New musical to tell Leavenworth’s story of reinvention

LEAVENWORTH — The development of a new musical about Leavenworth is underway, telling the story of a town that has survived, adapted, and blossomed throughout its history.

The idea originated from resident and Leavenworth Adventure Park General Manager John Sutherland, who is commissioning the project through his non-profit professional theatre company, SideCountry Theatre. He is joined by a local Board of Directors that includes Ann Peavey, Coco Hopkins, Kirstie Miethe, and Meeche White.

Sutherland said he was inspired after reading “Miracle Town: Creating America's Bavarian Village in Leavenworth, Washington” by Ted Price. Price and his partner Bob Rodgers were two key players in the town’s Bavarian transformation and revival. 

“The town’s story — and Ted and Bob's story — was just so incredible,” said Sutherland. “It’s been successful more than once, in terms of the town reinventing itself. I wanted to tell that story.”

Though the focus of the project started with “Miracle Town,” it is just one chapter in the town’s extraordinary story, Sutherland noted. In working with the creative team, he said the scope of research has expanded to about 150 years of history, which will be narrowed down throughout the process.

“I really appreciate this place, and I think it should be celebrated and understood, but within the larger context — not just the transformation into a Bavarian theme town, but all of the things that have happened historically here in this valley,” said Sutherland.

One guaranteed throughline he expects throughout the show is the area’s nature and setting.

“Everything that has happened in this valley…has been informed by nature,” said Sutherland. “I think that's a pretty exciting part of this.”

The musical is currently in the development stage, which is led by the project’s creative team, Vanessa Miller and Christian Duhamel. Sutherland is facilitating as the project founder and Producing Artistic Director.

Miller, who is writing the script, has 25 years of theater experience across several roles. She has written two full-length plays and helped develop new shows at the Seattle Opera and Village Theater. Duhamel, an award-winning, multi-hyphenate theatre artist, is composing the music and lyrics.

According to Sutherland, the first draft is expected to be ready for a staged reading this November, which will be held at the Canyon Wren Recital Hall in partnership with Icicle Creek Center for the Arts. The project anticipates moving into workshop production of the full show in 2027.

So far, SideCountry Theatre has raised just under 40 percent of its fundraising goal of $65,000. The amount totals the cost of writers’ commissions, production and legal consulting, research, a director, audition and rehearsal expenses, lodging, per diem, supplies, marketing, contingency, and the fiscal sponsorship fee. It is accepting donations through its fiscal sponsor, Shunpike, at: shunpike.org/artist/sidecountry-theatre/.

Those interested in finding out more information or ways to be involved can contact Sutherland at john@sidecountrytheatre.com.

“I would love it to become something that runs every year,” said Sutherland. “I just really want to inspire people and celebrate where we are and what we've done as a town.”

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media