'Brighton Beach Memoirs' kicks off
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 15 years, 1 month AGO
<p>SHAWN GUST/Press Nick Pratt, far left, plays the lead role of Eugene in North Idaho Theater's production of "Brighton Beach Memoirs," the new theater company's first. Gathered around the table are supporting cast members, from left, Mitch Shellman, Leeja Junker, Brook Bassett, Aimee Kinsey, Abby Anderson and Alegra VanderWilde.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - A new theater company in Coeur d'Alene is performing Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs."
North Idaho Theatre is a partnership between the Coeur d'Alene High School and Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy drama departments. The theater offers summer camps as well as professional-quality shows that involve adult and student actors.
"Students can learn so much about the experience of actual theater beyond the classroom walls as both actors and backstage crew in our productions," Tracey Vaughan, drama and speech instructor at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy said.
It is led by Jared Helm, drama and speech instructor at Coeur d'Alene High School, and Vaughan.
Thursday kicked off a 10-day run of "Brighton Beach Memoirs," a comedy with family matters at the center.
"Brighton Beach Memoirs captures the nostalgia of baseball, coming-of-age, and relationships with relatives," according to a press release.
The play follows a 15-year-old boy named Eugene Jerome as he grows up in 1937 Brooklyn.
Eugene learns about girls, family, relationships and the impending war. He makes many witty observations about life and need for family throughout the play.
"The goal with our new venture is to offer our students an opportunity to work alongside veteran actors on high quality productions," Vaughan said.
North Idaho Theatre also provides an in-depth experience with theater beyond the school day. Kids from ages 6 to 18 become familiar with the teaching styles of both Helm and Vaughan.
"They can learn a bit from each of us to help them sharpen their acting skills," Vaughan said. "We are so excited to work with kids in our first camp this summer."
Their goal was 50 students in the first year. They not only exceeded that, but have a waiting list.
Helm said he is excited to bring his love and passion for children's theater to the Coeur d'Alene area. It has been one of his passions to direct children of all ages.
"It is encouraging to see all of the support for theater from the area," Vaughan said.
If you go
Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" by North Idaho Theatre opened Thursday. It runs tonight, Saturday, Aug. 17, 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m., Aug. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Performances are at Coeur d'Alene High School, 5530 N. Fourth St. Info: www.northidahotheatre.org, (208) 769-2999. This production is rated PG.