• photo courtesy of arcataplayhiuse.com
• Women of the Pacific Northwest

You sick of this election season yet? Long, tedious, loud, yes, it’s all encompassing. So. Let us try to give you something about it to celebrate. Ahem. Did you know that this year marks the 100th year of California women’s suffrage? Don't lie! You didn't! But Arcata Playhouse executive director Jackie Dandeneau did. And she’s been planning a kind of celebration.

For nearly a year, Dandeneau and her team have been working on a show about local women’s history. They’ve poured over historical books, newspapers and obituaries and met with Humboldt-rooted women, young and old, gathering their stories. Assisted by researchers Tammy Rae Scott and Edith Butler, Dandeneau explored the lives of local women -- writers, farmers, activists, pilots and Olympians -- in an attempt to construct a narrative that gives us some idea of where we are now.

Community involvement in the show wasn’t limited to shared anecdotes. Dandeneau and crew, impressively, were able to raise $5,000 to fund the endeavor via Kickstarter.

The journey culminates this week when Women of the Pacific Northwest debuts at the Arcata Playhouse with a gala opening night on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. The show features stories both humorous and touching, as well as original and period music. And, of course, it stars local performers including Ali Freedlund, Dharla Curry, Jill Petricca, Julie Froblom, Denise Dodd, Lauren Wilson, Maia Cheli-Colando, Ciara Cheli-Colando, Laura Montagna, Laura Munoz, Siena Nelson and Sophia Paulekas.

Women of the Pacific Northwest continues at the Playhouse with 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows through Oct. 21. There will also be 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on Oct. 14 and 21. Tickets are $15 opening night and for the Friday, Oct. 12, performance benefitting the Humboldt Soroptomists and $10/$8 members for the rest of 'em. For more info, visit arcataplayhouse.org.