LAS VEGAS - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating its first birthday. The building was 20 years in the making. After one year of operation, the center appears to be a rousing success.
The Smith Center was modeled after great concert halls around the world that have been standing for 150 years.
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Nearly 500,000 patrons attended more than 450 shows at the Smith Center in its first year. The facility opened in March 2012 with performances by high-profile entertainers such as Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and country music legend Willie Nelson. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie and jazz pianist Chick Corea will perform in the coming weeks.
In a city that's all about entertainment, the Smith Center has the ability to bring in acts that wouldn't otherwise come to Las Vegas.
Smith Center President and CEO Myron Martin says the center has room to grow. Last week, a discovery museum opened next door, and there are plans to expand.
"Having the Smith Center means that we have a venue for these school busloads of kids to come to town, for us to present music theater and dance from around the world that might not be commercially viable but makes sense for people who live here and their families," Martin said.
The biggest draws at the Smith Center are its Broadway shows, but local performers are also singing the Smith Center's praises.
Since moving to the Smith Center from UNLV's Ham Concert Hall last year, the Las Vegas Philharmonic has doubled its budget. It's seen more community and corporate support than ever, which allows the Philharmonic to put on additional shows.
Las Vegas Philharmonic President and CEO Jeri Crawford says conductors from across the country have come to Las Vegas and are impressed with the quality of the concert hall.
"We're saying we have more to offer now besides the Las Vegas Strip environment. It makes... the world is looking at us differently," Crawford said.
Tuesday, the Smith Center opens its doors to 1,500 students to watch "The Stinky Cheese Man" - a play about fairy tales.
For the Smith Center, the fairy tale is just beginning.
"Wicked" Performed at the Smith Center in 2012
