It’s safe to say Lily Johnson aced their assignment. Johnson’s play “WIP (Woman in Progress)” started as a midterm assignment for their remote college writing class. Tasked with writing a 10-minute play, Johnson came up with the idea to write a play about a nonbinary writer trying to create a completely unproblematic female character. The
Congratulations to the company of this year's Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival. Thank you to all the playwrights who submitted work, directors who submitted ideas and actors who auditioned!Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present its celebrated Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which, since 1983, has showcased new one-acts by playwrights from across the region. PLAYWRIGHTS
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Cast members from Spokane Civic Theatre's Jagged Little Pill join host Henry McNulty to discuss the production. Written by Diablo Cody, the musical is inspired by the album by Alanis Morisette. Guests include Executive Director Jake Schaefer, Music Director Christian Skok, and actors Isabella Jimenez and John Ko. “Head Over Feet”
After receiving backlash for how its production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” was cast, Spokane Civic Theatre canceled the production and hit pause while they regrouped and worked toward a more inclusive future. Ten days after announcing the cancellation of “Hunchback,” Civic announced its next show would instead be “Jagged Little Pill,” a jukebox musical that
Main Stage September 25 – October 18, 2026 By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayers & Henry Shields Brace yourselves for an awfully big adventure when the inept and accident-prone Cornley Drama Society set out to present J.M. Barrie’s much-loved classic tale of Peter Pan, their most audacious production to date. What ensues is two acts of hysterical
Announcing the cast of Alanis Morissette's JAGGED LITTLE PILL: THE MUSICAL. Thank you to all who auditioned!Featuring the themes and raw emotions of Alanis Morisette’s groundbreaking 1995 album of the same name, JAGGED LITTLE PILL examines the importance of empathy, authenticity, identity, and healing in the face of difficult realities.The Healys appear to be a
Join Director Jean Hardie for a one-time workshop on how to understand and speak the works of William Shakespeare. Learn tips on how to untangle the grammar, honor the punctuation and navigate the mysteries of iambic pentameter. Open to all but especially intended for those who plan to audition for A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Sat.
Playwright Bryan Harnetiaux wants to make it clear that “Squalor” is not about him. His latest work as Spokane Civic Theatre’s resident playwright, “Squalor” tells the story of William Kasinski, a mystery writer with a long, successful career that’s recently been hit with a period so slow that Kasinski begins to wonder if it might
Inlander Best of the Inland Northwest Readers Poll 2026, Best Local Theater Production of the Past Year: WAITRESS “I LOVED seeing Waitress! The show tugged at my heart strings and was very well executed. My favorite musical of all time! Great singing and overall performance.” (Emily B.); “Top-notch performances!” (Cindy R.); “The Civic brought the talent
A mother’s love can be well-meaning but overbearing. From a child’s perspective, that love can feel supportive, but also suffocating. In “The Glass Menagerie,” single mother Amanda Wingfield wants the best for her children Tom and Laura but can’t help but compare their lives to her once-privileged life, working tirelessly to set her children up
Announcing the cast of SQUALOR. Thank you to all who auditioned! After a long and successful career as a mystery writer spanning nearly 50 years, William Kasinski has hit a protracted and unsettling fallow period. Does this mark a temporary setback or the end of his professional work life? At his agent’s insistence, Kasinski agrees
Congratulations to the playwrights selected for inclusion in this year's Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival and thank you to all who submitted. Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present its celebrated Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which, since 1983, has showcased new one-acts by playwrights from across the region. 37 Origami Bees Will Gilman Airway Heights, WA
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Director Chelsea Duvall and actor Melody Deatherage joined Host Henry McNulty to discuss Spokane Civic Theatre's production of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, written by Selina Fillinger. Playing: Now – March 8th | Thurs. – Sat. @ 7:30 PM, Sun. @
It happens every time. Whenever I watch a musical produced by a community theater, there is a moment when I think “I can’t believe that these performers live in town, that the theater isn’t bussing people in from New York City.” Knowing I could see any of these performers at the grocery store blows my
As the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” But who’s behind the not-so-great men? The ones who always seem to be one move away from personal and/or professional disaster? According to playwright Selena Fillinger, maintaining that type of man requires seven women. In her play “POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumba**
At a time when national politics feels so tense and inescapable and grim, a play called POTUS might seem like a tough sell — even if you’re already well aware that it’s a comic farce. Then again, POTUS isn’t a purely political play. Yes, it’s set in the White House. And, yes, its all-female septet of characters includes the First
Announcing the cast of VOICES. Thank you to all who auditioned!VOICES is a Season 78 Special Performance and Civic Member appreciation event — a Main Stage concert presentation of songs from musicals throughout the ages, featuring some of our community’s finest voices.Music from A NEW BRAIN, CHESS, COMPANY, FOLLIES, THE GREAT GATSBY, JERSEY BOYS, ON
Announcing the cast of THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Thank you to all who auditioned!By Tennessee Williams, one of the greatest 20th century American playwrights, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, an intimate and beautiful story about family, dreams and the weight of the past, resonates across generations with deeply relatable characters and emotions.Amanda Wingfield only wants the best for
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAMMAIN STAGE | JULY 24 - AUGUST 2Since first presented in 1595-1596, Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM has enchanted artists and audiences with its interconnecting plots, mischievous fairies and troupe of actors presenting an ancient story of ill-fated lovers.By William ShakespeareDirected by Jean HardieEligibility: Ages 14-22 (rising 9th grade and
Contrary to what social media trends might imply, the #Trad-Wife movement has been around for ages. Aspiring to fit oneself into a traditional female role has been the burden of countless fictional characters of the past, such as Emma from Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, written more than 200 years ago. Modern-day playwright
Though the 1995 movie Clueless has made its own mark on the cultural zeitgeist, its source material may be even more iconic. (Ugh, as if!) Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma follows the rich young Emma Woodhouse. She’s highly intelligent, beautiful and spoiled by her life in the British landed gentry. Although she’s a 21-year-old who wishes to never marry,
It's that time of the year again when we ask our readers to highlight the best and the brightest in the Inland Northwest in the Inlander's annual Best Of reader's poll. Voting is now open, so make sure you choose your favorite, well, everything before the polls close on Tuesday, Feb. 17. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
After two successful readers theater presentations, Spokane Civic Theatre is thrilled to fully produce POTUS with our original company. It’s just another day at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave until a White House PR nightmare threatens to spins out of control. It will take seven brilliant and beleaguered women risking life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity
When reviewing local or touring theatrical productions, I often bring my mom along as my plus one. At some point during each show, she’ll inevitably comment “I don’t know how you can see” when I’m taking notes in the dark. I keep a little notebook on me to write down plot points, standout moments, favorite
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre's production of All Is Calm joins host Henry McNulty in the studio to perform selections from the show. Director Abbey Crawford and Music Director Jesse Hampsch discuss the music, their personal experience with this powerful piece of theatre, and the historical events that inspired it. Cast: Daniel Bell
Some people seem to have everything and need nothing when the holidays roll around, but rather than trying to find a niche knickknack or something you think they really need, consider picking something that won’t add more stuff to their lives. Maybe they’re an avid sports fan or lover of the arts, or just like to get outside.
I have watched “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (the claymation classic film) a lot. I was most looking forward to seeing my favorite character, the Abominable Snowman, on stage, and I was going to be disappointed if I didn’t see it. Boy, did I freak out when I saw it. The Abominable Snowman and Lion (puppets)
When a classic Christmas claymation film is remade into a stage musical, audience members probably expect to have a good time. But this audience member didn’t expect to feel a pang of nostalgia and emotion at the sight of one little puppet. Spokane Civic Theatre is in the middle of its production of “Rudolph the
In years past, winter has brought many holiday stories to Spokane Civic Theatre’s stage. From classics like “White Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol” to more modern favorites like “A Christmas Story” and “A Sherlock Carol,” many have made seeing Civic’s winter show part of their holiday traditions. This year, Civic brings a new story to
Announcing the cast of EMMA. Thank you to all who auditioned!Emma Woodhouse is clever, wealthy, and believes she knows best when it comes to love—especially when it’s other people’s love lives. Her latest scheme involves the sweet Harriet Smith, whom she advises to reject a perfectly good marriage proposal in favor of another eligible bachelor. As
Spokane Civic Theatre has recently been nominated for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards with 5 of their productions; An Enemy of the People, Lend Me A Soprano, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Wind in the Willows, and Legally Blonde. In addition to the production nominations, Spokane Civic Theatre has also been nominated for Favorite
Announcing the cast of GEEZERS — an Ignite! Readers Theater Booklight Production. Thank you to all who auditioned. GEEZERS introduces us to some beautiful and wonderful old people who are enjoying their golden years in a retirement home. Jack, a pathologically shy, 27-year-old man, begins a job there helping the seniors with their daily needs.
There is something special about being part of an audience where it feels like everyone in the room is holding their breath, at least a little bit. I felt that from the moment the Creature (Rhead Shirley) burst – literally – from the stage in Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Frankenstein,” directed by Preston Loomer.
An English teacher by day, director Preston Loomer has taught Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” a number of times. Each time he revisits the novel, he feels as if it’s even more interesting and relevant with an undercurrent of modern topics in an old story. Reading the script of Nick Dear’s “Frankenstein,” a stage adaptation of “Frankenstein,
Announcing the cast of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER. Thank you to all who auditioned!A heartwarming musical based on the beloved holiday television special. Young Rudolph struggles to fit in with the other reindeer in Christmastown and sets off to find a place where he’ll be accepted. As he befriends fellow misfits along the way, Rudolph
If you saw a sea of people wearing pink around Riverfront Park this weekend, I’ll answer your “What’s that about?” question: They were heading to Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde.” Walking into Saturday’s show, I saw a mix of people dressed nicely for an evening of theater and people whose outfits would’ve gotten
Announcing the cast of ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 — returning to Spokane for the first time since 2016. Thank you to all who auditioned! On a cold winter night on the Western Front of the First World War, a pause in the violence, a silence, then a song. A German soldier
Filling the season for Spokane Civic Theatre’s main stage is a very particular process. The season opener, according to Executive Director Jake Schaefer, needs to be strong, something that makes a statement. In the winter, the show should be welcoming, usually a more traditional story, and something celebratory of the season. In the mid-winter, the
Nostalgia has a tendency to color the past in a rosy tint. That's why sometimes when we watch movies and TV shows that we loved years ago, it doesn't hit quite the same. Maybe the characters feel a little off or those iconic moments you can still quote aren't as impactful, but either way the unstoppable
Some people were born to be heroes. Brave souls who are practically destined to save the day or maybe even the world. They don’t back down from a challenge and get right back up every time they’re knocked down. Puffs are not those people. “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of
Announcing the cast of FRANKENSTEIN — Nick Dear’s gripping adaptation of the famous story of horror, psychology and philosophy. Thank you to all who auditioned! This electrifying tale of a creature cast away by his creator into a hostile world—only to wind his way back in a dangerous game of destruction—has captivated audiences for over
OMIGOD, YOU GUYS! Announcing the cast of LEGALLY BLONDE. Thank you to all who auditioned!When the effervescent Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend, she follows him to Harvard Law School, determined to win him back. But what starts as a plot to regain her relationship turns into much more as Elle realizes her true
When Danny Anderson sat in the audience of My Turn Theater's 2022 production of Guys and Dolls Jr., he had no idea he'd be running the organization three years later. All he knew was that the show was a "very inspiring, joy-filled experience" that made him want to become more involved. Which is exactly what he did.
As soon as the curtain closed on their production of “Guys and Dolls,” actor Danny Anderson knew he’d be working with My Turn Theater in some capacity. My Turn Theater gives actors with physical or intellectual disabilities opportunities to take the stage. Before there was My Turn Theater, there was Out of the Shadows Theater,
Announcing the cast of PUFFS — an Ignite! Readers Theater Booklight Production. Thank you to all who auditioned. The New York Times proclaims PUFFS “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world,
We all have that friend who flits about from one thing to the next, not realizing just how much their scatter-brained, sometimes borderline chaotic, behavior can affect others. Or maybe you’re that friend. In “The Wind in the Willows,” it’s Mr. Toad. He is passionate about many things, but only briefly, and doesn’t seem to
Main Stage Shows LEGALLY BLONDE A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie that follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Book by Heather Hach Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the
Congratulations to the winners of the 35th Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival! YOUTH DIVISION SELECTION “Terminal Turmoil” By Ella McQuaig (Spokane, WA) Directed by Jerry Sciarrio ADJUDICATORS’ SELECTION “Intro to Greek Theater” By Burcu Seyben (Twin Falls, ID) Directed by Sara Edlin-Marlowe AUDIENCE CHOICE “A. Lee” By Pam Kingsley (Spokane, WA) Directed by Ladonna Wojtowicz
Truth be told, Elise Forier Edie is a little unsettled by one cast member in Living Doll, the play she's directing in the Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival, which kicks off this evening in the Spokane Civic Theatre's Firth J. Chew Studio. The female cast member goes by Cookie and has been known to give people the
Announcing the cast of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. Thank you to all who auditioned! Tony-winning PETER AND THE STARCATCHER upends the century-old story of how an orphan comes to be Peter Pan. The play provides a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook, and serves as a prequel to
Since 1982, Bryan Harnetiaux’s name has been connected to Spokane Civic Theatre as the playwright in residence. Over the years, a number of his works have premiered at Civic, including “National Pastime,” a play about Jackie Robinson and Wesley Branch Rickey, the white president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, “York,” a show
Join us in celebrating YOU, the volunteer casts and crews that are the lifeline of Spokane Civic Theatre. Wednesday, June 25 | 5-8 PM Longhorn Barbecue and soft drinks provided. Alcohol available for purchase. RSVP: https://form.jotform.com/251557749889178
Spokane Civic Theatre’s 35th Playwrights’ Forum Festival of short plays includes 12 productions and runs June 19 - 22 in the Firth J Chew Studio Theatre. The Playwrights’ Forum Festival Gathering is Saturday, June 21 and includes multiple interactive panel discussions regarding the art and business of playwriting, providing helpful information and suggestions for local
Announcing the cast of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. Thank you to all who auditioned!Full of humor, wit, a gorgeous, soaring score, and heartwarming lessons of friendship, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home
Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Waitress” is likely the first production in the theater’s history that necessitates having three refrigerators backstage. Or a member of the crew – Theresa Johnson – responsible for baking five pies a week. Or real “sugar, butter, flour” as part of the props budget, which also called on the props
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Chelsea LeValley (Jenna), Troy Nickerson (Director), and Tonya Ballman-Lakewolf (Music Director) from Spokane Civic Theatre's Waitress join host Henry McNulty in the studio to discuss their upcoming production of this iconic musical about hope, resilience, and finding happiness where you are. Song: “What Baking Can Do” Performed by Chelsea LeValley Piano,
Spokane Civic Theatre connoisseurs will recognize Jamie L. Suter’s name for her work in the theater’s costume department. They might be surprised however to see her name front and center as she moves into the role of director on “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.” Suter had directed previously while living in New York and helmed
Congratulations to the company of this year's Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival. Thank you to all the playwrights who submitted work, directors who submitted ideas and actors who auditioned!Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present its celebrated Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which, since 1983, has showcased new one-acts by playwrights from across the region. PLAYWRIGHTS
Main Stage Book by Heather Hach Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture September 19 - October 12, 2025 A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes
This weekend, Spokane Civic Theatre is offering a double dose of Shakespeare, kind of. On the Margot and Robert Ogden Main Stage, the theater continues with “Romeo and Juliet,” which runs through April 13. In the Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre, Civic and Ignite! Community Theatre present Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet.” In this readers
Announcing the cast of WAITRESS. Thank you to all who auditioned!Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county offers her a chance at escape, Jenna must weigh her commitments against a rare shot at freedom and recognition. Her
Josh Baig was a student at Spokane Falls Community College when he first met Bill Marlowe, a longtime SFCC instructor who also headed the college's drama department until his retirement in 2016. Looking back, Baig recalls it as a pivotal time. Not only did Marlowe end up stoking his love of theater, he also cultivated in
Though they produced a staged reading of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” during the 2017-18 season, the last mainstage production of the play at Spokane Civic Theatre was during the 1996-97 season. And the last Shakespeare show, tragedy or comedy, on the mainstage was “Macbeth” during the 2000-01 season. So when Executive Director Jake Schaefer
Happy World Theatre Day! We have so much to celebrate. To our creative collaborators, thank you for your commitment, passion and for sharing your insurmountable talents with Civic. To our Members, patrons, sponsors, and supporters, thank you for putting your trust in us and empowering Civic to be a premier creative force in the region.
Announcing the cast of THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE. Thank you to all who auditioned! The play is set in Leenane, a small town in Connemara, County Galway—in the west of Ireland. Maureen is good and stuck in the house she grew up in, caring for her aging mother, Mag. Mag is a nightmare and
Nestled in the intimate setting of a black-box theater lined with green turf, Spokane Civic Theatre presented “The Wolves,” a play that explored the friendships and struggles of young women through the lens of a club soccer team in the middle of suburban America. Each scene in the show took place before and after games – the
Playwright Sarah Delappe’s 2016 debut, “The Wolves,” is an emotionally moving, award-winning story about a girl’s indoor soccer team that navigates issues of friendship, loss and growing up. Spokane Civic Theatre’s production opened March 7 and runs until March 30. While technically it’s a show about soccer, the heart of “The Wolves” lies in the
Congratulations to the playwrights selected for inclusion in this year's Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival and thank you to all who submitted. Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present its celebrated Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which, since 1983, has showcased new one-acts by playwrights from across the region. A. Lee Pam Kingsley Spokane, WA Blackout Lee
Announcing the cast of I HATE HAMLET — an Ignite! Readers Theater Booklight Production. Thank you to all who auditioned. This comedic masterpiece explores the clash between Hollywood and classical theatre. Follow Andrew Rally, a TV actor reluctantly preparing to play Hamlet in Central Park. When he moves into John Barrymore's former apartment, he encounters
At first glance it may seem like Spokane Civic Theatre and ONE Spokane Stadium, home of the Spokane Zephyr and Spokane Velocity soccer teams, share only a parking lot in common, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see the two entities are more connected than you might think. Both the Zephyr and Velocity, part
Spokane Civic Theatre teamed up with Ignite! Community Theatre to bring a redesigned approach to a classic story. The local theater groups put their own spin on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, “The Great Gatsby" through an in-concert style dramatic reading, held on Feb. 21. This production proved to be surprisingly funny and an exceptionally well-done
Announcing the cast of THE GREAT GATSBY — an Ignite! Readers Theater Booklight Production. Thank you to all who auditioned. Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed and danger. The breathtaking glamour and decadent excess
With mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, behind-the-scenes shenanigans and lots of slamming doors, “Lend Me a Soprano” is perhaps a textbook example of a madcap comedy. “Lend Me a Soprano,” a gender-swapped take on “Lend Me a Tenor,” both of which were written by Ken Ludwig, takes place in 1934 in a two-room hotel suite, with
Announcing the cast of ROMEO & JULIET. Thank you to all who auditioned! Verona’s Montague and Capulet families have been feuding for ages and whenever they meet, violence breaks out. But when Romeo glimpses Juliet across a crowded dance floor, something different happens. Can star-crossed love survive in a world of rivalry and rage? With
If you’re lucky, co-workers can turn into true friends. These are the people you work alongside day in and day out, celebrating the highs and commiserating over the lows that life throws your way. These are the people you collaborate with, take lunch breaks with and complain about seemingly endless meetings with. Sometimes, it feels
Civic has won in 4 categories for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards! Best Costume Design Of A Play Or Musical Jamie L. Suter - CATS - Spokane Civic Theatre Best Musical CATS - Spokane Civic Theatre Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical Denny Pham - HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL - Spokane Civic Theatre Favorite Local Theatre Spokane Civic Theatre
Dancers can, of course, dance without choreography, allowing the music or their own intuition to guide their moves. And choreographers can, of course, choreograph without a group of dancers, planning elaborate routines in their heads. But the real magic of dance happens when both sides come together, as dancers expertly execute the complex choreography presented
Announcing the cast of THE WOLVES. Thank you to all who auditioned! In this contemporary slice-of-life play, The Wolves, a girls’ indoor soccer team, practice drills as they prepare for a succession of games. As they warm up and talk about life, the girls navigate the politics of their personal lives as well as the
Announcing the cast of LEND ME A SOPRANO. Thank you to all who auditioned!It’s 1934, and the clever and combustible Lucille Wiley, Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is ready to welcome world-class soprano Elena Firenzi for her one-night-only starring role in Carmen. Alas, Elena arrives late, her impassioned husband Pasquale has a fit
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Co-Directors Jonah Taylor and Jake Schaefer join Henry McNulty to discuss Spokane Civic Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol, opening November 29, 2024. "In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, three spirits show Scrooge happy memories from his past, difficult realities from the present and a grim future, should he continue
Just like seeing “A Christmas Carol” is a holiday tradition for many, producing the Charles Dickens novella in some form has become a holiday tradition for Spokane Civic Theatre. A look at the theater’s online archive reveals 15 productions of “A Christmas Carol,” be it the stage play, musical, radio play or spins on the
This weekend, as in many years past, A Christmas Carol opens on the main stage of the Spokane Civic Theatre. This production makes use of the popular adaptation by Barbara Field, which has been the theater's preferred version of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale for more than 40 years. "Civic has done all the musical
Spokane Civic Theatre has recently been nominated for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards with 4 of their productions; She Loves Me, The Comedy of Errors, CATS, and Heathers: The Musical. Voting ends December 31st, 2024. Vote here! She Loves Me nominations include: Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical, and Favorite Local Theatre. Performed December
Announcing the cast of SWEAT. Thank you to all who auditioned!Filled with warm humor and tremendous heart, SWEAT tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their
Announcing the cast of EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!). Thank you to all who auditioned! When three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told, Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to contemporary pop-culture, and every carol ever sung come together to create this madcap romp
Arthur Miller’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” is a dramatic historical play following one man, Dr. Thomas Stockmann, and his transformation from a beloved figure of his community to a so-called enemy as he attempts to expose the poison within the town springs’ water supply. The Spokane Civic Theatre’s production opened
Announcing the cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Thank you to all who auditioned!A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, the three spirits show Scrooge happy memories
It only takes one voice to spark a change, but being the one to speak out can be daunting when facing a system built to protect itself, not the people it serves. In “An Enemy of the People,” that one voice belongs to Dr. Thomas Stockmann. Stockmann (Thor Edgell), the medical officer of a new
For a musical full of frothy numbers about New England steamed clams, the springtime mating habits of livestock and humans alike, and the comic perils of falling for a man who persistently reeks of herring, “Carousel” also doesn’t shy away from some serious darkness. Written in the first part of the 20th century by iconic
It’s not uncommon for directors to have multiple experiences working with a particular show. Jean Hardie, who is directing “Carousel,” the musical, opening Spokane Civic Theatre’s 77th season, for example, choreographed the show when it was produced at Civic 40 years ago. Before that, she choreographed a production while working in Montana. During that production,
When the creative duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II had to follow the immense success of their first musical collaboration, Oklahoma!, they went with the obvious choice: a turn-of-the-century Hungarian play about an inarticulate, impetuous carnival barker who mistreats his girlfriend, commits suicide during a botched robbery and later makes a posthumous attempt at redemption
Announcing the cast of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Thank you to all who auditioned!When Dr. Stockmann discovers that the water in the small Norwegian town in which he is the resident physician has been contaminated, he does what any responsible citizen would do: reports it to the authorities. But Stockmann’s good deed has the
Announcing the cast of CAROUSEL, Civic’s 77th season-opening production. Thank you to all who auditioned!In May 1873, a bustling carnival enlivens a small fishing village on the rocky New England coastline. Charming but troubled Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan, a quiet girl who works in the mill, fall in love, marry and have a stormy
Eleven performers ages 12-19 are bringing a classic tale about childhood wonder to life at the Spokane Civic Theatre. “The Little Prince” follows the strange Little Prince telling the stories of his travels across planets to a crash-landed Aviator in the Sahara Desert. The show, adapted from the novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, explores themes
It’s not often that Spokane Civic Theatre has to list resources such as Child Protective Services, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hotline on its website, but it’s also not often that the theater produces a show like “Heathers.” Co-directors Heather McHenry-Kroetch and Troy Nickerson understand any hesitation people might
Introducing Season 77 production teams: MAIN STAGE CAROUSEL Last produced by Civic 40 years ago September 13 - October 13, 2024 Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the play “Liliom” by Ferenc Molnar as adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer Directed by Jean Hardie | Musical Staging by Kathie
Congratulations to the cast of XANADU JR. Thank you to all who auditioned! Xanadu JR. is inspired by the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical and the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Xanadu JR. is a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches while the
Congratulations to the cast of THE LITTLE PRINCE. Thank you to all who auditioned! When a plane crashes in the Sahara Desert, the Aviator encounters a Little Prince from another planet who shares incredible tales of intergalactic travels. As the stories of the Rose, the Fox and the Snake unfold, the characters reveal invaluable insights
Nicole Ostlie as Sillabub in the Civic's production of Cats. Cats was an unlikely theatrical phenomenon. The musical's primary source material is Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, a collection of quirky children's poems by T.S. Eliot, the same literary figure who gave us ominous and melancholic works like The Waste Land and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. It indulges
When I spoke with director Jake Schaefer to preview Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Cats,” he said the musical is “a gigantic production.” Having never seen “Cats” before, I only had general information about the show, yet I still understood what he was talking about. The show features a large ensemble cast, most of whom
Congratulations to the cast of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL. Thank you to all who auditioned!This dark-comedy rock musical, based on the 1988 cult-classic movie, follows high school senior Veronica’s struggle to survive while navigating teenage life with the beautiful but cruel Heathers. Veronica Sawyer: Josian Brett Jason "J.D." Dean: Jameson Elton Heather Chandler: Karlin Marie Kahler Heather McNamara:
A group of cats, called the Jellicles, must come together to make the “Jellicle choice,” which involves deciding which of them will rise to the “Heaviside Layer” and be born anew. Huh? But thanks to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which was based on a book of poetry by T.S. Eliot called “Old Possum’s
Congratulations to the company of this year's Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival. Thank you to all who auditioned! Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present its celebrated Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which, since 1983, has showcased new one-acts by playwrights from across the region. The festival is performed in two separate sets on alternating days.
While the seasons can be fairly inconsistent in the Inland Northwest, spring can usually be determined by the release of Spokane Civic Theatre's showings for the year. This year, the weather even played along. Civic's schedule for the 2024-25 — the nonprofit community theater's 77th season — came out last week and it's filled with
Main Stage Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the Play Liliom by Ferenc Molnar as adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer September 13 – October 13, 2024 In a Maine coastal village toward the end of the 19th century, a swaggering, carefree carnival barker, Billy Bigelow, captivates and marries
The art of making art Is putting it together, Bit by bit Beat by beat, Part by part -Stephen Sondheim For Spokane Civic Theatre’s this-weekend-only musical revue, Executive Director Jake Schaefer borrowed a phrase from Stephen Sondheim’s 1983 song about making art. “’Beat by Beat’ is from the song “Putting It Together” from the show
Best Local Play of the Past Year BRIGHT STAR, SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER THEATRE 2nd PLACE: The Addams Family, Spokane Civic Theatre 3rd PLACE: Sweeney Todd, Stage Left Theater NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Tommy, Aspire Community Theatre, Coeur d'Alene The Company of The Addams Family, 2023 Photograph by Marlee Melinda Andrews
Congratulations to the casts of Civic’s upcoming READERS THEATER series. Thank you to all who auditioned! COMPANY Danny Anderson, Joshua Baig, Alex Barclay, Lacey Bohnet-Olson, Barry K Brathovde, Lani Call, Trevor Caragan, Sallie Christensen, Abby Constable, Karla Dansereau-Avielle, Nathan Davies, Melody Deatherage, Chelsea DuVall, Jameson Elton, Shaune Gardner, Jean Hardie, Peter Hardie, Scarlett Hepworth, Nicole
Congratulations to the playwrights selected for the 34th Bryan Harnetiaux Playwrights' Forum Festival. Thank you to all who submitted! Ask. Tell. Barbara Lindsay Shoreline, WA Broken Siena Lotrario Youth Division Spokane, WA Damn Ye Jack Slade Paul Lewis Bainbridge Island, WA The Invention of Pickle Ball Rachael Carnes Eugene, OR Jack and Jorma (Yorma) John
Congratulations to the cast of BEAT BY BEAT. Thank you to all who auditioned! Join us March 29 and 30 on the Main Stage for the unveiling of Season 77 titles and a curated musical revue, highlighting our community’s boundless talent. Songs from THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, BE MORE CHILL, BEETLEJUICE, INTO
Spokane Civic Theatre’s skilled young cast of “The Comedy of Errors” proves that Shakespeare can still be funny, even in the 21st century. Following the stories of two sets of identical twins who are separated at birth, the action begins in the ancient Turkish city of Ephesus when the first set of twins arrive, now
Renowned architect Moritz Kundig, one of Spokane’s most prolific midcentury modern champions, died last Saturday at the age of 98. With a keen eye for form and light, and a knack for inviting the outdoors in, Kundig rose to prominence in the ’60s and ’70s as a versatile designer capable of taking on a wide
Spokane Civic Theatre, in partnership with Gonzaga University’s Dance Department, is proud to present the record-breaking, genre-defying musical CATS, by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. Congratulations to the cast. Thank you to all who auditioned! CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with purr-fect felines.
Acclaim was quickly bestowed upon “Amadeus” after the play opened at London’s Royal National Theater in 1979. The following year, the beloved musical debuted on Broadway and “Amadeus” won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1981. There’s no play quite like “Amadeus,” which will be performed Friday through Feb. 25 at the Spokane Civic Theatre.
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Director and cast perform scenes from and discuss the Mozart–Salieri rivalry play Dan Bisbee, Melody Deatherage and Mitch Heid came into the KPBX studio to speak with E.J. Iannelli on behalf of the Spokane Civic Theatre new main stage production of Amadeus. The 1979 play, written by Peter Shaffer, imagines
Outside the Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre was a snowy Spokane, but inside was a window into South Boston. It was opening night at the Spokane Civic Theatre for “Good People,” a play by David Lindsay-Abaire. A gritty, real exploration into class relationships, identity, luck and even a little bit of bingo. From the action
As a professional voiceover actor, Deborah Marlowe has a leg up when it comes to mimicking regional accents. Her soothing, trusted tones can be heard nationwide, portraying dramatic characters in video games, selling breath fresheners and house cleansers in commercials, and narrating art museum tours and nature films, just to name some of her professional
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Cast members and director discuss a play about "Southie" and class identity Scarlett Hepworth, Pam Kingsley, Deborah Marlowe and Marianne McLaughlin entered the KPBX studio to talk with E.J. Iannelli about the Spokane Civic Theatre's new production of Good People. The plays opens this weekend in the theater's studio space.
Congratulations to the cast of Civic Academy's THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Thank you all who auditioned! Get ready for rip-roaring fun in Shakespeare’s madcap comedy about long-lost siblings and mistaken identities. Shakespeare bases his story on Plautus’s MENAECHMI, a play about identical twins who accidentally meet after a lifetime apart. He borrows from another Plautus
The cast of "Merrily We Roll Along," a Spokane Civic Theatre production, will take the stage this weekend. When “Merrily We Roll Along,” debuted in 1934 and hit Broadway in 1981, the play, which is an inspired story about the lives and friendships of three friends over a 20-year period, flopped. A number of critics
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Directors and cast discuss the challenging Sondheim musical and perform two songs Joel Cummings, David Hardie, Jean Hardie, Henry McNulty and Kalla Mort joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to talk about the Spokane Civic Theatre's new production of the Stephen Sondheim–George Furth musical Merrily We Roll Along, which
School May Be Out For Summer But Class Is In Session This July! Welcome to 1989. Westerberg High is terrorized by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark sexy stranger J.D.,
Congratulations to the cast of AMADEUS. Thank you all who auditioned! It’s 1823, and a cacophony of scandalous whispers echo through the streets of Vienna. Renowned Italian composer Antonio Salieri flees from claims of murder but has nowhere to hide. While chasing fame and fortune, we learn how Salieri becomes obsessed with the rowdy young
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE The director, music director and leads talk about the studio-sized holiday musical Kathie Doyle-Lipe, Henry McNulty, David Olson and Taylor Wenglikowski joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to fill listeners in on the Spokane Civic Theatre's new production of She Loves Me. The musical opens in the theater's Firth
Congratulations to the cast of GOOD PEOPLE. Thank you all who auditioned! Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, where this month’s paycheck covers last month’s bills, and where Margaret Walsh has just been let go from yet another job. Facing eviction and scrambling
Deviating from standard holiday fare, the Spokane Civic Theatre will serve up a holiday mashup of merriment and murder when it presents the regional premiere of “A Sherlock Carol” on Friday. Civic is betting the play that mixes “A Christmas Carol” with “Sherlock Holmes” will be a winning recipe for audiences hungry for a new
If the title of A Sherlock Carol seems at once familiar yet uncanny, that might be intentional. The play by Mark Shanahan takes two of the most popular characters of Victorian fiction, Sherlock Holmes and Ebenezer Scrooge, and creates a Christmas mash-up that riffs on both of their literary origins. Following its well-received off-Broadway premiere in 2021,
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Actors playing Tiny Tim and Sherlock join their director to preview a holiday mystery On this day before Thanksgiving, Mathias Oliver, Jerry Sciarrio and Dallan Starks sat down in the KPBX studio with E.J. Iannelli to discuss the Spokane Civic Theatre’s new production of A Sherlock Carol. The holiday murder
Congratulations to the cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Thank you all who auditioned! MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG is a musical about 20 years in the lives of three old friends: Broadway composer-turned-film producer Franklin Shepard, playwright and lyricist Charley Kringas, and theatre critic Mary Flynn. The show charts how their friendship devolves and fractures
Spokane Civic Theatre, in partnership with Gonzaga University’s Dance Department, is proud to present the record-breaking, genre-defying musical CATS, by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group, on the Margot & Robert Ogden Main Stage spring 2024. CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with purr-fect
Congratulations to the cast of SHE LOVES ME. Thank you all who auditioned! Meet Amalia and Georg — two parfumerie clerks who aren’t quite the best of friends. Constantly bumping heads while on the job, the sparring coworkers can’t seem to find common ground. But little do they know the anonymous pen pals they have
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE The director and a cast member offer insight into a feminist take on a classic horror tale Chelsea DuVall and Dawn Taylor-Reinhardt of the Spokane Civic Theatre’s new production of Dracula sat down in the KPBX studio with E.J. Iannelli to discuss this feminist reframing of Bram Stoker's Gothic horror novel.
Ethan Williams as Dracula fights with Bridget Pretz as Doctor Van Helsing in Spokane Civic Theatre's production of "Dracula," opening this weekend in the Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre. In the background are Shakyla Garcia Davidson as Mina Harker and Nicholas Roy Morgan III playing Doctor George Seward. Nothing is sweeter than revenge. Just ask playwright
Congratulations to the cast of A SHERLOCK CAROL. Thank you to all who auditioned! Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present the Pacific Northwest premiere of this play, which debuted at New World Stages in 2021, through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing. Reunite with the characters you love from Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur
Few sitcoms from the 1960s resonate today. Such hits from yesteryear as “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Munsters” are dated and predictable. The Addams Family, a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams, is an exception. The delightfully quirky, old money clan who revel in the macabre lasted only two seasons, 1964-66 on ABC. “The
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Creatives and cast discuss and perform songs from the Broadway black comedy Jayce Fortin, Mathias Oliver, Henry McNulty and Jake Schaefer joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to talk about the Spokane Civic Theatre's upcoming season and its opening show, The Addams Family. The Broadway musical about the famously
Congratulations to the cast of DRACULA, Spokane Civic Theatre's 76th Studio Theatre Season-opening production. Thank you to all who auditioned! In this thrilling new adaptation that bounces between horror and humor, from Transylvania to England and then back again, playwright Kate Hamill boldly reimagines Bram Stoker’s classic tale of vampires and finds new monsters just
Congratulations to the cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Spokane Civic Theatre's 76th Main Stage Season opening production. Thank you to all who auditioned! That lovable family of creepy kooks is alive and well and living in their super-spooky mansion in Central Park. The Addams family, led by the elegantly gaunt and seemingly undead Morticia
Duncan Sheik never envisioned writing music for theater. That was so even after befriending playwright Steven Sater a quarter century ago. “I was anti-musical theater at that point,” Sheik said while calling from his Manhattan apartment. “The process of developing shows takes forever. I didn’t want to be part of that.” After achieving commercial success
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Cast members perform songs from the Alice in Wonderland-inspired musical Sarah Junette Dahmen, Henry McNulty, Jake Schaefer, Jonah Taylor and Taylor Wenglikowski joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to talk about the Spokane Civic Theatre's new production of Alice by Heart ahead of its opening this weekend. Schaefer and Dahmen are
If "summer theater" conjures images of actors holding skulls aloft and waxing existential in a park, you're in luck. Because this summer's offerings both meet and defy those expectations. You can certainly catch Hamlet or Measure for Measure performed en plein air by Shakespeare pros, but you also have the option of kicking back in an air-conditioned theater and watching
Grab a D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y and welcome to the spelling bee. This heartfelt musical comedy follows an eclectic group of tweens who compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear
Sixteen-year-old Jim Hawkins’ adventure begins when Billy Bones, the old sea-dog captain, appears one morning in the Admiral Benbow Inn. Billy Bones admits to Jim he was Flint the pirate’s first mate and that he holds Flint’s map that shows where his treasure is hidden. Bill’s got the shakes because the rest of Flint’s crew
This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village from an ancient curse and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies
Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present the Pacific Northwest premiere of ALICE BY HEART, through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. From the Tony and Grammy award-winning creators of SPRING AWAKENING, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (WAITRESS), ALICE BY HEART is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s madcap
TA(P) this week profiles the making of the Civic's Charlie & the Chocolate Factory This week we at Spokane Public Radio are excited to present a special episode of the Thursday Arts (P)review. Instead of our usual multi-segment format featuring artists, authors, musicians and other creatives from across the Inland Northwest, we've teamed up with the Inlander to take
(Jerrod Phelps as Willy Wonka on the cover for the Inlander) Everyone knows the story of Charlie, the Golden Ticket and his fateful visit to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. And if you don't, well, I'm sorry. It's a great story. Good news is the Spokane Civic Theatre has the play on its main stage through June
When Connie Mack Overstreet’s pals are playing under the harsh sunlight on a baseball diamond, the child actor is on a different type of platform. Overstreet, 13, who was named after the legendary baseball manager with the most wins and losses in major league baseball history, is at home under the lights of a stage.
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Cast and creatives perform songs from the regional premiere and discuss its charms Jillian Kehne, Troy Nickerson, Connie Mack Overstreet and Jerrod Phelps joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to give details on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The production, which is a regional premiere of the 2013 musical,
Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present its celebrated Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which, since 1983, has showcased new one-acts by playwrights from across the region. The festival is performed in two separate sets on alternating days. In honor of his unflinching dedication and innumerable contributions, the festival has been named after Civic's Resident Playwright, Bryan
Glinda (Lacey Olson) and the Munchkins from a rehearsal for The Wizard of Oz, 2022 CIVIC ENGAGEMENTS Community theater is special, and in Spokane we're lucky to have multiple such establishments that produce consistently stellar shows, one of which is the SPOKANE CIVIC THEATRE. The Civic recently announced the first slate of shows for its fully loaded
Spokane Civic Theatre has renewed "National Pastime," a play from Spokane playwright Bryan Harnetiaux, which tells the story of Jackie Robinson, who made history as the first black athlete signed to a Major League Baseball team 75 years ago. Tickets are $10 for students, $25 for adults and can be purchased online at the Theatre's website! Spokane
Buck O’Neil nailed it while sitting in the KXLY studio in 2003 when he reminisced about Jackie Robinson breaking major league baseball’s color line in 1947. “When (Brooklyn Dodgers President) Branch (Rickey) signed Jackie to that contract, that was the beginning of the civil rights movement,” O’Neil said O’Neil, who became the first African-American coach
Spokane, Wash. - National Pastime, an award-winning play, is returning to Spokane this week for the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic MLB debut. As a part of the newly introduced Major League Baseball campaign, "The Nine", meant to celebrate and honor the impact of black baseball pioneers and further diversify the business of baseball, the
The very first scene that playwright Bryan Harnetiaux wrote for his play National Pastime was also its most severe. Although it's often referred to in euphemistic shorthand as "the office scene," the first-act finale depicts the real-life episode in which Branch Rickey, then club president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, met with a 26-year-old Black baseball
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE The director, playwright and cast members preview a play about Jackie Robinson Kimberly Ridgeway, Tré Terry and Bryan Harnetiaux entered the KPBX studio with E.J. Iannelli to talk about Harnetiaux's play National Pastime. The play recounts Jackie Robinson's historic breaking of the baseball color barrier and the toll that civil
Celebrate Spokane Civic Theatre's 75th Season with an evening of entertainment, dining, history, fundraising (live and silent auction), and community. SATURDAY, APRIL 29 NORTHERN QUEST CASINO DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 EVENT BEGINS AT 6:00 MENU OPTIONS 8oz Filet Mignon USDA Choice center cut tenderloin of beef with whiskey-sage gravy; medium-rare (can be gluten-free) Served with
Best Local Play of the Past Year NEWSIES, SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER THEATRE "The dancing was phenomenal! So much energy from so many local young kids. Awesome!" (Jeanne F.); "It was a spectacular show with a killer Broadway set and fantastic dancing, singing and acting." (Erin W.) 2nd PLACE: The Rocky Horror Show, Stage Left Theater 3rd
Congratulations to the cast of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Spokane Civic Theatre's 75th Season closing production. Thank you to all who auditioned!The confectionary wizard, Willy Wonka, is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey
Jukebox musicals have a reputation for flimsy narratives but are often buoyed by a hit parade of songs. But “Jersey Boys,” which opens this weekend and runs through March 26 at the Spokane Civic Theatre, has the tunes and the story, albeit an unlikely tale. There were a myriad of lads singing on the street
It's been over 50 years since four boys from Jersey formed the hit 1960s band The Four Seasons, but their story continues inspiring audiences around the globe. That story is being told once again as the four-time Tony-Award winning musical from Broadway comes to the Spokane Civic Theatre's main stage. It's rare for a community theater
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Creatives and cast members discuss the jukebox musical about the Four Seasons Jake Schaefer, Henry McNulty, Jonah Taylor and Jameson Elton talked to E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio about a new production of Jersey Boys. The jukebox musical about the Four Seasons opens this Friday on the Spokane Civic
No one needs to explain to Melody Deatherage and Kathie Doyle-Lipe how much heavy lifting is required to pull off “Parallel Lives.” The Spokane Civic Theatre veterans, who are the only actors in the production, are well aware that they will portray a myriad of characters since they starred in “Parallel Lives” six years ago
For Kathie Doyle-Lipe and Melody Deatherage, there's a whiff of déjà vu to their upcoming performance of Parallel Lives, opening this weekend on the Spokane Civic Theatre's main stage for a limited run. "We actually put this up six years ago for Lake City Playhouse as they were getting restarted. And then Civic approached us later about maybe
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE The director and cast members of a Bard showcase talk about its ASL component Kearney Jordan, director of the Spokane Civic Theatre Academy, came into the KPBX studio along with Audrey, Connie and Sadie Overstreet to talk with E.J. Iannelli about the academy's production of Shakespeare Beyond Words. More than
NATIONAL PASTIME follows the journeys of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in major league baseball, and Wesley Branch Rickey, the white President and General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, as they shatter the color barrier in 1947. While offering insight into each man's personal struggles, the play traces the evolution of race relations leading
Versatility is the key to making the parody of the Alfred Hitchcock classic “The 39 Steps” work. There are just four actors in the cast of “The 39 Steps,” which runs from Friday to February 12 at the Spokane Civic Theatre, in a show featuring more than 50 characters. “It’s a challenge,” 39 Steps director
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE The director and cast members discuss their reverent parody of Hitchcock's spy film Heather McHenry-Kroetch, Dana Sammond and Dallan Starks joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to give listeners a taste of The 39 Steps, which opens at the Spokane Civic Theatre this Friday (Jan. 20). This 2005 adaptation
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE Talked to the director and some of the castmates of Photograph 51 – a humorous and moving portrait of Rosalind Franklin, one of the great female scientists of the twentieth century, and her fervid drive to map the contours of the DNA molecule. A chorus of physicists relives the
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Director Susan Hardie and her cast preview a play about an unsung science pioneer Susan Hardie, Joshua Baig, Ryan Wasson, Nicholas Roy Morgan III and Jeffrey Phillips Christiansen talked to E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio about Photograph 51, Anna Ziegler's semi-fictionalized play about the pioneering researcher Rosalind Franklin. Hardie
The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons unfolds in this behind-the-music story of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history will take you from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. Follow the incredible journey of four guys bound by one dream—to make it to
Improv was the key to the lock that helped Spokane’s Michael Glatzmaier move forward while attending Rogers High School. The 2009 alum languished in special education classes while passing up most opportunities. “When I discovered improv, everything changed for me,” Glatzmaier said. “My problem was that I said no to everything. I had no confidence.
It’s often hard to know what to say in a given situation in our day-to-day lives, so why not ratchet up the difficulty of dealing with that feeling on a stage? Florida-based MGTeams seeks to improve the way people communicate by using improvisational comedy. The squad of performers both teaches and entertains with a spontaneous
The Spokane Civic Theatre's production of THE 39 STEPS, opening Jan. 20, promises to carry audiences through a rollicking tale of romance, espionage and murder. With just a handful of actors tackling more than a hundred parts, the show, which originated in London in 2006 and became one of the West End's longest-running shows, has since delighted
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Cast members preview Karen Zacharías' play about neighborly disputes Marlee Andrews and Deborah Marlowe, both of whom are performing in a new production of Native Gardens at the Spokane Civic Theatre, joined E.J. Iannelli in the KPBX studio to talk about Karen Zacharías' play. The play hinges on a clash between
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Co-directors and cast members on what's familiar and unexpected about this show Kearney Jordan, Bryan Durbin, Ruby Krajic, Bill Marlowe and Gary Pierce entered the KPBX studio with E.J. Iannelli to provide details on the Spokane Civic Theatre's new production of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol, which opens this
