Musical theater coming to Spokane Valley

A new theater company is set to open in Spokane Valley this summer, featuring several familiar faces.

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, a nonprofit professional company and acting school, will offer classes and performances at Central Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center, 821 S. Sullivan Road.

Serving as artistic director is Yvonne A.K. Johnson, who formally held that post with Spokane Civic Theatre. She’s joined in the operation by Civic veterans Brian Dalen Gunn, managing director, and Ashley D’Lyn Gunn, education director. Brian Gunn has parlayed his 2010 and 2011 performances in Civic’s smash hit production of “Buddy” into a professional career, earning his Equity membership performing the role around the country.

In fact, SVST’s first show will be a revival of “Buddy,” the popular jukebox musical about the doomed rock ’n’ roller Buddy Holly. It will run July 7-17, followed July 28-Aug. 7 by “Oliver!” and Aug. 18-21 by “Bring It On: The Musical.”

Season and single tickets for these shows go on sale at 9 a.m. Monday through the company’s website, https://svsummertheatre.com/. Adult ticket prices will range from $38 for “Buddy” to $26 for “Bring It On,” with season tickets for $88.

The conservatory program, open to ages 5-21, will offer young actors the opportunity to perform in adaptations of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Frozen,” “Peter Pan” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Visit the theater’s website for more information.