Wink Adams photo courtesy of UNLV Media Relations Dept.
1. Support the Rebels. (They are solid again this year, and, again, fun to watch.) UNLV takes on rival UNR in the game of the season, November 24, 7 p.m.; Thomas & Mack Center; tickets $14-$36, available at 739-3267 or www.unlvtickets.com.
2. Go to the opera. Although mostly known for oratorios like the Messiah and concert stalwarts including the Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks, Handel composed more than 50 operas. Having been left out of the popular repertoire for many years, the operas are now experiencing a worldwide revival. Alcina, here in its first Las Vegas appearance, is one of the most popular. (The production will be fully staged with orchestra, sets, costumes and choreography.) The plot revolves around the title character, an enchantress who spends her time seducing young knights. Unfortunately for them, she has a short attention span; when she tires of her boy toys, she turns them into statues, beasts and trees. One of her boyfriends has a steady who shows up on a rescue mission. Terrific baroque music, plus an evil sorceress and dead ex-lovers. Sung in Italian with projected English subtitles. November 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. Black Box Theatre, Alta Ham Fine Arts Building, UNLV, 895-2787. Tickets $5-$15.
3. Do the tryptophan twist. Quick! Before the turkey coma sets in, abandon the couch and dance off the banquet with a night of Latin debauchery. The Rio’s longest-running party, Latin Libido, will return for a special engagement high above it all at the Voodoo Lounge for a Thanksgiving Extravaganza. Admission is complimentary until midnight, and local ladies are free all night long. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. November 22. Call 777-7800.
4. Shoot Ralphie’s eye out. The 1983 holiday film A Christmas Story has evolved from a cult classic into a winter tradition thanks to its annual 24-hour-marathon airings on TBS. In the same spirit, the District at Green Valley Ranch will stage a mini-marathon of the film (three showings in a row), along with themed contests, including an eating competition, a race with participants wearing multiple layers of winter clothes and a test of sharp-shooting skills in tribute to the BB gun that main character Ralphie desperately wants for Christmas. The ultimate movie-related prize—a deluxe leg lamp—will also be given away in a drawing. November 23, 5 p.m., free. Info: 564-8595 or www.hedistrictatgvr.com.
5. Check out hot wheels. Just as there will be thousands of cars on display—new cars, concept cars, exotic cars; from just about every conceivable maker—there are thousands of reasons to go to the Motor Trend Auto Show. But none greater than the vintage Mustang collection that will be on display, showcasing the classic American car’s muscular history. November 23-25; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Las Vegas Convention Center; $8 for adults, $5 for children, military and seniors. 892-0711.
6. Rock old-style. John Fogerty has a new album out. Okay, enough about that. You wanna know if he’s playing the classics, right? Let’s consult a recent setlist ... “Bad Moon Rising”? Check. “Born on the Bayou”? Check. “Down on the Corner”? Check. “Fortunate Son”? Check. “Travelin’ Band”? Check. “Up Around the Bend”? Check. “Green River”? Check. Looks like the coast is clear. Dig out those Creedence tapes and gear up for a swampy good time. November 25, 8 p.m., $53-$147. The Joint, 693-5066.