It’s finally here; the week that Book-It Repertory Theatre’s Two Wheels North dramatic readings premiere at Nordic Heritage Museum on Friday at 7pm.

Sponsored by Heritage 4Culture and Site-Specific, nine other performances around the county will follow this fall. On Sunday, the Auburn Branch of the King County Library will host the show at 1pm. And on Monday, Seattle Architecture Foundation hosts a noontime performance at Daniels Recital Hall. For a complete schedule and venues, visit 4Culture’s Site-Specific website.

Photo: Historic photo of Vic McDaniel and Ray Francisco

This spring, when I picked up, Two Wheels North, I didn’t know what to expect. The book chronicles the real-life adventures of two young men attempting to bike up the West Coast to the A-Y-P. I soon discovered that it was a terrific read, and well worthy of the dramatic treatment that is the trademark of Book-It Repertory Theatre. Through a collaboration between 4Culture and Book-It, these theatrical, historical readings will soon travel around King County, free and open to the public. Find a venue near you and check it out!

Two Wheels North
A historic novel by Evelyn McDaniel Gibb
Adapted and directed for the stage by Annie Lareau

Free performances throughout King County, beginning September 25

Book-It Repertory Theatre, in partnership with 4Culture’s Heritage and Site-Specific programs, is pleased to present a world premiere adaptation of the novel Two Wheels North, a thrilling true story by Evelyn McDaniel Gibb. One of the last events commemorating the centennial celebration of the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, the historic novel will be presented, free of charge, at venues throughout King County beginning September 25.

In 1909, two fresh high school graduates, take on the challenge of cycling from their home in Santa Rosa, California to Seattle, Washington for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. It’s 1909; roads don’t even exist along many parts of the route; and the intrepid boys encounter nearly every imaginable natural and mechanical challenge—on their one-speed bikes. Adventure is their primary lure, although there is a promised purse of $25 from the Post-Intelligencer waiting for them if they can only make it to Seattle before the final day of the A-Y-P.

Beginning September 25 at the Nordic Heritage Museum, then for ten performances all around King County you can coast along with these young adventurers on the ride of a lifetime. For specific dates, times, and locations visit Book-It’s website. More performances are added weekly, so check back often for a performance near you.

© Courtesy of Book-It Repertory Theatre

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour & Arts 4Culture are sponsoring the “Gold Dust Vaudeville Revue,” August 7-9, at Doc Maynard’s Public House in Pioneer Square. The revue features longtime Seattle actor Rich Hawkins, soprano/performance artist Lucia Neare, & showcases performers from Cabaret d’Artiste. Created by Dean Paton & Susan Balshor in collaboration with NW Folklife founders, Vivian & Phil Williams, the show weaves together authentic music & dance from a hundred years ago, with “real” stories conjured up by personalities from Seattle’s early history. According to Vivian Williams, “Some surprising musical history happened at the AYPE, and our research has uncovered a lot of songs that were popular in the local saloons and dance halls of the day. For a long time, we’ve wanted to do a show built around the real music and actual dances those miners, fishermen, lumberjacks, con artists and even ordinary citizens danced to. And the music is still great, so be prepared to sing along on a few.” Tickets for all shows are $18, with a limited number of half-price tickets available for each performance. Show times on Friday and Saturday are 8 p.m., and on Sunday, 7 p.m. To order advance tickets, phone 206-682-3705, ext. 104. For directions to Doc Maynard’s, go to www.undergroundtour.com.