‘Catechism’ A Theatrical Treat

Sun., Dec. 13, 1998

By Jim Kershner jimkershner@comcast.net

Spotlight continues its crusade today to encourage people to buy little rectangular pieces of cardboard - they’re called “tickets” - as Christmas gifts, and we have just had news of a timely windfall.

Catholic Charities is bringing “Late Nite Catechism” back for an encore benefit performance at The Met on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m., and trust me, don’t wait too long to buy a pair of tickets for Aunt Theresa and Uncle Joe, or you’ll be out of luck.

The show sold out weeks ahead of time for last month’s performance. Now, half of those attendees have probably told 20 friends that they absolutely must go see this hilarious interactive theater event about all things Catholic. (It’s just as funny for non-Catholics, too.)

Tickets are now on sale through G&B Select-a-Seat.

Have a Patty Duke Christmas

Here’s another first-rate Christmas gift idea: tickets to the Spokane Civic Theatre.

Spokane’s national-class community theater has gift certificates beginning at $15, usable for individual tickets, season memberships and even Theatre School classes.

This is an even more enticing offer than usual, because the Civic has one of the biggest events in its history coming up. Patty Duke will play the lead in Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” beginning Feb. 19.

How often does the Civic have an Oscar and Emmy winner on stage? How about never?

In addition, the Civic has “Fences,” “Corpse!” and “42nd Street” on the schedule for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, the smaller Studio Theatre has “Emma’s Child” and the “The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)” coming up.

Season subscriptions are still available, as are gift certificates. Call 325-2507 to order.

Friends of the Davenport

The 13th Annual Friends of the Davenport Christmas Elegance will be held Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., but not at the Davenport Hotel.

This annual bash will be held at The Met, just across the street, since the Davenport is closed while it gears up for restoration.

The Spokane Falls Brass Band will be providing the entertainment at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar will be available before and after performances.

A Friends of the Davenport membership card provides admission; you can buy one at the door for $10.

The Davenport’s status?

The above item begs the question: What IS going on with the Davenport Hotel restoration?

The process has been slower than expected, but in this month’s Friends of the Davenport newsletter, owner Jeffrey Ng said that “considerable headway” has been made in obtaining an international, upscale hotel affiliation.

“We are pleased to report that we are now in the final stages of concluding a long-term management agreement with a highly respected hotel company,” wrote Ng.

He couldn’t say which chain it might be, but he said its “name and reputation for quality service is known the world over.”

So, will the 14th or 15th annual Christmas Elegance be held in a newly restored Davenport? Or is that too much to wish for?

Wrestle-mania

And now for something completely different. World Wrestling Federation wrestler Jeff Jarrett and his manager, Debra McMichael, will be signing autographs on Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Circuit City next to the Valley Mall.

A Sandpoint bash

The Festival at Sandpoint is holding its first annual New Year’s Eve Big Band Bash this year at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

Dance music will be provided by the Swing Street Big Band and The Singer’s Dozen. This is a fund-raiser for the festival’s big summer concert series. For tickets and info, call (888) 265-4554.

Classic rock auction

KKZX-FM (Classic Rock, 98.9) will hold its KKZX Christmas Auction Friday beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous Events in the Riverwalk Building, E. 1003 Trent.

The Radio Men, Jim Arnold and C. Foster Kane, will auction off rock-related items as well as packages donated by local retailers. Dinner wil be served and a band will provide live music.

Tickets are $20 each or $35 per couple, with proceeds to benefit The Children’s Village, which provides care for abused, neglected or homeless children. Tickets can be purchased at KKZX Studios at 5106 Palouse Highway, or at the Children’s Village in Coeur d’Alene.

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