Teaching local history on stage

The Great Fire of 1910 provides a historical backdrop for a new musical that smolders with emotional intensity and entertains the audience with the men and women swept up in one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. “Living Through the Fire” is a 45-minute play being performed for children at Inland Northwest area schools. There are currently six shows scheduled. There is also a public show at Le Peep Cafe at Riverstone at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22. “I think two of the most important things we can do as artists in this region is show that art can be as good here as anywhere and also that the history here is relevant,” said Jadd Davis, artistic director for the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. “If we can create and interest in those two things that’s a good thing.” “Living Through the Fire” recalls that fateful day of Aug. 20, 1910, when Ed Pulaski saved 40 men from perishing on a burning mountainside, and jumps between that and present-day Wallace. The play casts four actors to portray 20 characters — an ambitious effort that seems impossible/ Jamie Sedlmayer, Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.