Express Theatre-Nw Debuts At The Met
A new Spokane theater group makes its debut at The Met this week with “The Brain,” and it should be unlike any theater group you’ve seen.
It’s called Express Theatre-Northwest, and it consists of at “least 51 percent mental health consumers and their families.” Director Frank Sullivan says that it is based on the same concept as the National Theatre of the Deaf, and it is a professional educational theater company which hopes to tour universities and colleges.
“The Brain” was written by Sullivan and “fellow mental health consumer” Dan Systad. It is a multimedia play that is intended to dispel the stigmas associated with mental and emotional illnesses. It all takes place on a set that resembles a giant brain.
Sullivan, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (manic depression), said that the script contains humor, music and dramatic scenes taken from his own life and the lives of others. Some of the scenes are so intense that he said the show is unsuitable for children.
He said the show is not intended simply as therapy for the people involved; it is serious theater.
“The people in it are actors, first and foremost,” said Sullivan. “We want the theater community to take it seriously.”
“The Brain” has its world premiere Wednesday and continues Oct. 2 and Oct. 15-16. All shows are at 8 p.m. at The Met. Tickets are $12, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT. An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be on stage for all four performances.
‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’
As the Valley Repertory Theatre continues to cling tenaciously to life, here comes the World War I flying ace to the rescue.
Not just Snoopy, but Charlie Brown, Lucy, Schroeder, Linus and Patty, too. It’s the gang in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the 1967 Clark Gesner musical based on the famous Charles Schulz characters.
The Valley Rep has assembled a cast that should bring out the best in this material: David Gigler as Charlie Brown, Troy Nickerson as Snoopy, Melody Deatherage as Lucy, Terry Sticka as Schroeder, Billy Myklebust as Linus and Vicki Hynes as Patty. The director is Phillip Mitchell, and musical director is Norilee Kimball.
This show was a surprise lowbudget hit off-Broadway in the late ‘60s, and has been popular with high school and amateur theaters ever since.
It deals with nothing more weighty than baseball, school and friendships, which is part of its charm.
It opens Friday and continues through Oct. 18. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday performances are at 2 p.m., and Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for students. Call 927-6878 for reservations. The Valley Rep is located on the southwest corner of Sprague and Pines in the Valley.
Dempsey’s Brass Rail Cabaret
Broadway veteran Cheryl-Ann Rossi appears at the new Dempsey’s Brass Rail Cabaret with her onewoman cabaret show “Stuffed In My Closet,” featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim, Marvin Hamlisch, Kander and Ebb, and Rodgers and Hart.
Rossi, who appeared in “A Chorus Line,” “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Smile” on Broadway, now lives and teaches in Coeur d’Alene.
Dempsey’s Brass Rail, a downtown restaurant and night spot at 909 W. First, has converted its upstairs dance floor into an elegant cabaret setting for what should become a regular series of cabaret performances a few nights a month. Seating will be at candlelit tables.
Rossi’s show runs today and Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, by calling 747-5362, or $12 at the door.
, DataTimes