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

DATE: FRIDAY, July 14, 1995                   TAG: 9507140041
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

PLAYING FOR FUN: Money? Who needs money? Not the 9,500 amateur athletes who are expected to participate in this year's Commonwealth Games of Virginia. The Games, which boast 44 events, officially open tonight at Victory Stadium. Some of the sports added this year include ballroom dancing and roller hockey. Spectator activities will revolve around the sports and the Sports Expo, which will offer exhibits, demonstrations of aerobics and martial arts and the Velcro Olympics. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 p.m. The Games will run through July 16. Admission is free. Call 343-0987.

KEEPING WITH TRADITION: In this big melting pot of ours, some cultures are not allowed to melt as much as others. The 3rd Annual Monacan Indian Powwow provides an opportunity to witness American Indian practices and traditions first-hand instead of filtered through through the media. In celebration of the Indian Season, hundreds of Native Americans from 25 different tribes will gather at the Sedalia Center in Big Island this Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include traditional and fancy dance contests, Indian food, storytelling, a 19th-century Indian Village with eight Sioux tipis, and flute playing. Proceeds will be used to buy property on Bear Mountain, a traditionally spiritual place for Monacans. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children. Kids 5 and under get in free. Call (804) 299-5080.

AGE AND BEAUTY: No one wants to get old, but everyone wants to be retired. For those in the mature crowd, the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department hosts a number of what they call Older Adult Programs. Tuesday an excursion is planned to the Goshen Pass. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, a fishing pole and whatever, and enjoy the scenery. The trip, in air-conditioned vehicles, is from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The cost is $8.50. Call 981-1198.

ROOMMATE BLUES: Anyone who has ever shared living space with another human being can relate to Neil Simon's classic, ``The Odd Couple.'' The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre closes its 16th season with its own take on the Felix and Oscar tale. ``The Odd Couple'' opens Tuesday and runs through July 29. While it is unlikely that there is an adult left in America who hasn't seen the story in one of its three versions - movie, play, television show - the show guarantees laughs. What more do you want? Matinees cost $13 with lunch, $6.50 without and begin at 1:15 p.m. Evening shows are priced at $16/$8 and start at 8 p.m. Call 365-4335.

BROADWAY FAMILY VALUES: ``La Cage'' is here! ``La Cage'' is here! Well it's close by - in Charlottesville. ``La Cage aux Folles'' won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, during its original run. Live Arts Theater opens with its version this Thursday. The play revolves around Georges and Albin, who have been together for 20 years, and Georges' son, Jean Michel, who was conceived during a one-time fling between his father and a showgirl. The performances begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $10, $12 on Saturdays and $8 on Wednesdays and Thursdays (except opening night). ``La Cage'' will run through August 12. Call (804) 963-8400.

STATE PARK ART: This weekend Hungry Mother State Park will offer more than the usual hiking, swimming, camping and horseback riding. Today marks the beginning of the 22nd annual Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Festival. Approximately 125 craftspersons will display their wares. A barbershop quartet and a choral group will provide musical entertainment. If you succumb to crafts burnout, take a break and explore the 2,180-acre park. Take exit 17 from I-81 near Marion and head north on Va. 16. Festival hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sunday. There will be a $3 parking fee. Call 783-3422.

by CNB