adapted by Barbara Field
directed by Yvonne A.K. Johnson
musical direction by Mike Saccomanno
choreography by Michele Whalen
Nov. 18-Dec. 18
Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays-Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm
Tickets: $17; $14, seniors, $12, students
Spokane Civic Theatre’s Main Stage
1020 N. Howard St.
Call 325-2507 or 325-SEAT
Maybe I'm shallow, but this blog was a whole lot more interesting when it didn't read like an old-fashioned school/church announcement bulletin board, but had some conversation, varying viewpoints, editorializing, analysis, and dare I say it, even controversy.
ReplyDeleteControversy?
ReplyDeleteWhats controversy?
teehee
Sadly I think Michae's may have been tempered by the many anonymous people who all morph into one mass persona -- You climb all over Mr. Bowen's back when he says something with an opinion, then you complain when he doesn't. It's like you're just waiting for something to attack with your sentence fragment barbs. Yes, intelligent conversation can be held in a comment section. Yes, that would be a more interesting read, but unfortunately it devolves quickly in snippiness. At least pick a moniker and put some claim to your thoughts.
ReplyDelete"Tooscaredto-ID" sez....Hear, Hear!!
ReplyDeleteI am the person who wrote the original email which was critical of Civic's website, and, no, I am not affiliated with the theatre administration in any way. While I am sorry if my remarks stepped on anyone's toes, I do wish to point out that the website is still non-existent.
ReplyDeleteI do wish to put in a word of disagreement with Screwtape on one point, however. I think that the possibility of remaining anonymous in one's remarks is very important. In any community, especially one as small as the world of theatre, there is always a fear that speaking one's mind could be cause for reprisals - subtle - perhaps only imagined - but worrisome. Whenever any person, or group of persons, is in a position of power over any other, anonymity is very important. That is why this blog is a potentially valuable forum for the airing of opinions - whether positive or negative - but ideally expressed in a respectful and constructive way.
To Anonymous #3: I'm not saying that we all must disclose our identies, because it is nice to have a place where personal politics aren't an issue -- however if we'd all just sign our comments with something other than "anonymous" it would be easier to sort out where an individual actually stands on things (even without knowing their real name or face). It takes a choice to click on the "Anonymous" selector, and it's just as easy to create a pseudonym, handle, nickname, nom de plume to use. I have chosen one which can link together all the comments I've left here, yet my identity remains unknown. (Of course anyone could come on here and write under mine, but I'd hope that we're all a lot more trusting and honest than that.) It's easier than prefacing it with "I'm the person who discussed the uses of sprechstimme and leitmotif in musical theater" isn't it?
ReplyDeleteOn your other note, it's also true that it's been twice the anticipated week, and Civic Theatre's website remains empty. It's really a pity that it ever left as it used to be very up-to-date and chock full. Very sad that they had to fight to get it back (I don't envy them that), but they obviously have the rights to it back now (their logo is on the page), so we're all just waiting for the information to catch up.
And finally, best of luck to Nik Adams in his retirement. Your talents have been much appreciated, don't stay away too far.
Yvonne Johnson what about the promise of the web site?
ReplyDeleteI must point out that the Civic's website was never "chock-full" of helpful information as "Screwtape" has said. Yvonne and the Civic deserve praise for working hard to improve the website. Things are not always as they seem to the uninformed. Why do we assume that the Civic’s leadership is being lazy? Yes, it is taking a while but thorough jobs do not happen overnight. The Civic has had to fight to regain the rights and only now that they are winning that battle can they begin to build an informative website. I am confident that the Civic will deliver a website as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone is assuming Civic's leadership is lazy - you can't survive as a non-profit community theatre if you're not putting in 100%. I think the point may be how Civic places its priorities. Maybe, just maybe, the theatre-going public puts a higher value on an up-to-date Civic website than on a redecorated/repainted lobby in making its decisions as to where to go and/or what to see.
ReplyDeleteThe new Civic lobby looks beautiful. The addition of wine and beer at the theatre are a treat. Maybe, just maybe, people appreciate a warm, well-cared for environment and lots of hospitality when they are out for an evening of culture.
ReplyDeleteThe lobby is decorated for A Christmas Carol right now and it looks especially nice. It's a great show. Check it out!
Oh, yippee. More snarky comments about Civic. Sheesh, people, do you have any comments are theatre ARTS?
ReplyDeleteDefine snarky.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my comment about snarkiness was posted seconds after the kind comment about the lobby. Bad timing. Snarky; catty, snide, critical, etc. And as Michael noted before, the kind of comment that seems to flood this blog.
ReplyDeleteNone of these comments seem snide to me. I noted that there is no information on the website, which remains a true statement (although currently there is a script error rather than the earlier "under construction" page, which leads me to believe work is being done). Anonymous #5 said they were confident it would be worked on as soon as possible. And Anonymous #6 merely expresses an opinion with regards to management priorities. I for one do make many decisions based on the easy accessibility of information and value internet resources highly, particularly from a marketing standpoint. All of them were well-composed, had a valid viewpoint, and refrained from overtly harsh language. Anonymous #4 was a bit terse, but after Anonymous #1 up until a sarcastic "oh, yippee" I think we were doing quite civilly. Not all opinions are criticism; and not all criticism is meant with a poisoned tongue.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not meant to be intended "with a poisoned tongue", then why do people feel the need to be anonymous? It's either because we're afraid our comments will be held against us by theatre managements, or because people want to take shoots at people or companies without consequences of any kind. Of course they are meant to offend and disturb. Isn't that obvious?
ReplyDeleteIn the spirit of anonymous #1 comment - I underestand that Tim Cotter at KEYF-AM is considering bringing Broadway's Biggest Hits back to the Spokane airwaves. This two hour weekly show is outstanding. I was a regular listener when KAZZ aired it prior to changing their format. For those who are not familiar with the show, check the "playlist" secton of http://www.broadwaysbiggesthits.com.I think you will agree with me that it is worth trying to get KEYF-AM to pick it up. If you do agree that two hours of Broadway's best musical numbers is worth a listen, how about an email to Tim Cotter (tim.cotter@citcomm.com) telling him of your interest. Or a call to the station (448-1000).
ReplyDeleteI concur with Curmudge. Broadway's Biggest Hits is a great radio program that's worth having in Spokane. The playlist includes the classics and the latest releases, with a lot of lesser-known gems tossed in. The weekly mystery overture was always a lot of fun as well. Certainly worth bringing back.
ReplyDelete(And to Anonymous #11: I'm sorry that your view of the world believes that everything done anonymously must be done out of fear of retaliation, rather than good intention. It's just not so.)
Sunday Showtunes was my favorite! (Or Broadway's Biggest Hits or whatever.) I'll be sure to call the station and put my two cents in.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the notice of our lobby at Civic. Many volunteers helped Donovan and me decorate for Christmas. We don't have a beautiful, historic building like Centerstage, but we are trying to make our space more inviting. Some criticise us for spending time and money on it, because if people are seeing the lobby, it means they've already bought their tickets. Our feeling is that if it adds to an enjoyable night out, they will come back and hopefully bring friends and recommend it to others. The website is important, but many people still use the newspapers (job security for Michael and Jim) for their info as well. W're working hard on the website, but WOW what a huge project it is!
ReplyDeleteDo not tell us it is going to be up and then do not follow through AGAIN!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jan. The new website looks fantastic and navigates well. And my favorite part: production photos. Congratulations to you and everyone who worked hard on a fine job. (Also, although the building itself may not be as old as other theaters, there have been a lot of people who put in a lot of work to build and maintain the building. That's a history of Civic's own that deserves pride.)
ReplyDeleteNice site guys congrats
ReplyDeleteCome on guys, whole paragraphs were written on the lack of website. Don't Donovan and his cohorts deserve equal amounts of praise for the beautiful site they produced? Prove Screwtape right, that you weren't just out to be snarky.
ReplyDeleteThe Civic's new website is GREAT! I think it is the best one of all the art's organizations in town now. Wonderful job guys....keep up the great work! :)
ReplyDelete