Theater Notes:Civic presents concert version of ‘Woods’

The Spokane Civic Theatre presents a one-night-only concert version of “Into the Woods,” one of Stephen Sondheim’s most dazzling musicals, Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

This concert version will feature singers in costume and a 14-piece orchestra. It does not, however, include sets and staging.

This is a fundraiser for the Civic, directed by Yvonne A.K. Johnson, with musical direction by Carolyn Jess.

The 23-person cast will include Civic favorites such as Abbey Crawford, Max Mendez and Katie-Sarah Phillips.

“Into the Woods” is Sondheim’s re-telling of classic fairy tales, including what happens after “happily ever after.”

All tickets are $25, available by calling the Civic box office at (509) 325-2507, (800) 446-9576 or TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com). The show is on the Civic’s Main Stage, 1020 N. Howard St.

Following the performance, the Civic will hold a reception in the lobby honoring Jack Phillips, the Civic’s head from 1991 to 2004, who will be in attendance.

‘The Will of Fortune’

CenterStage opens a new interactive murder mystery, “The Will of Fortune,” tonight in a dinner theater format.

The show begins with a reading of an outrageously rich woman’s will, and then becomes a madcap contest to see who will end up as the heir – and who ends up dead. As CenterStage says, “Everyone is a suspect, including YOU!” Even the waiters and waitresses are not above suspicion.

Prizes will be awarded to audience members who can identify the perpetrators and their motives. Jean Kavanagh wrote the show and the director is Olivia Brownlee.

The show opens tonight and continues Friday, Oct. 25 through 27, and Nov. 1 through 3. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served buffet style with drink service.

Tickets are $43 for dinner and show, available by calling (509) 747-8243 or through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

CenterStage is at 1017 W. First Ave.