december
Through December
A Place in Paradise The phrase “master planned community” usually conjures up dreaded images of mass-produced stucco blandness untouched by character, individuality or charm. But it wasn’t always like that. Paradise Palms, the housing division situated around the Boulevard Mall, was the city’s first master-planned community and, well, it’s kind of cool, representing the wry whimsy of the Mid-century Modern style. No surprise, then, that it was home to names such as Caesars Palace developer Jay Sarno, comedian Rip Taylor and entertainer Debbie Reynolds. A slate of historic photographs curated by Brian Paco Alvarez celebrates this mid-mod throwback neighborhood — including the Stardust Golf Club and the Boulevard Mall — an area that is currently seeing a renaissance as new professionals flock back into the neighborhood, attracted by its stylishness and charm. Through Dec. 31. Free. Boulevard Mall food court. www.paradisepalmslasvegas.com
Dec. 2-3 From "A Place in Paradise."
Gustav Mahler dance concert Life. Death. The Meaning of Existence. Heady themes not likely to get your dancin’ feet moving, unless you’re choreographer Kelly Roth. He’s put together a ballet honoring the Austrian late-Romantic composer Gustav Mahler — ponderous themes made fleet by CSN’s Dance department. 7 p.m., Dec. 2; 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 3. $8-$10. CSN’s Nicholas J. Horn Theatre
Through December
*Rumor de Lobos Grandes: Endi Poskovic Selected Prints Endi Poskovic’s prints are like posters from bygone eras that seem at once familiar and remote, ordinary yet magical. That’s because those eras exist largely in Poskovic’s mind. Taking influences as diverse as movie posters, Japanese woodcuts and Eastern European propaganda posters, Poskovic’s pieces explore cultural identity, alienation and social history. But above all, they’re a pleasure to look at. Through Jan. 9. Free. Historic Fifth Street School. www.artslasvegas.org 64 D e s e r t C o m pa n i o n S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1