Minneapolis playwright Barbara Field’s adaptations of A Christmas Carol are part of Spokane Civic Theatre’s DNA. We first produced her rich and delightful take on Mr. Dicken’s tale in the late 1970s, under the artful direction of the legendary Dorothy Darby Smith, one of our Founders. Dorothy, and later others, would continue to direct Barbara’s adaptations for
“I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.” – Blanche DuBois, “A Streetcar Named Desire” It is a challenging time for the arts due to the novel coronavirus. Who knows when shows will commence? Financial support of any kind is essential for local theater groups to stay afloat during an unprecedented time. Strangers, which recalls
When gatherings of 50 or more were prohibited across Washington state, theaters set about the sad business of closing their box offices and clearing their marquees. Until that point, there had been a vague, if fanciful, hope that their footlights would somehow remain lit. Like so many businesses and organizations around the world, theaters across the
This weekend, Spokane Civic Theatre will open its studio production of “Cabaret,” John Kander and Fred Ebb’s beloved and societally confrontational tour through the seedy, vaudevillian nightlife of 1930s Berlin. Set in the aftermath of Germany’s Weimar Republic, “Cabaret” is based on John Van Druten’s play “I Am a Camera” adapted from Christopher Isherwood’s 1939
The Firth J. Chew studio in the lower level of the Spokane Civic Theatre has always been a small space with big possibilities. Over the years its interior has been rearranged for performances that faced north and east, for stages in a three-sided thrust format or in the round, and for players entering and exiting from
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Heather McHenry-Kroetch, Director of Spokane Civic Theatre's new production of "Cabaret," swings by the studio to discuss the show. Also in the studio are actors Aubree Pederson (Sally Bowles) and Rebecca Craven (Fraulein Schneider), and Music Director Henry McNulty with Tonya Ballman (Assistant Music Director) with a preview of
A wacky ensemble, stellar musical numbers and one man playing eight characters throughout the show. Those are a few of my many takeaways from Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” This is the regional premiere of the Tony award- winning musical, which won best musical in 2013 and is
Congratulations to the cast of the Academy's Twelfth Night Viola: Amelia Berry Sailor/Officer/Ensemble: Amelia Shriver Curio: Brenna Craven Sir Andrew Aguecheek: Clayton Sanchez Sebastian: Elias Ruben Maria: Emma Hendricks Valentine: Georgia Kettrick Feste: Joseph Selle Malvolio: Koby Hawson Olivia: Lia Goodrich Fabiana: Lily Johnson Sir Toby Belch: Nicholas Morgan Antonio/Captain: Ryan Wasson Duke Orsino: Thomas Luce Newsboy/Ensemble: Wyatt
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is no place for those of weaker constitution and who may be faint of heart. It says as much in its opening song. One reason why sensitive souls might be better off departing is that this particular musical features death. Lots of it. A reverend. A rich playboy and his
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Troy Nickerson, Director of Spokane Civic Theatre's production of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" visits the studio to discuss the musical. Also in the studio are actors Emily Jones, Joseph Hall, and Music Director Henry McNulty, with a preview of the show. "A Gentleman's Guide to Love
Congratulations to the cast of The Humans Deirde Blake: Melody Deatherage Fiona "Momo" Blake: Mary Jo Rudolf Richard Saad: Kyle Kahklen Aimee Blake: Caryn Hoaglund Brigid Blake: Josephine Keefe Erik Blake: Ron Ford Written by Stephen Karam Directed by Dawn Taylor Reinhardt 2016 Tony Award Winner, Best Play Something so small can feel so vast. A
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and, though he’s not a child, it sure has taken a village to raise Garry Essendine, the man at the forefront of Noël Coward’s “Present Laughter,” which opened at Spokane Civic Theatre on Jan. 17. Essendine (Patrick McHenry-Kroetch) has built a reputation as a matinee
A new year means new theatrical productions are opening on four area stages this week. Stage Left Theater, Spokane Civic Theatre, the First Interstate Center for the Arts and Lake City Playhouse will open “Mandelstam,” “Present Laughter,” “An American in Paris” and “Fun Home,” respectively. Read on to learn more about each production. ‘Present
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre's latest production of the season is Noel Coward's "Present Laughter." Director Melody Deatherage visits the studio with actors Patrick McHenry-Kroetch (Garry Essendine), Elisabet Edwards (Liz Essendine), and Phedre Burney-Peters (Monica Reed) to discuss the show and perform a scene or two. "Present Laughter" opens Friday, January
Spokane is kicking off 2020 on a high note with plenty of theater, comedy and dance shows happening in the coming months. Jan. 3-4: A month before comedian Ari Shaffir records his next special, “Ari Shaffir: Jew,” in New York in February, Spokane audiences get a sneak peek at the special as Shaffir headlines the Spokane
In 2019, stages big and small showcased the incredible talent of local performers and national and international acts, and Spokane audiences supported theater, comedy, dance and more. Here’s a look back at some of the events that wowed us and made us laugh, think and maybe even cry in 2019. In January, Spokane Civic Theatre opened
Congratulations to the cast of Cabaret Emcee: Mathias Oliver Sally Bowles: Aubree Peterson Cliff: Joshua Baig Fraulein Schneider: Rebecca Craven Heir Schultz: Kim Berg Fraulein Kost: Karlin Kahler Ernst: Chad Herrmann Male Ensemble: Dylan Brown Jay Patrick Emmingham Nicholas Roy Morgan III Kit Kat Girls: Marlee Andrews Elizabeth Martin Brianna McCracken Torey Rousten Dana Sammond Kimberly
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Kearney Jordan, Spokane Civic Theatre's Academy Director, visits the studio to discuss her production of the classic holiday play-within-a-play "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Joining her in the conversation are actors Millie Paine, Josephine Kahler, and Audrey Overstreet. This production is SOLD OUT. For more information on Spokane Civic
Congratulations to the cast of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder Monty Navarro: Joseph Hall The D’Ysquith Family: Todd Kehne Sibella Hallward: Emily Jones Phoebe D’Ysquith: Lexie Lucassen Miss Shingle: Mary Starkey Female Ensemble: Sarah Hull, Kristen Nauditt, Tamara Schupman Male Ensemble: Dakota Lee Moses, Patrick Treadway A regional premiere, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is an award-winning (Best Musical,
Riverfront Park is doing its part to make the holiday season bright in downtown Spokane. Today the city will light up a 63-foot spruce in the park. The free celebration starts at 4 p.m. with a visit from Santa, children’s crafts and performances from groups like Spokane Civic Theatre, Company Ballet School and Spokane Symphony
1. Take a cruise to the North Pole, via Lake Coeur d'Alene 2. Visit the Extreme Team's holiday light display for Children's Hospital in Spokane's Cowley Park 3. Get in line to see the gorgeous Gaiser Conservatory in Manito Park decorated with 40,000 lights for the holidays! Runs December 13-22nd 4. Watch Riverfront Park light up at the Numerica
Holiday lights are strung up all over the city, and Christmas shows are lighting up local stages. Just this week, the offerings run the gamut from the circus and ballet to stage and screen classics, including the sold-out screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” featuring star Chevy Chase tonight at the Fox. Here are some
Find out the hottest events around Spokane during this week's Tourist in Your Town! Cirque Dreams Holidaze Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. First Interstate Center Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a holiday special for the whole family! Holidaze is a mixture of Cirque adventure and Broadway music. It's a Wonderful Life Nov. 29 - Dec. 22, Thursdays
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre's holiday season productions open with an adaptation of the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." Director Marianne McLaughlin and actors Megs Levi (Mary) and Joshua Baig (George) visit the studio to talk about the production and to perform a preview. "It's a Wonderful Life" opens Friday,
NOV. 29-DEC. 22: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE During the holiday season, it's not uncommon for folks to step back and take some time to reflect on the things they're grateful for. And few stories are better at prompting that exercise in gratitude than It's a Wonderful Life. This is the story of small-town everyman George
Andrew Start is no stranger to working in minimalism. Having previously directed “The Flick” for Spokane Civic Theatre, Start again brings his audience an intimate portrayal of humanity, this time marked with a tense and resolute realism. “This Is Our Youth,” written by Kenneth Lonergan, is sodden with nostalgia, but with the kind that’s heavier
Congratulations to the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Bradley Family Grace Bradley: Audrey Overstreet Bob Bradley: Barry Pfundt Beth Bradley: Josephine Kahler Charlie Bradley: Connie Mack Overstreet The Herdman Family Ralph: Hudson Kahler Imogene: Millie Paine Leroy: Matthew Brauhn Claude: Millie Kettrick Ollie: Sadie Overstreet Gladys: Elise Gerhardt Alice: Olivia McNiece Maxine: Amelia
Director Andrew Start’s last play at Spokane Civic Theatre, Annie Baker’s “The Flick,” found him directing three actors – two men and a woman – in their roles as misfit ushers in a rundown theater. Throughout the play, the three leads chat while sweeping up popcorn and running a film projector. And … that’s about
Though it has the unmistakable ring of a declaration, This Is Our Youth treats its title more like a question than a statement. Its three characters — two boys, one girl, all in their late teens and early 20s — are aimless and uncertain. They're unsure of who they are, who they want to be and how they
Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact. From Friday to Dec. 8 in the Firth J Chew Studio Theatre at the Spokane Civic Theatre three actors will take the stage to play out an evening in their apartment for the production of Kenneth Lonergan’s “This Is Our Youth.” In the Broadway and West End
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Andrew Start, Director of Spokane Civic Theatre's production of Kenneth Lonergan's "This Is Our Youth," visits the studio to discuss the play, which centers around young adults in 1980s Manhattan. Also in the studio are Denny Taylor (Dennis), Jacob Carruthers (Warren), and Elizabeth Martin (Jessica) who play the three
Congratulations to the cast of Present Laughter Garry Essendine: Patrick McHenry-Kroetch Liz Essendine: Elisabet Edwards Monica Reed: Phedre Burney-Peters Daphne Stillington: Abby Constable Fred: Paul J. Watts Roland Maule: Kaylan Martin Morris Dixon: Robert Tombari Hugo Lyppiatt: R. Scott Cantrell Joanna Lyppiatt: Rebecca Craven Miss Erikson: Eve Luppert Lady Saltburn: Mary Jo Rudolf Present
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre's latest production taps local history to tell the story of the Hutton Settlement children's home in Spokane Valley. Writer/director Tim Rarick, actors Tom McArthur (Judge Leavy) and Michael Schmidt (Gus Paulson), and Hutton Settlement Director of Community Relations & Communications, Jessica Laughery, discuss the Settlement's history
Congratulations to the cast of It's a Wonderful Life George Bailey: Joshua Baig Uncle Billy: Robert Maruca Mrs. Bailey: Deborah Brooks Cousin Eustace: Billy Taylor Harry Bailey: Jozef Sloma Violet Bick: Francis Morgan Bert/Joe: Jeff Bryan Ernie: Gatieth Nazario-Geelan Mr. Martini: Bryan Durbin Sam Wainwright: Kelly Hauenstein Freddie: Koby Hawsen Maria Martini: Carolina Bufford Dr.
Congratulations to the cast of A Place to Call Home Levi “Al” Hutton: Marek Nelson May Arkwright Hutton: Melody Deatherage Gus Paulsen: Michael Schmidt Bertrand McDougall: William Bancroft Bernice Taylor: Elaina DeJong David Glasgow: Jeffrey Ridlington Frank Obermuller: Daniel Edmiston DC Corbin: JP O’Shaughnessy Judge Leavy: Tom McArthur Agnes Cowley Paine: Lynn Noel Laura Northup: Kalynn
Exile While many folks will instinctively be drawn to Funny Girl, the renowned show-stopping musical that will be running upstairs on the Spokane Civic Theatre’s main stage a few days after this play’s run ends, Exile stands out for being its polar opposite. This smaller-scale studio production is an original play by the Civic’s resident
They say “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” But how should you feel when someone steals your material and presents it as their own? That was a common occurrence when William Shakespeare was making a name for himself as a playwright, according to Susan Hardie. Fellow playwrights, Hardie said, would attend productions of Shakespeare’s
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre’s Susan Hardie visits the studio to discuss “The Book of Will,” Lauren Gunderson’s play about a pivotal moment in Elizabethan history when the plays of William Shakespeare could have been lost to posterity. Also in the studio are actors Jamie Flannery (John Heminges), Bridget Pretz (Alice
If you’re interested in seeing the rising stars of local theater, those who will be gracing stages for years to come, Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Matilda: The Musical” is a great place to start. Young performers stole the show, which has all the charm of the Roald Dahl novel on which it’s based and
Highlights from the stage Sept. 27-Oct. 20 THE BOOK OF WILL Just when you thought everything about Shakespeare had already been written, along comes a play that shines a light on a new aspect of his legacy. In fact, The Book of Will shows that there might not have been much of a legacy at all
The Spokane Civic Theatre is known for its phenomenal production. It has this innate ability to create shows with a completely local cast and crew that mesmerize audiences and create a sense of professional theater similar to the shows that come to the First Interstate Center for the Arts. “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” is
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre's Kathie Doyle-Lipe, Director of "Matilda the Musical," visits the studio with actors Eleanor Weitz (Matilda), Shelby Freesmeyer (Miss Honey), and Doug Dawson (Miss Agatha Trunchbull), and the Civic's Music Director, Henry McNulty, with a preview of the production. "Matilda the Musical" has performances Thursdays through Saturdays
Congratulations to the cast of This is Our Youth Dennis Ziegler: Denny Pham Warren Straub: Jacob Carruthers Jessica Goldman: Elizabeth Martin This is Our Youth is a drama by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by Andrew Start.. November 15 - December8, 2019 Firth J Chew Studio Theatre Tickets are now available at the Box Office (Tues -
Like the Roald Dahl book on which it's based, Matilda the Musical is the tale of a highly intelligent little girl with a penchant for practical jokes and, at least briefly, the uncanny ability to move things with her mind. And, just like its source material — not to mention pretty much all of Dahl's most famous
September marks the beginning of school, yes, but it also marks the beginning of theater season. Case in point: Four area theaters – Ignite Community Theatre, Spokane Civic Theatre, Lake City Playhouse and Red Bird Theater – are kicking off their 2019-20 seasons this week. The theaters are bringing “See How They Run,” “Matilda: The
The Spokane Civic Theatre, located just a few miles west of the Gonzaga campus, is about to enter its 73rd season. This theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the country and as its mission says hopes “to foster an enduring love for live theatre in every community member.” The Civic’s upcoming season
Congratulations to the cast of The Book of Will John Heminges: Jamie Flanery Henry Condell: Kelly Hauenstein Richard Burbage: Damon Abdallah Elizabeth Condell: Tami Rotchford Rebecca Heminges: Rebecca Craven Ralph Crane: Gary Pierce Alice Heminges: Bridget Pretz Isaac Jaggard: Eli Drushella Boy Hamlet: Jaron Fuglie Ben Johnson: William Marlowe The Book of Will - a look
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Kearney Jordan, Academic Director of Spokane Civic Theatre, brings a preview of this summer's Civic Academy Musical Production (C.A.M.P), the musical, "13." Henry McNulty, Music Director, accompanies cast members Jameson Elton, Addit Dibble, Delaney Kahler, Arlo McGowan, Tyler McCabe, Erik Wolfrum, Max Petrusek, and Leilani Santiago, performing two songs
Congratulations to the cast of 13! Evan: Jameson Elton Patrice: Leilani Santiago Archie: Arlo McGowan Kendra: Adeline Dibble Lucy: Delaney Kahler Brett: Erik Wolfrum Eddie/Rabbi: Tyler McCabe Malcolm: Max Petrusek Cassie: Olivia McNiece Charlotte: Mary Davidow Molly: Avah McConnell Richie/Rabbi Chorus: Elias Baldwin Bonney Simon/ Rabbi Chorus: Murphy Kettrick Ensemble: Kelson Cubley Emma Hendricks Josephine Kahler
In the program for Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of “Spring Awakening,” the phone numbers for a domestic violence helpline, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Trevor Project are listed above a warning to audiences. “ ‘Spring Awakening’ contains serious material that may be inappropriate for some audience members due to strong content, language, sexual
Congratulations to the cast of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Matilda Wormwood: Eleanor Weitz Miss Agatha Trunchbull: Doug Dawson Miss Honey: Shelby Fressmeyer Mr. Wormwood: Michael Hynes Mrs. Wormwood: Colleen Kirsten Michael Wormwood: Matthew Brauhn Mrs. Phelps: Juana Cabbage Bruce: Brody Else Lavender: Teagan Reese Ensemble: Abbey Andersen Piper Burney Brendan Burns Emily Cabbage Nate Edmons Aiden
LISTEN TO THE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE Spokane Civic Theatre's summer season opens with "Spring Awakening," a musical based on the 1891 German play of the same name by Frank Wedekind, and with contemporary words and music by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik. Jake Schaefer (who co-directs the production with Sarah Dahmen), cast members Aubrey Peterson
Actress and singer Elizabeth Martin has been onstage since she was 4, inspired by seeing her older sisters take the stage. But after more than a decade of performing, Martin decided that it was time for a break. “I didn’t know if I was doing it because I wanted to do it or because it
Abbreviated rehearsal schedules are nothing new in the theater world, but with Spring Awakening, the Spokane Civic Theatre's first fully fledged, main-stage summer production in recent memory, the usual time constraints were even more unforgiving. With less than four weeks between the close of Young Frankenstein, the community theater's 2018–19 season finale, and curtain up on Spring Awakening, the
The Heat Is On If you want to catch the last vestiges of the 2018-19 theater season before summer officially begins on June 21, you're going to have to scramble. Bare: A Pop Opera (spokanestageleft.org, $20) and Young Frankenstein (spokanecivictheatre.com, $32), two profoundly different musicals about unorthodox love and alienation, are both closing on June 16. With Bottoms Up!(igniteonbroadway.org, $15),
Congratulations to the cast of Spring Awakening! Wendla: Elizabeth Martin Melchior: Aaron Skipper Martha: Kalla Mort Moritz: Jonah Taylor Ilse: Aubree Peterson Hanschen/Rupert: Jacob Carruthers Ernst/Reinhold: Dylan Brown Anna: Brianna McCracken Thea: Micaela Ackermann Georg/Dieter: Matthew Gerard Otto/Ulbrecht: Peyton Torchio The Adult Woman: Sarah Dahmen The Adult Men: Danny Anderson Thank you to everyone who auditioned!
We are proud to announce our 2019 / 2020 Season directors. MAIN STAGE Roald Dahl's MATILDA The Musical: Kathie Doyle-Lipe IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Marianne McLaughlin A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER: Troy Nickerson THE HUMANS: Dawn Taylor Reinhardt FUNNY GIRL: Jake Schaefer STUDIO THEARE THE BOOK OF WILL: Susan Hardie THIS IS
We are so excited to present the 2019 - 2020 season artwork by local artist Chris Bovey!
Season Tickets are available now! Single Tickets are available July 8, 2019! MAIN STAGE Rhoald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL September 13 – October 13, 2019 Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course
