Improv Kids Workshop and Shows teach children the art of ad lib

One of the enjoyable things about looking after entertainment news for the Nevada Appeal is seeing just how much the Brewery Arts Center contributes to Carson City life. I doubt if there is another city in America with a cultural institution like the Brewery, or BAC, as we often call it.

Right now on tap at the Brewery are two one-act plays (see story above) that look at the problems of contemporary life in a witty manner. At the same time that show is running, the BAC Stage Kids are rehearsing "Pied Piper of Hamelin" for presentation April 1-10. More than 30 kids from the area are taking part in this production, directed by Christopher James.

Then there's the Improv Kids Workshop and Shows, with workshop dates March 7-11 and performance on March 11-12. Kids will learn the art of doing things ad lib, reacting quickly to opportunities. This is such a popular program that the workshop is filled up with a waiting list. Fee is $20, and if you want to get on the waiting list, call 883-1976 or 887-0438.

For music lovers, or those just embarking on an investigation of the world of music, there's the End-of-Winter Classical Music Series. It's often said that one enjoys most the music one knows best, and for young adults, this is a chance to hone their musical wits.

Next Friday, Stephen Framil plays a Bach program of the cello suites by the German master. On March 26, the Classic Guitarists of Northern Nevada present a concert of classical to baroque guitar music. This will be in the Performance Hall, the church that is being converted (slowly, to be true) into a proscenium hall. It's a lovely old building, with traditional oak pews soon to be replaced. If you haven't seen the Performance Hall in its new-old splendor, do yourself a favor and take in a show there.

Jazz in the Performance Hall is a true pleasure, despite the inadequate lights. The murals add a nice touch to the ambiance. And you can enjoy a beer or wine during performances at a modest cost. The artists gallery attached to the Brewery offers lots of fine art, perfect for gifting.

Carson City is lucky to have such an institution with Phil Caterino as executive director. He's pushing things along nicely.

YUM YUM

Scarf all the chocolate you can handle Saturday at the American Association of University Women Capital Branch feast of the dark stuff at the Nevada State Library and Archives at 100 Stewart St. It starts at 11 a.m. and winds up at 2 p.m., long enough for even the most avid chocolate fiends to get their fill. This is a scholarship benefit so you can ease your dieting self by deciding it's for a good cause. And at $6 per person, you can't go wrong. Call 267-4515 to tell them you're coming.

POPS CONCERT

Concerts labeled "pops" are often a bore of the same old songs from musicals or Sousa marches. After you've tried the chocolate and decided never again, you can works off some of that candy at the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra concert at the CVIC Hall in Minden at 7 p.m. This pops includes music by Mozart, dished up with a touch or two of Henry Mancini music. And there'll be refreshments and a raffle as well. Can't go wrong with the Carson Valley Pops.

EASY MONEY

Matthew Foster's romantic date with his girlfriend paid off in hearts on Valentine's Day with a $305,862 Wheel of Fortune MegaJackpot on the quarter progressive at Baldini's Sports Casino in Sparks. Foster, a 39-year old home-security sales manager from Reno, may have had help from Cupid pointing him in the right direction as he had invested only $20 in the machine when he hit the jackpot.