There are only a few opportunities remaining to catch Rainbow Company Youth Theatre‘s Unsung Heroes of Nevada’s Past. This speedy theatrical primer on the founding of Las Vegas is far more delightful than didactic (including a quintet sung by four burros and a cottonwood tree). Director/author Karen McKenney‘s script draws heavily and cleverly upon one of Huntington Press‘ finest efforts, The First 100 by A.D. Hopkins. This comprehensive biographical collection will get you up to speed on any number of Las Vegas’ founding fathers and mothers — from John C. Fremont to Steve Wynn. (If we ever reprint it, we should add a chapter on George Maloof and call it The First 101.)
Many’s the Question of the Day that would have had us stumped were it not for Hopkins’ tireless research. If you can’t make it to Unsung Heroes (a terrific bargain at $3-$7), a copy of The First 100 can be yours for $3. Such a deal! Speaking as a frequent user, I can honestly say it’s worth far more than that.
If Unsung Heroes is a bit too wholesome for your taste, you can always go ’round the back corner of Trump International and partake of the Erotic Heritage Museum ($15 a head). If you think the sheer variety and volume of erotica on display is mind-boggling, get this: It’s but a tiny fraction — approximately 3% — of the entire collection, which includes tens of thousands of adult films. There’s even an entire gallery curated by Ginger Lynn Allen. Actually, that’d be one of the mildest exhibits on display, as there’s something to titillate — or offend — anyone. Even supposedly shocking Zumanity is extremely weak tea by comparison.
