'Mr. Roberts' to set sail on Las Vegas Little Theatre stage

special to viewThe Liberace Museum will host a free Mother?s Day event on May 13. The day will mark what would have been Liberace?s 88th birthday.

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Mr. Roberts," a comedy classic that gives theatergoers a historical perspective on war, is making its maiden voyage onto a local stage. Credited with rejuvenating the career of the late actor Henry Fonda, this show is rarely staged in this part of the country.

The play will be directed by local thespian Jim Williams, who calls this show "the real thing."

"I like telling a story," he said. "It is a three-dimensional story with all the aspects of humanity."

Williams, who first suggested staging this show several years ago, likes that the plot revolves around a World War II drama. He declared, "The play will appeal to anybody over 50. Very patriotic, nice to show what it was like in 1945."

The action takes place aboard an American cargo ship stationed in the South Pacific, far from the war zone. The liner's skipper is not popular, and is small-minded. With nothing to do, the crew grows increasingly apathetic and bored and ultimately conspire against their leader. One crew member, Mr. Roberts, saves the day.

This show has a two-hour running time and one intermission. Although there are many scene changes, Williams assures that they happen fast. He added, "A great play. Also, a great comedy."

"Mr. Roberts" runs Friday through May 20 on the main stage of the Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive. Shows are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Admission is $17-$20. For information, call 362-7996.

Headliners

This year, Paul Anka is celebrating 50 years in the music business as a singer and composer. Among his achievements are having recorded 125 albums and composing more than 900 songs. An electrifying showman, he will make a rare live appearance at the Las Vegas Hilton, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $60-$85. Call 732-5755.

Bill Maher is a politically astute comic, whose humor and honesty have won him countless fans. Maher will stand up at the Hard Rock Hotel, Friday and Saturday. Show times vary. Admission is $45.50-$75.50. For information, call 693-5066.

Vocalist Chris Isaak opens the season for the Lake Las Vegas concert series. He will serenade fans from the resort's floating stage on May 11 at 8 p.m. For guests seated on the lawn, blankets and pillows are permitted. No chairs. Tickets begin at $50. Call 877-558-5253.

Music

Las Vegas Philharmonic music director and founder Harold Weller is retiring his baton this month. He conducts his final program on May 5 at 8 p.m. in UNLV's Artemus W. Ham Hall. Called "Masterworks V," the concert includes the music of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Seats are $24.95-$69. For information, call 895-2787.

Special event

The Liberace Museum will host a special free Mother's Day event on May 13 from noon to 4 p.m. in recognition of what would have been Liberace's 88th birthday. Liberace tribute artist Wes Winters will entertain. Birthday cake will be sliced and museum admission is complimentary for all Nevada residents and their guests. For information, call 798-5595.

Museum

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 N. Las Vegas Blvd., will host a new traveling exhibit called In the Dark. Guests can meander through a nocturnal forest and view the life that flourishes deep in the ocean's abyss.

In the Dark opens May 12 and is ongoing. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3-$7. Children under age 2 are free. Call 384-3466.

Film

"Super Cartoons," a special screening of 13 award-winning, animated short films, is set for May 11 at The Art Institute of Las Vegas, 2350 Corporate Circle Drive. Events get under way at 8 p.m. The show is sponsored by the Dam Film Festival. A $5 donation is requested at the door. Call 293-4848.

Barbara Scherzer is an entertainment writer who lives in Las Vegas. You may contact her via email at BeeBeeLee@cox.net.