'Pocahontas' comes to life
<p>Annie Cuentas, 13, who plays Chioma in the up-coming Christian Youth Theater production of Pocahontas, practices her part on Tuesday at the Salvation Army's Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene.</p>
<p>Sam Cuentas, 15, is one of the sound monitors for the play which has its opening night on Friday the 27th. He monitors the sound for microphones, the band, "pretty much anything that comes out of the speakers," Cuentas said.</p>
Christian Youth Theater-North Idaho's winter offering, "The Legend of Pocahontas," opens tonight in Coeur d'Alene.
The full-scale musical comes to life through the efforts of 71 young people and runs through March 8 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Community Theater, 1765 W. Golf Course Road.
"The story follows the historical character of Powhatan princess, Pocahontas, made legendary from her meeting and dealing with 17th century Jamestown settlers," stated CYT's announcement of the show. "As the two cultures collided, the princess bridged the cultural gap through her relationship with settler, John Smith."
Later, Pocahontas married John Rolfe, an English widower. It is believed she traveled to Europe as a young woman.
CYT-North Idaho's production shares both sides of her life, beginning in her native homeland, and follows her travel to England.
This production has an original score written by Jon Lorenz of San Diego, with the book by Lorenz and co-writer, Robb Beus.
Lorenz is a longtime supporter and alumni of CYT San Diego, who continually works professionally as a composer, director and actor in Southern California. The production was written specifically for CYT San Diego 19 years ago, and has been produced all over the country since its premiere.
"It never ceases to amaze me how many people write me yearly about how doing the show has touched them in some profound way," states Lorenz when asked about the production, according to a press release. "The Legend of Pocahontas is over 18 years old and still playing a vital part in people's lives."
Tickets are now on sale at the CYT-North Idaho website: www.cytnorthidaho.org or by calling the box office at (208) 277-5727.
Show dates and times: Feb. 27, 28 and March 6-7 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 28, March 1, 7 and 8 at 3 p.m.
Tickets range in price from $9-$15. Discounted group rates are also available, as well as a discount for our patrons who serve, or who have served in the military. For more information about "The Legend of Pocahontas" or CYT-North Idaho: www.cytnorthidaho.org.