Bonners Ferry Summer Theatre in fine form
Fairies, pirates, lost boys and Wendy (India Kucherry), look on as Hook (Thomas Hoggan) and Peter Pan (Lauren Hoggan) go to head to head as nemesis enemies at the Becker Auditorium last weekend in the presentation of Peter Pan, the musical. Photo by Maria Sporl
The Pirates of Penzance ‘daughters’ give a sneak peak of their 19th century costuming designed by co-director, Dawn Carpenter. Pictured from left to right are India Kucherry, Ellie Rutherford, Abby Eliassen, Jerzie Pluid, Madison Hoggan, Micah Shure, Avery Pluid, Morgan Swanson, Jessica Bidwell, and Claire Hoggan (center). Photo by Melanie Hoggan
BONNERS FERRY — On July 20, 21, and 22 Bonners Ferry Summer Youth Theatre (BFSYT) will culminate its 10 year anniversary celebration with a showing of Pirates of Penzance at the Becker Auditorium. Directors David and Dawn Carpenter invite the community to join with them at 7 p.m. each night to showcase the cast of 23, and the intriguing music of Gilbert and Sullivan.
According to David Carpenter the operetta is a timeless musical classic that has not only stretched the vocal capacity of leads David Cossairt, Madison Hoggan, Alma and Amar Fischer, and Lily Blackmore, but is sure to delight audiences who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the musical work. “We opened with this show 10 years ago and this year I could see that it would be a fit. It is one of my favorite shows and I have truly enjoyed sharing it with the performers and watching them fall in love with the characters and the music,” offered David.
This year BFST drew around 70 performers ages three to 19 as they presented Peter Pan last weekend, with a three day run, and now Pirates of Penzance (PP) for another three day run. Rehearsals have been in high gear since May, with literally thousands of hours spent in set design, costume design and production, lighting and sound, music and choreography rehearsals all culminating in what is known as ‘tech week’. This week alone the PP cast has been on stage for twenty hours rehearsing in final preparation for opening night.
“Audiences, parents and performers alike are often astounded at the long hours necessary to create a production that the performers will remember forever,” explained David Carpenter.
Dawn Carpenter is the vision and creator of nearly 100 costumes for both shows and all the “bits” that go with them. She has a keen eye for what brings the story to life under the lights, and what tiny details, from head to toe for each performer, will best represent the character they step into. She is tireless in her effort to support the program and the performers.
While rural areas may struggle to keep the arts afloat, the Carpenters have found a way, not only to survive, but thrive. Show goers are sure to be stunned by the musical capacity of so many young performers and the full sensory experience from the first moment to the end of the show.
“Audience members often remark how surprised they are by the quality of theatre in our small town. Give us a try. I believe they won’t be sorry,” concluded David.
Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $8 for adults, and $5 for senior citizens and students.