Spotlight : You still have time to stuff the stocking with tickets
The time has arrived for Spotlight’s annual reminder that tickets make great Christmas presents – and, yes, we know we’re cutting it pretty close.
Yet that’s one advantage of the tickets-as-gifts strategy: It’s never too late, right up to Christmas Eve itself. You can buy tickets today, online or by phone, and put a note in a stocking or a package.
As usual, we have an array of arts and entertainment events for every taste, including:
“”Hairspray,” Jan. 2-7, INB Performing Arts Center: The national touring version of the campy ‘60s-era musical.
“”Sinatra Sings Sinatra,” Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Northern Quest Casino: We’re talking about Frank Jr., of course.
“Northwest Bach Festival, Feb. 10-18, various Spokane venues: Renowned conductor Gunther Schuller leads a world-class lineup of concerts and special events.
“Jerry Lee Lewis, Jan. 14, Northern Quest Casino: He can still play the piano with his foot.
“Spokane Symphony, numerous dates and venues: Choose from 12 upcoming concerts, ranging from the music of Beethoven (the Eighth Symphony) to the music of Bugs Bunny (from the old Warner Bros. cartoons).
“Allegro’s Adieu Amadeus, Jan. 19, The Bing Crosby Theater (formerly The Met): A celebration of Mozart.
“Blue Man Group, Feb. 6, Spokane Arena: Those who have seen this cerulean-colored percussion/performance-art crew tend to gush.
“”Annie,” Feb. 15-18, INB Performing Arts Center: The sun comes out in February for Annie and her fellow waifs.
“The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Feb. 21-24, Kibbie Dome, University of Idaho: It’s as if half of the jazz clubs in Greenwich Village have emptied out and the musicians have gathered in Moscow.
“”Aida,” March 29-April 1, INB Performing Arts Center: The most anticipated Broadway tour of the year, featuring music by Elton John.
Tickets for all of the above events are available through TicketsWest outlets (325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).
And don’t forget about live theater at Interplayers, the Spokane Civic Theatre and the Actor’s Repertory Theatre.
Oh, yeah, there’s also an ice-skating thing coming to town.
Rocked out
There’s a reason that the above list doesn’t include Hinder, Jan. 14 at the Big Easy, or Nickelback, Feb. 22 at the Arena.
Both shows are already sold out. Apparently, the hard rock market is thriving in Spokane.
Making good
Following last Sunday’s story on Neil LaBute, the acclaimed playwright/director who grew up in Spokane, we heard a few more local-boy-makes-good stories.
Jason Michael Snow, a 2002 Ferris High School grad, is making a name for himself as Frederic in “The Pirates of Penzance” at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. He recently made Playbill.com‘s list of “20 Vocal Heroes of 2006” in the column “Celebrity Buzz.”
Snow’s acting and singing talents were already evident in his numerous appearances with the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. He just graduated from the Boston Conservatory.
Then there’s Mark Worthington, a 1977 Lewis and Clark High School alum, who is the production designer of the hit TV show “Ugly Betty” and has been art director on many movies, including “Wag the Dog,” “Legally Blonde 2” and “Austin Powers: Goldmember.”
A Celtic harp CD
Spokane harpist Nancy Davis has released a new solo CD titled “Sequestered Beauty,” a “melodic journey through Scotland, Ireland and Wales.”
You can find it at Auntie’s Bookstore, the MAC Museum Shop and other local shops. Or go to CDBaby.com.