Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
'Pirates' come to St. John "The Pirates of the Penzance" fight scene. Free performances at Eccles Community Hall located at 9752 state Highway 23. Show times are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Read full story on page 5.
Pirate Frederic played by Dominic Treis and Piratical Maid of All Work Ruth played by Marianne Treis.
The Pirates of the Penzance Policemen actors ready for their scene.
ST. JOHN – Several families are combining their stage skills for three performances of "The Pirates of the Penzance" this coming Friday and Saturday.
Directed by Eastern Washington University student Dominic Treis of St. John, the free performances will take place at Eccles Community Hall, 9752 state Highway 23. Show times are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27.
Sound is being managed by Ken Treis.
Jackie Widhalm and Danielle Treis handled costumes, while Donna Snider designed the set.
Treis family planned the choreography.
"This is a swashbuckling, sword fighting, seaworthy musical adventure," Treis said, noting donations will be accepted to help cover production costs.
"We'd love to have as many people in there as we possibly can," he said, noting the site is an old grange hall – the former Wheatland Grange.
"It has a huge stage; the community has been restoring it," Treis said. "We are starting to have more events in this old community hall."
The cast of the show features aspiring thespians ages 5-21, Treis said. Most of the cast will also handle stage settings, lighting and more.
Actors are coming from the St. John, Walla Walla, Tri-Cities areas, as well as Moscow, Idaho.
The cast includes:
John Merriman – The Pirate King
Christopher Treis – Pirate King lieutenant Samuel
Micah Vawter – Pirate crewman Micah
John Down – Pirate crewman John
Toby Guadagnini – Pirate crewman Toby
Robert Merriman – Pirate crewman Robert
Matthew Vawter – Pirate crewman Matthew
Dominic Treis – Pirate apprentice Frederic
Marianne Treis – Piratical Maid of All Work Ruth
Michael Down – Police sergeant
Michael Merriman – Second sergeant
Andrew Guadagnini, Benedict Treis, Nathan Vawter, Kevin Merriman and Edmund Treis – police officers
Jesse Vawter – Major General Stanley
Catherine Treis – Mabel
Bernadet Treis – Edith
Rose Merriman – Isabel
Samantha Guadagnini – Kate
Teresa Treis – Teresa
Maria Guadagnini – Maria
Anna Dow – Anna
Fiona Merriman – Fiona
Kaylie Vawter – Kaylie
Elizabeth Treis – Elizabeth
Emily Klein – Queen Victoria
According to Treis, the families and friends decided to put on the show to give area residents something fun to do.
"We also love acting and singing," he said. "Last year, we put on a musical. It went so well, we wanted to do another this year."
Treis said event-goers are in for a treat.
"When you think of a kids production, you think not very good quality," he said. "But these kids, oh my God, they knock my socks off."
Treis said directing the cast has been fun.
"I've been so enjoying directing these kids," he said, noting he'll also be among the cast. "It is so good for the community and kids to have something to do."
"It's going to be a lot of fun," Treis said.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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