Civic Interactive is Spokane Civic Theatre’s touring arts-in-education program, bringing the excitement of live theater directly to elementary students.
In a 45-minute interactive musical presentation, professional teaching artists perform an abridged version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, following one young woman’s enchanting journey to a kingdom where dreams really do come true. Students don’t just watch, they participate, engaging their imaginations as the story unfolds around them.
Civic Interactive a front-row introduction to the magic of musical theater and a chance for kids to discover the power of the performing arts for themselves.
Since piloting in October 2024, Civic Interactive has visited 56 schools, totaling more than 70 performances, reaching over 18,400 students.
Photos: Ryan Wasson
Cinderella — A Literary Tale brings new life to a beloved folk tale that has appeared in nearly every world culture for centuries. The story centers around a strong young woman’s journey to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true. This abbreviated presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s enchanting musical features the songs “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”
Students will interact with favorite characters including the gracious Cinderella, the charming Prince, and the evil Stepsisters. Through the music and dialogue of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the performance will teach and review key literary curriculum from story structure basics, to more complex concepts such as figurative language and theme.
Directed by Ashley Wells
Actors include Ann Benson, Kevin Benson, Kendra Kimball Chapman, and Jameson Elton
Norilee Kimball, Music Director/Accompanist
MEET THE TEAM
Ann Benson is an active singer, actor, director, and voice teacher all throughout the Inland Northwest. Most recently, she appeared as Marmee in Little Women, Mother Superior in Nunsense (both with Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre) and Alison in Fun Home at Lake City Playhouse. Other theater highlights include Amy in Company with the Modern Theatre, French Song in A…My Name is Alice with CenterStage and being an improviser with the Blue Door Theatre. Opera roles include Marcellina in The Marriage of Figaro, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel and Count Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with Inland Northwest Opera. Ann regularly sings as mezzo-soprano soloist around the region, including collaborations with the Spokane Symphony, the Palouse Choral Society and Walla Walla University Symphony. Ann lives in Spokane where she runs a busy voice studio and frequently performs with her husband, Kevin, in their original show, Impropera!
Kevin Benson is an actor, improviser, public speaker, and non-profit administrator. Kevin has spent many years performing and teaching improv comedy with The Blue Door Theatre in Spokane. A graduate of Whitworth University and Eastern Washington University, he is thrilled to return to the stage after many years away! Kevin lives in Spokane with his wife Ann, and their two daughters.
Jameson Elton is a three times Youngarts winner and is a Marietta Coyle award recipient for Classical Voice. His favorite credits are Mole in The Wind in the Willows (Civic Education) Mark Cohen in RENT (Lake City Playhouse), Tommy Devito in Jersey Boys and Venticelli in Amadeus (both with Civic). When not on stage, he can be found as a barista at Ladder Coffee.
Kendra Kimball Chapman is an arts educator, singer, actor, and community organizer. Kendra attended Whitworth University for her bachelors degree in music education and holds a masters degree in musical theatre from Oklahoma City University. She has taught general music and choir at public schools in Renton, Spokane, and New York City. It was during graduate school that Kendra began working for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and participated in Lyric’s very first interactive school outreach program. Today she is the proud founder of Civic Interactive and is grateful for the opportunity to support its mission both behind the scenes and on stage. Favorite roles include Eliza Doolittle, Lizzy Curry, Desiree Armfeldt, Laurey Williams, Irene Malloy, and Gertrude McFuzz. In addition to growing Civic Interactive’s reach, Kendra enjoys teaching preschool music, volunteering at her children’s schools, and being the proud mom to Jane, Norilee and Henry and wife to David.
Norilee Kimball has performed with her talented husband and four daughters in numerous productions for Spokane Civic Theatre, Spokane Children’s Theatre, Spokane Opera, and Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre from her theatrical debut as the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio to her last appearance as Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music. She holds music degrees from California State University at Northridge and EWU. She retired after 20 years teaching music K-12 for Spokane Schools and has since been performing her favorite role: Grandma to Claire, Callahan, Jane, Crew, Norilee, Oliver, Ezra, Henry, Blythe, Jonah, and Sadie.ORIGINATING EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Dr. Elliott Schwartz and Pam Shanklin, The Dr. Elliott and Pam Schwartz AEIOU Foundation
SPECIAL THANKS
Ashley Wells, Originating Executive Director and Founder of Lyric Interactive
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Civic Interactive, founded in 2023 by Kendra Kimball Chapman and Jake Schaefer, is inspired by and produced in partnership with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Lyric produces classic and contemporary musicals, new works, and plays featuring artists from Oklahoma and around the nation. Shows are presented at two Oklahoma City venues, the intimate Plaza Theatre and in the summer at the grand Civic Center Music Hall. Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy is the premier professional theatre training ground, offering classes in all aspects of the performing arts.
CIVIC EDUCATION IS SPONSORED BY
While we continue to build new and engaging outreach programming, we are available to customize a wide range of theatrical experiences in the classroom or the community. If you are looking for a workshop, presentation, professional development, or corporate event, please contact us at Education@SpokaneCivicTheatre.com.
