Jessica Vanek is 20 years old and recently relocated from Las Vegas to Oklahoma where she is now attending Oklahoma City University as a Musical Theatre major / Mass Communications minor. Though she loves musical theatre, she also has a deep devotion to jazz standards. She has previously performed all across Las Vegas and has been pursuing her passion since the age of 9.
BWW REVIEW: LORD OF THE FLIES at Oklahoma City University's Burg Theatre Features an Entirely Female Cast
BWW PREVIEWS: LORD OF THE FLIES Gets an Unexpected Makeover at Oklahoma City University's School of Theatre
BWW REVIEW: SISTER ACT Takes the Audience to Heaven at Oklahoma City University
BWW REVIEW: 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' at Oklahoma City's Civic Center Music Hall
Jess here. College is a big step for any student; whether attending a local university or traveling halfway across the country to submerge yourself in a completely new pool.
I've always been a fan of satire and cheesy comedy, but the Broadway smash 'Something Rotten' by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick took this art form to a whole new level. The show is currently on tour, and made a stop in Las Vegas's beautiful Smith Center. I was lucky enough to get tickets and experience this musical masterpiece.
An Evening With Burt Bacharach at the Smith Center in Las Vegas
Ann Hampton Callaway Presents THE ELLA CENTURY at Myron's Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center in Las Vegas
WHEN THE PAVEMENT BENDS: A FEW SONGS BEFORE I GO at Majestic Repertory Theatre featuring Jessica Vanek
BWW: Clint Holmes Brings New Life to the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Stage
Jess here. As some of you may know, I just graduated from a performing arts high school. Now that I'm on summer vacation I've taken some time to reflect upon my experiences in the high school theatre world. I thought I'd share some observations/insight with my fellow thespians, and attempt to shed a little light on topics that remain a mystery.
CABARET JAZZ SPRING 2017 - GOOD THINGS ALWAYS COME IN THREE'S
SOMEONE WILL KNOW HER NAME - CARRIE THE MUSICAL TAKES ON LAS VEGAS
THE ROAD TO THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS: And The Nevada High School Musical Theatre Award Winners Are…
ROAD TO THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS: The Smith Center Announces the Nominees for the 2017 Nevada High School Musical Theatre Awards
CHITA RIVERA AND SETH RUDETSKY TAKE THE STAGE AT THE SMITH CENTER LAS VEGAS
Jess here. Spring is all about the creation of new life and expanding your horizons, so what better way to celebrate the season than to grow your playlist with some amazing musicals! Here is a list of four of my favorite cast recordings (in no particular order) you may enjoy giving a listen to.
UPCOMING SHOWS AT CABARET JAZZ AT THE SMITH CENTER
Jess here. Las Vegas is known for its groundbreaking entertainment and risky performances. The production I just saw of HAND TO GOD at the newly-opened Majestic Repertory Theatre is no exception to the rule. This show was undoubtedly the funniest work I have ever seen, thanks to the actors and director, Troy Heard. HAND TO GOD follows Jason, a troubled teenage boy with a strange connection to his homemade puppet. Jason struggles to please his recently widowed mother who has put together a daily 'Puppet Practice' group in the basement of a local Texas Lutheran Church. Things slowly start to spiral out of control when Jason's puppet, Tyrone, seems to develop a sinister mind of his own. Chaos and consequences ensue, as Jason and Tyrone ultimately go wild.
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