One of the reasons to do a local program of musical theatre songs instead of taking one of the few other syndicated programs of show tunes is that we can spotlight the great efforts by our region's theaters and performers. For Feb. 1, we'll give a preview of shows coming to the area, through professional cast recordings.
Best of Broadway series
The tap-dancin' show that gives hope to the young talents trying to make it big. Jerry Orbach starred in the original stage version. Listen to Verne Windham's music program on Feb. 3 for an interview with one of the leads in this touring production.
The Rodgers & Hammerstein show that took musical theater to a new level. Spokane native Kasey Graham is the music director for the tour, and will conduct at the Opera House.
Little Mermaid: A Story of Aloha Feb 4-19
The classic Hans Christian Andersen tale goes Hawaiian in this treatment by Spokane actress and director Maria Caprile. The story is set in 1889 Hawaii, where the mermaid wants to be like a sister to the Hawaiian Princess Kaiulani (who left for an European boarding school in that year). The script incorporates many true aspects of the Princess's life, including her friendship with writer Robert Louis Stevenson. There are two original songs in the show, but the bulk of the production depends on hula dance (one of Maria's passions) to traditional Hawaiian chants, such as Ho'opuka E Ka La.
Beauty & The Beast May 14-June 4
Our region has seen the professional tour at the Opera House, and a semi-professional production last year in Coeur d'Alene. Spokane Children's Theater, a volunteer and community organization, tackles the show that started Disney's domination of Broadway. (Auditions are Feb. 4th and 5th.)
Kiss Me Kate Feb 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 March 2, 3, 4
Cole Porter's treatment of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, set in the context of a bad acting troupe's version. The play within a play is silly, romances entwine the cast, and Porter delivers some of his best music.
Clue The Musical May 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27
Yes, you read it right. A musical based on a board game. Figure out who done it, with what, and where. Thanks to Lake City Playhouse for providing selections from the show.
Christian Youth Theatre
A Year with Frog & Toad Feb. 24-Mar 5
Appealing music and lyrics by Robert and Willie Reale to Arnold Lobel's classic children's books turned this show into a Broadway success in 2004. The cast recording captures the original production from Minneapolis. CYT will have a total of 58 students of their theater school making up the forest animals. This is one of the best children's theater scripts and scores available today.
Seussical the Musical May 26-June 3
The show loosely constructed from elements of Dr. Seuss's books didn't do so well with the adult Broadway critics, but all agreed it made a fine children's show. While centering on Horton the Elephant, it pays tribute to the thinks you can thinks and the places you can go if you believe in yourself.
LIFE 101 March 10-April 1
When Civic's board hired Yvonne A.K. Johnson to take the reins as Artistic Director, she brought collegue Donovan Stohlberg with her as Development and Marketing Director. Besides having a head for business, Donovan is a composer, with the show Life 101. The show's run in the 2004 Edinburgh (Scotland) Festival was well received, and now we in the northwest get our first look at it. The story, as the title suggests, follows a group of American college students in a semester in London.
Spokane
The Music Man May 19-June 18
Upstairs, Civic brings back another classic favorite, Meredith Wilson's great American small-town USA show.
Pend Oreille
The Mikado April 21
The comedy about a Japanese tailor who becomes an executioner pokes fun at English society. From the Arts Council's website: Carl Rosa Opera, Britain’s oldest touring opera company, present a new production of The Mikado: a hilarious tale of love, marriage, executions and heroics. Carl Rosa’s stunning production uniquely features the glorious Oscar-winning costumes from Mike Leigh's acclaimed film "Topsy-Turvy". These were copied from the original antique costumes created for Gilbert’s production in 1885, now restored by the Carl Rosa Opera
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