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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spotlight archive for May 2011

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011


These busy 'Bees' need help to get to Rochester

The folks in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” are feverishly raising money to go to Rochester, N.Y., for AACT/Fest, which is the national community theater competition. They’ve already come up with $20,000. They have $10,000 more to go. This Spokane Civic Theatre production…

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011

The MAC evades death

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) has escaped the death sentence. We just received word that the museum received $2.965 million in the state budget, which is a cut of five percent. That's far less severe than feared. The museum will have to…

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Wicked work: Stage crews are bathed in orange as lights are tested and the set of the Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” is assembled on Tuesday in the INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane. The show travels with 13 semitrailers filled with props and sets and takes crews 2 ½ days to set up. “Wicked” runs today through May 29. (Dan Pelle)

Is it a giant bat? Or a dragon?

I received an e-mail from a reader pointing out that what I called a "a giant dragon looming over the proscenium" in "Wicked" was, in fact, a giant bat. "Don't you remember the bats in the 'Wizard of Oz?" she asked. I was ready to…

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MONDAY, MAY 23, 2011

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

The full 'Wicked' review

Here's my unedited review of "Wicked." It will appear in Saturday morning's print edition, after more editing and refinement: “Wicked,” Thursday night, INB Performing Arts Center, continues through May 29, tickets available through TicketsWest outlets (800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com) The first thing a newcomer to the “Wicked”…

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

A 'Wicked' quickie review

Just got in from 'Wicked' and I will write a full review for Saturday's print edition. But here's my quick initial reaction: "Wicked" is a feast or the eyes, with exceptionally creative sets, costumes and lighting. And it works for the heart and the brain,…

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011

Photos from 'River Sorrow's' Cannes premiere

We found an online photo album from Monday's Cannes Film Festival beach party for the premiere of the Spokane-filmed "The River Sorrow,'" directed by North by Northwest's Rich Cowan. It looks like a glamorous event, with stars Sarah Ann Schultz and Gisele Fraga. Here's a…

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TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011

Going to 'Wicked'? Read this first

The people at WestCoast Entertainment have a few important reminders for people who have tickets to "Wicked," which opens a two-week run Wednesday. Those are: Leave the babies and toddlers with the sitter. No one under 4 will be allowed in the theater. And although…

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A post-show talkback with Patty Duke

The post-show talkback sessions at Interplayers Professional Theatre are always worthwhile -- but this is the talkback not to miss. Director Patty Duke will attend the May 29 matinee of "The Miracle Worker" at 2 p.m. and will be there for the after-performance discussion. This…

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SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011

Que Soiree? It's back at Arbor Crest

The Spokane Symphony has announced the return of the Soiree on the Edge concert at the Arbor Crest Winery, July 9, 6 p.m. This annual summer concert combines the elegance of the Symphony’s “Soiree” series with the experimental nature of the “Symphony on the Edge”…

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

Jack Black to star in film of Jess Walter novel 

Spokane novelist Jess Walter's latest book, "The Financial Lives of the Poets," has just been picked up as a Jack Black movie vehicle, re-titled "Bailout." The screenplay was also written by Walter, and the director will be Michael Winterbottom. Filming is scheduled to begin in…

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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2011

A Spo-Cannes party on the Riviera 

Spokane will be represented at the Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera on Monday. That’s the day that “The River Sorrow,” filmed in Spokane by North by Northwest, will have its European premiere and an after-party in a giant tent on the beach. Star…

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2011



Navy SEAL to speak at Auntie's

Eric Greitens, the author of "The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL," will do a reading and signing at Auntie's Bookstore, 402 W. Main, on Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Greitens has been in the…

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011

Review of Duke-directed 'Miracle Worker'

"The Miracle Worker" has just been extended a week, through May 29. I thought I'd post my unedited review of last night's performance, which should appear in Sunday's print edition: “The Miracle Worker,” Interplayers Professional Theatre, Friday night, continues through May 29, call (509) 455-PLAY…

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011

'Aladdin' and 'Narnia' in Children's Theatre lineup

The Spokane Children’s Theatre has announced its 2011-2012 season: “Disney’s Aladdin,” based on the popular movie. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” the classic holiday comedy. “Go Dog Go,” an Inland Northwest premiere of a Seattle Children’s Theatre favorite. “Miss Nelson is Missing!” another Inland Northwest…

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TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2011

Leon and much more at Pig Out

Craig Heimbigner, who books acts for Spokane's Pig Out in the Park festival at Riverfront Park on Labor Day weekend, has just confirmed Leon Russell and a whole list of other Pig Out acts. Here's what he just sent us: Charlie Musselwhite Sept. 1 Too…

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Two chances to see George Winston

George Winston, the patriarch of what used to be called New Age music, will make two appearances in the region in September. He'll play the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane n Sept, 21, 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 6 through Ticketswest outlets. Then…

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