As the temperature rises this summer, it doesn't mean the curtains close at Liberty Lake Community Theatre. LLCT continues to be busy throughout August as the group reaches the tail end of their season, providing a great chance to get involved with some exciting events happening there.

July 30 through Aug. 2 is the final weekend to see "Tikki Tikki Tembo," a unique production written and directed by Kenneth Boles. The script is based on a children's book, which is itself based on a Chinese myth about why short names are so popular in the culture today. 

The main character, a boy whose full name is Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Chari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo, gets stuck in a well. In the course of trying to rescue him, his younger brother meets all sorts of unique characters - such as a kung fu master, an incompetent musician and a deaf gardener - and eventually the brothers learn that life is much easier with a short name.

The cast of "Tikki Tikki Tembo" includes multiple children, ages eight and up.

"They're having a lot of fun, plus they're learning about another culture and another time," Boles said.

Boles has over 20 years of theater experience under his belt, and over a decade working in children's theater. He has worked with Liberty Lake Community Theatre on six other productions in a wide variety of capacities. He said he loves working with kids and introducing them to the world of theater in a playful way. The young people in his cast particularly enjoy the dance sequence and the unique characters, he said.

"Tikki Tikki Tembo" is a cute, lighthearted family show, suitable for kids of all ages. Boles sought to also include references that would draw in the parents in the audience.

"I'm a parent. I know what it's like to not particularly want to go to something and know that I had to for the kids," he said. "So I tried to make it fun for the parents too."

The show started its run on July 24 and continues with 7 p.m. shows on July 30-31 and Aug. 1. The final show is a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 2. Tickets cost $12 online or at the door.

On Aug. 15, the theater is hosting the third annual Hearts for the Arts Gala, a special event to raise money for the 2015-2016 season. The gala will include a silent auction, drinks (the event is only for those over the age of 21), hors d'eouvres, and a production of "Caught in the Act." Limited tickets are available for this special, one-night-only event for $35.

The theater also has an improv show coming up on Aug.27, where the troupe will perform comedy under the name "This, That and the Other." Improvisational comedy is unplanned, and the show tends to be rated PG-13. Tickets are available online or at the door for $7.

For more, visit www.libertylaketheatre.com.

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