The Week Ahead
July 21, 2025
Return to Full Calendar
Summertime on Bainbridge Island offers more than just ferry views, farmers markets, and trails under sun-dappled trees. It’s also a time when the community’s creative and cultural life comes into full bloom—where small venues hum with activity, and locals of all ages come together to make, share, and celebrate art in all its forms.
This week, Bainbridge is bursting with opportunities to connect, whether you're in the mood for an evening of laughter and lighthearted competition, a deep dive into personal storytelling, or a family-friendly musical full of familiar songs and fresh young talent. From pinball tournaments at a local taproom to solo theater at the Cynthia Sears Studio and a student-led musical on the BPA mainstage, there’s no shortage of reasons to leave the house and engage with something new.
First up is the Bainbridge Wednesday Stern Army Pinball Tournament, a weekly tradition tucked into the vibrant Bainbridge Brewing Taproom. Far from exclusive or overly competitive, this welcoming event has carved out a niche for community-minded fun. Open to players of all levels—including first-timers—it offers a refreshing, analog way to spend a Wednesday night. There’s something oddly grounding about the clack of flippers and the whirl of lights, especially when shared among neighbors with a pint in hand.
Then, later in the week, the spotlight shifts to a very different kind of storytelling. In Soul Breadcrumbs, Bainbridge Island resident and longtime life coach Leza Danly returns to the stage after four decades away. Her solo performance is an invitation to witness the power of vulnerability and transformation. Directed by solo show expert Christine McHugh, Soul Breadcrumbs blends personal narrative and original music in a performance that is both intimate and universal. This is not just theater—it’s a lived experience rendered into art.
Finally, for families looking for a burst of theatrical magic, BPA Theatre School’s production of Mary Poppins JR. brings the classic musical to life through the voices and energy of its young cast. The show runs over two weekends, with accessible pricing and an opening night offered on a Pay What You Can basis. From “A Spoonful of Sugar” to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” the show promises joy, nostalgia, and a reminder of the boundless creativity that thrives in local youth.
Each of these events offers something distinct, but they share a common thread: they’re all rooted in the island’s ongoing spirit of participation and expression. Whether you're stepping up to a pinball machine, taking in a raw and moving solo act, or applauding the accomplishments of student performers, you’re doing more than being entertained—you’re helping shape the cultural life of Bainbridge itself.
Read on for full coverage of all three events, and find your place in the week’s creative rhythm.
Featured Events:
Return to Full Calendar
Bainbridge Wednesday Weekly Pinball Tournament
Every Wednesday evening, the Bainbridge Brewing Taproom transforms into a hub of flashing lights, ringing bells, and spirited competition with its weekly Stern Army Pinball Tournament. Beginning at 6:15 PM with sign-ups and launching into action at 6:30 PM, the tournament offers a chance for players of all levels to test their skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.
The tournament runs a 3-strike, head-to-head knockout format and follows official IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) rules. For those who track points and rankings, IFPA points are up for grabs. The $5 entry fee goes straight into the prize pool, distributed among the top finishers at the end of the night. While players need quarters to operate the machines, the entry fee covers the competition itself, making it both affordable and rewarding.
What sets this event apart is its accessibility. Experience isn’t required, and newcomers are not only welcome—they’re encouraged. Organizers emphasize a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where beginners can learn the ropes and returning players can enjoy friendly matchups. It's not unusual to see families, curious first-timers, and serious pinball fans all sharing the same bank of machines.
The Taproom, known for its house-brewed craft beers and inviting setting, adds to the appeal. As an all-ages venue, it offers a unique opportunity for both kids and adults to engage in a shared activity. While the grown-ups enjoy a pint or two from the brewery’s rotating selection, younger players can take their first shot at mastering the silver ball.
Regular participants have found the weekly tournaments to be more than just games—they’re a way to connect with neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy the simple thrill of old-school pinball. Whether you're competing for the top spot or just playing for fun, there's a sense of camaraderie that keeps people coming back each week.
The Bainbridge Wednesday Stern Army Pinball Tournament has quietly become a staple of midweek entertainment on the island. It’s a low-commitment, high-enjoyment way to spend a few hours, whether you’re chasing a win or just looking to unwind in good company.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Wednesday, July 23, 6:15-9:30pm
Bainbridge Brewing Taproom 9415 Coppertop Loop Northeast, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110
Full details here
Return to Full Calendar
Soul Breadcrumbs
This weekend, Bainbridge Performing Arts presents Soul Breadcrumbs, a deeply personal one-woman show written and performed by Leza Danly. Set for two evenings—Friday and Saturday, July 25–26—at the Cynthia Sears Studio, the production marks Danly’s return to the stage after more than four decades.
Directed by Christine McHugh, a veteran solo-show director with more than 25 productions to her name, Soul Breadcrumbs combines storytelling, theatre, and original music to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the journey back to one’s authentic self. Through a blend of spoken word and original songs, Danly revisits formative experiences—childhood joy, adolescent intensity, and the challenges of adult life—that shaped, fractured, and ultimately clarified her sense of identity.
The show’s central question—what if we could recover the forgotten parts of ourselves?—grounds the narrative in both personal memory and universal emotion. Danly, a longtime life coach and founder of Lucid Living, draws on her professional work in transformation and self-compassion to inform the emotional landscape of the performance. Her experience in both healing and creative arts helps bridge introspection with theatrical expression.
Originally trained in theater, Danly began her career singing at Disneyland and studied performance at Skidmore College. She later toured internationally as a vocalist before stepping away from the stage to pursue coaching and teaching. Now based on Bainbridge Island, she brings Soul Breadcrumbs as both a personal milestone and a creative offering to her community.
Director Christine McHugh’s background in theater and life coaching adds further dimension to the production. Known for helping artists shape spoken memoirs into stage-ready performances, McHugh brings a layered sensitivity to emotionally charged material. Her work as an intimacy coordinator in film and television underscores her focus on care and authenticity in performance spaces.
Due to adult themes and strong emotional content, Soul Breadcrumbs is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older. Seating is limited in the intimate Cynthia Sears Studio, providing a close, immersive experience for attendees.
With its fusion of memory, music, and emotional honesty, Soul Breadcrumbs offers a reflective evening of theatre that invites audiences to consider the ways we lose and find ourselves across time.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Friday, July 25 and 26, 8pm
Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, 200 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Return to Full Calendar
BPA Theatre School Presents: Disney’s “Mary Poppins JR!”
This summer, Bainbridge Performing Arts Theatre School invites audiences of all ages to rediscover the magic of a classic with its student production of Mary Poppins JR., running July 25 through August 3. Adapted for young performers and based on the beloved Disney musical, the show features a condensed but lively script, familiar songs, and all the heart that has made Mary Poppins an enduring favorite.
Directed and performed entirely by students of BPA’s Theatre School, Mary Poppins JR. tells the story of a no-nonsense nanny with magical powers who arrives at the Banks household just in time to restore order, joy, and a little wonder. Along the way, Mary Poppins helps the family reconnect—with each other, and with the values that truly matter.
The production includes crowd-pleasing numbers like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and the tongue-twisting “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” performed with youthful energy and theatrical flair. While the storyline has been shortened for younger audiences, it retains the charm, humor, and life lessons of the original stage and screen versions.
The cast features students from BPA’s Theatre School, many of whom are taking on leading roles for the first time. These productions are not only a chance for young performers to shine on stage but also offer valuable experience in teamwork, confidence, and creative storytelling.
The run begins with a Preview Night on Friday, July 25 at 5:30 PM, offered on a Pay What You Can basis—ensuring accessibility for all members of the community. Additional performances are scheduled for July 26, July 27, August 2, and August 3, with a mix of afternoon and early evening shows.
Ticket prices for the regular performances are tiered to allow families and supporters to choose their level of contribution. Standard tickets are $15, while optional donation tiers—called “Ticket plus some Tuppence” ($35) and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidonation” ($50)—help fund BPA’s Theatre School programs, including scholarships and production costs. Regardless of the price paid, all attendees enjoy the same seating.
With its upbeat score, strong student performances, and message of kindness and possibility, Mary Poppins JR. offers a delightful summer outing for the entire family—and a celebration of the next generation of local talent.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
July 25 - August 3
Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Return to Full Calendar
Ready to Make A Move?
Our team is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals. Connect with us to receive a free consultation to learn about your options in today’s market and see how our executive package is the only way to maximize your ROI. With my background as a Marketing Executive, you’ll get custom market analysis and ongoing tracking, video story-telling with A/B tested marketing messaging, catered open houses, staging and design, and so much more.
With over $100M of real estate sold, ranked in the top 1% of realtors nationally, and voted #1 Best Realtor on Bainbridge Island in 2021 and 2022, I know what it takes to craft the perfect offer and land your forever home. I’ve had the honor of serving over 100 families in Bainbridge Island, Greater Seattle Area, the Eastside and beyond. Properties include single and multi-family homes, condos in both the busy city and calm suburbs, waterfront homes with exceptional views, estate listings, and investment homes anywhere from a couple hundred thousand to a million dollars–each property receives the same concierge experience.
Let us help you buy or sell your home. Reach out to our team today to get started.
