Gala helps Cd'A Summer Theater

A gala event this Saturday will help fund the outreach programs and children's camp of the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater.

The gala, hosted by actor Dennis Franz and his wife, Joanie, will take place at the Franz home on Kidd Island.

"Some Enchanted Evening" is the theme; guests will wear all-white outfits. The exclusive, 50-person event - featuring an elegant dinner, auction and entertainment - is now sold out.

"Because of the Franzes' generosity, we will be able to offer theater arts training and appreciation workshops for children," said Laura Little, executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater (CST), via e-mail. "These workshops will introduce children to the art of acting and theater etiquette, and will prep them for our upcoming auditions for 'Wizard of Oz' and 'The Sound of Music.'"

Dennis and Joanie Franz have covered all of the expenses for Saturday's gala, Little said, and Joanie has worked tirelessly to collect unique auction items.

"Coming from a theater background, I'm aware of the financial difficulties of running a successful theater company," Dennis said. "We particularly feel the importance of having this live theater opportunity available to young people."

Since they moved to Coeur d'Alene, the Franzes have often enjoyed CST productions, Dennis said.

"(This is) our way of saying thank you and keep up the good work," he added. "It's been a wonderful turnout so far. I think we sold out the first day the tickets were available. Every penny earned is going to the theater."

Event proceeds will also benefit the theater's summer camp, help get a fledgling awards program for high school thespians off the ground, and make it possible for hundreds of underprivileged children to watch a free performance of "The Wizard of Oz" next year.

"There's so many kids that don't have something that is their focus in life," Little said. "They just don't have a niche. Then they come to one of our shows, and they say, 'I want to do that.' The problem with live theater is that it really is dying, because kids aren't being exposed."

CST also needs funding for some new lighting and sound equipment, a problem that could be remedied on Saturday night.

"If we're lucky, (the gala) might be able to help with our tech equipment," Little said.

With a cast of professional actors and actresses, the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater performs musicals, plays and readings at North Idaho College.