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This week’s 5 best bets for arts & culture in Las Vegas

‘Branding Las Vegas’

The casinos may be gone, but the memories live on in a new exhibit at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, 309 S. Valley View Blvd. “Branding Las Vegas” presents a selection of photos and artifacts from the Strip’s first 13 casinos, collected by Nancy and Richard Greeno of Indiana, who’ll be at the opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. “Branding Las Vegas” will be on display through Sept. 30. For more information, call 702-486-5205.

‘Idaho! The Comedy Musical’

After three previews, The Smith Center officially launches its Broadway-hopeful production of “Idaho! The Comedy Musical” on Saturday with a pre-show proclamation from Mayor Carolyn Goodman and a post-show Ida-Ho-Down, where audiences can mingle with cast, crew and creators. (Not to mention grab a selfie with an 18-wheeler hauling a giant spud.) “Idaho!” continues at 7:30 p.m. July 12-17, with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday and July 16 and 17; visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets ($19-$129 opening night, $19-$89 other performances).

‘Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical’

An X-rated romp spawns a tuneful R-rated spoof as “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical” invades the Onyx Theatre. As in the 1978 original, the title character resorts to up-close-and-personal measures to finance her quest to join the Texas Cowgirl cheer squad. In this version, however, musical numbers replace sex scenes, giving the show a bawdy burlesque vibe. “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical” continues at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays through July 23 at the Onyx. Visit www.onyxtheatre.com for tickets ($23).

Vegas Valley Awards

OK, so you couldn’t make the Tony Awards in New York. But the third annual Valley Awards gala, honoring the best in local theater, is as close as The Smith Center’s Troesh Studio Theatre, where 95 nominees, from world premieres to longtime favorites, will compete for honors in 19 categories. The awards take place at 8 p.m. Monday; for tickets ($29), visit www.thesmithcenter.org.

‘The Jungle Book’

Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale has inspired animated and live-action features — and now a puppet show recounting Mowgli’s adventures with bear Baloo, panther Bagheera and his nemesis, mighty tiger Shere Khan. Portland’s Tears of Joy Theatre will bring “The Jungle Book” to life at 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. For tickets ($3), visit www.artslasvegas.org.

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