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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Burn the Floor’ could be a hot ticket

Jim Kershner

Here’s some good news for those of you who love the terpsichorean arts. By which I mean, dance.

“Burn the Floor,” an international extravaganza of ballroom and Latin styles of dance, is booked into the INB Performing Arts Center, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.

This touring show, which debuted in London in 1999, features a cast of award-winning dancers and musicians, along with spectacular costumes and sets.

The promoters say it’s perfect for fans of “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Tickets are $49, $39 and $29, through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

A ‘Disney Live!’ switcheroo

The Disney touring-show schedule is undergoing what you might call a Pooh switcheroo.

The previously announced “Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh” show on Feb. 13 at the Spokane Arena’s Star Theatre has been changed to “Playhouse Disney Live!”

This is a live touring show featuring characters from the “Playhouse Disney” program block for preschoolers: “My Friends Tigger and Pooh,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”

So kids will still get to see Pooh and Tigger, along with other Disney characters as well. My guess is that most preschoolers won’t complain.

Tickets already sold under the “Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh” name will be honored for “Playhouse Disney Live!”

Tickets are available through TicketsWest.

An air-guitar hero

Jason McCollim, 30, an air personality for KKZX-FM (Classic Rock, 98.9), is one of 20 finalists nationwide for an “Air Guitar” contest sponsored by AARP (yes, the association for people a lot older than him).

McCollim submitted a video in which he “plays” Foreigner’s “Jukebox Hero,” a song that he called “an anthem for every person who has ever had the dream of becoming a rock star.”

Or at least a pretend one.

The winner is chosen by online voting and will be announced in December. Top prize is a trip for two to Honolulu and a Gibson guitar signed by Mick Jones, who performed the actual song to which McCollim applies his pseudo-shredding talents.

Voting closed Nov. 21, but if you want to see McCollim’s video, go to www.winmickjonesguitar.com.

A local ‘Ragtime’ star

A Spokane actress, Rachae Thomas, has been getting excellent notices for her portrayal of Sarah in the hit musical “Ragtime” at the Hudson Backstage, a theater in Hollywood.

The Los Angeles Times said that Thomas “shines” as the doomed lover of the main character.

Thomas is an East Valley High School grad and a recent graduate of Western Washington University.

Children’s Christmas plays

Don’t forget about two promising local children’s theater choices for the holiday season:

• “Madeline’s Christmas,” Spokane Children’s Theatre – A musical featuring the beloved French schoolgirl. Nov. 28-Dec. 13, at the Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard. Tickets available through TicketsWest outlets. Call (509) 328-4886 for list of showtimes and other info.

• “A Christmas Story,” Christian Youth Theater-Spokane – The stage version of the popular movie with Ralphie and his BB gun. Dec. 6-14 at the Adamson Auditorium in Trent Elementary School, 3303 N. Pines. Call (509) 487-6540 for tickets and info.

‘Diamonds and Divas’

The Spokane Opera’s utterly elegant black-tie New Year’s Eve bash, “Diamonds and Divas,” will take place Dec. 31 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Davenport Hotel.

The evening includes champagne, dinner, an auction, operatic entertainment and dancing. Yes, there will be waltzing.

Individual tickets are $175; call (509) 533-1150 for reservations.

‘HeartSongs’

The Third Annual “HeartSongs … From the Edge of the World” concert will take place Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. (auction begins at 5:30 p.m.) at the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague.

This is a benefit concert featuring the Voiceless Choir, made up of homeless and formerly homeless people, and other performers from throughout the community. They’ll perform original songs about the homeless experience.

Among the other attractions: Mayor Mary Verner “has written and will perform a hip-hop song with a graduate from CrossWalk,” according to the organizers.

That alone sounds worth the price of admission: $10, available through TicketsWest outlets or at the door.

This is a benefit for the Volunteers of America CrossWalk program for teens and the Voiceless Choir.

Michael W. Smith tour

Christian music legend Michael W. Smith is bringing his “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” tour to the INB Performing Arts Center on Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

He’ll be performing songs from his three Christmas albums. Tickets range from $45 to $80, through TicketsWest.

Jim Kershner can be reached at (509) 459-5493 or by e-mail at jimk@spokesman.com.