Gesa Power House Theatre

Thrive Ecology Launch Event
2016-04-14 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gesa Power House Theatre, 111 North 6th Avenue, Walla Walla, WA, 99362, United States
RSVP for this free event!
Come celebrate with Thrive Ecology and discover how you can THRIVE, not just survive in mind, body and life.
Walla Walla couple Brian and Carrie Spradlin are launching a new wellness company Thrive Ecology. Hear their story, and discover the revolutionary Adaptive Resistance eXercise (ARX) technology they are bringing to Walla Walla Valley that will change the way you think about wellness, exercise, and
strength training.
On Thursday, April 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. come to Gesa Power House Theatre to connect, support, and join our community of personal wellness! Giveaway door prizes and a chance to register for a free Personal ARX Training Session will be available. Special promotional offers will be available at this event only!

RSVP is appreciated, but not required: thriveecologylaunch.eventbrite.com

Sugaray Rayford in Concert - WW Guitar Festival
2016-04-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The 5th Annual Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival, in conjunction with Feast Walla Walla, is a multi-venue Blues & Roots music, food, and wine celebration weekend in Beautiful Downtown Walla Walla! This year’s dates are April 8, 9, & 10, 2016.
Gesa Power House Theatre welcomes Sugaray Rayford to open the Festival on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. This international sensation is one of the most sought-after stars in Blues today. When Sugaray belts out a song, you not only hear it, you feel it.
Sugaray’s dynamic voice is as large as the man and with his old-school vocal style, echoes of Muddy Waters, Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrass can be heard. At 6’5” he is a big man, but he moves with grace and energy. His fluid dance steps will remind you of the legendary James Brown.
The excitement in the room is palpable as this superb vocalist and entertainer and his band take the stage. Rayford’s band is filled with elite members, each with a long list of credits and accomplishments.
“Gino Matteo on guitar is worth the price of admission on his own. With Sugaray & the rest of his stellar band it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever had to pleasure of attending.” ~ Robin Barrett
Sugaray is nominated for four 2016 Blues Music Awards; Best Contemporary Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues Male Artist, Best Song, and The B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year Award.
Artists performing at this year’s Festival include:

SUGARAY RAYFORD
RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS
THE 44s
ROBIN BARRETT & COYOTE KINGS w/TIPH DAMES
BEN HUNTER & JOE SEAMONS
AYRON JONES & THE WAY
BIG MONTI & RAE GORDON
RANDY OXFORD’S ALL-STAR SLAM
CHARLIE BUTTS & THE FILTER TIPS
THE STACY JONES BAND
BILLY STOOPS & THE DIRT ANGELS
THE SARA BROWN BAND
THE WASTELAND KINGS
TREVALYAN BLUE
VAUGHN JENSEN
TUCK FOSTER
SHANKS PONY
PAPPA FRITA & THE HOT MUSTARD
GARY WINSTON & THE REAL DEAL
THE BARN DWELLERS
IGUANA HAT
WINSTON/HEMENWAY
RAE GORDON

Click here for the 2016 WWFGF MUSIC SCHEDULE
Venues include Gesa Power House Theatre, Sapolil Cellars, The Marcus Whitman, The Elks, The VFW, The Eagles, and the Large Tent, with more artists and venues to be added.
Five local motels are offering discounted rates, ranging from luxury ($150 per night) to budget ($60 per night), for WWGF patrons.
A variety of ticket packages are available from the Sugaray concert only ($30) to a full-festival pass ($105). Tickets are available at wallawallaguitarfestival.com.
Feast Walla Walla and Walla Walla Guitar festival have teamed up for the weekend. Go to www.downtownwallawalla.com for all the details.

Wanderlust Circus Cabaret
2016-04-06 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Leave the kids at home for an evening of circus entertainers, live music and more, at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. This show is suggested for 18 and older.
Wanderlust Circus is the premiere (animal-free) circus operation in Portland, OR. Helmed by Noah Mickens and Nick “The Creature” Harbar, Wanderlust Circus draws from a roster of performers, designers and technicians from some of the greatest shows on earth.
Starring:
TEAM RAD – acrobats
TERA ZARRA – singing strongwoman
INDIGO SKY – hooper and aerialist
JOSIAH AKOYA – cyr wheel
MISTER CREATURE – chief contraptionist
and WILLIAM BATTY HIMSELF
Part circus, part Bohemian vaudeville, part ribald humor.
Reserved seating tickets ($30) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Wanderlust Circus Family Night
2016-04-05 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Bring the whole family to enjoy an evening of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, live orchestra and more, at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Wanderlust Circus is Portland’s largest collective of performers who join together to put on breathtaking shows involving an ever-evolving group of entertainers, from aerialists to stilt walkers and everything in between.
Reserved seating tickets ($10 Adults, $7 Youth) will be available to the public on March 3.
The 2016 Little Watts Children’s Series is presented by Walla Walla Valley Honda and Gesa Credit Union.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Little Watts Children’s Series of Family Entertainment is presented by:
Walla Walla Valley Honda & Gesa Credit Union

Madeleine Peyroux
2016-03-29 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Madeleine Peyroux will perform at Gesa Power House Theatre on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Madeleine Peyroux is a jazz singer, songwriter, and guitarist, noted for her vocal style, which has often been compared to that of Billie Holiday.
American-born and of French descent, she got her start as a teenager performing with street musicians in Paris, where she was living with her mother at the time. In her early twenties, she was discovered by an American producer and released her first album Dreamland in 1996.
Peyroux has opened for Sarah McLachlan, collaborated with k.d. lang, and was awarded Best International Jazz Artist at the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards. Her songs have appeared in national television ad for Dockers and Old Navy, during the closing credits of an episode of HBO’s Deadwood, and on the soundtracks to films, such as Last Holiday and Diplomacy.
Watch an 2014 interview featured on CBS Sunday Morning.
Reserved seating tickets ($43) went on on sale to the general public on February 15 and quickly sold out. (Ms. Peyroux will donate $1 for every ticket purchased to YWCA Walla Walla.) If you would like to be a the Wait List for tickets, contact the box office at 509-529-6500.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Easter Service: "Life Outside the Tomb"
2016-03-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Mission Church presents “Life Outside the Tomb” – an Easter program at Gesa Power House Theatre on Sunday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Childcare provided through age 4. Kids 5 and up are invited to join the grown-ups in the service. Don’t worry, super fun & awesome activity packets will be provided.
For more information visit www.missionchurchww.org.

3rd Annual Tutus & Tapas
2016-03-26 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
“An Invitation to the Ballet” is the theme for this year’s annual Tutus & Tapas gala evening – a fundraiser for Danza Classica Ballet Foundation.
Festivities begin at 6:00PM with tasty tapas and regional small bites, local wines, and music by Ed Dixon, WW symphony cellist. Guests can peruse the silent auction table, wine wall, and “Take a Chance Tutus!” Then at 7:00PM returning emcee Thomas Beebe will introduce exciting live auction items between seven ballet pieces performed by the Danza Classica Ballet Company. The dances will showcase classical and modern ballet technique with original choreography by Idalee Hutson-Fish. Auction items include wines from Cayuse Vineyards and Leonetti Cellars, a winery dinner for 6 at Amavi Cellars, “Tutus & Tools” (four dads for 4 hours of labor for a Saturday project), and a canvas print of the Tarzan Dan photograph used for the event poster.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for students and are available through Gesa Power House Theatre and from Ballet Company members. All proceeds benefit the Danza Classica Ballet Foundation whose mission it is to foster and advance the art of ballet in the WW Valley.
*join the Facebook event*
For more information, contact Cheryl Heller at 509-526-9720.
Photo Credit: Tarzan Dan TDFoto.ca

Also on Saturday, March 26, at Gesa Power House Theatre:

BALLET IMMERSION CLASSES (for children ages 4-7)
2:30-3:30PM – Magical Ballerinas is intended for students ages 4 & 5 and will focus on fun ballet stretches and basic ballet technique with a fairy tale theme.
3:30-4:30PM – Ballet Classica is intended for students ages 6 & 7 and will focus on more complex ballet technique with a traditional ballet theme.
Tuition is $25 per child and all participants will take home a complimentary tutu or cape. Proceeds benefit Danza Classica Ballet Foundation. Call 509-525-0815 to reserve your space!

Sing-along Handel's "Messiah" - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
2016-03-25 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will once again join forces to present Handel’s beloved oratorio Messiah in its entirety this Easter. Join your friends and community at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Good Friday, March 25, and sing along through a live video feed of the Salt Lake City concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. This one-of-a-kind, community sing-along experience is hosted by the Walla Walla stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints
“We are excited to be a part of this historic event,” says John Rowley, presiding authority for the Church in the Walla Walla region. “We invite our neighbors and friends throughout the Walla Walla Valley to celebrate the wonderful Easter message of our Savior in a beautifully restored community arts venue like the Power House Theatre.”
The concert will be conducted by Mack Wilberg, music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, who has prepared a new edition of Messiah for the Choir and Orchestra. Four New York Metropolitan Opera soloist will also participate.
George Frideric Handel’s musical masterpiece, Messiah, was first performed in 1742. This March, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra will release their newest recording of the famed oratorio. In addition, they will perform Messiah live in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on two nights, including this worldwide live stream of the second night’s performance.
Admission is free, thanks to support from Columbia REA, Cameo Heights Mansion, Impress Salon, Banner Bank, and Hawkins Law. Donations (cash or check) will be accepted at the door to benefit Christian Aid Center of Walla Walla. View/download the official program.
This show is sold out. If you would like to be on the wait list, call the box office at 509-529-6500, or take your chances at the door.
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About the Tabernacle Choir:
Composed of 360 volunteer voices, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir serves as a musical ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Orchestra at Temple Square is a 150-member, all-volunteer symphony orchestra organized in 1999 to perform and accompany the musical ensembles of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir organization. Nearly 200 recordings have showcased the Choir from the early days of long-playing records to modern digital compact discs and DVDs.

Hope Heals - Annett Bovent
2016-03-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Celebrate Annett Bovent’s life and success, from surviving a traumatic childhood, to becoming a homeless single mom, to running her own non-profit organization.
Annett Bovent moved to Walla Walla with her three children hoping for a fresh start. She took up working multiple jobs and found herself homeless three times over a period of 12 years. After applying for an interest-free home loan with Hayden Homes, she felt incredibly blessed to be one of the chosen recipients. Moving into her new home, her eldest son provided her with a care package of much needed household supplies. This simple act of love from her son renewed her hope and inspired her to begin her own charitable organization called Hope Heals. Her mission is to give others the Love and Hope that she and her family had received.
Hope Heals provides care packages and shower bags to homeless families and single veterans transitioning out of homelessness into permanent housing. This year Hope Heals expanded to include its 1st Annual Warm Clothing Drive. Annett says that this has been the most rewarding thing that she has ever accomplished in her life so far. Annett’s goal is to continue to expand and add new services through Hope Heals.
Listen to Annett Bovent present more on the fulfilling work and future goals of Hope Heals. Be touched by listening to Annett’s personal story of overcoming her traumatic childhood, surviving homelessness and allowing hope to transform her life. Become more aware of homelessness in our community and learn of ways that you can also help. Above all, be inspired to give others hope, to create community, and to make the world a better place.
Wednesday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Gesa Power House Theatre.
Join the Facebook event

The Moms' Network Comedy Night: "One Funny Mother"
2016-03-12 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Columbia REA presents Dena Blizzard in “One Funny Mother…And I Am Not Crazy” for the second annual Comedy Night fundraiser to benefit The Moms’ Network of Walla Walla on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the Gesa Power House Theatre beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Walla Walla audiences will get the last preview performance of “One Funny Mother” before it opens Off-Broadway in New York City at the end of the month.
Dena Blizzard has performed stand up all over the country since launching her career over 12 years ago. She has been featured in the NY Times and has performed at Gotham Comedy Club, The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Stop at the Trop in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Dena has also performed at the United Nations for the Comedy Cures foundation in 2009 and is a winner of the coveted Ladies of Laughter competition. Dena’s success has launched her into careers in talk radio, as well as, a warm-up comedian for Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, The Chew and The Rachel Ray Show.
When asked to sum up her show Dena responds, “Have you ever gone un-showered for days, fought with your husband over who works harder, picked a child’s nose or had a kid pee on you? Then, you won’t want to miss ‘One Funny Mother: I’m Not Crazy!!’ Through stories, music and videos, I describe a life you will swear is your own and will make you realize that YOU’RE NOT CRAZY… motherhood is.”
The evening begins with a local Lip Sync Sing Off then “One Funny Mother…And I Am Not Crazy” followed by a VIP event with Dena in the Electric Lounge at the Gesa Power House Theatre.
Comedy Night Lineup:

6PM Theater Opens
7PM Local Lip Sync Sing-Off
8:15PM “One Funny Mother…And I Am Not Crazy”
9:45PM VIP Party – Meet Dena Blizzard in the Electric Lounge

Ticket options:

$85 VIP Ticket includes reserved seating, a meet & greet with Dena after the show, wine by Isenhower Cellars, catering by Olive Marketplace & Café, and an event Swag Bag.
$50 reserved seating to the show

This event is sponsored in by Columbia REA.

For more information visit The Moms’ Network website, or contact Beth Swanson at beth@themomsnetworkww.com.
The Moms’ Network of Walla Walla is a grassroots organization that provides an opportunity for parents to communicate, receive and exchange valuable community and parenting information, network with each other and be actively involved in the community. Since inception the Moms’ Network has advocated for families, provided support for early learning, supported volunteerism, and provided educational opportunities for parents.

From Darkness to Light - Walla Walla Symphony
2016-02-28 15:00 - 17:00, 2016-02-27 19:30 UTC
Featuring Robert Convery’s Songs of Children, remarks by Richard Kaplan and James Winchell, Hana Szenesh’s Walk to Caesaria and Grigori Frid’s one-act opera, The Diary of Anne Frank. Performers will include the Walla Walla Symphony, led by Music Director and Conductor Yaacov Bergman, the Whitman College Chamber Singers and Ani Maldjian, soprano.
This concert is presented as part of the annual “Music 360° Festival,” an initiative that explores the impact of music through different lenses.
General admission tickets are available through the Walla Walla Symphony. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students (with ID) and $5 for youth (18 & younger).

"Fame! (they're *not* going to live forever)"
2016-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
PLEASE NOTE NEW VENUE INFORMATION:
“Fame! (they’re not going to live forever)” will be performed at the Walla Walla Community College Performing Arts and Science Center on Thursday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m.
This is a highly-entertaining reading series where intimate, private letters, written by some of history’s most famous (and infamous) people, are read aloud in front of a live audience.
In 1968, Andy Warhol said “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” His prediction of fame’s fleeting nature in our celebrity-saturated culture could not have been more true.
Through the letters of many celebrities (including Mr. Warhol, himself) the audience learns about the high price of fame and how it has both evolved and devolved over the years. A funny, poignant and moving experience with live musical accompaniment and a dynamic slide show.
Admission to this show has been changed to Pay-What-You-Can, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Brian K. Senter Fine Arts Scholarship Fund.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

"SOMM: Into the Bottle" - documentary film
2016-02-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Invite your friends! Take a road-trip!
See the Walla Walla debut of “Somm: Into the Bottle” – the highly anticipated sequel of the documentary by Jason Wise.
Through the lens of top winemakers and sommeliers from the world, “SOMM: ITB” delves into the story and process by which wine makes its way from vine to glass. Among a diverse cast, winemakers include names such as Jean Trimbach, Peter Gago and Steve Matthiasson, plus sommeliers Madeline Puckette, Brian McClintic and Rajat Parr, and many others.
View the trailer
Venue doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm.

An Evening With Judy Collins
2016-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Singer-songwriter Judy Collins will perform a concert at the Gesa Power House Theatre on February 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Judy Collins is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, was entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her dreamy and sweetly intimate version of “Send in the Clowns”, a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical “A Little Night Music”, won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards.
Judy Collins began her impressive music career at 13 as a piano prodigy dazzling audiences performing Mozart’s “Concerto for Two Pianos”, but the hard luck tales and rugged sensitivity of folk revival music by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger seduced her away from a life as a concert pianist.
Over her long and varied career, Judy Collins garnered several top-ten hits gold- and platinum-selling albums, and four Grammy Award nominations. Recently, contemporary and classic artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album “Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins”.
On September 18, 2015, Collins released her first studio album in four years, “Strangers Again”. She invited a cast of icons and young talents to sing with her on this fresh collection, from Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne and Jeff Bridges to Glen Hansard, Ari Hest and Bhi Bhiman. Judy Collins delicately soars over a revitalized “Send In The Clowns” and breathes new life into “Hallelujah.” She puts her indelible touch on songs by Leonard Bernstein, Randy Newman, James Taylor and more.
Judy Collins, now 76, is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.
Reserved seating tickets ($46) sold out quickly. Contact the Box Office at 509-529-6500 to join the Wait List.
Media sponsor:

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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Paula Poundstone
2016-01-28 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Comedian Paula Poundstone will perform at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Thursday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Currently best known as a frequent panelist on NPR’s #1 show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me”, Poundstone got her start in the 1980’s as a touring stand-up comedian. Highlights of her career include comedy specials on HBO and BRAVO, providing the backstage commentary during the 1992 presidential election on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, field pieces for The Rosie O’Donnell Show in 1996, and various film and television credits including a voice in Pixar’s recent animation “Inside Out”.
Paula Poundstone was the first woman to win the American Comedy Award for Best Standup Comic, and was the first woman to perform stand-up at the prestigious White House Correspondents dinner, and was voted into the Comedy Hall of Fame.
Poundstone’s ability to be spontaneous with a crowd is the stuff of legend. “No two shows I do are the same,” says Poundstone. “It’s not that I don’t repeat material. I do. My shows, when they’re good, and I like to think they often are, are like a cocktail party. When you first get there, you talk about how badly you got lost and how hard it was to find parking. Then you tell a story about your kids or what you just saw on the news. You meet some new people and ask them about themselves. Then, someone says, ‘Tell that story you used to tell,’ and then someone on the other side of the room spills a drink, and you mock them. No one ever applauds me when I leave a party, though. I think they high five.”
Reserved seating tickets ($45) are sold out. To get on the Wait List, please call the Box Office at 509.529.6500.
Additional Links for Paula Poundstone:

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Media sponsor:

# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, and Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV, Courtyard Marriott, and Wingman Birdz & Brewz

"Having It All"
2016-01-24 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
Three women set out to live their dreams of balancing career, marriage, and children. After two trying years of unanticipated trade-offs and painful sacrifices, each finds herself with a changed life and a changed idea of what “having it all” really means.

Please join The Moms’ Network of Walla Walla for a screening at the Gesa Power House Theatre on January 24, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. of “Having It All” a documentary film by Vlada Knowlton. A panel discussion with the film’s director and local mom’s will follow.
Free complimentary admission at the door.
Sponsored by Williams Team Homes and ChildCare Aware of Eastern Washington.

Staged Reading: "Auschwitz and After"
2016-01-20 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Shakespeare Walla Walla presents a staged reading of “Auschwitz and After” by Whitman College Emeritus Professor Pat Henry at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Wednesday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. The playwright will be on hand for a talkback session after the reading.
About the Play:
Pat Henry, Emeritus Professor of Foreign Languages and Literature at Whitman College, was inspired to write this play by his ongoing interest in Holocaust Studies. Adapted from the memoirs of Charlotte Delbo, “Auschwitz and After” recounts the comradeship which allowed a group of French women to survive imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps and their difficulty in creating new lives upon their return to Paris.
This staged reading is directed by Whitman College Theatre Professor of Dramatic Art Emerita Nancy Simon, and has a cast of 11 actors: Shauna Lilly Bogley, Angelica Dimmock, Chanel Finnie, Sarah Hurlburt, Julie Jones, Patty Leeper, Danielle McMahon, Jennifer Pope, Lisa Rasmussen, Dyani Turner, and Jackie Wood.
About the Playreading Series:
This is the third presentation in Shakespeare Walla Walla’s Works in Progress series of staged readings which began in 2015. Each reading is of a work by local authors and includes a talkback/Q&A afterwards. Actors will present the material with scripts in hand. Minimal costumes, lighting and sound effects may be used.
“Theater is about telling stories,” says SWW Executive Director Ron Williams. “We have bold voices here in Walla Walla telling stories and we are thrilled to bring them into the spotlight.”
The purpose of a staged reading is to give the author the opportunity to test drive a script with actors and an audience. The audiences is invited to participate in the development process, and will have the opportunity to give feedback directly to the playwright.
Media Links:

2014 Whitman College Website Interview with Pat Henry on “Teaching the Holocaust“

Permissions:

This play is performed through arrangement with Georges Borchardt, Inc., on behalf of Charlotte Delbo. All rights reserved.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt grants permission to cite Richard Wilbur’s 1965 translation of Moliere’s *Le Misanthrope.”

WW Chamber Music Festival
2016-01-17 19:00 - 20:30 UTC
The 2016 Winter Festival concludes with a duel. You have heard of “Dueling Banjos?” Well, on this night you will have dueling quartets. Festival artists, Brittany Boulding (violin), Alistair MacRae (cello), Maria Sampen (violin) and Timothy Christie (viola) are joined by special guest artists, PRISM Quartet for a wild exploration of music for string and saxophone quartets respectively.
The two quartets will also join forces for a performance of Seattle-born composer, Paul Chihara’s, Forever Escher. The title takes inspiration from the graphic artist, M.C. Escher, whose prints adorn the dorm room of many an undergraduate. We are all familiar with the images of stairs leading to impossible dimensions or the pair of hands simultaneously drawing themselves in 2- and 3-D. The Escher of this work, however, explores the concept of metamorphosis, specifically in his 1940 work, Metamorphosis II. We will explore this concept sonically through music of Mendelssohn, Chihara and beyond.

Doktor Kaboom: "The Science of Santa"
2015-12-22 18:30 - 20:00 UTC
Gesa Power House Theatre presents “Doktor Kaboom: The Science of Santa” on Tuesday, December 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Working from the assumption that “science” and “magic” are the same thing, Doktor Kaboom declares that Mr. Claus must be the world’s greatest scientist and using basic physics attempts to recreate all of Santa’s wonders. What could possibly go wrong?
“The Science of Santa” is a fun, comedic, family-friendly show, designed to encourage creativity and an appreciation for science. Join Doktor Kaboom on a journey of increasingly spectacular (and usually successful) experiments and demonstrations.
“Doktor Kaboom is one of the most innovative science presentations that I’ve ever seen – especially for young kids. An hour of Doktor Kaboom will remind anyone why science is fun.”
-Andrew Zimmerman Jones, About.com Guide
Doktor Kaboom is the creation of actor/comedian David Epley, who studied at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and now performs in theaters, schools, and festivals. With more than 1000 performances under his belt, Doktor Kaboom has performed for more than 500,000 audience members around the world.
Reserved seating tickets ($20 Adult, $10 Youth – 15 & Under) are available online, by calling the box office, or at the door.

Holidays in Ivory 2015 - Mark Brown & Gary Hemenway
2015-12-19 19:30 - 21:30 UTC
Friends of Children of Walla Walla invites you to change your holiday colors from red and green to ivory – as in “Holidays in Ivory” – Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gesa Power House Theatre.
Columbia REA presents the return of two of Walla Walla’s favorite musicians, Dr. Mark Brown and Gary Hemenway, to the stage, playing togethr on two grand pianos. The concert will include many additional local guest artists, including: Doug Scarborough, Daniel Cox, Thacher Carter, Gary Gemberling, Clairece Rosati-Hemenway, Jennifer Northam, Gary and Ericka Winston.
Reserved seating tickets are $25. All proceeds from the concert benefit Friends of Children of Walla Walla.
View photos from last year’s concert
Sponsors:

Columbia REA
Columbia Bank
Macy’s
Coldwell Banker First Realtors
Misbehaven Spa & Salon
Tallman’s Pharmacy

Celtic Christmas with Affinití
2015-12-08 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Ireland’s foremost celtic classical trio, Affinití, returns to Walla Walla at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Tuesday, December 8, at 7 p.m. Howard Crosby, nephew of the legendary Bing Crosby, joins them on their Christmas Tour.
Affinití are a trio of classically trained musicians: soprano Emer Barry, harpist Aisling Ennis, and violinist Mary McCague, each with a graduate degree in Music Performance. Their “crossover” style is a blend of classical, rock, and Celtic music style. They have performed together and solo for Josh Ritter, Michael Buble, Disney, and more.
“Informed as much by the Chieftains as Chopin…full of soul and sass and sophistication as well as exquisite technique.”
-Kevin Cullen, The Boston Globe
Join Affinití and Howard Crosby for an unforgettable evening that will lift your spirits!
Reserved seating tickets ($25-$20) are sure to sell out, so get yours early, online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
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The Second City's "Holidazed and Confused" Comedy Revue
2015-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
Famed comedy theater The Second City will perform “Holidazed & Confused” on Sunday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Gesa Power House Theatre.
This boisterous revue will have you laughing all the way through the festive holiday season. With original songs, brand new sketches and some classic favorites, “Holidazed & Confused” is a great alternative to traditional holiday programming!
May contain adult or mature content.
Reserved seating tickets ($47-$42) go on sale Monday, October 26. Our e-mail subscribers will get early access to ticket sales. *sign up here*

About The Second City:
When it opened its doors in 1959, no one could have guessed that this small cabaret theatre would become the most influential and prolific comedy theatre in the world. With its roots in the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, The Second City, developed its own unique approach to creating and performing comedy. As alumni of the theater began making names for themselves (Alan Arkin, Barbara Harris, Fred Willard), The Second City’s reputation grew.
Today, The Second City, with sister theaters in Chicago and Toronto, continues to produce premiere comic talent, from Mike Myers to Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey–The Second City imprint is felt across every entertainment medium.

"Downton Abbey" Season 6 Exclusive Preview
2015-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
On Saturday, December 5, Walla Walla fans of “Downton Abbey” will be able to preview the first episode of Season 6, a month before its official US release. This exclusive screening at the Gesa Power House Theatre will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4.
Northwest Public Television and Shakespeare Walla Walla present this event by special permission of the producers of the hit British televisions series, and Walla Walla will be one of only a couple locations in the Pacific Northwest to be granted rights for a preview screening of the first episode of the final season of “Downton Abbey”. The episode is scheduled for US broadcast starting on January 3, 2016.
The theater will open at 2:00 p.m. for a reception hosted by Northwest Public Television and Shakespeare Walla Walla. Arrive early for raffles, mystery wine bottles, and wine available to purchase by the glass. Complimentary reserved seating tickets may be reserved online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
All guests are invited to dress in Victorian or 1920’s apparel, or as their favorite Downton Abbey character.
“Downton Abbey” is a popular British period drama that began airing in the United Kingdom in the fall of 2010, and is re-broadcast in the United States on PBS.

The Great Kaplan
2015-11-19 18:30 - 20:00 UTC
The Adventist Health Little Watt’s Children’s Series of Family Entertainment continues at the Gesa Power House Theatre with the return of “The Great Kaplan” on Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m.
David Kaplan, inspired by the antics of Buster Keaton, Victor Borge, and Steve Martin, plays “The Great Kaplan” – an earnest vaudeville performer, who inexplicably gets caught in the crosshairs of the universe while trying to perform his show. Murphy’s Law according to Rube Goldberg. As his world seemingly crumbles, he manages to levitate a bowling ball, juggle furniture, perform feats of prestidigitation, and play melodies on concert balloon, turkey baster and his great grandfather’s ukulele – all to the delight of a charmed audience.
Notable shows include a recent month long run at the Wintergarten Varieté in Berlin and network television appearances on ABC TV’s “The View”, “The Statler Brothers Show” on TNN and “Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde” in Paris.
Kaplan has headlined in more than 20 countries, and shared the stage with renowned performers, from David Spade to Harry Blackstone Jr. and the Smothers Brothers. He has earned numerous awards, including the first place medal at the Canton Battle of Magicians, the “People’s Choice” award at the International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention, and the Mandrake d’Or in Paris.
Kaplan played to a sold-out crowd at the Gesa Power House Theatre in the spring of 2014. He returns to Walla Walla with an updated show, including new demonstrations of skill and comedy.
Reserved seating tickets ($9 Adult, $6 Youth) are available online, by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
Additional sponsorship by Ketelsen Construction.

Pitch It! Competition
2015-11-18 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
Inspired by the TV show, Shark Tank, the “Pitch It!” competition provides a vehicle for students to design and develop innovative business concepts, create a presentation of their concept for a panel of judges and pitch their innovation in-front of a live audience.
In the final event, held on Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gesa Power House Theatre, the top two finishers at each preliminary event will compete for the final award.
Judges for this year’s final round include:

Megan Clubb, CEO of Baker Boyer Bank
Andre Bopp, Owner of Andre’s Kitchen
Hank Worden, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
Shannon Bergevin, Owner of Express Personnel
Zachary Fraser, Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Baseball Ventures, owner of the Walla Walla Sweets

Admission is free and open to the public. The event will also be live-streamed (visit http://www.pitch-it.info/).
Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.
During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors—introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

Atomic Bombshells: Burlesque!
2015-11-14 19:30 - 22:00 UTC
The Atomic Bombshells have taken the international burlesque scene by storm, from New Orleans to Amsterdam. This polished and perfectly-choreographed, professional burlesque troupe, presents a show to remember on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gesa Power House Theatre.
Celebrating the feminine form with good humor, style, and MGM-era glamour, The Atomic Bombshells perform in the rich and decadent tradition of true burlesque. This is the real thing!
“The choreography is pristine, the band is swinging, and the Bombshells are HOT…” SHANGHAI JAZZ SCENE
Featured in countless local and international publications, The Atomic Bombshells have been recently showcased on Emmy-Winning PBS program “Full Focus”. If you haven’t experienced the creme-de-la-creme of American showgirls, come see why The Atomic Bombshells have been called “The New York Yankees of Burlesque!” (KPLU Radio)
This event is age-restricted: 18 and older only!
Reserved seating tickets ($29-$24) go on sale on Friday, Sept. 18.

Wildwood Park - CD Release Party
2015-10-30 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Indie folk-rock band, Wildwood Park, will release its debut CD, “A Beauty in Her Day” at a special event at the Gesa Power House Theatre on October 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Hailing from Walla Walla, Wildwood Park showcases the song-craft of brothers and veteran songwriters Aaron and Jesse Burgess and features the vocals and violin of Anna Okada Burgess, Jesse’s 19-year-old daughter. Anna, a classically-trained violinist, singer, and Celtic fiddler, released a solo CD (“Spring in Brassica”) at age 14, and at 15 she performed in the exclusive National High School Honors Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York. Drummer Dov Friedman completes the quartet.
Wildwood Park’s sound is autumnal and rich. The songs are sad and hopeful, emotionally mature, featuring delicate melodies reminiscent of John Lennon’s lyrical songs, with strong influences from folk rock music from the late 60s and early 70s: from Nick Drake to the Beatles, and Neil Young to Bob Marley. The subject matter ranges from spiritual epiphany, to love lost, to a story of a homeless man’s last hours on the cold streets of a sleeping city.
Most songs on “A Beauty in Her Day” feature Anna’s exquisite and passionate violin work. Her singing is finely textured, intimate, and free of the affectations so often found in singers in the contemporary indie folk-rock scene.
This concert will feature several guest musicians, including San Francisco producer and virtuoso pedal steel guitarist Bruce Kaphan, Nick Bader, Doug Scarborough, Michael Simon, and Elena Janis.
**SOLD OUT**

2015 Dia de los Muertos Festival (Day 2)
2015-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Dia de los Muertos Festival is a collaboration between many local businesses and community partners, and is inspired by the “Day of the Dead” holiday where people throughout Latin America gather to celebrate the lives of departed friends and family.
The Third Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival will start with a procession from downtown on the evening of October 24 ending at the Gesa Power House Theatre for live music and dance, and continues with an all-day street festival on Sunday, October 25. Admission to the festival and all activities will be free and open to the public. Food vendors will be setup nearby.
At the center of the festival is the popular “Steamroller Print Project” led by Whitman College Art Professor Nicole Pietrantoni. Reliefs are carved into wooden blocks depicting iconic Dia de los Muertos images (skulls, skeletons, harvest, and nature), and a steamroller is used as a printing press to create giant prints which will be on display and for sale throughout the festival.
Other free activities will include face-painting, a Shakespearean-themed “Pageant of the Dead” performed by local student groups, music, dance performances and more.
Shakespeare Walla Walla will create Dia de los Muertos lesson plans and classroom activity ideas to engage local schools and teachers. A small number of teaching artists will be available to lead in classroom art and education projects leading up to the festival.
Gesa Credit Union stepped forward with generous support as the title sponsor for the festival. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Shakespeare Walla Walla. Last year’s festival drew more than 2000 attendees. This event is also made possible through grant support from the Washington State Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Blue Mountain Community Foundation.
The street in front of Gesa Power House Theatre will be closed to accommodate the festival (6th Avenue from Rose to Sumach).
More information will be available at www.shakespearewallawalla.org.

2015 Dia de los Muertos Festival (Day 1)
2015-10-24 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
