Former Spokane actor Sophia Anne Caruso continues work in ‘Lazarus,’ this time in London
It’s been a busy year for Sophia Anne Caruso.
The former Spokane actor, who starred in local productions of “The Miracle Worker” and “Annie,” starred in a sold-out off-Broadway run of “Lazarus,” the musical co-written by the late David Bowie that closed on Jan. 20.
The show has since transferred to London, with Caruso, 15, reprising her role of Girl, along with Michael C. Hall as Newton and Michael Esper as Valentine. The show continues the story of Walter Tevis’ novel “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” a story Bowie first told as the star of Nicholas Roeg’s 1976 film adaptation. The musical features new music written for the show, as well as Bowie hits from throughout his career, including the title track “Lazarus,” from his final album, “Blackstar.”
Bowie died on Jan. 10 after an 18-month battle with liver cancer. He was 69.
In addition to appearing in the New York and London productions, Caruso also is featured on the original cast recording of the show, released on Oct. 21 from ISO/Columbia/RCA Records. The album features Bowie performances on the songs “No Plan,” “Killing A Little Time,” “When I Met You,” – billed as his final recorded performances – as well as “Lazarus,” and “Sound and Vision.” Caruso also sings “No Plan,” along with “This is Not America,” “Life on Mars” and is featured on “All the Young Dudes,” “Heroes” and “Absolute Beginners.”
“Lazarus” continues through Jan. 22 at Kings Cross Theatre in London. Visit https://lazarusmusical.com/ for more information.
Festival passes on sale now
The deadline to buy discounted early bird passes to the 2017 Festival at Sandpoint is a month earlier than usual.
Music fans can buy a pass to all the shows for $199 through November, which reflects a 40 to 60 percent discount for all eight nights of the festival. The price goes up to $249 on Dec. 1. Only 700 season passes will be made available.
The festival lineup won’t be announced until April 28, but past performers have included Michael Franti, Wilco, Pink Martini, Emmylou Harris, the Head and the Heart, Roseanne Cash and Cake. This summer’s festival, Aug. 3-13, will mark the festival’s 35th year. “We are aiming to go big for our 35th anniversary,” said festival executive director Dyno Wahl in a news release.
To order Early Bird passes online, visit the Festival’s website at www.FestivalatSandpoint.com or call (208) 265-4554.
Help for Art Spirit’s Gibbs
Steve Gibbs, owner of the Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene, has been diagnosed with ALS, the neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
A September story in The Spokesman-Review centered on how he’s handled the diagnosis and what he’s doing to cement his gallery’s legacy. Part of the plan was a benefit art show and sale, with proceeds set to pay for Gibbs’ medical and related expenses. A call went out to the arts community for works donated for the show, which also will feature pieces from Gibbs’ personal collection. The show, which opens Friday, will feature works by Beth Cavener, Ric Gendron, Ben Joyce, George Carlson, Del Gish, Kay O’Rourke, Chris Antemann, Robert Grimes, Peter Cox, Don Ealy, Mel McCuddin, Harold Balaz and many others.
The opening reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the gallery, 415 W. Sherman Ave., in downtown Coeur d’Alene. For more information on the gallery or the benefit show, visit www.theartspiritgallery.com.