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Posted
by Sheila Jones on 8/18/2008 at 1:19:57 PM EST.
Subject: Les Mis |
| What a wonderful production of Les Mis...saw it yesterday and was totally blown away. Great cast, great production. Looking forward to more of the same in the future. |
Posted
by Kasey RT Graham on 8/17/2008 at 11:26:52 PM EST.
Subject: Les Mis = Les Magnifique |
| Congratulations on 'Les Mis'. It was outstanding. I'm so proud to have worked here and with many of the cast and crew.
You didn't just 'pull it off' you put on one hell (can I say hell on here?) of a show! |
Posted
by Rae Ann (Carter) Fritsche on 8/10/2008 at 3:11:16 PM EST.
Subject: Another "kid" from the 1983 season! |
| I was involved in the 1983 season (Annie, Sound of Music, Cabaret, and Pirates of Penzance)as "Pepper" in Annie! Wow, what a great experience and memory! I remember Bob Moe fondly. I would love to hear what everyone else is doing now! I would also love to get a hold of a video from the Annie production! raeannfritsche@yahoo.com |
Posted
by Dean Miles on 8/6/2008 at 4:08:57 PM EST.
Subject: Looking forward to the show |
| We'll be visiting CDA in Aug for our vacation...already have tickets to see L.M. with a bunch of friends. Was a company member back in 81 and 85. I echo what Mike stated about Bob Moe... He was a great guy and good friend & teacher. Looking forward to getting home to both CDA and The Carrousel Players. |
Posted
by Elaine Brown on 8/3/2008 at 10:34:30 AM EST.
Subject: Last nights performance, Aug. 2nd |
| We saw the show last night. The Princess was amazing, but the Prince was awful. We saw you had Cameron Lewis in the cast and know him to be an amazingly talented young man. Why was he not the Prince? What a waste of talent sticking him in the chorus. |
Posted
by Michael Fietsam on 8/1/2008 at 10:41:40 PM EST.
Subject: The Fondest Memories!!! |
| I have such fond memories of my years with Carrousel Players. From my first show in 1980 until my Summer Theatre Directorial Debut (Evita) in 1996 the theatre shaped my life. Bob Moe was like a second father to me. I sure miss all the great times, fantastic friends, incredible talent, and unique experiences. My heart goes out to all those who are no longer with us. Thank you all for the memories.
Michael |
Posted
by Sharon Sturm on 7/28/2008 at 4:37:38 PM EST.
Subject: Season Ticket |
| If I wanted to buy season tickets for next year, what would be the approximate cost? |
Posted
by Webmaster on 7/27/2008 at 7:11:36 PM EST.
Subject: Need a Map? |
| If you click on the "How to Reach Us" page, you will find a map on the link "Click Here For Directions"
Thanks! |
Posted
by Richard T. Brown on 7/27/2008 at 5:53:20 PM EST.
Subject: |
| It would be nice if you offered a map of how to get there. |
Posted
by Charles Kilian on 7/25/2008 at 1:16:54 AM EST.
Subject: histor summer 1973 |
| Liz it was indeed wonerful summer. I'm propmaster at ASF in Montgomery Al was TD at carosel players in73 still doing theatre after all these years. |
Posted
by Steve on 7/11/2008 at 11:47:02 PM EST.
Subject: website audio |
| I produce those spots for air in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. I think it's pretty creative of the CST staff to include them on the website. |
Posted
by Katie Hagen on 7/8/2008 at 2:23:23 AM EST.
Subject: 1987-1995 Seasons |
| Hi,
It's really great to have a theatre blog. I was part of the pit orchestra from 1987-1995. I'm a flutist currently out on the road with the Air National Guard Band of the Northwest. It's the fun corner of the military - really :-) I'd like to hear from anyone who may have played in the pit or might otherwise remember me. I'm attending "Mattress" and "Les Mis" this year. Hope to see many familiar faces! Hi Angela, Terrance, Stu, Jack, Ellen, Freddie... |
Posted
by Christopher on 7/3/2008 at 5:18:11 PM EST.
Subject: Sound |
| Turn off or turn down the raucous music that blares at us when we come on to the home page. It sounds like a cheap AM radio ad. |
Posted
by Kendal on 6/9/2008 at 5:08:27 PM EST.
Subject: Congrats! |
| Way to go on a great review for the opening of the season, I'm looking forward to joining everyone later this summer!!!!! |
Posted
by Emily McGlocklin-Zahniser on 6/2/2008 at 1:15:25 AM EST.
Subject: 1983 Season |
| Hello! I was with the theater for the 1983 Season (Annie, in "Annie") and wondering what happened to anyone from that year. If you were there, drop me a line at elz2101@yahoo.com, I'd love to hear from you. |
Posted
by Liz Morton Duckworth on 5/17/2008 at 10:38:29 PM EST.
Subject: History, summer 1973 |
| Anybody else remember the season of My Fair Lady; Promises, Promises; How to Succeed...; and Bye Bye Birdie? I was Rosemary and in lots of chorus roles. We had a wild and wonderful summer, thanks to Bob Moe and many others. I can't remember the exact location, but the venue used to be a church. I'd love to hear from anybody else from that season. |
Posted
by Sherrie Peterson on 4/21/2008 at 6:34:05 PM EST.
Subject: Children needed to audition? |
| Hi Roger!
I'm the mom of Josiah Peterson who was involved in " The King & I" several summers back. Josiah is now 10. Do you need any children to audition for your summer shows?
Thanks for letting us know! davesherrie@juno.com
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Posted
by Roger on 4/18/2008 at 7:29:37 PM EST.
Subject: Summer 08 |
| Love hearing from you all- keep it coming, I am so excited about the season. Thanks to everyone
See you this summer?
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Posted
by Angela Kelley on 4/18/2008 at 4:04:04 PM EST.
Subject: reminiscing |
| I've been thinking about the happy times I've had at CST. It's been along time since I've been to CDA. Maybe I'll get out to visit this summer. Awesome season! I remember when Les Miz first came out and Ralph McCoy, Vinnie, Karen Hartman, Terence and I would talk about it. Boy does that date me or what? :) Anyone still out there from that era? I did see Stu's photo for Full Monty! Hello Rog! |
Posted
by Tamara on 3/8/2008 at 12:57:27 PM EST.
Subject: new email |
| Hi Roger, it's Tamara. I have a new email. Would love to hear from you. I'll be at the Spokane auditions. |
Posted
by Kimberly Gadette on 11/30/2007 at 3:21:39 AM EST.
Subject: Hoping to hear from you |
| Note to prior cast and crew of CDA Summer Theater: For a piece I'm writing for Northwest Magazine, I'd love to hear about your great memories, experiences, etc. Please write me at k_gadette@comcast.net Thanks so much |
Posted
by Sir Edward Ramsey on 11/30/2007 at 3:17:55 AM EST.
Subject: Cheerio, old chaps! |
| I saw The Full Monty this last summer. Impeccable. But why didn't that dashing young man who played Teddy show us his? Certainly that show should have been called The Full Teddy. |
Posted
by Kimberly Gadette on 11/30/2007 at 3:16:30 AM EST.
Subject: See above |
| Alum of Carrousel Players, currently writing article for Northwest Magazine on CDA Summer Theater |
Posted
by Ken on 10/13/2007 at 6:28:21 PM EST.
Subject: Memories... |
| A big hello from a past member. I was with the company in 1977, fresh out of (undergraduate) school. Our season included Hello, Dolly!, Lil Abner, South Pacific and Applause and we worked out of the church (on (10th Street, if I recall correctly...). It was a great summer; I went on to work the Bigfork Playhouse the next season, the Great Falls Summer Showcase the following, and the Fort Peck Summer Theatre -- where we did Once Upon A Mattress in honor of that summer's Royal Wedding(the latter three all in Montana)in 1981. Meanwhile, I came back home to Los Angeles where I've been working in TV since. Hopefully, some day I'll pass that way again and spend some time back in Cd'a. Good luck! |
Posted
by Troy Wageman on 8/14/2007 at 12:19:32 AM EST.
Subject: Congrats |
| Looks like you all have had a fantastic season!!! Keep up the fine work CST. I know how much hard work you are all putting in there. Miss you all very much! |
Posted
by Anonymous on 8/10/2007 at 1:36:44 PM EST.
Subject: Musicians and a correction to BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE |
| Kudos to Larry and Carolyn Jess for bringing in such talented musicians to fill the pit. However, a correction to the BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE article - the musicians are not exclusively from the Spokane Symphony. While some of them play with that organization, Larry and Carolyn tap off the MANY talented musicians who are not a part of that organization in order to get the BEST musical mix for your entertainment. WAY TO GO GUYS!!!! Your efforts are extremely successful!!! |
Posted
by Jim Wilkins on 7/12/2007 at 6:37:37 PM EST.
Subject: Spokies |
| Congratulations on your Spokies award winners!
Best Choreography
Michael Wasileski for A Chorus Line, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
As spectacular as Chorus Line's final, glorious, self-assertive chorus line is, that's not what earned this award. That distinction goes to how Wasileski guided Megan Bayha's shoulder rolls and kicks and glides in "The Music and the Mirror."
Best Costumes, Musical
Hilary Winkworth, Pippin, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
From the decadent look of the Fosse "amoeba" to the psychedelic colors of '70s optimism to the anachronistic Vikings and doughboys of the battle sequences, Winkworth's numerous designs exemplified how costumes can support a show's themes.
Best Actress, Musical
Haley New Ostrander in the title role of Peter Pan, CdA Summer Theatre
Scampering, roistering and flying over our heads, Ostrander brought swagger to the Lost Boys' king while still showing us his loneliness and vulnerability.
Best Director, Musical
Roger Welch, Pippin, CdA Summer Theater
For creating a sense of reckless cynicism in a small space, Troy Nickerson's achievement in Assassins was remarkable. But Welch took a larger cast and by deploying roles in unusual ways (three Leading Players) was able to sharpen the contemporary parallels (anti-war satire aimed at Iraq instead of Vietnam) and add a sense of ongoing evil (in that haunting finale).
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Posted
by Anonymous on 7/3/2007 at 5:26:28 PM EST.
Subject: The Full Monty |
| I saw your production of The Full Monty last week and thought it was wonderful. It's not about what you think - at times it's tender and emotional, all wrapped up in a great music and lots of laughter. Of course there are some startling moments, too! The audience was whoopin' it up and had a great time. Hope you fill the house every night! It's a great show and a wonderful way to spend a few hours on a summer night. |
Posted
by Carrie on 6/15/2007 at 2:12:58 PM EST.
Subject: Mille |
| Saw Millie last night. It was awesome! Right up there in my favorite 3 or 4 of all time. |
Posted
by A Fan on 6/10/2007 at 2:41:49 PM EST.
Subject: Millie |
| Conratulations!!!!!
Thoroughly Modern Millie is Fantastic!!! Everyone is perfect. You are all Amazing!!! |
Posted
by Julie Morgan on 5/20/2007 at 7:01:12 PM EST.
Subject: History of the Theater! |
| Hope that as this website grows the history of this theater will be included...saw my first show somewhere around 1967 (maybe the King and I) and was a big part of who I have become at 50! Regards for a magical 2007 season!
Julie Reitmeier Morgan |
Posted
by Robby French on 5/18/2007 at 4:37:40 PM EST.
Subject: Summer is almost here... |
| Hey everyone!! Excited to see everybody again. Can't wait to get this season started! Peace and Love!! |
Posted
by Brad Willcuts on 5/17/2007 at 9:35:50 PM EST.
Subject: been too long... |
| Hey playa's! can't wait to see you all in Kate! Hope everyone is well and good. Lots of love to all my favorite people and place!
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Posted
by Megan (Bayha) Swanson on 5/11/2007 at 12:58:12 AM EST.
Subject: Hello old friend! |
| Hello CST!!! I miss you! I love the new site and think of you all often. |
Posted
by KaseyRT on 5/3/2007 at 6:47:18 PM EST.
Subject: Amazing |
| Amazing article. There is something really special about this theatre and I can't wait to catch a show when I'm home this summer! |
Posted
by PUBLICITY on 3/4/2007 at 1:30:32 PM EST.
Subject: BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE |
| BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE
Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
The work is steady, the audiences -- averaging 32,000 per summer -- are enthusiastic, and the programming is nothing but musicals, often including area premieres. And for actors looking to spend the summer putting up shows in a summer stock-like setting, the location of Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre is hard to beat.
Located 30 miles from Spokane, Wash., on picturesque Lake Coeur d'Alene in the northern Idaho panhandle, the company operates out of North Idaho College and performs in the campus's Schuler Auditorium, which holds 1,178. "We're a resort town, much like Aspen or Sundance," explains Roger Welch, the theatre's artistic director for 13 years. "A large portion of our audience comes over the state line from Spokane. They come over here to play golf and to see musical theatre."
Which is exactly what Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre has been offering since it began as the Carrousel Players in 1967. A typical season consists of four musicals that run back to back for 12 weeks for a total of 36 performances. The company also produces a spring musical: This year's entry is a revival of the theatre's first show, Carousel, chosen to honor the company's 40th anniversary.
Coeur d'Alene draws its actors primarily from the Seattle and Portland areas, with occasional performers and designers coming in from Los Angeles and New York. Cheyenne Jackson, who starred in the Broadway musical All Shook Up, has appeared here, as have actors Randee Heller and Jack Bannon.
Bannon's wife, Ellen Travolta (sister of John), is a frequent performer with the company and a member of its board of directors. Not only did the family fall in love with the theatre, they bought property in Coeur d'Alene and live there a good portion of the year.
"There's no summer stock anymore, no place for the kids to go," says Travolta, who will play crusty rehearsal pianist Jeanette Burmeister in The Full Monty this summer. "You get paid decently, and they bring in a lot of Equity people. You might get to do a part that, if this were the star system, they'd bring in people who did it on the road. But here, new people get a shot."
"It's an opportunity for younger people to work with some wonderful professionals in the field," agrees Welch. "So it's great for people to go on to the next level. Quite a few of our performers who have come through, within a year or two they're on Broadway. That's happened several times to us."
A full company of artists and designers typically totals around 100. Musicians from the Spokane Symphony, which is dark during the summer, make their way to Coeur d'Alene, trading in their classical repertoire for a season of musical theatre.
Despite its familial tie, the theatre hasn't yet secured John Travolta for a production, but the actor has come up to see his sister perform. He also took part in a benefit to help raise money for a new state-of-the-art sound system. "He came up on stage and talked and sang with us. He had a ball," says his sister. "He touts this as some of the best theatre he's ever seen."
As an actor, Welch secured his first professional job at the theatre in the mid-1980s. After a few years away, he returned as artistic director in 1993. "I've worked at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and in Seattle. I've done a couple of tours," he says. "There's something unique about Coeur d'Alene. Not only is it beautiful here, the quality of the company is quite extraordinary for the size of the town we're in and the area we're in. It's always felt like family." This year's season will feature Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Full Monty, the Stephen Sondheim revue Putting It Together, and a familiar chestnut, Kiss Me, Kate. The company typically mounts a production in two weeks.
Sometimes an actor is cast in more than one show, but there's no guarantee. "This year will be kind of unique," Welch explains. "I'll probably have similar needs for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Kiss Me, Kate, but the shows in between will require different types."
Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre has premiered one new work -- a World War II-era musical titled Our Shining Hour -- but mostly Welch sticks by his mandate to bring "a little Broadway to our own backyard…. I try to bring shows that not only will excite our audience, but [audiences] that haven't been here. Our audience, I think, really enjoys getting to experience a show without having to go to New York."
Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's season runs from June through August (dates to be announced). For more information, visit www.cdasummertheatre.org
-- Evan Henerson
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Posted
by Jeremy Gable on 2/28/2007 at 4:56:06 PM EST.
Subject: |
| I forgot to mention that the theatre I am Artistic Director of will also be doing "Full Monty" around the same time. Great minds think alike. Of course, yours will be significantly better-looking. |
Posted
by Lee Pugsley on 2/14/2007 at 4:38:30 AM EST.
Subject: |
| I am enjoying the new look on the site! I am also very excited about the shows you are doing! I love them all! CST was a huge part of my middle school/high school years ushering and talking with cast members during each show. I'm glad to see it's still going strong! |
Posted
by Jeremy Gable on 2/12/2007 at 3:58:11 PM EST.
Subject: |
| Congratulations on what's looking to be a fantastic 2007 season. All four shows are really excellent examples of what makes a musical great. If there's any chance I can make it up to see one or more of them, I will gladly take that chance. |
Posted
by Gloria Waggoner on 2/7/2007 at 10:14:32 PM EST.
Subject: 40th Anniversary |
| Happy 40th Anniversary!
Congratulations CST!
Looking foward to "Carousel" and a great summer season in 2007!
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Posted
by Office Manager Maria Pileggi on 1/30/2007 at 7:58:22 PM EST.
Subject: Carousel in Concert |
| Tickets for Carousel in Concert are going fast! Be sure to order soon for the best seats! |
Posted
by Artistic Director Roger Welch on 1/30/2007 at 5:58:53 PM EST.
Subject: Welcome |
| Welcome! We look forward to hearing from you. |
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