Big Musicals Will Splash Into Opera House
Next season’s Best of Broadway schedule has been finalized, and as usual, the emphasis is on classic American musicals.
Here’s the lineup: “West Side Story” - The beloved Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim musical, which is an update of the “Romeo and Juliet” story. Oct. 28-31.
“State Fair” - One of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lesser-known musicals. It was the subject of a cheerful revival on Broadway last year, featuring John Davidson. Davidson will also star in this tour. Jan. 26-29.
“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” - A rousing doo-wop tribute to the music of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who wrote such hits as “Hound Dog,” “Up on the Roof,” “On Broadway,” and “Stand By Me.” It remains a long-running hit on Broadway. This will be the Equity tour. Feb. 18-21.
“Carousel” - The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic about a carnival barker who tries, tragically, to win the love of Julie Jordan. March 30-April 2.
The above four musicals constitute the main subscription series. Several other shows will be offered as add-ons, for those who want to see them. The following two have been announced, with others to come later: “Cats” - The Andrew Lloyd Webber cash cow about singing and dancing cats. Sept. 13-15.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Andrew Lloyd Webber cash cow based on the biblical parable of the coat of many colors. Dec. 16-17.
The four-show subscription series will run you $139. Call 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT for subscription information. Orders will be taken beginning April 16. All shows are at the Spokane Opera House.
“Spider Woman” coming up
Meanwhile, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” the final add-on offering for this season, is coming to the Opera House on April 30 and May 1.
It would be an understatement to say that plenty of good tickets are available. Fewer than a quarter of the seats have been sold.
That’s somewhat puzzling for a show with such high credentials. This was a thorough Broadway smash in 1992, winning seven Tony awards. This tour uses the original sets and costumes.
On the other hand, I can understand why people might be hesitant. An imprisoned, cross-dressing Brazilian? How did they turn that into a musical?
Yet by all accounts, they have succeeded. I have not seen the musical, but it would be hard to find a more promising creative team. The book is by Terrence McNally (“Master Class”) and the music and lyrics are by John Kander and Fred Ebb (“Cabaret”). The lead role is played by the Argentine star Sandra Guida.
Call G&B Select-a-Seat for tickets.
‘Hero’ nominations accepted
The big Johnny Cash-Norman Schwarzkopf extravaganza “Stars: A Celebration of Heroes,” to be staged May 21 at the Spokane Arena, needs a few good heroes.
Nominations are being accepted for local heroes to be honored during the gala show. Nominees must be living in the Inland Northwest and must be willing to be interviewed, photographed and filmed.
They must also exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: Have taken extraordinary action to save lives, put self at risk for others, have not acted for publicity or personal gain, have had a great impact on others, hold their convictions in the face of adversity, have taken a novel approach to solving a problem, have given continuous lifelong service and have displayed exemplary support of community vision.
To nominate an individual, submit a short (500 words or less) description to “Heroes,” P.O. Box 3647, Spokane WA 99220. Nominations must be postmarked by April 19.
Nomination forms are available at all Tidyman’s stores. For complete nomination criteria and other information, call (800) 426-1887.
, DataTimes MEMO: To leave a message on Jim Kershner’s voice mail, call 459-5493. Or send e-mail to jimk@spokesman.com, or regular mail to Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.