Spotlight: IRT holds reading of Caisley’s ‘Happy’

Idaho Repertory Theatre in Moscow is hosting a reading of Robert Caisley’s play “Happy” on June 27.

Caisley, who lives in Moscow, has seen his play become a finalist for the 2012 Eugene O’Neill Theatre New Play Conference and the Woodward/Newman Drama Award. The play, published by Samuel French Inc., has been staged across the country, but is making its first appearance in Idaho.

The play, which centers on a dinner party in which a man is introducing his new girlfriend to his best pal, was compared to Neil LaBute’s “The Shape of Things” in a 2013 New York Times review. The critic, Michael Sommers, concludes by saying, “Although ‘Happy’ proves to be anything but that in its thin, bitter contents, the show delivers an often-spirited duel around the dinner table that eventually draws blood.”

Idaho Rep’s staged reading will feature Caisley, Jere Hodgin, IRT favorite Kelly Quinnett, Jeremy Sher of Chicago, and Cahilan Shine from the University of Montana.

Tickets are $30 and are available at BookPeople of Moscow, at the University of Idaho Theatre Arts Office in Shoup Hall or by calling (208) 885-6465.

The performance will be at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center, 508 S. Main St., in Moscow. A wine reception and book signing will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the reading at 7:30 p.m.

Animals and art do mix

First Friday is still a couple of weeks away, but a special event at the Steam Plant is worth mentioning in advance, especially for animal lovers.

Furrst Friday, on June 6, will feature animal-inspired art by Steve Merryman, Marilyn Meyer, Daris Judd, Phillip Dhillon and others. Also on hand will be representatives from the Spokane Humane Society, the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, SpokAnimal – and some of their adoptable pets. The family-friendly event also will feature crafts for children and adults, as well as samples of Steam Plant Brewing’s beers.

Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. The free event will be held in the Steam Plant breezeway. Donations will be accepted and a portion of proceeds from any art sold will benefit the animal shelters.