PULLMAN, Wash. — Actors from throughout the Northwest make up the 2000
Summer Palace Company on the Washington State University campus, many
of who are theater majors from WSU and the University of Idaho.
Returning from the 1999 Summer Palace Company to perform in “Charlotte’s
Web,” “Godspell” and “Tintypes” are David Sampson of Kennewick and
Melissa Mason of Duvall. The WSU theater students played the duo of
Dorothy and Toto in “The Wizard of Oz” last summer.
Cast members include Brent Nice, Pullman High School drama teacher who
earned a master’s degree from WSU. Two PHS students, Courtney E. Dohnal
and Joe Shrope, will serve as costume designers.
Cathleen Ruch will be featured in lead roles in “Charlotte’s Web” and
“Godspell.” The Boise State University graduate, originally from Richmond,
Va., will begin the master’s of fine arts program at Virginia Commonwealth
University this fall. She is the daughter of Sally and Charles Ruch of Boise.
Also cast in “Charlotte’s Web” and “Godspell” is University of Idaho
graduate student Virginia Sutfin. A native of San Jose, Calif., Sutfin is pursuing
a master’s of fine arts degree in directing and acting. She is the daughter of
Eileen and Terry Sutfin of San Jose.
Technical director for the 2000 Summer Palace is WSU senior Benjamin
Gonzales. A graduate of Chimacum High School in Port Hadlock, Gonzales also
will play the role of Templeton in “Charlotte’s Web.” He is the son of Penelope
and Raymond Gonzales of Port Hadlock.
Other member of the Summer Palace Company include Jennifer Bryant-Cowan,
Ryan Childers, Dohnal, Hillori Geissler, Unika Noiel, Jessica Olson, Julie Perras,
Tony Rosetti, Shrope and Emily Squyer.
Opening the palace season June 29 is “Tintypes.” A musical variety show,
“Tintypes” runs through July 1 and July 6-8 at 8 p.m. in Daggy Hall’s R.R.
Jones Theatre.
The Summer Palace also will feature the children’s play “Charlotte’s Web”
beginning July 13. The play features more than 15 actors from the
Pullman-Moscow community and will be performed in Daggy Hall’s Wadleigh
Theatre. The performance dates for “Charlotte’s Web” are July 13-16. All
performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees set for 2
p.m.
The summer theater will close out the 2000 season will the musical adaptation
of the New Testament play “Godspell.” Set for July 20-22 and again July 27-29,
“Godspell” performances will be held in Jones Theatre at 8 p.m.
Tickets for all Summer Palace performances may be purchased and picked up in
advance at the WSU Theatre Box Office, 509/335-7236. Box office hours are
1:30-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens
and $4 for WSU students and youth. Season tickets also are available.
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