Sahara West Library
“The potency of mythic ideas”: That’s what artist Hooker says the eight red-neon text pieces in Pregnant Neon: A Tale of Conspicuous Devotion are about. Culled from his readings in mythology, the phrases are “potent with meaning, but somewhat subjective.” Sounds about right for Las Vegas, itself potent with myth, meaning and neon. Through July 12, free, lvccld.org. Reception, 7p, May 23
Art Square
The family patriarch is dying. His wife kills time in his hospital room. The kids arrive. And there’s nothing like Pop's final moments to unzip decades’ worth of nasty family business. Cockroach Theatre calls this Tony-nommed Nicky Silver play an “uplifting dark comedy.” 8p and 2p, May 9-25, $16-$20, cockroachtheatre.com
The Smith Center
Don’t you hate it when your romance with the village beefcake fizzles because he falls for a doll he thinks is alive? Before you think, dismissively, Not that old story, remember: It is an old story — that of Coppélia, one of the most beloved ballets in the repertoire. Great for the family, it closes Nevada Ballet Theatre’s 2013-2014 season. 7:30p May 9, 10, $29-$128, nevadaballet.com
The Mob Museum
There’s more to casino cheating than catching an MIT undergrad running a house-beating algorithm on a computer hidden in his shoe, then working him over in the basement. (Though that does sound like the fun part.) In this panel discussion, local writer Jack Sheehan leads three casino-security experts through a deeper discussion of the state of stealing. May 21, 6:30p, $25, 702-229-2734
Clark County Library
Something old (traditional taiko drumming) and something new (J-pop) merge in this evening of Japanese music, honoring Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Kaminari Taiko troupe brings the thunder, and band Ichigo Crush brings the pop. May 18,. 2p, free, lvccld.org