“When Libby Lumpkin suddenly resigned as executive director of the Las Vegas Art Museum on Tuesday, some board members were left scratching their heads over what happened… Lumpkin has offered her resignation before when times were tough. This time, board President Jim Zeiter and president-elect Patrick Duffy accepted her resignation.”
Author: sbergman
Las Vegas May Lose Children’s Concerts
The Las Vegas Philharmonic may have to kill off its Young People’s Concert series if the financial picture doesn’t improve, and indications are that the situation will only get worse. “The 10-year-old orchestra had been soaring in the past few years.” But with corporate sponsorships and attendance down, the LVP is taking a hard look at every available cut.
Can A White Director Do Justice To A Black Playwright?
“The good news for fans of August Wilson is that Joe Turner’s Come and Gone will return to Broadway next spring. But the idea that a white director will helm the work of America’s foremost black playwright has raised some eyebrows.”
ABC News Investigation Blasts UBS Arts Support
Swiss megabank UBS is responsible for funding dozens of major orchestras and other arts groups, and it also bankrolls a good chunk of Art Basel Miami Beach. That makes the company a favorite of arts supporters, but with the economy in the toilet and UBS under investigation for helping certain rich folks hide their money, it makes both the bank and the arts a target for investigative reporters.
Dubai Film Fest Battling Former Chief
“The Canadian founder of the Dubai International Film Festival is renewing legal action against its current chairman and managing director, alleging they were behind public statements that he is ‘racist’ and an ‘Arab hater’ in order to justify his removal from the festival.”
Was Hoff Bounced From Pal Joey?
When Christian Hoff withdrew from the lead in the Broadway revival of Pal Joey, the official word was that the actor had a foot injury. That was true, says Michael Riedel, but “Hoff’s injury was minor, and he wanted to return to the show. But several people involved in the production didn’t want him back.”
Publishers Making Deep Cuts, Consolidations
“The economy has crashed on a supposedly recession-proof industry: book publishing. There is consolidation at Random House Inc., as well as layoffs at Simon & Schuster and at Thomas Nelson Publishers.”
Forever Answering Questions
Toni Morrison’s latest novel may be set in the 17th century, but the broader questions it probes are informed by the experiences of countless generations of black Americans. And Morrison’s writing process seems particularly character-driven, as if the subjects of her work are driving her understanding of the plot, rather than the other way around.
Sundance To Get Sunnier
“The programmers of the Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday announced a schedule of competition films that in their view, reflect an unusual tilt toward the emotional — maybe even melodramatic — side of independent cinema… Alienation is out. Engagement is in.”
Shubert’s Future Finally Visible
“The ascension of Philip J. Smith and Robert E. Wankel to the top of the Shubert Organization Tuesday night ended a 20-plus-year guessing game about the future of the largest theater-owning enterprise in the nation… As it turns out, there was a plan, though it pretty much lacked the high drama and mystery that decades of speculation had invested in it.”