'Quilters' explores the female frontier

A celebration of American pioneer women is coming to Coeur d’Alene.

“Quilters” opens March 23 and runs through April 8 at the Lake City Playhouse, 1320 E. Garden Ave.

“The story is a testament to the strength of the pioneer woman. We need some good stories about the importance of the part women play in our history. It’s a powerful piece,” said director Lorna Hamilton.

Cast member Teri Grubbs, who plays the role of Sarah, said “Quilters” is a historical account of the pioneer life told through emotional stories, song, and dance.

“The cast is a diverse group of women, and we are having a great time learning this challenging show,” Grubbs said.

The show, an ensemble piece telling the story of a mother and her six daughters, captures the essence of the experiences of women on the frontier: beauty, terror, joy, harsh challenges and rewards.

“In this play, each character plays many roles, but in the long run, we are all daughters willing to carry out our mother’s legacy through quilting and stories,” said said cast member Makena Barnett, who plays Lisa and various other roles.

Illuminating stories contained in various patches of music, dance and drama, the action depicts pioneer women experiencing girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, illness and death, And of course, warmth and love.

“Some of the subject matter in the show was hard to grasp due to the brutally honest nature of it, but after becoming part of that history, it provoked many feelings of gratitude for everything that we have now including medical care, housing, and women’s rights,” Barnett said.

All the actresses play multiple roles, said cast member Alyssa Day. Each performer contributes vital pieces of the many stories portrayed.

“The show has been very grounding. This is the story of my pioneering ancestors,” said cast member Julie Powell.