'Shop of Horrors' continues; new movie house a winner

The Brewery Arts Center Summer Stock Company continues its presentation of the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. This is the second effort of the unofficially named theater troupe and audiences were favorably impressed by the outdoor show in the BAC courtyard. Andie Anderson and Dominic Procaccini II star. Dominic is suitably frantic and Andie blondely charming in the production directed by Karen Chandler.

But you won't get to see two other stars. Jacob Linstrom is the puppeteer doing the monster Audrey II, the rabid plant. And Andy Snowmaker is the voice of the monster.

NEW MOVIE HOUSE

Lots of ink has flowed marking the opening of the new multiplex cinema Galaxy, behind the Fandango on Carson Street, with good cause. The new theater is a winner, with fine seating (including "stadium" seats in pairs that are really comfy) and sharp, clear, digital images and sound. One very welcome feature for those of us who have hearing problems (all those unpressurized air planes in Africa many years ago) is something they call "the loop." It's an electronic device that automatically transmits the movie sound track to hearing aids in the audience. It really works, the sound is clear and distinct. Dr. Nanci Campbell, a local audiologist, created an induction loop system for movie-goers who wear hearing aids. This is the first movie theater in the area to have this important technology which is installed in each auditorium. It is accessed by placing the hearing aids in the "T" or telecoil setting. When activated, the hearing aid wearer hears the movie directly and clearly through the hearing aids. Anyone who has hearing aids equipped with telecoils can use the system. It greatly enhances the movie experience for those who wear amplification!

Those who have questions may call Campbell's office with questions at 883-4764. Movie theaters were supposed to offer earphones for years to hard of hearing but few of them ever did.

Incidentally, top price at the Galaxy is $9, at the Hollywood it's $8.75, with both offering seniors and youth prices.

A TV special on religions

We don't write much about television shows here; we let the Sunday guide handle that aspect of entertainment. But recently CNN send us three two-hour DVDs titled "God's Warriors," summing up the current positions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism in the battle for world supremacy. Well, with Judaism it may be more of a battle for survival amid a hostile environment. The three programs will play Aug. 23-24-25 at 9 p.m. on CNN.

Unless you've made an effort to learn more about Islam you're probably as naive about it as our national TV broadcasters, who don't even know the meaning of the Arabic word "jihad."

The CNN shows, narrated by Iranian-born Christine Amanpour, give a snapshot view of the three religions. In some aspects, Islam comes across as having many positive values, but in balance has a problem with co-existence with other religions.

Judaism is held up as defying international law with its continued building of illegal settlements on Arab lands. Christianity suffers from a certain myopia about the secular world and evolution. No matter what your religion, these programs help clear away some of the fog about the three faiths.

Sadly, the programs seem to suggest that religious partisanship is to blame for much of the woes of the world today.

MUSICAL MOMENTS

Mary Wilson at Harrah's Lake Tahoe Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35, (800) 786-8208.

Smothers Brothers (they play guitar and bass) at Harrah's Aug. 17, tickets $45.

REO Speedwagon, Grand Sierra Theatre, Sunday, 8 p.m., tickets $38.50, $60.50, $71.50.

Diana Krall, Tuesday, 7 p.m. Tickets $125, $99.50, $69.50, $49.50.

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.