STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Snow softly fell outside. But inside the black box that is Laughing Stock Theatre’s new studio love loomed large as the valley’s singers and actors came together to sang “Somebody to Love” and “All You Need is Love” against the backdrop of red roses and giant hearts proclaiming “Hugs” and “XOXO.”

Laughing Stock Theatre—the valley’s longest running theater company—threw its first adult gathering in its new space opposite the Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum in honor of Valentine’s Day or what David Janeski proclaimed “Single Awareness Day.” And so many people clamored to get in that the theater company had to add a second showing.

“It means so much to have adults in this space—not just children,” said Megan Mahoney, who has spent the summer teaching young thespians improv in the new space.

Andrew Alburger and David Janeski sang The Beatles’ “If I Fell.”

“It’s our first show here and we’re so excited,” added Patsy Wygle. ““We’re building a gathering place for our community to come together to celebrate the arts with cabarets, play readings, small-scale productions and community events,” and we look forward to doing more shows like this.”

Supporters sat around small cabaret-type tables on chairs borrowed from The Spot as they sipped complimentary wine, beer and cranberry-red cocktails and nibbled on chocolate hearts, cocktail nuts and heart-shaped cookies.

It was a chance to forget the world outside for 90 minutes.

“We’re big supporters--we love Laughing Stock Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park productions,” said Kathryn Hulbert.

Kathryn and Terry Hulbert were among those who turned out for the cabaret show.

Andrew Alburger provided the comic touch for the evening, in addition to singing such songs as James Taylor’s “Something in the Way She Moves” against the backdrop of a sparkling black curtain.

“Growing up I was so jealous of my friends in public school,” he told the audience. “They were always getting crushes on their teachers. “You can’t have a crush on nuns.”

“Every woman I meet lets me know they have a boyfriend,” he continued. “The other night I went to a restaurant and right away this woman came up to me and told me how she had a boyfriend that she was planning to meet later that night. I told her, ‘All I want is a menu.’ ”

“I do have a new strawberry blonde in my life,” he added, before waxing eloquent about his new golden retriever.

Aly Wepplo and David Janeski sang a cute little song titled “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”—“If you can’t make your mind up, we’ll never get started…”

The Faculty Lounge, normally decked out in ski parkas to sing a cappella at Sun Valley Resort’s annual Christmas tree lightings, was delighted to sing something besides Christmas carols.

The Sun Valley Community School teachers, comprised of Claudia Mihm, Kira Faller, Rachel Aanestad, Lauren Marziliano and Megan Mahoney, sang eight songs, including “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “When I Fall in Love” and lesser-known songs like “Poison & Wine” and “Toxic.”

“Music is the ultimate connection—I really believe that,” said Mahoney

Mahoney said Laughing Stock Theatre looks forward to expanding its youth and adult theatrical class offerings. Its wish list includes an exterior building sign costing $1,250, a set of chairs estimated to cost $1,700, cocktail tables for $1,800, a $5,000 sound system and $3,495 for mirrors for dance classes.

Annabelle Lewis sang “Funny Valentine.”

Donations can be made via venmo @laughingstocksv.

The show over, Kathy Erickson and Bruce Hilyer ducked back out into the snow wearing Hi-Vis safety sash belts around their coats as they prepared to walk home in the still-falling snow.

“I love their energy,” said Erickson. “So much fun.”