Interplayers lineup includes ‘Fantasticks’
The biggest question already has been answered: Yes, the Interplayers Ensemble will have a 25th anniversary season.
Spokane’s original resident professional theater has endured three tough financial years, yet persistent rumors of its demise have proven false.
“We’re here to stay for another 25 years,” said artistic director Nike Imoru. “There’s a positive energy toward theater in Spokane right now.”
Positive enough for Interplayers to go forward, although with a season that is somewhat smaller in scale. This season will have six shows instead of seven, and they will run one fewer night a week (no more Tuesday performances).
The season’s theme, fittingly enough, is “triumph and celebration of the human spirit.”
Here’s the lineup:
• “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” – Opens for previews tonight (see accompanying story).
• “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” by Charles Ludlum (Oct. 20-Nov. 12) – Imoru describes this campy spoof as “comic gothic burlesque.” It’s a high-energy parody of a Victorian melodrama involving werewolves, mummies and vampires. Two actors play all eight characters, with the help of many costume changes. It has been described as “A Tuna Christmas” meets “Halloween.”
• “The Fantasticks,” by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (Nov. 25-Dec. 17) – This sweet musical fable of romance is one of the most beloved musicals of the 1960s. Imoru picked it as the holiday show because of its beautiful music (“Try to Remember”) and its suitability for all ages. Imoru will team with musical director Kendall Feeney.
• “The Miss Firecracker Contest,” by Beth Henley (March 9-April 1) – A local premiere of this Southern-accented tale of machinations at a beauty pageant. Imoru chose it for its “full complement of wonderful female characters” and because of Henley’s well-written script. Don’t expect anything like Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart,” however. This is a comedy.
• “Mozart and Salieri” (April 27-May 20) – No information is available, because this play has not yet been written. It is a work in progress, being developed for Interplayers by local writers and musicians.
• “Romeo and Juliet,” by William Shakespeare (June 1-24) – The classic story of the Montagues and Capulets. This an opportunity for Interplayers to partner with the schools, since this play is frequently taught in high schools. Imoru herself will be cast in an unusual role – that of Mercutio, Romeo’s male friend and confidant.
For season tickets, call Interplayers at 455-PLAY.