Rehearsals underway for new play at the Pearl

27 September 2015

Live theater continues to flourish in Boundary County. Paul Rawlings has announced an all-original play, entitled Good Good Day: An Evening of Words and Music, to be staged at the Pearl Theater in mid October. “We are already working hard in rehearsals, and I am especially pleased with both the variety and the quality of what we have to offer,” Rawlings stated. What’s more, for the first time in twenty-six productions, Rawlings has collaborated with songwriter Tom Sturdevant. Sturdevant began writing songs way back in the 70’s right here in Bonners Ferry. His name may be familiar to local residents because he wrote both the script and songs for the much loved Kootenai Kid at that time. Since then he has been a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee for many years. “You might say I am returning to my roots. My music was first performed by the Community Theater in 1975. How good it is to be doing it again,” Sturdevant noted. The play includes sixteen original songs, all written by Sturdevant, as well as eleven short theater pieces. Also unusual is the fact that not only have Rawlings and Sturdevant each written pieces for the presentation; six other members of our community have also created short original works which will be performed. “I believe local theater goers will truly enjoy themselves,” Rawlings stated. “Fourteen of your friends and neighbors are devoting a lot of time and energy to getting up close and personal for you on stage,” he added. Veterans of earlier productions, including Rhea Verbanic and Skye Palmer, will be on hand. Several first timers such as Nolda Gross and Meggie Kahanek will also make an appearance. The live band includes Sturdevant on piano, as well as John Marquetteon lead guitar, Drew Browne on bass, and Mike Palmer on saxophone. “A number of different singers from the group will take their turn in the spot light,” Sturdevant said. “I feel privileged to have been able to work with such a talented group.” Performance dates are set for Friday and Saturday night, October 9 and 10 and again the next weekend, October l6 and l7. Doors open at six with the performance beginning at seven. Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for adults ($12 at the door), and may be purchased at Bonners Books downtown, Mountain Mike’s on the South Hill, and at the door.