Tucson Weekly: Cheap Thrills (June 25

Cheap Thrills BEVEL INSTITUTIONALIZED: The Mat Bevel Institute continues its summertime parade of eccentric entertainment with Professor Hall's Silent Movies.
Erstwhile heartthrob Rudolph Valentino fills the screen at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in the 1926 classic "Son of the Sheik"; and Spike Jones and his City Slickers take over in the 1950s TV pilot, "Musical Depreciation Review." Both films will be accompanied by the Professor's rollicking ragtime piano, and other sound effects.
"The Spike Jones stuff is a real hoot," Hall says. "Jones' thing was parodying popular songs, and he was the top sound man of his day in L.A."
"Son of the Sheik" was shot in Yuma, and was Valentino's last film before his untimely demise in New York.
Both movies will be interrupted by live commercials as only the Mat Bevel Players can do 'em. The Wild Bill Hiccup Rhythm Opera will also perform music "that incorporates elements of what has become known as 'rap' music." And the whole shebang only costs $5.
The Mat Bevel Institute is at 530 N. Stone Ave. For details, call 888-2490.
DESERT DANCE: The Ballet Arts Foundation wraps up its season in fine form with Summer Dance Workshop '98.
Performance is 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in the UA Ina Gittings Dance Studio Theatre, located on the UA mall east of Cherry Avenue. Tickets are $6, and available at the door. Call 623-3373 for details.
DOUBLE DIPPERS: A big, wet thumbs-up to Tucson Parks and Recreation folks for cleverly keeping things cool with their nighttime pool parties. These damp fiestas offer everything from movies to music. But best of all, they offer deep relief from the scorching heat.
Friday nights are for teenagers, and run from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Local DJs will spin the tunes, and Parks and Recreation throws in the refreshments and rafts. Saturdays are Family Dive-In Movie Nights, complete with swimming and pool games, food, and movies beginning at 7 p.m.
Parties will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, at Sunnyside High School, 1725 E. Bilby Road, and Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road. Saturday's family film will be Mouse Hunt. Call 791-4873 for details.

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