Weekly Update - 4/8/2009

A Night at The 5th

Here's a sneak peek at two hot new Live Auction items!!!

Live Auction Item #14
"YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT"...YOUR VERY OWN SONG!

You have the once in a lifetime opportunity to have your very OWN song written by Tony Award winning Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman of Hairspray and the upcoming Catch Me If You Can. Loved those tunes in Hairspray?..."Good Morning Baltimore"..."Welcome to the 60s"...well then let them write a song that you will never forget. Anniversary? Birthday? Graduation? You pick the occasion, and these Broadway composers will work with you to write a tune that will make lasting memories play on and on...

Marc Shaiman is a Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winning composer. He won both a Tony and a Grammy for the score to the smash hit Broadway Musical Hairspray, and an Emmy for co-writing Billy Crystal's "Oscar Medleys".

Besides his acclaim for Hairspray, his gold, platinum, multi-platinum and Grammy winning albums include: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, Bette Midler's Beaches, Some People's Lives, For The Boys, Bathhouse Betty, Harry Connick Jr.'s When Harry Met Sally and We Are In Love.

He has been nominated for five Academy Awards for the films Sleepless In Seattle, The American President, The First Wives Club, Patch Adams, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Marc has composed, adapted and arranged music, served as music supervisor and written lyrics for over 40 other films, including When Harry Met Sally, Beaches, Sister Act, City Slickers, The Addams Family, and A Few Good Men. As musical director, producer or arranger, Mr. Shaiman has worked with a pantheon of performers from Eric Clapton to Billy Crystal to Rosemary Clooney!

Scott Wittman, Marc's long-time partner and collaborator, also won the Tony and the Grammy award for his work as co-lyricist on Hairspray. As a lyricist, writer and director, Scott has worked with many Broadway performers including Andrea Martin and Christine Ebersole. Scott conceived, directed, and wrote the lyrics for Martin Short's Broadway special, Fame Becomes Me. He also conceived and directed the Patti Lupone concerts Matters of the Heart and Patti Lupone on Broadway.

Together these two are teaming up again to bring The 5th Avenue Theatre the world premiere musical, Catch Me if You Can, based on the Steven Spielberg hit movie created in 2002. Can't wait to see it? Well you don't have to! It will be right here in Seattle - July of 2009.

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Live Auction Item #5
Connecting The Dots

In a dynamic collaboration with the Northwest's visual arts community, The 5th Avenue Theatre commissioned six local artists to create original works inspired by Georges Seurat's piece "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." These six pieces have been an integral part of Connecting The Dots, the innovative collaboration between The 5th Avenue Theatre and the Northwest's visual arts community. Featured on our show poster, and in a number of art gallery receptions throughout the city, these originals can now be yours! Check them out, NOW! (click on "Connecting Artist")

You can also view these pieces during the Silent Auction period of the Gala, from 6:30P.M. – 8:00P.M. onstage.

For more information, visit our website at 5thavenue.org/gala
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Art Isn’t Easy—In Seattle Or Anywhere Else!

Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre launches “Connecting the Dots,” a celebration of visual art in conjunction with “Sunday in the Park with George”

SEATTLE – The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle’s premier home of musical theater, is pleased to announce the Connecting the Dots program, a unique effort to highlight the work of Seattle’s visual artists through commissioned work, public forums, gallery receptions, museum partnerships and artists-in-schools programs, all focused on the Georges Seurat masterpiece “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”

Seurat’s painting was the inspiration for Sunday in the Park with George, the Pulitzer-prize winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, which explores what it takes to create a masterpiece—and what it costs to love an artist. This production opens April 21 and is helmed by Olivier- and Tony-nominated director Sam Buntrock, who brings his design team to the stage of The 5th to recreate the astonishing computer animated projections that stunned audiences and critics in London and New York.

With Connecting the Dots, The 5th reaches out to the artists and patrons of the visual art community to explore how contemporary Seattle artists deal with the cost—in time, money, and personal life—of creating art.

In 2008, the Theatre commissioned six local artists, Michiko Tanaka, Leslie Stoner, Eric Olson, Deborah Bell, Amy Johnson, and Sheryl Westergreen to create original works inspired by Seurat’s masterpiece. The canvases and sculpture of these six artists are featured at Seattle’s Benham Gallery through the run of the show and during the upcoming Gala—A Night at the 5th—the pieces will be auctioned off, with half of the money raised going to the artists.

In addition, Connecting the Dots is sponsoring a series of pre-show receptions at various galleries within walking distance of the Theatre. These events take place every Tuesday-Saturday through the run of the show from 5:30 to 6:30, and offer our audiences the relaxed experience of viewing contemporary art over wine and light snacks, as well as learning about how Seattle’s galleries interact with the larger artistic community.

The 5th Avenue also has partnerships with several Puget Sound museums, including SAM, Bellevue Art Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, and the Henry Art Gallery, to provide museum patrons an opportunity to purchase tickets to the show, with a portion of each ticket going back to the museum.

Other programs include artist-in-school classes focused on the Seurat painting, a “Color and Light” exhibition featuring student art pieces, a Town Hall public forum on the state of Seattle art, a book club led by the 5th’s artistic director David Armstrong, and a tour through the Olympic Sculpture Park with Armstrong and Marisa Sanchez, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

For details on all of these programs, go to the program’s website, 5thavenue.org/dots.

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CALL FOR ENTRIES

Regular Deadline – April 4, 2009

13th LA Shorts Fest July 23-30, 2009 The largest short film festival in the world. Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences accredited. In past years, 33 participants have earned Academy Award nominations including 11 Oscar winning short films! The festival annually attracts more than 10,000 moviegoers, filmmakers and entertainment professionals looking for the hottest new talent. We have honored some of Hollywood’s legends of the past: Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Robert Wise; along with actors Martin Landau, James Woods, Gary Oldman and directors Tim Burton, Bryan Singer, Jan de Bont, Paul Haggis and Shane Black.

Final Deadline – May 8, 2009

Submit Online: www.lashortsfest.com
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Open Circle Theater
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Center of the Universe >April 24 - May 23, 2009

DASS Dance Company
INFORMATION
Fighting Water >April 10 - 11, 2009 at 8pm

Seattle Shakespeare
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Merchant of Venice >March 12 - April 5, 2009
The Tempest >June 4 - 28, 2009

Taproot Theater Company
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Tuesdays With Morrie >March 25 - April 25, 2009
Around the World in 80 Days >March 20 - June 20, 2009
Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming >July 18 - August 15, 2009
Enchanted April >September 25 - October 24, 2009

Seattle Children's Theater
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Tale of Two Cities >March 20 - April 12, 2009
Goodnight Moon >April 10 - June 14, 2009
I Was a Rat! >May 1 - June 14, 2009

Intiman Theater
ALL ON SALE NOW
Crime and Punishment >March 29 - May 3, 2009
A Thousand Clowns >May 15 - June 17, 2009
Othello >July 2 - August 2, 2009
The Year of Magical Thinking >August 21 - September 20, 2009
Abe Lincoln in Illinois >October 2 - November 15, 2009

Seattle Repertory Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Wishful Drinking with Carrie Fisher >through May 3, 2009
Breaking Hearts and Taking Names >April 9-May 10, 2009
2009-2010 SEASON ANNOUNCED
Hay Fever >October 2 - 25, 2009
August: Osage County >October 27 - November 1, 2009
Opus >October 30 - December 6, 2009
Equivocation >November 18 - December 13, 2009
Speech and Debate >January 15 - February 21, 2010
Glengarry Glen Ross >February 5 - 28, 2010
Fences >March 26 - April 18, 2010
An Illiad >April 9 - May 16, 2010


ACT Theater
Information Available
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde >April 10 - May 10, 2009
Below the Belt >May 22 - June 21, 2009
The Break/s >June 17 - July 12, 2009
Das Barbecii >July 31 - September 6, 2009
Runt of the Litter >September 18 - October 11, 2009
Rock N Roll >October 9 - November 8, 2009

Seattle Opera
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Marriage of Figaro >May 2 - 16, 2009
Wagner's Ring Cycle >August 9 - 30, 2009
2009/2010 SEASON ANNOUNCED
La Traviata >October 17 - 31, 2009
Il Trovatore >January 16 - 30, 2010
Falstaff >February 27 - 13, 2010
Amelia >May 8 - 22, 2010

Paramount
TICKETS AVAILABLE
CATS >April 15 - 19, 2009
Frost Nixon >May 6 - 10, 2009
RENT >June 16 - 21, 2009
Wicked >September 2 - October 4, 2009
August: Osage County >October 27 - November 1, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof >November 27 - December 5, 2009

The 5th Avenue Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Sunday in the Park With George >April 21 - May 10, 2009
Grease >May 12 - 30, 2009 - on sale Feb. 6
NEW SEASON ANNOUNCED!!!
Catch Me If You Can >July 23 - August 14, 2009
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat >October 13 - November 1, 2009
Irving Berlin's White Christmas >December 1 - 20, 2009
South Pacific >January 29 - February 18, 2010
Legally Blonde >February 23 - March 14, 2010
On The Town >April 13 - May 2, 2010
Candide >May 25 - June 13, 2010

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Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information

Want Salon Quality Hair Services for a Fraction of the Cost?
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

Looking for a Great Read?
Brett Dean McGibbon's Different Fish Bookstore

Carrie Fisher in Wishful Drinking - Seattle Repertory Theatre

Carrie Fisher in Wishful Drinking

Seattle Repertory Theatre

April 2 – May 3, 2009

Tickets and Information

It goes without saying that Carrie Fisher has influenced, in all likelihood, every person who reads this review. In some way or another she has touched our lives. Whether we are the twenty-year-old gamer/geek who can recite every word of the original three Star Wars films (but not the new three because they are the untouchable ones) or the fifty-some who can remember the stories in the paper about Fisher’s parents and her own addiction problems, Carrie Fisher is in all our lives. Now for the next month, she can be directly in each and every one of your lives for two hours!

Carrie Fisher. Photo by Kevin Berne.

Wishful Drinking is a collection of stories from Fisher’s life drawn largely from her books, Postcards from the Edge, Delusions of Grandma, Surrender to Pink, and The Best Awful. Her two hour performance is more a standup routine than autobiography or performance piece. Her interactions with the audience are beautifully timed and her improvisation at the audience’s reactions and her own antics are stunning. As a begrudgingly self-proclaimed “Survivor,” Carrie Fisher lays down the law about what’s really important in life and how to laugh away the confusion and despair that life can often entail.

It is every nerd’s dream to share the air with Princess Leia and for two hours, this geek fulfilled his wishes. Whether you love the bun hair or are a fan by contact through her father’s music or her mother’s films, this show is a beautiful reminder - from one of the most recognizable Pez-heads we know - just what the important things in life really are.

Review by Nigel Andrews

Crime and Punishment - Intiman

Crime and Punishment

Intiman

March 29 – May 3, 2009

Tickets and Information

This 90-minute adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s classic novel was first produced as a two-person version in 2007 at the Capitol Hill Arts Center (rest in peace), directed by Sheila Daniels. Hana Lass and Galen Joseph Osier, the original players, are now joined by Todd Jefferson Moore to round out a three-person version of this action- and philosophy-packed play. Daniels directs this second production as well, bringing it to a larger stage at a Tony-award winning regional theater.

The story revolves around the double murder of two old women: a crotchety pawnbroker, Alyona, and her gentle sister Lizaveta (both played by Lass). Porfiry (an excellently sly and pointed Moore) is the investigator assigned to the case. Osier plays Raskolnikov, a young law student consumed with the idea that humanity can be separated into ordinary and extraordinary men—and that these extraordinary men have a right to commit crimes to reach their more exalted goals. Porfiry is, understandably, intrigued by both this idea and the man behind it, and the loose structure of the play—such as it is—concerns their conversations, which move subtly into interrogations as Porfiry shows more of his suspicions. Besides the two old women and Raskolnikov’s mother, Lass’ main role is Sonia, the young woman forced into prostitution by circumstance, with whom Raskolnikov falls in love. (Lass plays each of the four women distinctly and memorably, making impressive switches between each one.)

Galen Joseph Osier as Raskolnikov and Hana Lass as Sonia.

Photo by Chris Bennion.

This adaptation is highly theatrical, told partly in flashbacks, with sharp, highlighted transitions between each scene. The technical elements add greatly to this effect: the set (Carey Wong) most especially, which is composed of two walls, three doors, and semi-transparent wallpaper. The lighting (Dans Maree Sheehan) shines through the walls, sometimes amber glow, sometimes white daylight; and is used to great effect on the audience itself. The actors also contribute to the effective transitions and pace of the play; all three of them are committed and each moment, however stylized, feels honest.

It is somewhat difficult to comment on this show in an analytical manner since so much of it is centered around doubt, confusion, circumstance and hidden motives. It is intentionally difficult for the audience to walk away with a clear idea of how they feel. Daniels’ direction draws the audience into the confused investigation, as well as siding them with everyone and no one at once. However, her choice to give Osier—who is the only actor to speak to the audience—a more presentational style of acting sometimes creates a disconnect; since that presentational style is never quite fully established, it is jarring when it comes in direct contact with the other two actors’ representational styles.

This difference of acting styles, however, is overcome by the actors’ considerable skill and the intriguing questions of the play itself. This is a play that will leave you thinking long after it is over.

Review by Lia Morgan and Nigel Andrews

Weekly Update - 4/2/2009

Open Circle Theater
Final Week of Performances
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde/
The School for Whoredom > Through Saturday

Seattle Shakespeare
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Merchant of Venice >March 12 - April 5, 2009
The Tempest >June 4 - 28, 2009

Taproot Theater Company
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Tuesdays With Morrie >March 25 - April 25, 2009
Around the World in 80 Days >March 20 - June 20, 2009
Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming >July 18 - August 15, 2009
Enchanted April >September 25 - October 24, 2009

Seattle Children's Theater
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Tale of Two Cities >March 20 - April 12, 2009
Goodnight Moon >April 10 - June 14, 2009
I Was a Rat! >May 1 - June 14, 2009

Intiman Theater
ALL ON SALE NOW
Crime and Punishment >March 29 - May 3, 2009
A Thousand Clowns >May 15 - June 17, 2009
Othello >July 2 - August 2, 2009
The Year of Magical Thinking >August 21 - September 20, 2009
Abe Lincoln in Illinois >October 2 - November 15, 2009

Seattle Repertory Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Wishful Drinking >April 2, 2009 - May 3, 2009
Breaking Hearts and Taking Names >April 9-May 10, 2009

ACT Theater
Information Available
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde >April 10 - May 10, 2009
Below the Belt >May 22 - June 21, 2009
The Break/s >June 17 - July 12, 2009
Das Barbecii >July 31 - September 6, 2009
Runt of the Litter >September 18 - October 11, 2009
Rock N Roll >October 9 - November 8, 2009

Seattle Opera
ALL ON SALE NOW
Marriage of Figaro >May 2 - 16, 2009
Wagner's Ring Cycle >Summer 2009

Paramount
TICKETS AVAILABLE
CATS >April 15 - 19, 2009
Frost Nixon >May 6 - 10, 2009
RENT >June 16 - 21, 2009
Wicked >September 2 - October 4, 2009
August: Osage County >October 27 - November 1, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof >November 27 - December 5, 2009

The 5th Avenue Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Sunday in the Park With George >April 21 - May 10, 2009
Grease >May 12 - 30, 2009 - on sale Feb. 6
NEW SEASON ANNOUNCED!!!
Catch Me If You Can
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
South Pacific
Legally Blonde
On The Town
Candide

__________________________________________________________

Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information

Want Salon Quality Hair Services for a Fraction of the Cost?
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

Looking for a Great Read?
Brett Dean McGibbon's Different Fish Bookstore

The 6^th Annual Langston Hughes

African American Film Festival April 18-26, 2009

True Life Tales of Inspirational Independent Women Bookend the Festival

Opening Night American Violet: Reception Follows (4/18; 7:00; $15)

Closing Night Celia The Queen: With Director Joe Cardona (4/26; 4:00; $15)

SEATTLE March 31, 2009 –Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) will host its Sixth Annual African American Film Festival, featuring a powerful lineup of documentaries, narratives, workshops, film shorts and animation. The festival is thrilled to announce that American Violet , a true story about race, poverty and the criminal justice system starring Nicole Beharie and Alfre Woodard will open the festival on April 18^th. On April 26^th the festival will wrap with the special partnership with the Seattle Latino International Film Festival and the West Coast Premiere of Celia The Queen, a documentary about the legendary Afro Cuban diva queen of salsa, Celia Cruz. The film’s director, Joe Cardona will be on hand to discuss his work.

The African American Film Festival runs nine consecutive nights from April 18^th – 26th and all screenings will take place at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. The festival includes a number of thoughtful, inspiring and irreverent entries from emerging and established filmmakers from across the U.S. and around the globe. The selection of powerful, diverse, intelligent and evocative films include a Hip-Hop Film Mini-Fest, a GLBT Film Mini-Fest that specifically addresses lesbian and transgender issues, and a Katrina Film Series that spotlights the disaster from three unique perspectives. A wide array of talkbacks, panels and workshops are peppered throughout the festival and provide a much needed bridge for artists and community patrons to engage in meaningful dialogue.

This annual event is expected to draw over 1,000 people who are passionate about creating and appreciating films by and about Black people in the world. The Festival spotlights over 40 feature-length and short films by independent filmmakers, and includes panel discussions, workshops special screenings for senior & youth and the rare opportunity to chat face-to-face with prominent filmmakers, industry professionals and community leaders.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: SEATTLE PREMIERES

· American Violet – (4/18 7pm) Based on the astonishing true story of Regina Kelly, a waitress wrongly arrested during a disastrous drug sweep in Hearne, TX. Her refusal to accept a plea bargain eventually helped expose the DA’s case a sham, based almost entirely on the word of a pathological informant. Starring Nicole Beharie and Alfre Woodard. www.americanviolet.com

· Celia the Queen- (4/26 4pm)The story of legendary Afro Cuban diva Celia Cruz, a woman whose voice symbolized the soul of a nation. Her reign as the queen of salsa, surrounded her with some of the most important 1970s-era figures of the genre. Features interviews with Quincy Jones and Wyclef Jean. Filmmaker Joe Cardona in attendance. www.celiathequeen.com

· Prince of Broadway- (4/25 9pm) Sean Baker’s award winning film showcases the underbelly of the wholesale fashion district through the eyes of Lucky and Levon; two immigrant men struggling to confront what’s real and what’s fake. www.princeofbroadway.com

· Us: A Love Story- (4/25 7pm) A beautiful and haunting allegory exploring the relationships between Blacks and Whites. Filmmaker Alrick Brown in attendance. www.usalovestory.com

· Medicine for Melancholy- (4/24 7pm) A love story of bikes and one-night stands told through two African-American twenty-somethings dealing with issues of class, identity, and the evolving conundrum of being a minority in rapidly gentrifying San Francisco; the city with the smallest proportional black population of any other American city. www.strikeanywherefilms.com

· Carmen and Geoffrey- (Seattle Premiere; 4/23 7pm) An intertwined video history that explores the devoted relationship of dancers Geoffrey Holder and Carmen De Lavallade.

· 13^th Amendment- (4/19 1pm) This documentary short follows a 90-year-old great-great-grandmother on her trek to vote for Barack Obama in the 2008 Pennsylvania primary. Having voted all her life, this is her first opportunity to vote for a black man for President.

HURRICANE Katrina Series

· Trouble the Water (4/22 7pm) 2009 Academy Award nominee/Best Documentary. A redemptive tale of two self-described street hustlers who become heroes. They survive the storm and seize a chance for a new beginning; Not As Seen on TV (4/22 4pm) youth documentary by four teens; Renaissance Village (4/19 1pm) A gritty look at the delicate relationship between gov’t and citizen post disaster. Follows the personal struggles of five characters who live in a FEMA trailer park where allegations of formaldehyde poisoning force the park to close. Filmmaker Lou Karsen in attendance.

GLBT FILM Mini-Fest – Lesbian/Transgender Focus

· Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project (4/19 4pm) 15-year old student fatally stabbed in a gay hate crime in NJ; Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen (4/19 4pm) explores the lives of 6 black transgender men living in the U.S.; black/womyn…conversations (4/19 7pm) lives and views of lesbians of African descent living in the U.S. Filmmaker Tiona M. in attendance.

Hip Hop Film Mini-fest

· Features B-Girl Be(4/23 4pm) recognizes and celebrates the role of women in Hip Hop; 206 Zulu (4/23 9pm) local filmmaker Georgio Brown in attendance; Masizake: Building Each Other (4/24 9pm) local filmmakers Scott and Angela Macklin in attendance. Sabar (4/25 4pm) An African American California born hip-hop girl resists the ancestral call of the Senegalese dance "Sabar." When she finally gives in, she discovers more than a dance -she finds herself. Filmmaker Chike C. Nwoffiah in attendance

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

· Transforming Tacoma: The Struggle for Civil Rights- (4/18 1pm) The History of Civil Rights in Tacoma. Local Filmmaker Sidney Lee in attendance.

· February One – (4/20 4pm) Based largely on first hand accounts and rare archival footage, the new documentary film February One documents one volatile winter in Greensboro that not only challenged public accommodation customs and laws in North Carolina, but served as a blueprint for the wave of non-violent civil rights protests that swept across the South and the nation throughout the 1960's.

· The Prophet of the Slaves- (4/26 1pm) Nat Turner believes that he is destine by god to deliver his race from bondage and leads the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S history. This is a powerful narrative short by director Michael Flees that illustrates the passion and determination of a people brought to a country as chattel. www.theprophetoftheslaves.com

· Sweet Old Song- (4/18 1pm) Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong: acclaimed musician, NEA “national treasure,” sly and charming personality. He is known for a lifetime of jazz, blues, folk and country music but when he met Barbara Ward, a sculptor 30 years his junior, a new chapter of his life/art unfolded. This is the story of their courtship and marriage drawing on nearly a century of African American experience, beginning with Armstrong's vivid stories/paintings of his childhood in segregated TN.

· No Short Climb: Race Workers and America's Defense Technology- (4/21 7pm) Presenting the contributions made by Black scientists and technicians recruited for military and civilian service jobs during WWII.

· Frederick Douglass and the White Negro- (4/26 1pm) Douglass escaped slavery and took refuge in Ireland during the peak of the Great Famine. This film examines the effect Ireland had on his activism, the role of the Irish in America after Douglass' return, and the turbulent relationship between African and Irish Americans as well as the race riot that rocked NYC during the Civil War.

All festival activities take place at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center on 17th & Yesler (104 17^th Ave. S). Advance tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/2303. Day of show tickets also available at the Langston Hughes Box office. Opening and Closing night film events begin at 7 pm, are $15, and include a reception. All other evening showtimes are 7:00 pm. Sat/Sun. matinees at 1:00pm & 4:00pm. Weekday matinees at 4:00pm. Late Shows at 9:00 pm Tues 4/21 -Sat. 4/25. Tickets are $ 7 for adults $5 for seniors and $2 for youth. An all-access “Langston Pass” is $75. Film details and ticketing information are available at www.langstonblackfilmfest.org or by calling 206-32....

The African American Film Festival is supported by The Lucky 7 Foundation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, 4 Culture, SafeCo Insurance, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, and a host of local businesses and organizations. The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival gives Northwest audiences a chance to view a diverse array of irreverent, poignant, provocative documentary films on topics such as youth, politics, history, social justice and relationships.

About the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival: The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival supports community building by providing opportunities for artists and audiences to connect using the medium of film as a catalyst for dialogue that leads to social change. The festival creates year round opportunities to enhance media literacy, self reflection, and community discussion. By creating the shared experience of films that are by and about Black people, the festival is a creative and collaborative opportunity to build cultural competency across the aisle and across neighborhoods in greater Seattle. www.langstonblackfilmfest.org

Seattle Repertory Theatre Announces
2009-2010 Season

Line-up includes August Wilson's Fences, a partnership with Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Noël Coward's Hay Fever

Seattle, WA – Season tickets are now on sale for the Seattle Rep 2009-10 season, which features an exciting collaboration with Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Noël Coward’s comedy Hay Fever, a 25^th anniversary celebration of August Wilson’ beloved Fences, and more.

"This season is really about relationships for us," said Producing Artistic Director Jerry Manning. "Building on the relationships we have with the great artists in this community and developing new partnerships. In this troubling economy, we looked for ways to support our fellow arts organizations by joining together on a number of exciting projects. We both get the benefit of partnership, and Seattle Rep subscribers get access to an even wider array of productions."

One such partnership will bring to Seattle the world-premiere production of Equivocation, a play by Bill Cain, which will open at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and then travel to Seattle Rep under the direction of OSF artistic director Bill Rauch.

"This season also gives us an opportunity to show off what we do best—provide an incredible range of styles and perspectives. In the Leo K. we have something like An Iliad, a brand-new work developed right here, starring Broadway actor Denis O'Hare. And in the Bagley you can see David Mamet’s real-estate drama Glengarry Glen Ross or August Wilson at his best with Fences,” Manning said.

Other shows in the theatre’s season include the British comedy Hay Fever, directed by Warner Shook; Opus, a “behind-the-music” look at a string quartet; and a new comedy about high school misfits on the debate team called Speech and Debate.

Seattle Rep’s other confirmed collaboration is with Seattle Theatre Group and Broadway Across America on the recent Broadway hit August: Osage County (winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Play). The show will play at The Paramount, but will be part of some Seattle Rep subscriptions.

ABOUT THE SEASON

Hay Fever

By Noël Coward, directed by Warner Shook

October 2-25, 2009

In the Bagley Wright Theatre

Judith may have retired from the stage years ago, but drama follows her wherever she goes. So when she, her husband, and two children discover that they’ve all invited dates to their country house for the same “quiet weekend,” it’s clear the holiday will be anything but peaceful. And little do their guests realize, everything is a game in the bohemian Bliss family—including love. Directed by Warner Shook (You Can't Take It With You) and filled with Noël Coward's sparkling quips and charm, Hay Fever is a thoroughly delightful treat from one of the masters of British comedy.

August: Osage County

By Tracy Letts, directed by Anna D. Shapiro

October 27-November 1, 2009

At the Paramount Theatre

Seattle Rep partners with Seattle Theatre Group and Broadway Across America for this special bonus show—part of your subscription, playing at The Paramount! Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, August: Osage County tells the story of the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead when the alcoholic patriarch disappears. The New York Times cheers, "August: Osage County is flat-out, without qualification, the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years."

Opus

By Michael Hollinger

October 30-December 6, 2009

In the Leo K. Theatre

In front of an audience they’re pitch perfect, but behind the scenes of the Lazara string quartet, things aren’t quite so adagio. Tapped to play at the White House after in-fighting broke them up, the group reunites—with a new member, a promising young student. As they prepare for the gig of their lives, tempers flare, relationships crumble and new ones bloom. Opus is a passionate, music-filled glimpse into the fascinating world of professional classical musicians.

Equivocation

By Bill Cain, directed by Bill Rauch

November 18-December 13, 2009

In the Bagley Wright Theatre

Seattle Rep and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival bring you this exciting new play direct from Ashland. In Equivocation, the Prime Minister to King James commissions William Shakespeare to write a play about a thwarted attempt to kill the king. But when Will and his band of actors discover the government’s version is neither true nor interesting, they must choose between losing their artistic integrity or losing their heads. Bill Cain’s contemporary writing is brilliantly woven with threads of King Lear and Macbeth.

Speech and Debate

By Stephen Karam

January 15-February 21, 2010

In the Leo K. Theatre

An aspiring teen journalist, an awkward wannabe popstar, and the openly gay new kid in town all have secrets. But when their squeaky clean small-town high school refuses to acknowledge the messy parts of being a teenager, this ragtag bunch of misfits starts an after school Speech and Debate team to expose a possible pedophile—and sparks more debate than their high school ever bargained for. Tackling issues of politics, homosexuality, and self-expression, young playwright Stephen Karam has written a completely modern, hilarious and heartbreaking look at the struggles of being a teen today.

Glengarry Glen Ross

By David Mamet

February 5-28, 2010

In the Bagley Wright Theatre

In David Mamet’s cutthroat world of real estate all that matters is the sale. In the midst of a high stakes sales competition, a group of tough-talking Chicago agents will do anything to close a deal and stay in the game—blackmail, bribery or even burglary. With Mamet’s rapid-fire dialogue and finely crafted humor, Glengarry Glen Ross is a gripping comedy-drama that showcases taut, intense acting.

Fences

By August Wilson, directed by Timothy Bond

March 26-April 18, 2010

In the Bagley Wright Theatre

One of August Wilson’s most beloved plays, Fences is the story of Troy Maxton, a garbage collector who has long abandoned his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. As the 1950s come to a close in Philadelphia and black athletes begin to achieve the type of fame Troy still secretly longs for, Troy’s son pushes his father to let him play football. The Pulitzer- and-Tony-winning Fences is August Wilson at his best: a challenge of the American dream through a poetic, powerful, and deeply personal story.

An Iliad

Created by Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson, directed by Lisa Peterson

April 9-May 16, 2010

In the Leo K. Theatre

Tony Award-winning actor Denis O’Hare (Take Me Out on Broadway) stars in this new take on one of history’s most famous and exciting tales. Pulling stories from The Iliad— Homer’s sweeping fable of gods, goddesses and the Trojan War—O’Hare takes the audience on an unforgettable trip. Acclaimed actor O’Hare played Lucky in Waiting for Godot at Seattle Rep (1997) and recently appeared on screen in Milk and Changeling.

Catch Up on the “Catch Me” Cast!

Butz, Tveit, and Wopat to star in World Premiere musical at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre this summer

SEATTLE, WA –Casting of principals and the company of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, the new musical based on the hit DreamWorks film, was announced today.

Adapted from the screenplay by Jeff Nathanson and the book written by Frank Abagnale Jr. and Stan Redding, the original musical boasts a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Terrence McNally, who joins forces with the collaborative team behind the hit musical Hairspray (which also premiered at the 5th), including five-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien, Tony Award-winning choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and Tony Award-winning composing team Marc Shaiman (music & lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics).

Playing the role of FBI Fraud Agent Carl Hanratty, the man who tracks down clever con-man Frank Abagnale across several continents, is Norbert Leo Butz, most recently seen on Broadway in the revival of David Mamet’s Speed the Plow, and last seen in Seattle on the national tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a performance that won him a Tony, as well as awards from Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and the Drama League. Other notable productions include originating the role of Fiyero in Wicked and performing in the original cast production of Rent, while more recent productions have included Is He Dead? and The Last Five Years,

Playing the role of Frank, the silver-tongued con-man who impersonated an airline pilot, a lawyer, and a doctor and made off with millions before his 21st birthday, is Aaron Tveit, most recently seen in Hairspray and Wicked on Broadway, and who will take up the role of Gabe in the upcoming Broadway production of Next to Normal.

Tom Wopat, whose musical career includes City of Angels, Annie Get Your Gun with Bernadette Peters and most recently his Tony-nominated performance (his second) in A Catered Affair will play the part of Frank Sr., whose troubles with the IRS start his son on his criminal career. (Wopat’s extensive experience in musicals hasn’t quite dimmed his original fame as Luke Duke on the original Dukes of Hazzard.)

Returning to Seattle after premiering the hit musical Hairspray here at the 5th are Kerry Butler as Frank’s enticingly innocent girlfriend Brenda and Linda Hart as Carol, Brenda’s mother. In addition to originating the role of Penny Pingleton in that show, Butler has starred in Bat Boy: the Musical, the first on-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, and the Tony-nominated role of Cleo, the roller-skating Muse, in the recent hit musical Xanadu. Hart was the original Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray and her stage career includes the seminal 1987 revival of Anything Goes, the revue Sid Caesar and Company, and Livin’ Dolls, which won her an LA Theatre Award.

The rest of the company is a collection of Broadway, regional, and Seattle talent, including Matt Wolfe, Timothy Piggee, Tod Branton, Clarke Thorell, Brandon Wardell, Angie Schworer, Romelda Benjamin, Anastica McClesky, Taryn Darr, Shanna Palmer, Jillana Laufner, Kyle Vaughn, Mo Brady, Jason Kappus, Karl Warden, Nick Wyman, Nikki Long, and Joey Pizzi.

Speaking about the cast, composer and co-lyricist Marc Shaiman says, "Scott, myself and the entire team are absolutely over the moon about the cast for Catch Me If You Can. That performers of this caliber have agreed to set up home in Seattle for the summer to take on these roles makes us very proud and excited.”

The show has a limited three-week engagement from July 23 – August 16, 2009.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is the unbelievable yet true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a sexy young con artist who posed, and was employed, as a doctor, lawyer and Pan Am pilot all before he was 21. Carl Hanratty, a middle-aged bored FBI agent, comes alive when assigned to catch this charming swindler whose check-forging skills have netted him more than $2.8 million. The battle of wills intensifies as they become curious about one another and begin to question what they’re each chasing in their own lives. With a score soaked in the jazzy, swingin’ ’60s jet-set culture, the game of cat and mouse has never been so stylish.

The scenic design for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is by Tony Nominee David Rockwell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde), costume design is by Bob Mackie (Minnelli on Minnelli, “The Carol Burnett Show”) and lighting design is by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Wicked, Hairspray).

Weekly Update - 3/19/2009

Seattle Shakespeare
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Merchant of Venice >March 12 - April 5, 2009
The Tempest >June 4 - 28, 2009

Taproot Theater Company
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Tuesdays With Morrie >March 25 - April 25, 2009
Around the World in 80 Days >March 20 - June 20, 2009
Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming >July 18 - August 15, 2009
Enchanted April >September 25 - October 24, 2009

Seattle Children's Theater
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Tale of Two Cities >March 20 - April 12, 2009
Goodnight Moon >April 10 - June 14, 2009
I Was a Rat! >May 1 - June 14, 2009

Intiman Theater
ALL ON SALE NOW
Crime and Punishment >March 29 - May 3, 2009
A Thousand Clowns >May 15 - June 17, 2009
Othello >July 2 - August 2, 2009
The Year of Magical Thinking >August 21 - September 20, 2009
Abe Lincoln in Illinois >October 2 - November 15, 2009

Seattle Repertory Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Betrayal >February 19–March 28, 2009
The Seafarer >February 26 - March 28, 2009
Wishful Drinking >April 2, 2009 - May 3, 2009
Breaking Hearts and Taking Names >April 9-May 10, 2009

ACT Theater
Information Available
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde >April 10 - May 10, 2009
Below the Belt >May 22 - June 21, 2009
The Break/s >June 17 - July 12, 2009
Das Barbecii >July 31 - September 6, 2009
Runt of the Litter >September 18 - October 11, 2009
Rock N Roll >October 9 - November 8, 2009

Seattle Opera
ALL ON SALE NOW
Marriage of Figaro >May 2 - 16, 2009
Wagner's Ring Cycle >Summer 2009

Paramount
TICKETS AVAILABLE
CATS >April 15 - 19, 2009
Frost Nixon >May 6 - 10, 2009
RENT >June 16 - 21, 2009
Wicked >September 2 - October 4, 2009
August: Osage County >October 27 - November 1, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof >November 27 - December 5, 2009

The 5th Avenue Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Hello, Dolly! >March 8 - 29, 2009
Sunday in the Park With George >April 21 - May 10, 2009
Grease >May 12 - 30, 2009 - on sale Feb. 6
NEW SEASON ANNOUNCED!!!
Catch Me If You Can
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
South Pacific
Legally Blonde
On The Town
Candide

__________________________________________________________

Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information

Want Salon Quality Hair Services for a Fraction of the Cost?
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

Looking for a Great Read?
Brett Dean McGibbon's Different Fish Bookstore

The Merchant of Venice - Seattle Shakespeare Company

The Merchant of Venice
Seattle Shakespeare Company
Tickets and Information
March 12 – April 5, 2009

“The Merchant of Venice is a delicate, passionate, and ambiguous play.” These are the first words from John Langs, director of Seattle Shakespeare Company’s The Merchant of Venice currently playing in the Center House Theater in the Seattle Center and no truer words have been spoken about this play. Of all Shakespeare’s canon, The Merchant of Venice is one of his most uncomfortable and inconclusive stories. It is the sort of play the audience leaves wondering if they have seen unjustified hatred, base xenophobia, a story in which everyone gets what’s coming to them, or a testament to our own inexplicable tendency to latch on to a feeling and not leave it until we’ve seen our ends completed.

(Will Beinbrink, Troy Fischnaller and Mark Chamberlin; Photo by Ken Holmes)

John Langs’ production is no exception to the ambiguity inherent in the writing. However, the humanity and non-judgmental attitude with which Langs approaches this piece is undeniably expert and brilliant. Charles Leggett (Shylock) put it very well when he said “they’re human. That’s where you have to start.” In Seattle Shakes’ production, there is no judgment to introduce the show. There are no obvious good guys or bad guys. Everyone has faults and everyone has successes and they are each measured by each other. Certainly no character demonstrates this more than Shylock. Leggett’s performance is magnificently human and, not to say sympathetic, but certainly empathetic. Shylock’s plight is a tragic one, though balanced by his pride and avarice. Similarly, Antonio (Mark Chamberlin) demonstrates how easy it is for a man who seems such a loveable character is not always so much so. The production, marked by truly skilled performances from every member of the cast, is a testament to the guttural nature of humanity as illustrated by that great psychologist of the Renaissance.

Of course, all this makes The Merchant of Venice out to be a torturous and painful experience wrought with the pain and torment of psychological issues and greed as supreme ruler. This is not so. While the show does contain many dark moments, it is, by many authorities, considered one of Shakespeare comedies, and certainly lives up to its name. While sometimes breaking from the continuity of the rest of the production, there are several moments in which precision comedy comes fully to the forefront of the show, and other moments where quieter comedy and lighthearted moments prevail. Troy Fischnaller (Gratiano and Morocco) is a beacon of hilarity in this otherwise rather tense show as are Shawn Law as Lancelot and Brian Claudio Smith as Aragon.

The production highlights the humanity of the story yet again in the technical aspects. Jennifer Zeyl’s scenic design is fully functional and leaves no unnecessary object or piece on stage at any time leaving the story to be told by the actors and their text. Similarly, Pete Rush’s costumes give the audience a clear perspective on locale and atmosphere and Geoff Korf’s lighting artistry lends a stark yet specific element that added greatly to the mood of the story.

John Lang’s production highlights the economy of Venice and therefore of our own society—possibly a little too much, for certainly the reminders of money, not only in the text but in character’s actions and stage business, rarely let up. Themes of wealth, privilege and prejudice run through the play, and the characters navigate them sometimes successfully, mostly uncomfortably. Lang’s skilled direction, however, shows off theme, character and story with precision and without judgment, letting the audience make the final judgment as they weigh the story in their minds.

Review by Nigel Andrews and Lia Morgan

Weekly Update - 3/12/2009

Seattle Shakespeare
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Merchant of Venice >March 12 - April 5, 2009
The Tempest >June 4 - 28, 2009

Taproot Theater Company
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Tuesdays With Morrie >March 25 - April 25, 2009
Around the World in 80 Days >March 20 - June 20, 2009
Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming >July 18 - August 15, 2009
Enchanted April >September 25 - October 24, 2009

Seattle Children's Theater
SEASON AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The Tale of Two Cities >March 20 - April 12, 2009
Goodnight Moon >April 10 - June 14, 2009
I Was a Rat! >May 1 - June 14, 2009

Intiman Theater
ALL ON SALE NOW
Crime and Punishment >March 29 - May 3, 2009
A Thousand Clowns >May 15 - June 17, 2009
Othello >July 2 - August 2, 2009
The Year of Magical Thinking >August 21 - September 20, 2009
Abe Lincoln in Illinois >October 2 - November 15, 2009

Seattle Repertory Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Betrayal >February 19–March 28, 2009
The Seafarer >February 26 - March 28, 2009
Wishful Drinking >April 2, 2009 - May 3, 2009
Breaking Hearts and Taking Names >April 9-May 10, 2009

ACT Theater
Information Available
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde >April 10 - May 10, 2009
Below the Belt >May 22 - June 21, 2009
The Break/s >June 17 - July 12, 2009
Das Barbecii >July 31 - September 6, 2009
Runt of the Litter >September 18 - October 11, 2009
Rock N Roll >October 9 - November 8, 2009

Seattle Opera
ALL ON SALE NOW
Marriage of Figaro >May 2 - 16, 2009
Wagner's Ring Cycle >Summer 2009

Paramount
TICKETS AVAILABLE
The Lion King >February 11 - March 16, 2009
CATS >April 15 - 19, 2009
Frost Nixon >May 6 - 10, 2009
RENT >June 16 - 21, 2009
Wicked >September 2 - October 4, 2009
August: Osage County >October 27 - November 1, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof >November 27 - December 5, 2009

The 5th Avenue Theatre
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Hello, Dolly! >March 8 - 29, 2009
Sunday in the Park With George >April 21 - May 10, 2009
Grease >May 12 - 30, 2009 - on sale Feb. 6
NEW SEASON ANNOUNCED!!!
Catch Me If You Can
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
South Pacific
Legally Blonde
On The Town
Candide

__________________________________________________________

Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information

Want Salon Quality Hair Services for a Fraction of the Cost?
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

Looking for a Great Read?
Brett Dean McGibbon's Different Fish Bookstore