Live Theater in Walla Walla
For a small town, Walla Walla is very active in the arts, from live events (music, theater, comedy) to art galleries to visiting speakers. Here is a roundup of the primary venues for live theater in Walla Walla and their current offerings (updated 11/8/2016):
Gesa Power House Theatre provides a wide variety of entertainment options in Walla Walla, including live theater, and is also available for rental by outside groups.
Upcoming live theater:
- “Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue” – sketch comedy by The Second City
December 2, 2016 - “A Christmas Carol” – children’s theater by Travelling Lantern
December 15, 2016 - “The Greatest Pirate Store (N)ever Told” – an improvised musical – touring production
January 20, 2017
The Little Theatre of Walla Walla is an all-volunteer community theater producing four main stage shows each season, plus occasional bonus productions, especially during the summer. The theater has been in existence since 1944 and is one of the best local resources for community members wanting to get involved in theater.
Current Season:
- “Noises Off” – a comedy by Michael Frayn
2016: November 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 - “The Producers” – a musical by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
2017: January 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, February 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 - “Messiah on the Frigidaire” – a comedy by John Culbertson
2017: March 24, 25, 31, April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 - “The 39 Steps” – a thriller/comedy by Patrick Barlow and John Buchan
2017: May 26, 27, June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11
Walla Walla High School has a very active drama program, currently under the direction of Kristin Glaeser.
Current production:
- “The Great Gatsby” – by Simon Levy
November 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 (2016)
Walla Walla University‘s drama program has been producing plays since 1961. The university has two spaces for performance: Village Hall – a converted church building on College Avenue; and The Donnie Rigby Stage – a black box style space.
Current production:
- “Little Women” – a musical by Allan Knee, Jason Howland, and Mindi Dickstein
November 5, 6, 10, 12, 13 (2016)
Walla Walla Community College‘s drama department is under the direction of Kevin Loomer. A typical season consists of three plays at the China Pavillion.
Current Season:
- “Bedroom Farce” – a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn
November 25, 26, 27, December 1, 2, 3 (2016) - “The Crucible” – a drama by Arthur Miller
March 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 (2017) - To Be Announced
May 25, 26, 27, 28, June 1, 2, 3 (2017)
The Harper Joy Theatre at Whitman College offers multiple performances each season to highlight the ongoing work of its theater and dance students.
Current Season:
- “Antigonick” – a tragedy by Anne Carson
November 10, 11, 12, 13 (2016) - “A Night of Shepard” – two one acts by Sam Shepard
December 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (2016) - One Act Play Festival
February 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (2017) - “A King Lear” – a tragedy by Christopher Petit
March 2, 3, 4, 5 (2017) - Spring Dance Concert – choreographed by Renee Archibald
April 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (2017) - “You Can’t Take It With You” – a comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
May 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20 (2017)
