Entertainment

The kids in “Spellbound,” next up in Mesa Public Library’s Free Film Series, study for hours every day, ever driven to reach their goal of memorizing the spelling of every word in the English language — or if not every word, at least whichever ones they are asked to spell at the Scripps Howard national spelling bee in Washington D.C.
Spelling isn’t all that interesting to most people and yet, watching these eight teens and pre-teens with their flashcards, dictionaries and indefatigable parents is completely absorbing.
The 2002 Oscar-nominated documentary follows the eight through regional spelling bees right up through the national championship.
Viewers see them not only with their massive word lists, but interacting with their families and friends in their homes and between rounds at the big bee.
Part of the movie’s charm is that you end up rooting for everyone and biting your fingernails every time any kid, even one you don’t “know,” steps up to the microphone. It’s easy to get caught up in the action.
Spelling might not initially sound riveting and yet, the final rounds feel just as tense and cutthroat as any other serious competition.
What’s the final word?
Can you spell it?

The Los Alamos High School Olions Thespian club is presenting Little Women at the Duane Smith Auditorium.
The show ran Friday and Saturday and another showing is scheduled for 2 p.m. today.
Ticket are $10 for students/seniors and $12 for adults. An open dress rehearsal was held Thursday evening to the delight of all in attendance.
Little Women is a heartfelt musical about a young woman, Jo March, played by senior Monica Poston, as she strives to become a published writer in the midst of the Civil War. It is coming of struggles and triumphs in her pursuit for success.
Jo’s journey includes a stay in New York, where she lives at Mrs. Kirk’s, played by senior Alex L’Esperance, boarding house. Here she meets Professor Baer, played by senior Nate Hall, who provides lessons and companionship for Jo while she is away from home. Back home in Concord, her three sisters: Meg March, played by junior Elizabeth Haagenstad; Beth March, played by junior Haley Henson; and Amy March played by sophomore Rosemary Vigil; and her mother Marmee played by senior Simona Martin, await news of Jo’s return.
Breathtaking sets and professional lightings create a realistic experience for the audience. The costumes, hair, and makeup take audience members back to the past and into the lives of a civil war family.  

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Santa Fe Opera has selected British conductor Harry Bicket to become its chief conductor.

Opera General Director Charles MacKay said Wednesday that Bicket's appointment takes effect in October and he will conduct a performance of Beethoven's "Fidelio" in the summer of 2014.

Bicket was born in England and educated at Oxford. He became artistic director of the English Concert in 2007, and will continue in that position.

MacKay described Bicket as "one of the most important and sought-after conductors working today." Bicket currently is conducting performances at the Metropolitan Opera of Handel's "Giulio Cesare."

The Santa Fe Opera's season runs from June until late August.

Opera chief conductor Frederic Chaslin resigned last year to focus on composing and because of his concert and recording schedule.

Charles MacKay and special guests in the newly renovated lounge for the announcement of the 2014 season repertory and other important matters. The press conference is 11 a.m., April 24, at the Lounge at The Santa Fe Opera. Lunch will be served at noon.
MacKay will also talk about the forthcoming 2013 season, and there will be an opportunity to see the ranch renovation.
For more information please call 986-5909.