PULLMAN, Wash. — The 36th season of Pullman’s Summer Palace will be performing the musical, “Winnie-The-Pooh,” July 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. at Washington State University.
Directed by Teresa Wolf-Spencer, the musical version of “Winnie-The-Pooh” is an ageless favorite featuring all the original A. A. Milne characters and timeless stories. “Winnie-The-Pooh” takes the audience on a magical journey through The Hundred Acre Wood. It’s a story about friendship and standing up for your friends, even if it means standing up to your fears. This show is truly a classic for the entire family.
“I’m excited to show children the original ‘Winnie-the-Pooh,’ said Wolf-Spencer. “I can see everyone enjoying this show, because the story is something that we can all relate to.”
“Winnie-The-Pooh” will being starring Kristofer Barber as Pooh Bear, Emily Squyer as Piglet, Jessica Heilsberg as Kanga and Brian MacMillan as Christopher Robin. The actors are all excited to begin the musical. “One of my dreams had always been to be a Disney character,” said Barber, a six-year Palace veteran. “My dream has come true.”
Summer Palace is also looking forward to how the children will react to the musical. “It’s so much fun that we get to be these famous characters, the characters that kids look up to,” said Heilsberg, first-year company member.
Courtney Dohnal was ready for the challenge of making the costumes for the musical. “We’re not just making animals, we’re making stuffed animals,” said Dohnal. “Taking the stuffed animal idea and making it into a functional life-sized package is really fun.” There are 13 stuffed animal costumes in “Winnie-The-Pooh.” Dohnal and the rest of the costuming staff are making everything from skunks to owls.
Technical director Chris Burton has responsibility for the Pooh set. “This is definitely going to be the most detailed show,” said Burton. “The trees are going to be very detailed and the flats that we are using have a very special look. We want it to look like we’re taking a page out of the book.”
Productions are held in Daggy Hall’s Wadleigh Theatre. Tickets for all shows are $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, and $4 for students. Season ticket dramacards also are available. Tickets and dramacards can be purchased at the Daggy Hall Box Office, 509/335-7236.
Later in the season, Summer Palace will be performing Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning musical, “Company,” directed by Julie Wieck.
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