On July 21, 2025, the Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College became a fairy-tale kingdom for Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s unforgettable Princess Performance of Anastasia the musical.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsor, Rita Case, we were able to offer free tickets to families, making this magical evening accessible to all, especially those who might not typically experience the wonder of live professional theatre. The result was a heartwarming celebration of community, artistry, and joy that left everyone spellbound.

Families arrived in style, dressed as princes and princesses, their tiaras sparkling and capes flowing, creating a vibrant, royal atmosphere.

The excitement was palpable as lines formed outside the venue at 3:00 p.m. to claim complimentary tickets, available only on-site until 4:30 p.m. We loved seeing families of all ages come together, with each adult accompanied by a child under 12, ensuring the night was a shared adventure for young and old alike.

For so many in our community, this event was more than a show, it was a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.

One parent from the Boys & Girls Club shared in a heartfelt note to Rita Case, “Thank you for your generosity. We have five children, and theatre is usually out of the question unless we limit it to only one parent and one child. Tonight was an incredible memory.” Another wrote, “We can’t thank you enough for your generosity, especially to people with disabilities and those struggling at this time. God bless your charitable heart.” These touching thank-you notes, many written by the children themselves, filled our hearts with gratitude for the impact this night had on our community.

The performance of Anastasia, with its breathtaking story of identity, love, and discovery, held the audience in awe with its stunning vocals and captivating score.

The magic didn’t end with the final bow—our stars, Melody Munitz (Anastasia) and David Eldridge (Dmitry), spent over an hour at the “star door” after the show, meeting fans, taking photos, and chatting with kids who beamed with excitement. One mother shared, “This is our first time attending a show, and my daughter and I are so excited! She is 3, and we got all dressed up for our special night!” A family from Canopy Village called it “a special treat,” while another parent wrote, “My daughter and I are so grateful for your generosity! She got to dress up like a true princess and was treated as such.”

This Princess Performance was a dream come true for our Executive Artistic Director, Chuck Ethridge, who has long envisioned bringing the transformative power of theatre to everyone in our community, especially those facing financial or other challenges. “This was about giving everyone a chance to experience the joy of live theatre,” Chuck shared. With Rita Case’s support, that vision became reality, creating a night where families connected, children’s imaginations soared, and our community came together in celebration.

The gratitude poured in from groups like CDA-ACT, Hospice North Idaho, Idaho Youth Ranch, and Specialized Needs Recreation, with notes like, “Thank you from CDA-ACT—what a special treat, we are so happy!” These stories highlight the true impact of this event: it wasn’t just a performance but a gift of connection and joy for our community.

As we reflect on this enchanting evening, we’re thrilled to share that Anastasia The Broadway Musical continues with four more performances this weekend, Thursday through Sunday. Grab your tickets at cstidaho.com or at the box office 90 minutes before each show. Join us to #ShareTheJoy and experience the magic of professional musical theatre!

About Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre

Since 1967, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has been Idaho’s oldest live performing arts organization, delivering “Better than Broadway” experiences. We’re proud to bring nationally recognized, award-winning musical theatre to our community. #ShareTheJoy