Allied Arts announces 31st season

MOSES LAKE - Randy Johnstad is calling this season of the Columbia Basin Allied Arts Season Thirty-One.

"I just want people to realize how historical Columbia Basin Allied Arts is," explained Johnstad, executive director of the organization. "This isn't a new thing, this isn't something that just happened. This has been going on for 31 years, and I think that's amazing."

Johnstad believes the association "raised the bar" last season with such musicians as Carlos del Junco and Leon Redbone, which means this season has to start with a bang, he said.

The season's coming attractions include two-time Grammy winner Diane Schuur, The Eugene Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker," the Spokane Jazz Orchestra and "Brady Bunch" star Barry Williams in "Gilligan's Island: The Musical."

The organization's Green Turtles series for children includes two performances by the Missoula Children's Theater, "The Princess and the Pea" and "Robin Hood." The American Family Theater production of "Pippi Longstocking," is also included. Dates are to be announced.

Schuur's performance coincides with a release of her new album, Johnstad said.

"Nutcracker" will audition local dancers, who will rehearse with local instructors and join the performance, he added.

Williams previously appeared in a production at Big Bend Community College, Johnstad said, when the community college offered spring musicals with guest directors and star talent.

"Ever since I've taken over as executive director, people in every different area have said, 'Can you do something about the spring musical?'" Johnstad said. "It's a great musical that no one around here has ever seen. There's no redeeming social value. It's nothing but fun and everybody knows the story. 'Gilligan's Island' is the most rerun of all the TV shows."

Johnstad noted the season is four shows instead of five this time.

"It's costing us the same amount of money," he said. "So everything has gone up in price. I want to be able to guarantee to our audiences, if we're going to show it, it's going to be worth seeing."

Johnstad said he heard from audience members wondering if last year's performers would be back this year so they could bring their friends.

"You've got to jump on it when you can," he said. "I want everyone to know each one of these (performances) is going to be top of their game. We have to get people to show up."

Johnstad said it's rare to have such opportunities locally.

"If we can get more members, we can get better shows in; if we can get more attendance, we get better shows in," he said. "Our audiences don't have to pay $4.50 a gallon to go to Spokane, Seattle or even Wenatchee. If they do that, they've got to spend for hotel rooms."

Johnstad also called for parents to nurture their children with the arts.

"If we weren't bringing Diane Schuur here next year, Moses Lake would still be the same," Johnstad. "But with Diane Schuur coming, what a wonderful place to live. Moses Lake would be the same without it but, my gosh, it's so much better with it. Just knowing we have the availability to go see these things locally is really what Columbia Basin Allied Arts provides for this community, and has been doing so for 31 years."

For more information, call Johnstad at 509-793-2059 or e-mail basinarts@bigbend.edu.