Friends of the Arts bringing six shows to Bonners

Friends of the Arts is bringing six shows valued at $25,000 to Boundary County for its 2008-2009 season.

“We hope to have sellout shows,” said Barbara Russell, secretary for Friends of the Arts.

The group, which hosts educational programs and brings the performing arts to residents, also recently got its non-profit status.

“It means people can donate to us and it’s tax deductible,” Russell said. “It also makes us eligible for grants.”

She’s excited about the season, which includes a performance of The Nutcracker by Eugene Ballet Co. and presentation of the Tony Award-winning musical “Bye, Bye Birdie.”

“Every show is different,” Russell said. “We really tried to pick quality performances and still stay within our budget. We’re probably most excited about the diversity.”

Also, for the first time, tickets for all shows will be available starting this month instead of a few weeks before each show.

“We’re going to start sell-ing our tickets for the whole season at every show,” Russell said. “People can buy them as birthday gifts and for holidays.”

Tickets will be available at Mountain Mike’s at 6769 Main St.

The Gift of Sharing Ticket Fund also has been created. It allows people to buy tickets for someone else.

“They can either designate who they can go to . . . “ Russell said.

The new season opens at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, with Tears of Joy Theatre presenting “The Reluctant Dragon.” Tears of Joy is recognized nationally for its excellence and innovation and has received the puppetry’s highest honor in America. Tickers are $8 for adults and $5 for youth.

At 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, the AM String Band from Helena, Mont., will perform in Memorial Hall at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. This old-time string trio will play original songs along with Appalachian fiddle tunes and ballads interwoven with French-Canadian and contra dance fiddle styles. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for youth.

Bonners Ferry will see the return of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Eugene Ballet Co. will be joined by students from Bonners Ferry Dance Studio. Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for youth.

Missoula Children’s Theatre will return to Bonners Ferry for a week-long residency. Up to 60 local youngsters will perform MCT’s original adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for youth.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21, The Bottom Line Duo will perform. The pair presents light humor with serious music, performing on the double bass and cello. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for youth

The season will close with “Bye, Bye Birdie” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4. The nationally touring production features the laughs and songs from this Broadway show. The cast of 24 actors will be accompanied by a seven-piece orchestra. “Bye, Bye Birdie” won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

All shows except the AM String Band will be presented in Becker Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School.

Tickets for all shows will go on sale this month.