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From the Studio: Aspire CdA's "Leap of Faith"

Aspire Community Theatre cast and creatives discuss their new musical

Trigger Weddle, Thomas Gandy and Jen Kleinkauf of Aspire Community Theatre joined E.J. Iannelli by phone to talk about their season opener, Leap of Faith.

Leap of Faith is a Broadway musical based on the eponymous 1992 movie starring Steve Martin and Debra Winger.

Featuring music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Janus Cercone and Slater, Leap of Faith is about a con-man preacher who tries to swindle the residents of a small town with a tent revival. However, he starts to reconsider his ruse when he falls in love with the town's sheriff, Marla McGowan.

Gandy is directing this production of Leap of Faith. Weddle, who also serves as Aspire's artistic director, is the show's choreographer. Kleinkauf is playing love interest Marla McGowan opposite Oskar Owens as the "Reverend" Jonas Nightingale.

The trio talked about the show's gospel-tinged music, the redemption arc that unifies its characters as well as its appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

This online interview closes with an abbreviated cast recording from this production of Leap of Faith. It features musical director Presley DuPuis accompanying Torey Routson (playing Ornella Sturdevant), MacKenzie Gandy (Sam Nightingale), Daniel Renz (Isaiah Sturdevant) and Oskar Owens in a performance of the song "Are You on the Bus?"

Leap of Faith performances will take place at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene between October 14 and 23. The Aspire Community Theatre website has showtimes, ticket info and more details.

E.J. Iannelli is Spokane Public Radio's Arts & Music Direcor