Can a tolerant person accept another person’s intolerance? That is one of the questions in the multi-layered and expertly crafted, Visiting Mr. Green, by Jeff Baron. Directed by Masquers’ artistic director, Beverly Hasper, this absorbing and touching play affords a challenging format for two experienced actors to spread their wings. It is sure to leave the audience with a heartwarming aftertaste.

Robert Barker plays Ross Gardiner, a young corporate executive, charged with reckless driving for nearly hitting elderly pedestrian, Mr. Green, played by Randy Brooks. Gardiner receives a community service sentence requiring a weekly visit to the recently widowed Mr. Green, to tend to his needs.

The first act begins as a comedy about two men who have no common ground and do not want to be in the same room together. In the second act, following personal revelations of long held secrets and painful prejudices, the story changes into a gripping and moving drama.

Critically acclaimed, this play had a successful run in Spokane’s Civic Theater.

Performance dates for Visiting Mr. Green will be March 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, and April 1-2 at 8 P.M. Sunday matinees are at 3 P.M. on March 20 and April 3. Call the theater for reservations at 246-2611.

In honor of black history month Ashe Drum and Dance Ensemble from Spokane and Allunhari Drum Ensemble, a local group will perform at 7 P.M., Saturday, February 26.

"This unique style of music has been passed down as an oral tradition in West Africa from as long ago as 800 years," says Michael Goude, leader of Allunhari and member of Ashe. "We play on instruments of the same design."

Both groups perform traditional ceremonial drumming and dancing,
maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the Mande tradition. Some of their members have traveled to West Africa and studied with such drum masters as Mamady Keita.

They bring to our audience the opportunity to experience this stirring African music that is as intricate as it is exciting. The ticket price is $10.

Carlos del Junco with his four-piece band will present an eclectic palette of jazz, blues, swing, Latin, funky New Orleans, and the occasional African sound. This Cuban born singer and harmonica maestro transcends categorization but is always innovative. He was judged the worlds best in both the diatonic blues category and the diatonic jazz category.

"Only about 25% of the show is blues," del Junco said. "And that’s not straight ahead blues. We try to reach a broad audience. The key is the melody and the ensemble with the band. It makes it exciting. We put a lot of energy into it."

Carlos del Junco is another world-class artist from the same Toronto-based touring company as Pavlo who was a smash hit in the Masquers’ 2004 season. He will entertain our audiences with an 8 P.M. performance on Friday, April 15. www.carlosdeljunco.com

Masquers volunteers and audience members celebrated the 2004 season at the annual Mopet (Masquers Outstanding Participation and Esprit in Theater)

Awards on January 22. Amid lively entertainment by MC, Bruce Reim and musicians, Don Johnstad and Darrell Morris, the following awards were presented:

Mopet award: Richard Elvin.

Best director: Randy Brooks, Proof.

Best actress: Melissa Sloan, Proof.

Best supporting actor: Tied were Bob Jasman, My Three Angels &

Randy Brooks, A Man for All Seasons.

Best actor: Ken Greene, Proof.

Best supporting actress: Sue LaMunyon, Proof.

Brightest new face (female): Katie Busse, My Three Angels.

Brightest new face (male): Raul Harnasch, My Three Angels.

Most promising new (to Masquers) actor or actress: Raul Harnasch.

Best filmmaker: Kathy Kiefer, Boobalogues.

Best set design: John Glassco, A Man for All Seasons.

Best sound design: D Jay Kendall, Proof.

Best graphic design: Ken Greene, Proof.

African Drumming & Dancing Concert by Ashe and Allunhari

7:00 P.M. February 26

Visiting Mr. Green Play by Jeff Baron, directed by Beverly Hasper.

8:00 P.M. March 11-12; 18-19; 25-26; and April 1-2

3:00 P.M. March 20 and 27

Carlos del Junco Concert

8:00 P.M. April 15

Dial "M" for Murder Play by Frederick Knott, directed by Eric VanWoert

8:00 P.M. May 6-7; 13-14; 20-21; and 27-28

3:00 P.M. May 15 and 22

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Play by Steve Martin, directed by Cynthia Dano

8:00 P.M. June 24-25; July 1-2; 8-9; and 15-16

3:00 P.M. July 3 and 10

On the Other Hand Plays written and directed by Alex Garnett

8:00 P.M. August 19-20; 26-27; September 2; and 9-10

3:00 P.M. August 28 and September 4

Masquer-Aid Gala Event

September 3

Anything Goes Musical directed by Randy Brooks

8:00 P.M. October 21-22; 28-29; November 4-5; 11-12; and 18-19

3:00 P.M. October 30 and November 6

The art display in the lobby is provided by the Soap Lake Art Guild.