Actress gets Woman of the Year honor
SIMILAR to a Delorean blasting into a trip through time, Lea Thompson’s fame took off in the 1985 science fiction/comedy blockbuster “Back to the Future.”
Thompson adeptly portrayed Lorraine Bains-mcfly, mother of Michael J. Fox’s Marty Mcfly, in all three “Back to the Future” movies. She was also the title character in “Caroline in the City.”
But before her movie and TV stardom, Thompson was a ballet star with Minnesota Dance Theatre. The native of Rochester, Minnesota, performed in more than 45 ballets.
With those dance-centric credentials, Thompson will be honored as the Woman of the Year at Nevada Ballet Theatre’s annual Black & White Ball on April 1 at Encore.
The VIP- and dignitary-laden event is among the highlights of the year on the Vegas gala calendar. The event supports all facets of NBT’S performances and educational programming. Go to Nvballet.org for more information.
Thompson worked years ago with NBT Artistic Director Roy Kaiser at Pennsylvania Ballet, which she referenced as the honor was announced.
“I have known Roy Kaiser since my time with Pennsylvania Ballet and I have followed his wonderful work with Nevada Ballet Theatre,” Thompson said in a statement. “I am so thrilled to be asked to help with their mission to bring dance to young people who might not have access. I applaud NBT for highlighting female artists and entertainers every year, to help support and raise awareness for their educational programs.
“Dance has always been a huge part of my life; I have found it brings discipline, confidence, and joy to students, and a lifelong respect for the art form.”
NBT is happy to have an artist of Thompson’s stature, tenure and range at the gala.
“Lea Thompson’s varied and impressive career comprises four decades of creativity, color, and iconic moments cemented in both television and movie history,” NBT Board Chair Jerry Nadal said in a statement. “Lea’s beginnings as a ballet dancer laid the foundation for her rise to respected Hollywood actress, director, and filmmaker. Coupled with her numerous charitable endeavors, we are reminded of our own mission to continually develop our artistry, share our talents, and give back whenever possible.”
Thomson was also cast in such well-received films as “All the Right Moves,” “Red Dawn,” “Howard the Duck” and “Some Kind of Wonderful,” which was directed by her future husband, Howard Deutch. Thompson has been directing TV for more than a decade and made her feature directorial debut with “The Year of Spectacular Men,” written by and starring her daughters Madelyn Deutch and Zoey Deutch.
Avid NBT supporter Elaine Wynn was the first Woman of Year recipient in 1985. Other honorees have included Debbie Reynolds, Ann-margret, Celine Dion, Rita Rudner, Marie Osmond, Bette Midler, Mitzi Gaynor, Florence Henderson, Debbie Allen, Olivia Newton-john, Vanessa Williams, Giada De Laurentiis, Rita Moreno, Shania Twain and 2022’s honoree, folk icon Judy Collins.
Those bots!
“Battlebots: Destruct-athon” opened for previews Feb. 3 at Battlebots Arena at Caesars Entertainment Studios, just east of the Horseshoe Las Vegas on Koval Lane. The show’s premiere is Wednesday.
We know the hosts of this one. Steve Judkins, late of Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio, joins Bill Dwyer, who hosted the original version of the combat series on Comedy Central in 2000.
Judkins is adept at stagecraft, as he showed at the Bellagio. Dwyer is an expert stand-up with extensive latenight talk show experience.
Sparks will fly, we predict, in this new show featuring robot fights and acute mayhem in an open-ended run. Showtimes are 6 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees at 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon Sundays. Go to Battlebots.com for tickets and additional intel.
A Colt’s saddle
The Jim Irsay Collection will debut the saddle worn by legendary racehorse and Triple Crown winner Secretariat at the free Las Vegas event at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on March 4. Secretariat wore the saddle during the 1973 Triple Crown.
As well as this traveling museum of iconic artifacts from rock music, American history and pop culture, Irsay owns the NFL’S Indianapolis Colts.
Other artifacts making their debut at the Las Vegas show are the “Wilson” volleyball from the 2000 film “Cast Away” and the “Golden Ticket” from the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Though the event is free, you need a ticket. To reserve, go to jimirsaycollection.com or Eventbrite.com.
Cool Hang Alert
Tony Pereira & Friends, starring Lisa Gay on vocals, plays Maxan Jazz, 4130 S. Decatur Blvd., from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday (sushi and cocktails at 6). Dave Siegel is on keys, John Belzaguy on bass, and Boris Shapiro on drums. No cover, but a $25 food and beverage minimum for this one; go to Maxanjazz.com to reserve a spot.