Carolyn Lamberson

When it comes to “Hamilton,” it’s magical to be in the room where it happens. Since it opened in New York three years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s sung-through musical about America’s first treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton, has been a sensation. Fans not able to make the trip to New York or Chicago or Los Angeles have made do by listening to the best-selling cast recording. Seeing it in person, however, even after listening to that cast album 8,000 times, puts the show in a whole new light.

Yes, a lot of people like “Hamilton,” even if they’ve not seen it. Which is why when producers announced a second U.S. tour that would launch in Seattle before heading to Portland, Spokane-area theater fans perked up.

The film, already breaking records for ticket presales through Fandango, will be released next weekend.

The massively popular Broadway show comes to the Pacific Northwest.

Popular writer, writing teacher and progressive activist will speak at the Bing Crosby Theater on April 28.

Today, her foundation MuttNation, is coordinating with SCRAPS to collect dog and cat food, cat litter, toys and other pet supplies to benefit homeless and abandoned animals. The “Fill the Little Red Wagon” drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the big red wagon in Spokane Riverfront Park. On Friday, SCRAPS will set up at the Spokane Arena beginning at noon to collection additional donations.

Based on Barry Gordy’s memoir, and with a book by Gordy himself, “Motown: The Musical” is a sleek and slick look at one of the most influential record labels in American history. Gordy, of course, is the man who created Motown. And Motown gave Detroit a cultural cache beyond making cars. It helped desegregate radio, proving that music by black musicians need not be limited to black audiences. It nurtured and made stars out of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and dozens of other hit-makers.

Pearl Jam will play an “Away Show” at the University of Montana football stadium on Aug. 13.

As Washington poet laureate Tod Marshall sprints to the finish line of his two-year tenure, he looks back at the work accomplished, and thinks about what the road ahead will look like. (Hint: Less driving.)

Our weekly look at what new shows are going on sale this week.

“The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly” by Stephanie Oakes will be told over 10 30-minute episodes on Facebook Watch.

Iconic guitar god will bring his band to the Lilac City on March 4.

Fans in the Spokane area will get a chance to check out Meadow’s act when he headlines two nights at the Spokane Comedy Club. It’s a return engagement to the Lilac City for Meadows, who played the club back in August.

This Tony-winning musical by William Finn and James Lapine is a critical darling and cult favorite. On opening night, an audience member could be heard telling others, “You’re going to love this. Best musical ever.” It’s a charming piece of sung-through theater, full of challenging and entertaining music, deeply felt emotions and adult conversations. It’s wickedly funny, but tinged with a sadness.

Two authors from the Inland Northwest are among the winners of the 2018 Pacific Northwest Book Awards.

On a night when the vast majority of attendees wore black in support of the #TimesUp movement, launched recently to fight against sexual harassment and gender inequality in Hollywood, Blanco wore a red dress by Atria Couture

Coming out in 2018 are new volumes from a Pulitzer Prize winner with North Idaho roots, two winners of the Washington Book Award, popular local young adult authors and poets galore. Here’s a brief look at some of the titles expected in 2018 from the region’s top talent.

This nearly perfect musical about a decidedly imperfect family opens at Coeur d’Alene’s Lake City Playhouse this weekend and is being staged in the region for this first time since 1996, when Troy Nickerson directed the show at Spokane Civic Theatre’s Firth Chew Studio Theatre.

“He is a giant, a titan, and an example to us all.”

There’s little doubt that New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights out of the year. It also offers great variety with offers ranging from classic and upscale to decidedly more funky. Here are a few of the festivities beyond the popular and long-running First Night on Sunday that can help you ring in 2018 in grand style.

There is a lot of good stuff here, including beloved films like “The Goonies” and “Field of Dreams,” and important movies that explore questions of race, religion and ethnicity, such as “La Bamba,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” and “Gentleman’s Agreement.” While it’s difficult to narrow our list to 7, we’ve given it a shot.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is out on Thursday. It’s a pretty big deal.

The 20th anniversary tour of Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning rock opera adaptation of “La Boheme” brings a youthful energy to the INB Performing Arts Center.