STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Spot could not have planned a more rousing sendoff as 20 teens and veteran thespians concluded "The Impossible Dream" with the words "To reach the unreachable star."

But the theater company's quest to reach its dream has been anything but impossible as company has emerged from a few people with a dream, just a few dollars and an empty space in Ketchum’s light industrial area in 2013 to become a force to be reckoned with.

And Tuesday annual fundraising part held at a private home overlooking the Big Wood River reflected that as the theater company raised a record amount to continue providing thought-provoking theater and an inclusive learning experience for youth.

David Janeski led Sara Gorby, Aly Wepplo, Megan Mahoney and Matt Musgrove in “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls.”

Spot Co-founder Brett Moellenberg announced the theater company's intent to expand its small theater in Ketchum's light industrial district by 800 feet.

“Having explored every inch of space in our current facility, it’s time,” said Yanna Lantz about the $400,000-plus expansion towards what she called the future of theater in the Wood River Valley.

The bulk of the night’s contributions, however, will pay for the plays to be staged and operational support for what Board President Mike Wade called a “small but mighty theater.”

The upcoming season will include such fan favorites such as "Rent" and "Guys and Dolls," along with new theater, such as "Weather Girl."

Supporters of The Spot enjoyed a perfect summer evening with sunset illuminating rose-colored hollyhocks on a hillside overlooking the Big Wood River

The season will kick off with top tier ballroom dancers from around the world on Aug. 22 at the Argyros with proceeds from Sun Valley Ballroom going to The Spot. And it will include a bonus play--"Come from Away"--to celebrate the soft opening of the expanded space.

The musical, which premiered in 2013, chronicles the true story of a tiny isolated town in Newfoundland which took in passengers of 38 planes that were grounded following the 9-11 attacks in New York City.

“They welcomed them with music, an open bar and a recognition that we're all one family," Moellenberg said.

The Spot has a history of producing brand new plays such as “Good Night Oscar.” And it snagged the rights to produce “Weather Girl,” it’s first play of its 12th season, before the rest of the country and before its Netflix adaptation.

Tess Makena opens “No Day But Today” from “Rent,” as Yanna Lantz, Megan Mahoney, Brett Moellenberg and Matt Musgrove prepare to jump in.

“She delivers cheerful forecasts amidst a changing world,” said Moellenberg.

The second play, “Marjorie Prime” looks into the near future when AI preserves memories of a single individual. It had its Broadway premiere last year.

“Big Fish,” in December will give high students from all five high schools in the valley a place to shine. And, then there’s “Rent.”

“There are shows we look at about every single year. The last show before we remodel is perfect to close out our current space with,” said Sam Mollner. The Spot’s technical director. “We finally have the resources to do ‘Rent’ justice.”

Rick Vigueria sings a line from “The Impossible Deam.”

The Garage incubator, started two years ago, saw its first play premiering at Atlantic Theater in New York. Last year The Spot’s own Julia Ott introduced her “Sound of Water,” which premiered at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“This year’s playwright is Ben Benne, a Yale graduate and an incredible playwright who’s blowing up everywhere,” said Moellenberg. “It’s about giving someone space to work and seeing what comes out of it.”

Rick Vigueria, a senior at Wood River High School, was among those who entertained the supporters. He appeared in "Anything Goes," "Hadestown" and "Alice by Heart" in the tuition-free Spot Young Company for high school students.

“It’s been a great opportunity for me,” he said. “I’ve made a lot of connections with people in the community. and I’ve learned about being confident and speaking in public. I especially liked ‘Alice by Heart’ because it gave me a chance to explore three different roles  from the White Rabbit to the Mad Hatter.”

Lizzie Loving, a Spot Young alum, is headed to the University of North Carolina theater of arts program, the second oldest theater department in the country.

“I’m a little terrified but The Spot gave me confidence to pursue my passion,” she said. “My first production at the Spot I got under the lights and suddenly I knew where I belonged. The people at the Spot have played one of biggest roles in where I am today.”

THE SPOT’S 2026-27 SEASON:

SUN VALLEY BALLROOM—Aug. 22

Some of the best cha-cha and foxtrot dancers in the world will present their version of “Dancing with the Stars” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at The Argyros in Ketchum. Tickets from the show presented by Mindy Meads and Vasily Golowin are available at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35937/performance/11821762. Proceeds will benefit The Spot.

WEATHER GIRL--Aug. 26-30

This play, a 2016 comedy by Brian Watkins, revolves around a Seattle morning show weather TV personality who shames her boyfriend on air after learning he’s been cheating on her. Having committed professional suicide, she then must navigate moving in with her brother while finding a new job as a waitress and reentering the dating world.

MARJORIE PRIME—Oct. 14-18

This 2015 Pulitzer Prize sci-fi finalist by Jordan Harrison made its Broadway debut in 2025. It revolves around an elderly widow who embraces technology to preserve her memory, offering a look at how digital footprints could affect future generations.

BIG FISH (TEEN YOUNG COMPANY)—Dec. 9-13

This musical adaptation of Daniel Wallace’s novel and the 2003 Tim Burton film tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life stories about encountering mermaids, a witch and a giant frustrate his adult son. Ultimately, the play showcases the power of imaginative mythic stories to connect with others and leave a lasting legacy.

RENT—Jan. 21-31

This Pulitzer and Tony Award winner showcasing the groundbreaking rock music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera “La boheme.” It follows a group of impoverished artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1990s.

THE GARAGE—Spring 2027

This year’s artist will be Benjamin Benne, a Los Angeles playwright based in Brooklyn who was named part of LA Vanguardia: The Latino innovators, instigators and power players breaking through barriers” by the Los Angeles Times.

His produced plays include “Alma,” “In His Hands,” “Manning,” “Wave After Wave” and “What/Washed Ashore/Astray,” They explore relationships mixed with surreal elements that spur questions about grief, loss death, faith, the afterlife and the Divine.

GUYS AND DOLLS JR. (YOUNG COMPANY LITE)—May 19-23

This hour-long junior adaptation of Frank Loesser’s musical, which won numerous Tony Awards including Best Musical, has gambler Nathan Detroit trying to outrun the law as he searches for the cash to set up the biggest crap game in town. Oh, and don’t forget that his girlfriend Adelaide is nagging him to get married after being engaged for 14 years.