THEATRE: It's back, it's a blast

Just 10 months ago, the future of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre was uncertain at best. Today, after having enjoyed “My Fair Lady” the 2014 Season opener, I feel a fully renewed confidence and admiration for the organization, its board of directors and talented, tireless staff.

Kudos to Artistic Director Jadd Davis and Executive Director Laura Little for seeing this season to a truly beautiful opening weekend! This show is captivating from the very first note, believable from beginning to end. Allison Standley IS Eliza Doolittle, and Greg Stone is about as brilliantly frustrating as Henry Higgins can be. There is no question this is professional theatre. It is therefore surprising how many of the cast are local talent; but talented they are! From Cody Bray’s flawlessly sweet solo to Jerry Sciarrio’s endearingly irresponsible rendition of “With a Little Bit of Luck”, they bring it. The bulk of the ensemble are homegrown, and every one makes North Idaho proud.

This production leaves no detail untended. From accents to choreography; from the “Pyg Mail Inn” to Alfred P. Doolittle’s perfectly ill-fitting vest, there seems to be no end to delightful elements. The Kroc Center Auditorium proves the ideal venue to enjoy such a wonderfully executed show.

If this production is any indication of things to come, I believe Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre will be around for a long time. Bravo!

La DONNA BEAUMONT

Coeur d’Alene