New Production Company Debuts Friday

Thu., Aug. 21, 1997

By Jim Kershner jimkershner@comcast.net

A new theater presence in Spokane, Hotspur Productions, debuts Friday with a production of “Ancient History,” a tragicomedy by David Ives about a young couple in love.

Ives is one of America’s most provocative new playwrights. New, at least, to the Inland Northwest. This is the first Ives play to be produced here, although he has long been a well-known force in New York. “Ancient History” has just come off a New York run.

Hotspur Productions consists of Jack Lippard and Alison Letson, who are also the two actors in this two-person play.

“We got together over lunch one day and decided to do a two-person play,” said Lippard, who played Mercutio in the Spokane Civic Theatre’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

“I’m moving to Seattle at the end of this month and I wanted to do one final theater venture. This show is very contemporary, and I wanted to do something that was more organic. The two of us really wanted to explore as actors.”

So they hired director Marilyn Langbehn (“Mama Drama”) and booked the Firth Chew Studio Theatre for two performances and the Bayou Brewery for one dinner show.

“Ancient History” is about a couple that has been together about six months, and is still at that warm, fuzzy stage of love. However, as the play progresses, some wedges are driven between them. She wants kids, he doesn’t. She’s religious, he wants nothing to do with religion. He’s a socialist, she’s a socialite.

“The interplay is great in this play,” said Lippard. “Both characters are equal, and you like them both, but they’re both right and wrong.”

The entire play takes place in their bedroom. The show is recommended for mature audiences.

“Ancient History” runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Firth Chew Studio Theatre at the Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard. Tickets are $8 at the door or through through all G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, 325-SEAT or (800) 325-SEAT.

The dinner theater performance is Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Bayou Brewing Company. Tickets are $25, and reservations must be made by calling 484-4818.

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