Spotlight: North by Northwest starts filming ‘River Sorrow’
North by Northwest is shooting a new film in Spokane: the long-awaited “The River Sorrow,” starring Ray Liotta, Christian Slater and Ving Rhames.
We say “long-awaited” because North by Northwest has been talking about this dark thriller project since early 2008. It was delayed several times, but shooting is finally scheduled to commence this weekend.
Slater is already a veteran of one Spokane film shoot, “Lies & Illusions,” released on DVD last year. Rhames has also filmed a movie in Spokane, “Give ‘em Hell, Malone,” which was released on DVD this year.
Liotta, however, is a Spokane newcomer. His name has been connected with this project since North by Northwest first began planning it.
“The River Sorrow” is billed as an intense psychological thriller about Det. Jack Verdon (Liotta), who is investigating a string of sexually motivated serial murders. It soon becomes clear: All of the victims have some connection with the detective himself. And the killings continue.
This movie will apparently have plenty of “adult content.”
A number of local actors have also been cast, and a number of extras will be used. The film shoot is scheduled to continue through Oct. 23. Rich Cowan of North by Northwest is the director.
The women of history
Spokane will host the annual Pacific Northwest History Conference from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, and the theme is particularly fitting: “Game Changers and History Makers: Women in Pacific Northwest History.”
Fitting, because Nov. 8 will be the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in Washington. Yes, this state was years ahead of most of the nation.
This conference, the most prestigious annual history conference in the Northwest, will have dozens of talks, symposiums, panel discussions and other events, all relating to women’s history. There will be plenty of academics, writers and professional historians there – and the public is welcome to attend.
If you register before Oct. 6, you can get an early-bird discount. Go to www.washingtonhistory.org/heritageservices/conferences.aspx to register. It will all take place at the Davenport Hotel and Tower.
By the way, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) is planning a big exhibit to coincide with the gathering: “Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices,” opening Oct. 30.
Interplayers’ ‘Pearl’ anniversary
Interplayers Professional Theatre will celebrate its “pearl anniversary” – its 30th – with a musical revue fundraiser titled “Polish the Pearl” on Friday and Saturday, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
This event will feature appetizers, a no-host bar, Interplayers trivia games and musical entertainment under the direction of local singer Marina Kalani. It will be at Interplayers, 174 S. Howard, and tickets will be $25 with proceeds going to the theater’s production fund.
For reservations, call (509) 455-PLAY.
Jason Stuart at EWU
Openly gay comedian Jason Stuart, a veteran of TV shows such as “House,” “Will & Grace,” and “The Drew Carey Show,” will perform a free show on Tuesday at noon at the Eastern Washington University campus mall.
Stuart’s show centers on his “experiences as a single Jewish gay man living in Hollywood.” This is part of the EWU Pride Center’s back-to-school kickoff.
CDA Summer Theatre lineup
We can now tell you the name of the three of the four shows planned by the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre in 2011: “The Wizard of Oz,” “A Little Night Music” and “The Sound of Music.”
The fourth show will be announced later.
State of the Visual Arts
Saranac Art Projects will host a symposium Saturday titled, “State of the Visual Arts in Spokane: A Conversation.”
A panel consisting of artists, collectors and teachers – Scott Kolbo, Bernadette Vielbig, Jim Kolva, Carrie Scozzaro and Chris Dreyer – will talk about Spokane’s visual arts scene and its future. It’s a community in flux, according to the symposium announcement.
The public is invited. Ample time will be allowed for audience participation.
The event will be Saturday, 7 p.m. at Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main.
Elizabeth Cook in concert
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook, who has attracted a loyal nationwide cult following, will perform an intimate concert at Rick Singer Photography Studio, 415 W. Main Ave., Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
She’ll be accompanied by her husband, Nashville guitarist Tim Carroll.
By “intimate,” we mean it’s just a little bit bigger than a house concert. Tickets are $20, available by calling Singer’s studio at (509) 838-3333 or through ricksingerconcerts@gmail.com.