Rhames here to ‘Give ’em Hell’
Have you seen Ving Rhames (“Pulp Fiction”) around Spokane?
Well, you might see him soon, because North by Northwest begins filming this week on “Give ’em Hell Malone,” a quirky action thriller starring Rhames, Thomas Jane (“Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia”) and Elsa Pataky (“Snakes on a Plane”).
Jane apparently will play a tough private investigator who gets caught up in a world of goofy mobsters. The tone has been described as carnivalesque, like “Big Fish” meets “The Warriors” (!??!!).
The director will be Russell Mulcahy (“The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior,” “Highlander”).
Once again, local actors will be cast in some roles. There will also be a substantial need for extras. Anyone who is interested in being an extra should contact Big Fish Northwest at info@bigfishnw.com, and put the words “extra work” in the subject line.
The shoot will begin Tuesday and continue into the first week of November.
Spokane Children’s Theatre
One of Spokane’s finest theatrical institutions, the Spokane Children’s Theatre, kicks off its new season with “Alice: The Musical,” from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26.
This show sounds like a lot of fun. It’s a jazzy new version of Lewis Carroll’s classic.
Performances will be at Spokane Community College’s Lair Auditorium, 1810 N. Greene St. Tickets are $8 for children, $10 for adults, at the door or through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).
Here’s an even better idea: Buy season tickets for the entire season. This is the SCT’s first all-musical season in five years, according to Maria Caprile, the theater’s head. This also is its 63rd season, which makes it the longest-lived theater in Spokane.
Here’s the rest of the season lineup:
• “Madeline’s Christmas”: Tales of the beloved French schoolgirl, Nov. 28-Dec. 13.
• “Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move”: A musical based on the Judith Viorst story, Jan. 31-Feb. 15.
• “Bridge to Terabithia”: A fanciful story about friendship and fantasy, March 7-22.
• “Heidi”: The Alpine classic based on the beloved book, May 16-31.
For season ticket information go to www.spokanechildrens theatre.org or call (509) 328-4886.
Spokane Arts Awards
The Spokane Arts Awards will be presented Monday, 6 p.m. at the Spokane City Council meeting in the City Council Chambers, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Let’s congratulate those who will be honored:
• Individual Artist: Ken Spiering, one of Spokane’s best and most versatile artists.
• Arts in Education: Dave Weatherred, a visual and performing arts coordinator for District 81.
• Arts Community Leadership: Toni Gilmartin, for her many years of dedication to the Spokane Civic Theatre and the Spokane Children’s Theatre.
• Arts Organization: The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, which was reborn after a $31 million renovation.
• Bold Strokes Award: The Transitional Women’s Hearth, which uses the arts to provide focus and self-expression for women.
• Business Benefactor: Spokane Public Radio, which has provided unstinting support for the arts through KPBX-FM and KSFC-FM.
• Individual Benefactor: Dr. Elizabeth Welty, who has been a generous supporter and donor for many arts organizations in Spokane.