Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater kicks off another season of quality entertainment
COEUR D’ALENE SUMMER THEATER is full of surprises, aren’t they? As one of the longest running theater companies in the region — they’ve been lighting up the stage since 1967 — you know they’re going to produce exciting shows. But this year, they’re changing things up just a bit, according to artistic associate, Chuck Ethridge.
The 2019 season kicks off with a lake cruise on Friday May 24 ($40, cdasummertheatre.com). Get a preview of the season as nine talented actors and actresses perform songs from across CST’s production season: Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma! and Smokey Joe’s Café. Even better, they’ll be accompanied by Coeur d’Alene’s own symphony.
Which one of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater’s larger productions is a must-see? Ethridge can’t choose; he’s looking forward to all of them for different reasons.
“I’m really excited about Beauty and the Beast (June 18-30) because it’s a crowd favorite,” says Etheridge, who will also appear in the Disney classic.
Oklahoma! (July 11-28) is another classic, dating to 1943 and featuring the award-wining music of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. CST offers a slightly new take, blending classic and modern versions with a pared-down set design and few actors playing instruments, says Ethridge.
Get ready to sing along to pop faves from the ’50s like “Stand by Me” and “On Broadway” when Smokey Joe’s Café opens (Aug. 8-25).
“You’ll also see more local talent, along with some great folks that we auditioned from Seattle, New York and other places,” Ethridge says.
In between the larger productions, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater will conduct two stage readings, which gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at how actors develop the process. Arsenic and Old Lace runs June 25, while Crimes of the Heart is July 23.
All productions take place at Salvation Army Kroc Center. Tickets are $49 adult, $42 seniors, $27 children for larger productions, $25 for staged readings. Visit cdasummertheater.com or call 208-660-2958.
Special Events
Silverwood Kids Weekend
MAY 18-19
Moms and dads get their own day — so why shouldn’t kids? Celebrate them with discounted pricing (only $38 for general admission/$21 for youth/seniors) at Silverwood. For even more discounts, check out visitcda.org.
Dozer Day
MAY 18-19
Stand in awe or let your child climb up in the cab of an excavator, dozer, or backhoe and DRIVE during Dozer Day benefiting local children’s charities. Tickets are on sale at Cabela’s, all Les Schwab stores and online. $5-$10; Cabela’s, State Line; 11 am-4 pm.
Wednesday Farmers Market
MAY 22
Enjoy live music as you browse amongst the 100 artisans and producers offering fresh vegetables and plant starts to breads and birdhouses. Free; 4-6:30 pm; Fifth and Sherman in downtown
Coeur d’Alene.
Baconfest
MAY 23
A new festival to celebrate the smokey goodness of bacon? Um, yes! Sample and then vote for your favorite bacon treats, while also enjoying live music and a beer garden. Proceeds benefit St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho. $25 adults/$10 kids 12 and under; 5:30-7:30 pm; Silver Lake Mall.
