Live theater is alive and well in south Lincoln County as local attendees may confirm.

The Kootenai Karacters recently completed a four-day run of “Never Ever Happily” at the Maki Theater in Libby.

The average attendance was 160, who came to see a cast of 19 thespians play 41 different characters.

“Never After Happily was just a joy to produce - nonstop fun with some poignant messages for dealing with our troubled times,” director Brian Bell told The Western News. “There were 41 characters played by 19 actors, ages 14 to 79. I'm not sure who enjoyed themselves more, the actors or the audiences.”

“Never Ever Happily” was a hilarious exploration of reality colliding with fairy tales in very messy ways.

The cast included Cara Lewis, Cindy Curtiss, Caylee O’Malia, Evan Carpenter, Cadence Newman, Scott B. Johnson, Lavinia “Vin” Elliott, Piper Vincent, Carl “Bubba” Leggins, Rich Burns, Vivian Cole, Maizy Orr, Nico Newman, Clayton Deason, Jacob Stanton, Atticus Lande, Bell, Trish Emmert and Jenece Scheer.

The behind the scenes players included Bell, Curtiss, Cody Taylor, Jenece Scheer and Morgan Bell.

Brian Bell was appreciative of the teamwork that went into the production.

“Libby Public Schools continued permission for the use of Maki Theater, Ellen Mills for scheduling and printing the programs, Jim May and the Kootenai Heritage Council for placing our show on their marquee, Rich Burns and Wayne Clark for their assistance in moving set pieces and the sponsorship of Safe Secured Storage and Kaiju Bar and Grill. It’s a large undertaking to put on these performances and were very appreciative of the support we receive,” Bell said.

The Karacters don’t have much time off before their next performance at the end of October. Just in time for Halloween, they’ll perform “The Addams Family Musical” at the Libby Memorial Center.

Presented by Voices Unfolding, the four-day show will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30; at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 and noon and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.

“I'm very much impressed with the work that Voices Unfolding is doing under the direction of Atticus Lande and Vivian Cole,” Bell said. “The Addams Family musical will be their third production and is sure to be well worth seeing. I'm greatly looking forward to it. Anyone who thinks that young people lack motivation should come see what a group of them can achieve.”

Advance sale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students for the PG-13 rated show. They can be purchased at the Kaiju Bar and Grill. 

Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

    Thespians Lavinia "Vin" Elliot and Maizy Orr perform during the Kootenai Karacters presenation of "Never After Happily" Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at the Maki Theatre in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)