Handled With Care Studio Theatre’S Production Of ‘Emma’S Child’ Tackles Sensitive Issue Of Childhood Disabilities
The Spokane Civic Theatre’s Studio Theatre tackles the wrenching and emotional issue of childhood disabilities with “Emma’s Child,” opening Friday.
This was the first play ever commissioned for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. The play won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for Playwriting for Kristine Thatcher.
The plot follows a middle-aged couple as they discover that the child they have agreed to adopt is born severely disabled. They are forced to confront the true meaning of commitment. The story is described as “absorbing, amusing and ultimately touching.”
Director Marilyn Langbehn said rehearsals have been an “interesting process for everyone in the play,” including cast, crew and support staff.
“Everybody connects with it in various ways, because everyone has had a loved one who has needed care,” said Langbehn.
The cast includes Leslie Laursen, Jamie Flanery, Jone Campbell Bryan, Rick Hornor, Meghan Wittman, Venus DelCambre, Erin Johnson, Ben Miles, Toni Cummins, Judi Pratt and Claire Ryman.
“Emma’s Child” runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and continues Jan. 28-30, Feb. 4-7 and 11-13. All shows are at 8 p.m. except the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $8, general admission, available by calling 325-2507 or (800) 446-9576.
The Firth Chew Studio Theatre is located in the basement of the Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard.
`Harvey’
The Rogue Players present Marcy Chase’s classic comedy, “Harvey,” which stars a 6-foot-tall invisible rabbit.
Make that a 6-foot-tall invisible Pooka.
Elwood P. Dowd is the only person who can actually see Harvey, but that doesn’t mean he’s not there. “Harvey” was a smash on Broadway in 1944 and went on to become a beloved movie starring Jimmy Stewart.
This community theater has been without a permanent home recently but will perform this play at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1620 N. Monroe.
Performances are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Jan. 27-30. All shows are at 8 p.m. except the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
All tickets are $10, except for Jan. 27, when tickets are $7 for students and seniors. Tickets are available through all G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, or by calling 325-SEAT or (800) 325-SEAT.
McManus Comedies
Two Pat McManus stage comedies, “A Fine and Pleasant Misery” and “McManus in Love,” will be taped live at The Met on Monday and Tuesday.
KSPS-TV, Channel 7 will tape these performances for later broadcast. Tim Behrens stars in the one-man shows.
“Misery” is at 8 p.m. Monday, and “McManus in Love” at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Ticketholders are asked to be present by 7:45 p.m.
Most of the tickets, which are free, have already been distributed. However, 50 tickets will be held at the door each night for those willing to wait until 7:55 p.m. to be seated.
`Pinnochio’
The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents the classic tale of “Pinnochio” at the Cutter Theatre in Metaline Falls in a production containing more than 50 local students.
This is an original musical adaptation of the story of Gepetto and his puppet. The Missoula Children’s Theatre specializes in touring the region and staging musicals with local children.
The show runs Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 18. Tickets can be reserved by calling (509) 446-4108.
`Molly Sweeney’
The Cast Adrift Players’ critically-praised production of Brian Friel’s “Molly Sweeney” will play the Woodland Theatre in Kettle Falls on Friday.
This lyrical play is about an Irish woman whose sight is restored after years of blindness. The consequences are not as joyous as you might expect.
The cast consists of Ann Russell, John Hart and Ron Varela.
The play runs Friday at 8 p.m. at the Woodland Theater. Tickets will be available at the door; $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and youth.