'Romance/Romance' debuts Thursday

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre debuts "Romance/Romance" next week at the Schuler Performing Arts Center on the North Idaho College campus.

Opening night is Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

"Audiences will love this unique show, where they get two love stories in one show," said Roger Welch, CST artistic director and director of Romance/Romance. "This show has lots of sparkle and intelligence; it will keep audiences entertained with romance, and the music is beautiful."

Romance/Romance consists of two separate one-act plays with only four actors. The first act takes place in turn-of-the-century Vienna, while the second act is set in modern day in the Hamptons. Both acts take a look at varied romance seekers.

Act one, "The Little Comedy," is based on an Arthur Schnitzler play that deals with two aristocrats who meet in disguise, fall in love, and then worry how to confess their true identities. In act two, based on the Jules Renard play, "Summer Share," we follow two married couples who fantasize about having an affair with one another. The entire show is based on the theme of romance and shares one song, "It's Not Too Late" which is performed in both acts.

Romance/Romance made its Broadway debut in 1988 and received five Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Man (Scott Bakula) and Best Original Score.

The show runs July 25, 26, 27, Aug. 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. There are two Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on July 28 and Aug. 4.

Tickets are $25-$40 and can be purchased at the Cd'A Summer Theatre box office, 1000 Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene, by phone (208) 769-7780 or online at www.cdasummertheatre.com

Established in 1967 as a nonprofit organization, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre is the Inland Northwest's only professional musical theater.