Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
TEKOA —A mystery-based musical dinner theater will hit the stage Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at Empire Theater in Tekoa.
The musical is “Mystery at Pirate Cove Inn,” directed by writer and Tekoa local Donna Diddier.
The musical follows the story of an inn trying to maintain sophistication. At the same time, the local pirates plague the area with their hijinks, plans, and outright shenanigans.
“I put a lot of real-life pirates in the play as they come to this inn and capture people. It’s taken from many stories and shows that I have seen,” said director and writer Donna Diddier.
The musical takes place between the late 1700s and early 1800s.
“It’s got songs, dance, a lot of goofiness, and a lot of fun, she added, “There is a mystery, of course; someone dies, but are they really dead?”
The play only features cast members 18 and older.
Teens are welcome to the event with parents, and patrons are encouraged to dress up and enjoy the night with the cast.
“We give out lyrics to the audience, and that’s pretty fun. I don’t really like to break the fourth wall so much. I do, at the same time, like to give the audience a chance to participate. The last time we did the show, we encouraged people to dress up. I am hoping the same thing,” said Diddier.
Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are available at the door or at various locations in Tekoa.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Empire Theater to assist in its future programs and events.
The actors had two weeks to practice for the performance. Auditions opened Monday, March 20, and ended Tuesday, March 21.
Rehearsals started Monday, March 27, and ended with a full dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 6.
“They learn by just doing. We don’t have much time to practice,” noted Diddier.
The cast for “Mystery at Pirate Cove Inn” features many Tekoa and Spokane locals.
The cast includes Charlie Butts, Sean McCurdy, Dana Dorsey, Miyanna Gamero, Yolanda Bone, Fred Wagner, Kathy Smith, Victoria Hood, Forrest Berryman, Bruce McGuigan, Olivia Harnack, Cheri Currier, James Mabbott, Stuart Shawen, Dan Rosey.
Leah Liberman-Butts also assisted as propmaster.
Diddier also provides costumes, sets, and props and assists with music. Charlie Butts and Miyanna Gamero will also perform live music with his harmonica throughout the musical.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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