FROM LIVE MUSIC AND THEATER, ARTS AND MORE, THE OPTIONS ARE LIMITLESS HERE IN THE NORTHWEST BY JUSTIN TEERLINCK
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f you’re feeling like staying inside as the weather has turned and the cold has seeped in, you may want to reconsider. There is much to engage your mind and enliven your soul in the Inland Northwest that will lure you from your cozy den (even if you aren’t a furry critter that likes to sleep through winter). Life is always changing—even with planned events—so take the time to call ahead or check the websites of the organizations listed here for dates, prices and ticket information before making your plans. A pinch of planning is worth a pound of pouting … isn’t that how the old saying goes? Maybe not, but you get the gist! Whether you are looking for something to do for date night, a place to hang with friends, new adventures for the kids or just want to treat yourself—we’ve got you covered. Theater Live theater is alive and well in the Northwest! If you want proof, all you need to do is go online and check the schedules or pop on by some of the local theaters to find a cornucopia of talent that will delight and entertain. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is playing at the Spokane Civic Theatre from November 29 through December 22. Also playing is “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” from January 24 to February 23. The Spokane Children’s Theatre is featuring Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “The Three Musketeers,” “A Year With Frog and Toad” and “The Little Mermaid” for their 2019-2020 season. Noted as Spokane’s oldest theater organization, the Children’s Theatre also features a school-day program that creates opportunities to turn school days into field trips.
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Stage Left Theatre offers a counterpoint to timeless classics, offering alternative theater with political and intellectual themes that aim to “broaden involvement of the general population by engaging issues of topical value and stimulating the analysis and discussion of the structure and goals of society.” Upcoming productions include “Mandelstam” (January 10 through 26) about a poet who was shipped to a gulag because he wrote a poem about Stalin’s mustache. Also playing in the upcoming season at Stage Left: “Lonely Planet” (February 14 through March 1) and “A Voice of My Own” (March 27 through April 11). Also for kids, the Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) of North Idaho, located in Coeur d’Alene, promotes character building and creativity through theater training for kids. They offer classes in everything from drama to dance for kids ranging from 8 to 18. In addition to classes, CYT offers camps, other programs and family friendly shows. Don’t miss “Peter Pan: A New Musical,” February 21 through March 1, and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” May 22 through 31. Christian Youth Theatre of Spokane has a lineup that includes “Frozen” (December 6 through 15), “Beauty and the Beast” and “Matilda” (winter and spring dates TBD). Christian Youth Theatre of Spokane also offers camps, classes and programs for aspiring youth actors.