit www.sierraguitar.org. For the BAC, call 883-1976 or visit www.breweryarts.org.