MAC receives humanities award

After all the grim news emanating from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture last week – layoffs, revenue shortfalls – it’s refreshing to report some excellent news.

The MAC was awarded the 2009 Humanities Washington Award on Thursday for outstanding achievement in public humanities.

The selection committee made particular note of the museum’s collaborations with the region’s tribes, which resulted in the establishment of the Sacred Room, a storage facility for sacred objects. The committee also noted the museum’s Smithsonian affiliation.

The winner in the individual division was also from our region: Donivan Johnson, a composer, educator, musician, scholar and “one-man humanities department” in Metaline Falls, in the words of presenter Tod Marshall.

At a ceremony at the Davenport Hotel, each received $1,000 to direct toward the humanities project of their choice.

These awards are given by Humanities Washington, dedicated to promoting the humanities across the state.

‘Lion King’ sale date

This just in: The on-sale date for individual tickets to “Disney’s The Lion King” will be Friday, 10 a.m.

“The Lion King” will run Nov. 11 through Dec. 6 at the INB Performing Arts Center. Call TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’

Here’s something to wrap your head around: A raucous, campy event at Interplayers today at 4 p.m. is titled “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” and it is, in fact, a Tupperware party.

Yes, you can purchase plastic-ware.

But this is also a raunchy, funny and campy-to-the-max theatrical performance, since the salty saleswoman, Dixie, is actually a performer. Dixie travels the country doing these outrageous Tupperware parties, sometimes in theaters and sometimes in people’s homes.

It’s a benefit for Spokane Pride 2009. Tickets are $18, through TicketsWest outlets (21 and older, please).

Oh, and one other thing. This big-haired redhead from Alabama may be, just may be, a guy.

A Chief Garry book fair

The student leadership class at Garry Middle School is trying to raise money for a new Chief Garry statue, to replace the demolished one at Chief Garry Park.

So they came up with a clever fundraising idea, in conjunction with Barnes & Noble Booksellers: If you buy a book at the Northtown Barnes & Noble anytime today, a portion of the sale will be donated to the Chief Garry project.

You must present a voucher at the time of the purchase, which can be downloaded at www.spokaneschools.org/garry/.

Indian classical dance and music

Here’s an event that can transport you to an entirely different subcontinent.

“An Evening of Indian Classical Music and Dance” will take place Friday, 7 p.m. at the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave.

It will feature music, percussion and dance from classically trained artists. No-host Indian snacks will also be provided beginning at 6 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the door, $10 each, free for children under 5.

‘Earth’s Ear’

John Hancock will host a new weekly radio-reader program on KYRS-FM (92.3 and 89.9) titled “Earth’s Ear,” every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.

The themes will be “sustainability, natural history and the pleasures of our planet.” Hancock will read books, articles, speeches and poetry on those subjects.

Does the name John Hancock ring a bell (aside from the obvious reasons)? He’s the former executive director of the Spokane Symphony.

Opera dinner theater

The Spokane Opera’s popular opera dinner theater program is returning this month, this time for six performances at Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, 245 W. Main Ave.

A four-person cast will perform Haydn’s one-act comic opera, “The Songstress,” in English with additional dialogue by Spokane Opera’s Bill Graham.

The four singers will be Tim Campbell, Dawn Wolski, Victoria Perri and Russell Seaton. Greg Presley will accompany on piano.

The dinner opera runs June 16-18 and 23-25 at 6:30 p.m. each night.

Tickets are $70 each, which includes a full Italian dinner and the performance. Call (509) 533-1150 for reservations.

Gonzaga theater season

Here’s what’s coming up next season at Gonzaga University’s Harry & Colleen Magnuson Theatre:

• “Pride and Prejudice,” the Jane Austen novel adapted for stage, Oct. 23-Nov. 1.

• “Weaving Our Sister’s Voices,” an artistic collaboration exploring the Scriptures, Jan. 29-Feb. 7.

• “Lysistrata,” Aristophanes’ ancient tale about war, and the war between the sexes, March 25-28.

• Ninth Annual Spring Dance Concert, April 22-24.

Pend Oreille Players

Looking farther north, the revitalized Pend Oreille Players in Newport has announced its new season at the Pend Oreille Community Theatre and Events Center:

• “Steel Magnolias,” the Southern beauty salon comedy-drama, July 10-26 (and Aug. 1-2 at the Blanchard Community Center during Blanchard Days).

• “Willy Wonka,” the stage adaptation, Nov. 5-15.

• Holiday show (as yet untitled), Dec. 11-20.

• “The Nerd,” the Larry Shue comedy, March 12-21.

• “Play It Again, Sam,” the Woody Allen comedy, May 21-30.

Visit the Web site at www.pendoreilleplayers.org for more information.