Last Monday, the Spokane Symphony tripled its previous record for single-day ticket sales. Subscribers were lined up an hour early. The Fox's Nov. 17 opening-night gala (including dinner at the Davenport Hotel) is now sold out, and only $40 and $75 tickets for that night's Symphony concert are left. And all the less expensive tickets for Tony Bennett on Nov. 19 are gone. But the artists aren't the only draw: It's the unveiling of an Art Deco treasure and what that means for the future of the performing arts in Spokane.
Staged Conspiracy
Spokane's own JFK conspiracy buff, John Gaetano, is adding new dimensions to his repertoire -- theater and film. Three chapters of his novel America's Deceit were filmed four years ago at the Met, and that film will be shown for free, along with a retrospective of Gaetano's Hollywood days, at the Bing on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 pm.
Six Years Later
Two events commemorate 9/11 this week. On Saturday, Sept. 8, at 7 pm at the Blue Door Theater, a free reading of Reed McColm's Hole in the Sky (based on actual World Trade Center accounts) will be presented by 17 actors representing Ignite! Community Theatre. Call 993-6540. And Tuesday, on 9/11 itself, The Guys will portray a fictional NYC fire chief who turns to a writer for help in composing eulogies for eight of his firefighters. For the dual performances at 7 pm and 9 pm in Gonzaga's Jepson Center (just southwest of St. Al's Church), donations are requested. Call 323-6551.
Tums, Anyone?
Spokane pigged out in style last weekend, and Philly-style cheesesteak sandwiches seemed to be everywhere. Next year, organizers plan to add a seventh day, dubbing it "Antacids in the Park."
Acts, Won
Underdogs and disillusioned lovers will be the focus of the Quickenings' two half-hour plays on Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 6-8, at 8 pm at the City Life Center (at Ash Street and Sharp Avenue, near the Maple Street Bridge). "Moth" takes off on a tiny role in A Midsummer Night's Dream; in "Light Movement," a young woman searches for her ideal man. Tickets: $10; $7.50, students and teachers. Call 327-1113.
