
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 23, 1995                   TAG: 9506230035
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

CAT SCRATCH FEVER: Beauty pageants are routinely slammed for exploiting women, yet they are as popular as ever. Why? Truth-seekers and fans who already understand the lure of the sequined maillot should plan to spend today and Saturday at the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium, site of this year's Miss Virginia Pageant. Thirty-one women from throughout the state will vie for a ton of goods and the chance to compete in the Miss America contest. Semifinals take place Thursday and Friday, June 29-30, at 8. The finals will be held Saturday, July 1, at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $8-15. Call 981-1201.

CULTURE CLASH: The legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical ``The King and I'' opens tonight at the Mill Mountain Theatre. With all those snappy tunes, it's easy to forget some of the deeper issues at hand. Mill Mountain's Associate Director Ernie Zulia says the play's focus is on equality. ``The domination of one person over another is a constant cause of conflict, but very often conflict leads to change and change, hopefully, brings growth.'' That's ``The King and I'' in a nutshell. The production runs through July 16. Times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $18-23. Call 342-5740.

AN ACT OF MURDER: Taking a plot from an old ``Hart to Hart'' episode, the Renaissance Theatre Company in Lynchburg opens its summer season with ``The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.'' The play's premise revolves around a group of aspiring Broadway actors who are gathered at the home of a wealthy patron to audition for a new play. In reality, they are there to help solve the mystery of the Stage Door Slasher, who may be among the thespians. The whodunit begins next Friday, June 30, and runs every Friday and Saturday through July 29. Tickets are $18 for dinner and play, $9 for the play only. Discounts are available to students and senior citizens. The dinner buffet starts at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Call (804) 845-4427.

WORDSMITHS: While karaoke is a bad idea that keeps spreading, the concept of spoken word jams is more nourishing. Food for thought, kind of. The Sedalia Center in Big Island will open its stage Saturday to anyone eager to share a song, story, poem or other creation. Comedians and actors are welcome. On the roster for the night is poet Alice Williams, Lynchburg Chapter president of the National League of American Pen Women. Singer-songwriter Steve Clark will also perform. Walk-in performers will be given 10-15 minutes on stage. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5, $2 for those 15 and under. Performers get in free. To sign up for stage time in advance or for more information, call (804) 299-5080.

GOOD NIGHT JOHN-BOY: Nelson County is almost as famous for Walton's Mountain Museum as it is for its beauty. This weekend the county will show off all of its assets during the 3rd Annual Nelson County Summer Festival. Highlights include the musical lineup of John McCutcheon, the Latin-rhythm band Ban Caribe, two-time Grammy nominee Mike Seeger and the world-beat fusion band Inner Rhythm. Artisans will display their wares in the Festival Marketplace, wineries will have offerings and a smorgasbord of international foods will be on hand. A tour of the renovated Oak Ridge Estate will also be available. Festival hours will be 11 a.m.-6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the gate. Children under 12 will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Additional fees include $5 for the mansion tour and $4 for the wine tasting. Call (800) 282-8223.

by CNB