Family is the focus of 'Cheaper by the Dozen'
Courtesy photo The cast of the Lake City Playhouse production of “Cheaper by the Dozen” is pictured here: Spencer Normington, Monica Thomas, Sydney Morgan, Ashley Butterfield, Luke Sharon, Emma Sharon, Kyle Rohlinger, Asa Sutton, Cal McDevitt, Amelia Hadley, Sibley Higgins, Kaya Richmond and Bajie the dog.
Family time can be a rare commodity, and its quality can be unpredictable.
The patriarch of the Gilbreth family tackles this issue head-on in “Cheaper by the Dozen” which opens Oct. 19 at the Lake City Playhouse, 1320 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene.
Based on a true story, the play chronicles a year in the life of Frank Gilbreth and his large, loving family. An inventor who is well-known for bringing better efficiency to factories, Gilbreth strives to keep his family of 12 children running just as efficiently. The results are funny and heartwarming as this family friendly tale touches on life and the issues every family faces.
The show runs through Nov. 4 with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
“Putting the show together has been very fun and genuine,” said Sydney Morgan, 18, who plays Anne Gilbreth, the oldest child in the show. “We have a very nice, goofy and talented cast … We’ve done a lot of family bonding to bring us all closer, which has helped us feel more comfortable.”
Morgan’s character is going through a rebellious phase, wanting to date boys and dress like the other girls in her class, which drives her father crazy.
“This causes quite a mess in the Gilbreth household, and Anne starts to see herself as the trailblazer for her younger siblings, especially the other boy-crazy girls,” Morgan said.
Ashley Butterfield, who plays Ernestine, another one of the Gilbreth children, said she was drawn to the production because it has a strong sense of family that will make audiences laugh and think.
Morgan said the play might also bring audiences to tears.
“But it will definitely show you the importance of family. You don’t want to miss it,” Morgan said.
Tickets are $25/adults, $23/seniors, students and military.
Tickets are available at www.lakecityplayhouse.org or by email to info@lakecityplayhouse.org or by phone to 208-676-7529.