Shakespeare still packing them in
Old William Shakespeare would have been pleased with his continued drawing power on Wednesday night at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
The outdoor amphitheater was jammed to capacity (easily in excess of 300 people) for a free performance of “Shakespeare In Love,” a collection of the Bard’s love scenes. Playgoers spilled out onto the side of the stage and many watched from the railings above.
They saw a promising trial run of a concept that director Niké Imoru hopes to turn into a traveling Shakespearean program at area parks and schools. “Shakespeare in Love” debuted at the Royal Fireworks Festival in July; this was its second performance.
The six-person troupe, dubbed The Travelling Players, performed scenes from “Twelfth Night,” “Taming of the Shrew,” “Henry V,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Richard III” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Standouts included Jamie Flanery as both Petruccio and King Richard, and Tony Flinn as the narrator. Most scenes were performed twice; first with male and female actors, and then with two male actors, as in Shakespeare’s day. The latter method drew lots of laughs, yet it also allowed us a second, deeper listen to Shakespeare’s words.
Playgoers brought picnic dinners, fitting for a show that began with the line, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Here’s hoping Shakespeare becomes a permanent part of our summer culture.
A ‘Gonzo’ star for ‘Chicago’
Gregory Harrison, known for dozens of TV and movie roles, will play Billy Flynn in the touring company of “Chicago” which comes to the INB Performing Arts Center (the former Spokane Opera House) from Sept. 19 through 24.
Harrison hit the big time from 1979 to 1985 as Dr. “Gonzo” Gates in “Trapper John, M.D.” the “M*A*S*H” spinoff. He also played Michael Sharpe in “Falcon Crest.”
More recently, he has had recurring roles in “Ed,” “Judging Amy,” “Touched by an Angel” and “Joey.”
What you might not know is that Harrison is a musical-theater trouper from way back. He logged a stint as Billy Flynn in the Broadway production in 2003 and has been touring off and on in the role ever since.
An early Pig Out
Just a reminder: Pig Out in the Park, the annual food/music fair at Riverfront Park, begins a day early this year.
The Italian sausages will hit the grill Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday. It lasts all the way through Labor Day weekend, i.e., through Sept. 4.
Lyn Daniels Recovery Fund
Lyn Daniels, the midday air personality on KIXZ-FM (“Better Country,” 96.1) suffered a stroke on July 15.
She is presently recovering well at the St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute and should be coming home soon, according to her husband, Jim Bailey.
However, her medical bills are daunting. You can help by participating in the Lyn Daniels Recovery Fund On-Line Auction, which runs through Wednesday at www.kix961.com. Find the blue icon and bid on some of the many items for sale. You can also donate directly to the Lyn Daniels Recovery Fund at the Spokane Media Credit Union. Call (509) 838-8960.
Daniels has been a familiar presence in Spokane radio for more than 15 years at KZZU-FM, KHTQ-FM, KTRW-AM, KSFC-FM and other local stations.
Bailey predicted that Daniels will soon be back to doing what she loves best: talking to people on the radio.
McRae moves up to station manager
Patricia McRae, KHQ news director since 1993, has been promoted to KHQ station manager, where she will be in charge of sales, promotion, production and news.
She will continue to manage the newsroom while a search is conducted for her replacement as news director.
A local HGTV makeover
Check out the HGTV series “HGTV Design Star” tonight. Word is out that a lucky Spokane homeowner will be getting a home makeover in this segment.
“HGTV Design Star” is a reality show/competition in which designers compete for prizes. The show will air at 9 p.m.
Covering the concert spectrum
Two new concerts have been booked into Spokane, covering both ends of the musical spectrum. They are:
• DMX and Company, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., Star Theatre at the Spokane Arena, featuring rap acts DMX, Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony, Tech N9ne and Rebel Music Crew. Tickets are now on sale, $39.50, through TicketsWest outlets (325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).
• Vince Gill, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., INB Performing Arts Center. The country virtuoso will showcase songs from his upcoming 4-CD set. Tickets now on sale, $50, $40 and $35, through TicketsWest outlets.