The season of Summer Theatre

| May 11, 2012 9:00 PM

Whatever your cup of tea, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre offers up something to please in its summer lineup.

Spam-eating knights of the round table? Got 'em.

Johnny Cashtunes? Yep.

A smart-alecky matchmaker? Done.

Ragtime jazz? Belly laughs? Tears? Check.

Starting June 14, the professional musical theatre kicks off its 45th anniversary season with a revival of the enduring classic "Hello, Dolly!," starring Ellen Travolta as the irrepressible and meddlesome Dolly Levi, and Jack Bannon (Ellen's real-life husband) as Horace Vandergelder.

The original 1964 Broadway production of "Hello, Dolly!" ran for 2,844 performances with Carol Channing in the title role, and swept the Tony awards, winning 10 out of 11 nominations. The show runs Thursdays through Sundays, June 14-23.

Opening July 5 is the regional premier of the Johnny Cash jukebox revue, "Ring of Fire." A multi-talented cast and onstage band bring to life the famous songs of the "Man in Black," including "I Walk the Line," "A Boy Named Sue," "Folsom Prison Blues," and the title tune. "Ring of Fire" runs Thursdays through Sundays, July 5-15.

Then, Monty Python cultists can get their fix at "Spamalot," the irreverent play that was lovingly ripped-off from the hit movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Warning: this show features killer rabbits, and spoofs everything from chivalry to musical theater itself. The original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including "Best Musical." "Spamalot" runs Thursdays through Sundays, July 26 to Aug. 5.

Finally, CST wraps up its summer season with another regional premier. The boutique musical "Ragtime" is a poignant, historical epic that tells the tales of a Harlem musician, the matriarch of an upper-class family in New Rochelle, N.Y., and a Latvian Jewish immigrant.

Based on the 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, the original 1998 production was nominated for 13 Tony awards, winning four. Ragtime runs Thursdays through Sundays, Aug. 16-26.

Adult season subscriptions are available for $119.95, and senior subscriptions are $107.85. Flex Passes, which allow the subscriber to choose any performance during a show's run, are $139.93 for adults, and $125.83 for seniors. Individual tickets are $39.95 for adults, $35.95 for seniors and $31.95 each for groups of 10 or more.

Shows are at North Idaho College's Schuler Auditorium in Boswell Hall.

Established in 1967, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre is the Inland Northwest's only professional musical theater, and one of the premier arts entertainment attractions in the region.

CST was listed in the "Top 10 Great Places to See the Lights Off Broadway" by USA Today (2005). It was recently voted "Best Arts Organization in North Idaho" by readers of The Inlander, and received the Idaho Governor's "Brightest Star" award in 2011. During its season, CST employs more than 100 performers, musicians and technicians.

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre is seeking volunteers for their 45th anniversary season. Volunteers are needed to assist with concessions, serve as door greeters and assist with the silent auction table. Each shift is 2-3 hours in length and volunteers will be given the opportunity to see the show free of charge.

Interested parties are encouraged to attend a short informational meeting on either June 2 at 11 a.m. or June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Boswell Hall at North Idaho College.

For more information, contact Laura Beyer, volunteer coordinator, at (208) 769-7780 or by email at volunteers@cstidaho.com. Information can also be found online at www.cdasummertheatre.com/volunteer.

Cd'A Summer Theatre seeks volunteers

Interested parties are encouraged to attend a short informational meeting on either June 2 at 11 a.m. or June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Boswell Hall at North Idaho College.

For more information, contact Laura Beyer, volunteer coordinator, at (208) 769-7780 or by email at volunteers@cstidaho.com. Information can also be found online at www.cdasummertheatre.com/volunteer.