Some suggestions for this weekend and next couple of weeks around Carson City and elsewhere. Check entries in the daily Nevada Appeal for more details, but this should be enough for planning this weekend and the next couple. Also, see nevadaappeal.com for updates of video games, movie news, musical events and reviews.
Sam Bauman, entertainment editor
OPERA IN RENO
Last year, the Metropolitan Opera took the art form to a whole new level with its groundbreaking series of high-definition broadcasts into movie theaters around the world. This initiative was so successful, that the Metropolitan Opera is expanding the initiative this year by adding two additional operas to the series and beaming the live one-time only performances into triple the number of movie theaters from last year including theaters in Reno.
Starting Dec. 15, the Met will launch the second season of "Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD," a series of eight performances to be broadcast live via satellite into movie theaters across the world.
The first performance at the Cinemark Riverside 12 and the Cinemark Summit Sierra is Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette," starring Anna Netrebko and Roberto Alagna and conducted by Placido Domingo. It will screen at 10 a.m. Tickets are $22 for adults; $20 for seniors and $15 for children.
The second opera in this series, a New Year's Day performance of Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel," a family friendly opera that provides a great opportunity to introduce children to opera while they're on winter break. Ticket information is at http://www.metopera.org/hdlive or by calling (800) Met-Opera.
PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE IN TOWN
Brewery Arts Center presents "Patsy Cline, Christmas and More" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 8 at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. $25 preferred seating; $22 balcony; $3 discount for BAC members, seniors and students. Visit breweryarts.org or call 883-1976.
STRUGGLES FOR LAUGHS
Meet a theater troupe whose Christmas spirit sparkles more than their acting talent as they struggle to put on the annual holiday show. "The Nick of Time Christmas Show" appears Dec. 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center Donald W. Reynolds Theatre.
Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for children, students and seniors at boxoffice@carson.k12.nv.us. Directed by Karen Chandler, this comedy of errors begins with the preparation of a Christmas Eve production at the Community Center, where nothing is working right. A joyous ending is assured in this show as the closing scene involves the audience in a Christmas carol sing-along.
POTTERY AND PASTA AT BREWERY
The Brewery Arts Center presents its pottery studio fundraiser Pottery and Pasta on Dec. 8 with spaghetti meals and warm holiday beverages. Proceeds will go to benefit the Muffy Vhay Pottery Studio. Meals will be served in original bowls handmade by Brewery Arts Center pottery instructors and Muffy Vhay, who founded the studio several years ago. After the meal, patrons keep the bowl. Holiday treats and drinks will also be available.
"I'll personally be making the spaghetti," says John Procaccini, executive director of the Brewery Arts Center. "I love to cook and this is sure to be a very fun, holiday spirited event."
Pottery and Pasta will run from noon to 4 p.m. in the Artisans' Store at the Brewery at 449 W. King St. Bowls will be $15 a person. Also available will be a student pottery sale at discounted prices. Call 883-1976.
MONEKY KING SHOW
"Monkey King Creates Havoc in Heaven," a nonstop kung fu-style show, will make its premiere performance in North America with a limited engagement run in Sammy's Showroom at Harrah's Reno. The show, adapted from a legendary Chinese novel "Journey to the West" tells a story of justice, friendship and sincerity through a series of kung fu feats.
The story tells the tale of the Monkey King, who learns he has been betrayed by his ruler and vows to seek revenge against him. Through his journey, the Monkey King realizes his true talents and learns invaluable lessons of wisdom, bravery and forgiveness.
Presented by Shengda Cultural Communications Co. and the Beijing Shaolin Martial Arts School, "Monkey King Creates Havoc in Heaven" has a limited engagement run December 12-16. Ticket prices are $29.95 and $34.95 for VIP seating. Call 788-2900 or visit harrahsreno.com.
CELTIC HARPIST
Anne Roos is a Celtic Harpist and will be giving a free concert at Borders in Carson on Dec. 9 from 6 to 7:30. She'll also be selling her CDs. No more info available at this time.
'HALLELUJAH' CONCERT IN RENO CHURCH
The Sierra Lyric Opera Studio will present "Hallelujah," a concert of arias and ensembles from George Handel's "Messiah," Sunday Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the South Reno Baptist Church, 6780 S. McCarran Blvd. Appearing will be Maria Arrigotti and Jamie and Faye Wheeler of Carson City. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 336-8319.
SYMPHONY'S HOLIDAY TREAT
Ring in the season with a "Holiday Treat" as the Carson City Symphony presents its 24th annual "Holiday Treat" concert, featuring the Symphony and the Carson Chamber Singers Sunday Dec. 9 at 4 p.m., at the Carson City Community Center.
Pre-concert entertainment by the Symphony Flute Ensemble will begin at 3 p.m. in the lobby.
The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director/Conductor David Bugli, will showcase the sound of harps in "Esta Noche Tan Fria," a medley of Spanish-language carols arranged by David Bugli. The Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Judy Monson, will sing "Hanerot Halalu (A Song for Hanukah)," "Carol of Joy," and "Pasko Na Naman! (a Philippine carol)." The two groups will join together for "A Feast of Carols" and the "Holiday Treat" tradition, "A Christmas Singalong" for orchestra, chorus and audience.
Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members and free for children age 16 and under. Tickets are available in advance at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., online at ActivityTickets.com, or at the door. Call the Symphony at 883-4154.
DAVE MASON IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason brings 37 years of memorable rock music to the South Shore Room at Harrah's Lake Tahoe Saturday Dec. 8. Dave Mason and his band are on stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each, plus tax. Call (800) 786-8208or see www.TotalRewardsTahoe.com