A holiday heartwarmer: Masquers Theater to present ‘Sleeping Indoors’
Assistant director Pat Rosman (left) works with cast members Lui Navarro (center back) and Carrie Rutherford (right) during rehearsal for “Sleeping Indoors,” the Masquers Theater production opening Dec. 3.
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald
Nora (Carrie Rutherford, left) is dubious about her sister Nicole’s (Jessica Hogge, right) mood in the Masquers Theater production of “Sleeping Indoors.” The show opens Dec. 3.
Nicole (Jessica Hogge, left) is really, really interested in getting to know Dwain (Lui Navarro, right). The Masquers Theater production of “Sleeping Indoors” opens Dec. 3.
Nora (Carrie Rutherford, left) tries to make Dwain (Lui Navarro, right) feel at ease in the Masquers Theater production of “Sleeping Indoors.” The production opens Dec. 3.
SOAP LAKE — The tale of a charitable impulse and its impact on the people in the immediate vicinity comes to the Masquers Theater stage Dec. 3. “Sleeping Indoors” runs for two weekends, beginning Dec. 3.
The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11, and 2 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12. The theater is located at 322 E. Main St. in Soap Lake.
The play, described as a “dramedy,” contains material that’s not suitable for children, according to a Masquers press release.
Like all performing arts organizations, Masquers was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the troupe to cancel most of its last two seasons. The effects are still being felt. “Sleeping Indoors” director Kathleen Stahl said a holiday play involving kids would’ve been her preference, but circumstances dictated a smaller production. She said in her opinion the play fits the circumstances and the season.
“It’s definitely heartwarming,” she said. “I actually cried the first time I read it.”
However, only one person showed up for the auditions, she said. She recruited the rest of the cast, who were willing to pitch in to help the show go on.
Nora (Carrie Rutherford in the Masquers production) is feeling a little lonely at Christmas, with her children grown and off to their own lives. On an impulse she invites Dwain (Lui Navarro), a homeless guy she meets on the street, to dinner on Christmas Eve.
Her husband Paul (Greg Becker) thinks that’s a very bad idea. Nora’s sister Nicole (Jessica Hogge) finds Dwain intriguing - but then, Nicole is a self-described mess.
Then literary critic Paul discovers that Dwain has written a book, maybe a great book. That news could change Dwain’s life forever, but he may prefer the life he has.
Navarro was the only person who auditioned, and said he was attracted by the character.
“I read the script, and I liked Dwain,” he said. “He’s just full of life. It’s like he’s trying to set an example.”
The pandemic meant play production was shut down, and Navarro said he missed performing.
“It’s been a while, and I’ve been craving to come back,” he said.
Rutherford said the play gives her a chance to appear with Hogge, a longtime friend, something they’ve long wanted to do.
“I just said, ‘let’s do it.’ And it’s been a blast,” Rutherford said.
She said she too likes the character she’s playing.
“I can relate to her,” she said. “I like that she cares so much. She wears her heart on her sleeve.”
Tickets are on sale on the Masquers website, www.masquers.com.
