We are so excited about our 2009 Summer Season of Musicals which will be locally produced with Broadway artists working hand-in-hand with talented regional artists selected in a nation-wide talent search to be held in March and April of 2009.
Two new-to-Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre titles are the magnificent MISS SAIGON (from the authors of LES MISERABLES) and Mel Brooks’ zany extravaganza THE PRODUCERS.
A new year has begun, Valentine's Day is upon us, and we seem a long way away from last summer, which ended with a spectacular, triumphant run of LES MISERABLES.
Last August we announced the 2009 Summer Lineup, and season tickets have been selling amazingly well ever since. With the world in such economic turmoil, we've been astonished to note that our ticket sales, contributions, and gift certificates are all above where we were at this point last year!
All we can say is that we're very grateful that our friends, our fans, and our supporters seem to make Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre a very high priority! We'll do our very best not to disappoint you.
Having a wonderful assortment of shows certainly will help us in this regard!
We open the Season with one of the most popular shows in Broadway history!
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s enduringly popular musical favorite JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHINCOLOR DREAMCOAT. Beginning its life in 1967 as a 20-minute “pop cantata” for a school Easter concert, “Joseph” was revived and expanded in the mid-’70s and eventually made its way to Broadway in 1982. This lively interpretation of the biblical story of Joseph of Canaan has gone on to charm audiences around the world with its excitement, energy, and eclectic musical variety. This show is perfect for the entire family.
Our second offering of the season with the most awarded show in Broadway history, Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS. Based on his Academy Award winning movie, Brooks garnered every Tony Award in sight when he created this musical expansion of the original story.
And how timely the story is! The leading character, Broadway producer Max Bialystock, can't pay his bills. Everywhere he touches is a failure! He is a desperate man! Talk about needing a Bailout!
But when meek accountant Leo Bloom offhandedly notes that someone dishonest could actually make a fortune on a flop show, by raising more money than is needed to produce it, a loony scheme is hatched. Purloining the savings from a collection of love-starved little old ladies, Max sets out to create the worst musical in Broadway history, “Springtime for Hitler!” Somehow, this tale of monetary desperation may not sound all that humorous right now, but we guarantee it is one of the funniest shows ever written. (Because Mel Brooks' sense of humor is also a bit ribald, we feel comfortable recommending this show only for audiences 13 and older!)
Following The Producers is the adorable valentine to the Musicals of the 30’s. DAMES AT SEA reinforces the fact that history repeats itself. The First song of the Show is entitles Wall Street “It’s the rise and fall street” This hilarious tap-dancing boy meets girl – the show must go on musical will warm your heart and get you tapping your feet. This show is perfect for the whole family.
After that, we present one of the most challenging shows ever, the exciting Broadway follow-up to the same authors' Les Miserables. This Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre premiere is MISS SAIGON, an unforgettable retelling of “Madame Butterfly,” set during the final days of the Vietnam War. Young soldier Chris, lonely and displaced as he serves his country in Southeast Asia, falls in love with the innocent bar girl Kim. The strength of their love, however, is sorely tested when the fortunes of war pull them powerfully in opposite directions, and Kim must find unbelievable reserves of faith and strength. This show is sung throughout, in the style of Les Mis, and features a rich, exciting musical score. (Because of the extremely dramatic nature of this show, we also recommend this one for audiences 13 and older.)
Can’t wait to see you this summer! Stay Warm
Roger
Congratulations Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
