COMMUNITY BRIEFS

     New Works Project schedules
     spring dance concert at Huntridge
      The New Works Project Dance Company, currently in its third season, will hold its spring concert May 24 and 25 at the Huntridge Performing Arts Theatre, 1208 E. Charleston Blvd.
      The concert will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for senior citizens and students. Tickets will be sold one hour prior to the concert at the theater or reservations can be made in advance.
      Artistic Director Ralph D. Perkins will present original excerpts from "Romeo and Juliet," a complete piece choreographed to music by Simon and Garfunkel and many other works.
      The concert will be presented in the recently renovated Huntridge Theater. In addition to the structural additions and building renovations, the lighting and sound systems have been improved, new seats installed and dressing rooms added.
      The New Works Project Dance Company's board of directors recently embarked on a major fund-raising campaign for their spring concert season and are seeking volunteers with an interest or background in support of the arts.
      For more information on the concert and volunteer opportunities, call 456-0421.
     
     Library to host play on abuse
      "Corners: A Theatrical Commentary on Child Abuse and Neglect in America" will be presented 7:30 p.m. May 9 and10 at the Clark County Library Theatre, 1401 E. Flamingo Road.
      Tickets at $7 general admission are available by calling Community Counseling Center at 369-8700.
      The production is by New Vision Theatre, which is affiliated with Community Counseling Center and is in its seventh year of presenting original productions.
      "Corners" is the story of four fictional newborns, who, for a short period after birth, have the ability to clearly see their lives ahead. Through a series of interconnecting scenes, the babies realize the challenges they will face in life.
      A major theme of the play is the impact alcohol and substance abuse has on child abuse and neglect.
      Holly Morris, program director of New Vision Theatre and a drug and alcohol counselor, said the play addresses fetal alcohol syndrome.
      For more information, call 369-8700.
     
     Schools plan annual concert
      The Clark County School District's dance education program will hold its 19th annual Dance Festival 7 p.m. Wednesday in Artemus Ham Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway.
      Students from Clark County middle and high schools will participate in the celebration of dance.
      Tickets are on sale at UNLV Performing Arts Center box office for $4 general admission. Tickets also may be purchased at the door. For ticket information, call 895-3801.
     
     Serenades benefit local hospice
      The third annual Serenades of Life, a concert to benefit the Nathan Adelson Hospice, will be held at 7 p.m. May 8 in the Judy Bayley Theater on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway.
      Tickets are $35 for VIP seating and $20 general admission. For more information, call 796-3133.
      Approximately a dozen physicians in a variety of specialties will volunteer their time to sing, play instruments and entertain the public to raise funds and awareness for the hospice.
      Nathan Adelson Hospice is Clark County's only nonprofit hospice. The hospice provides care and support for patients who have been diagnosed as having a terminal illness.
     
     Events mark Liberace's birthday
      The Liberace Museum will celebrate Liberace's 78th birthday in May with a series of special events including the first-ever official Liberace Impersonator Competition and the presentation of a giant piano-shaped birthday cake to museum guests.
      The Liberace Impersonator Competition, which replaces the "Play-alike" contest of past birthday celebrations, offers contestants the opportunity to demonstrate their talent, humor and passion for fashion on May 17 and 18 at Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave.
      The competition will be in two sessions: one at 11 a.m. and a second at 1 p.m. Impersonators will be judged on costuming, showmanship and material selection. The contestant earning the highest score will receive The World's Greatest Liberace Impersonator 1997 Rhinestone Candelabra trophy at a 2:30 p.m. ceremony.
      For entry forms, contact Renee Harshmann at 798-5595, ext. 20, or write to Liberace Contest, c/o The Liberace Museum, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, 89119-6529. Applications must be received no later than May 9.
      Liberace's grand piano birthday cake will be cut by members of the Radio City Rockettes at an 11 a.m. ceremony on Liberace's birthday, May 16.