INTIMAN THEATRE CELEBRATES THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK NATIVITY: A GOSPEL SONG PLAY

Intiman will honor local organizations at the December 1 Opening Night Benefit Performance of this holiday tradition, featuring Pastor Patrinell Wright, the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney and an ensemble of singers, dancers and musicians; tickets are on sale at www.intiman.org or 206.269.1900

SEATTLE— Tickets are now on sale for Intiman Theatre’s 10th anniversary production of the holiday classic Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play by Langston Hughes. Directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, Black Nativity is a celebration of faith, expressed through exuberant performances of song, story and dance, and reaching audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. Black Nativity will run November 28-December 28 at the Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center . The Opening Night Benefit Performance is Saturday, December 1 at 8 pm. Please see below for the complete performance schedule.

The first act of Black Nativity retells the Christmas story through the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes. In the second act, Intiman is transformed into a joyous “nondenominational church” presided over by Pastor Patrinell Wright and the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. The production features gospel performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir and the Black Nativity Choir, modern and traditional choreography performed by an ensemble of dancers, and an on-stage band. Black Nativity is sponsored in part by Safeco Insurance, The Boeing Company, Starbucks Coffee Company and U.S. Bank.

Tickets for Black Nativity range in price from $10 to $42. A Family Four Package, including two adult and two child tickets for only $70, is available for performances on the following dates: November 28, 29 and 30, and December. 2, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. A limited number of $20 rush tickets may be available for purchase 15 minutes before curtain time, pending availability. Tickets are available for purchase from www.intiman.org or over the phone from the Ticket Office at 206.269.1900.

In a continuing tradition, Intiman will dedicate a portion of the proceeds from the Opening Night performance on December 1 to benefit local non-profit organizations. Recipients of this annual grant program are grassroots, community-based groups or programs in Puget Sound that share a commitment to social change and address the needs of underserved communities, particularly youth and families. In addition to organizations that will be selected by the Black Nativity Community Committee, co-chaired by Charles Rolland and Louise J. McKinney, the opening will benefit Intiman’s Mary Helen Moore Scholarship Ticket Fund. Through this fund, tickets are distributed to more than 300 young people who could not otherwise afford to attend the production.

Intiman will also continue its tradition of offering a family-focused “Brunch with Santa” for multigenerational audiences. On two consecutive weekends, December 8-9 and 15-16, Intiman will offer a brunch and photo opportunity with Santa Claus in the private Intiman Founders Room. Food for the Dec. 9 brunch will be provided by Ezell’s Fried Chicken; food for the December 9, 15 and 16 brunches will be provided by Longhorn BBQ. The brunches will begin at noon and continue until the matinee performance begins at 2 pm. Patrons are encouraged to bring their appetites and cameras. The cost for the brunch is $15 for adults, $12 for youth 16 and under; show tickets must be purchased separately.

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Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

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Weekly Update - 10/26

KSUB Seattle
Listen In Online Here
The Broadway Hour >Sunday 10AM - Noon
**THIS SUNDAY - HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR - AS ALWAYS FEATURING NIGEL ANDREWS, RICK SKYLER AND JACK JARDEN**

Seattle Shakespeare
Tickets and Information
Pericles >October 25 - 18, 2007

Seattle University w/ Strawberry Theater Workshop
Tickets and Information
The Life of Galileo >October 25 - November 18, 2007
**RICK SKYLER aka ANDY SWANSON and NIGEL ANDREWS aka ANDREW PEREZ both credited in this production**

Intiman
Tickets and Information
To Kill a Mockingbird >September 28 - November 11, 2007

Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets and Information
Murderers >October 4 - November 4, 2007
The Cook >November 1 - 4, 2007

ACT Theatre
Tickets and Information
The Women >October 5 - December 2, 2007
Late Night Catechism >Through December 30, 2007
One Night Stand with Cancer >October 11 - November 11, 2007

Seattle Opera
Tickets and Information
Iphigenia in Tauris >October 13 - 27, 2007

The Paramount w/ Broadway Across America
Tickets and Information
Spamalot >October 10 - 28, 2007

The 5th Avenue Theatre
Tickets and Information
Into the Woods >October 19 - November 10, 2007

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents: Birdie Blue

by Cheryl L. West Directed by Chuck Smith

November 15 - December 16, 2007 (Opening Night: Tuesday, November 20)

Seattle, WA - Seattle Repertory Theatre explores African American history through the life of Birdie in Cheryl L. West's Birdie Blue, directed by Chuck Smith. Birdie Blue plays in the Leo K. Theatre from November 15 through December 16. Previews begin November 15, with opening night set for November 20. Tickets are available through the Seattle Repertory Theatre box office seven days a week at (206) 443-2222, toll-free at (877) 900-9285, as well as online at www.seattlerep.org.

'Into the Woods'

5th Avenue Theatre
October 19 - November 10, 2007
Tickets and Information

The first image one encounters as they enter the 5th Ave Theatre is a pink banner suspended above the stage with the words "I Wish..." spindly written across. The significance of this image is two-fold: first, that the romantic, cursive writing with the bright pink color establishes the light, fairy tale mood, and second, that the words themselves portray the central aspect of the show: that humans, without fail, are never satisfied, always wishing for more. The brilliance of the show, as it is written, is precisely this: it is over-the-top, exaggerated, and fluffy in all its mythical goodness, while at the same time possesses piercing insight into the human condition. It transports us to fantasy, yes, but brings us right back home to reality...and we love every glittery minute of it.

'Into the Woods' weaves together several familiar fairy tales: Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk, among others. In the opening, each of the characters wish for something (love, money, children, a festival, etc.) and are drawn into the woods in their separate quests. As in any good comedy, there are mishaps, misunderstandings, and a lot of great moments with a cow, but everyone ends up happily ever after...at the end of the first act. Sondheim could have ended right there, and would have had an entertaining, albeit emotionally shallow, show. However, in Act II, we see the difficulty in trying to maintain this happy ending, even in a fantasy world. It is in this act therefore that the most real and human moments occur. The show concludes on a high note, after taking the audience through an unexpectedly round, dynamic journey.

The 24 characters are portrayed by some of Seattle's best theatrical talent. The acting is as good as one may expect from a musical, but the voices are diverse, fulfilling, and impressive, particularly those of Billie Wildrick ('Cinderella'), Leslie Law ('Baker's Wife'), and Michael Hunsaker ('Wolf'/'Cinderella's Prince'). The stage is furnished with twisted, overgrown banches and vines, with a large rotating dial in the center which allows characters to "travel" through the woods. The lighting was perfectly dramatic and the costumes were deliciously Disney-esque.

'Into the Woods' is a guaranteed good time if you are able to get past the immediately overwhelming impression of a predictable, shallow, fairy tale musical. Sondheim's music alone shatters any cliche, and the 5th Avenue company has truly produced a fine production. As one line goes in the show, "If you know what you want, then you go and you take it." This may just be the perfect advice in regards to tickets. If you don't go see the show now, later on you'll WISH you had...

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents: The Cook

by Eduardo Machado Directed by Juliette Carrillo

November 1 - December 1, 2007 (Opening Night: Wednesday, November 7)

Seattle, WA - Seattle Repertory Theatre explores Cuba over forty years with Eduardo Machado's drama The Cook, directed by Juliette Carrillo. The Cook plays in the Bagley Wright Theatre from November 1 through December 1. Previews begin November, with opening night set for December 1. Tickets are available through the Seattle Repertory Theatre box office seven days a week at (206) 443-2222, toll-free at (877) 900-9285, as well as online at www.seattlerep.org. The Play: In 1958, on the eve of the Cuban revolution, Gladys, a young cook, makes a solemn promise to her mistress. Before the wealthy family flees in the night, she vows to protect and care for the beautiful home that she worked in all her adult life. As the reality of Castro's revolution settles in, and despite the personal consequences, Gladys fights to keep her promise for over four decades. In Machado's rich, engaging, and deeply personal play, Gladys emerges as a woman with great spirit who lives by her heart against a backdrop of a troubled Cuba. The New Yorker called The Cook "first rate...a shining theatrical experience," and the Miami Herald described it as "Powerful....the writing is political and unflinching."

My One Night Stand With Cancer - ACT Theatre

My One Night Stand With Cancer
ACT Theatre
October 11 - November 11, 2007
Tickets and Information

Tania Katan's brings her comedy My One Night Stand With Cancer - for the first time on stage - to the ACT Theatre. After the success of her award-winning book, the story comes to life in the theatre as Tania relives the highlights and low points of her life, battling and surviving breast cancer--twice--which leaves her with two mastectomies, but fails to dampen her sharp wit and sense of humor.

The one woman show stars Tania Katan playing herself: a young-lesbian-Jew from Brooklyn who exudes a naive innocence and sincerity in being exactly who she is, and makes no pretenses of being anything but. She does delightful impressions of the world and its inhabitants as seen through her eyes with a charming wit and a genuine smile.

Through her life and a structurally-sound script, Tania captures the human drama of smiling through a storm. The small, intimate arena theatre brings the audience to be very close to her, literally and figuratively, and compels us to accept her as she is. She welcomes the viewers with warm comfort that does away with those pesky social boundaries. Hearing the intimate details of her life and seeing her flat, scarred chest becomes absorbing rather than shocking. We are reminded of where true beauty lies.

The arena style theatre caused no trouble for Tania's performance; it simply was not an issue. The staging was simple but effective and the direction and lighting were ideally symbolic and enhanced the action. The sound effects, though almost overdone at times, fit well within Tania's world, and detracted nothing.

The play is altogether well done. Tania's performance was strong and engaging throughout, and the technical team did a fine job of keeping the show running smoothly. My One Night Stand With Cancer is a fun and inspirational show that is an hour and a half well-spent.

Weekly Update - 10/13

KSUB Seattle
Listen In Online Here
The Broadway Hour >Sunday 10AM - Noon
**THIS SUNDAY - INTERVIEW WITH SEATTLE UNIVERSITY'S WORLD FAMOUS MUSIC PROFESSOR, QUINTON MORRIS! DON'T MISS IT!**

Seattle Shakespeare
Tickets and Information
Pericles >October 25 - 18, 2007

Seattle University w/ Strawberry Theater Workshop
Tickets and Information
The Life of Galileo >October 25 - November 18, 2007

Intiman
Tickets and Information
To Kill a Mockingbird >September 28 - November 11, 2007

Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets and Information
Twelfth Night >September 13 - October 20, 2007
Murderers >October 4 - November 4, 2007

ACT Theatre
Tickets and Information
The Women >October 5 - December 2, 2007
Late Night Catechism >Through December 30, 2007
One Night Stand with Cancer >October 11 - November 11, 2007

Seattle Opera
Tickets and Information
Iphigenia in Tauris >October 13 - 27, 2007

The Paramount w/ Broadway Across America
Tickets and Information
Spamalot >October 10 - 28, 2007

The 5th Avenue Theatre
Tickets and Information
Into the Woods >October 19 - November 10, 2007

Live Theatre Week in Seattle!

Celebrate with The Bard Bonus

with the support of our season sponsor

The Boeing Company

Any seat, any performance, $20 (or less!*)

October 17 through 20

of Twelfe Night, or What You Will

*in addition to the $20 ticket, remember that anyone 25 or under is $10, anytime, and that we have balcony seats for only $15

tickets online

http://www.seattlerep.org/

or call

206.443.2222

Murderers

Murderers

Seattle Repertory Theatre
October 4 - November 4, 2007
Tickets and Information

Not quite what one would expect behind such a title, Murderers at the Seattle Rep provides a humorous tale of deaths at Riddle Key Nursing Home related by three primary sources (Mark Anders, Joan Porter Hollander, Sarah Rudinoff), each of whom start of the show by proudly stating, “I am a murderer.” From there on the audience is captivated with laughter as they witness each murderer’s interpretation of the acts they committed. Presented on a basic, flexible and stationary set (Carey Wong) that accommodates the needs of all three deviant Riddle Key attendees and employees as they shift from room to office to bar, and coupled with the dynamic use of effective lighting (Rick Paulsen), the show comes alive to the delight of the onlookers.

Photo Credit: Chris Bennion

Almost three shows in one, each actor presents a new and different view onstage, each carrying a different flare of storytelling and captivating the audience in different ways. Viewers are not only transported to a different point of view but to a different psyche entirely, allowing the innocence of one to contrast the craftiness of another.

A well-preformed show of the well-written script by Jeffrey Hatcher, Murderers is a delight that will, in contrast to its title, ironically brighten your evening, and leave you with a smile. Check out this production at the Seattle Rep now through November 4th, and leave much happier than the residents of Riddle Key.

Review by: Rick Skyler

Legally Blonde Goes National!

Legally Blonde: The Musical has been asked by MTV to air on national cable television coming up this weekend! The cast and crew eagerly agreed to be the first ever show to be aired on television while still running on Broadway. Find the airing on

Saturday, October 13 at 1PM EST, Noon CST, 1PM Pacific on MTV

In addition, visit elleslounge.com during the telecast for your chance to win an iPhone!

Media Advisory

Moore Theatre Investigated by Sci-Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters

Find Out About The Infamous Theatre Ghosts!

DETAILS:

WHAT: The Ghost Hunters team is given the privilege of conducting the first-ever paranormal investigation of Seattle's 100-year-old Moore Theatre, which has a long history of ghostly phenomena.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 @ 9:00pm

WHERE: Sci-Fi Channel

INAUGURAL MOORE THEATRE TOUR

See for yourself whether or not ghosts haunt the theatre – come to the inaugural Moore Theatre historic tour this Saturday, October 13 @ 10am. From then on, historic tours of The Moore Theatre will take place every second Saturday of the month at 10am. Tours are free to the public.

MOORE CENTENNIAL

Seattle's historic Moore Theatre turns 100 on December 28, 2007. Seattle Theatre Group (STG) kicks-off a season-long centennial celebration this fall. Offered as a tribute to more than 100 years of history, the MOORE 100 festivities include a host of iconic performances, community events, and historic theatre tours along with a free evening of centennial highlights at the MOORE 100 Open House on December 10, 2007. (Note: Theatre images available upon request.)

The 5th Avenue Presents the U.S. Premiere Tour of

Whistle Down The Wind

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Jim Steinman’s Powerful and Uplifting Musical

12 Local Kids to Be Cast: Seattle Children’s Audition on October 13

Performances: November 13 – December 2, 2007

SEATTLE – The 5th Avenue presents the U.S. premiere touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, described by the London Daily Telegraph as “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best show since The Phantom of the Opera.” Produced and directed by Bill Kenwright, the musical is based on the 1961 film starring Hayley Mills, and comes direct from a record-breaking West End engagement and U.K. sell-out tour. Seattle is the fifth stop of the U.S. national tour, which includes Houston , Hartford and Sacramento .

Twenty children are featured in this inspirational musical about the innocence of children and the transformative power of love. Eight young actors travel with the touring production, and 12 local kids will be cast for the three-week run at Seattle ’s 5th Avenue Theatre.

“WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND is a fantastic story for a musical dramatist, and it took me back to my rock roots,” says composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. “It’s a primal tale about salvation and forgiveness that everyone can relate to. I’m absolutely delighted that Bill Kenwright’s wonderful production is going to be seen in America .”

“My time working on Whistle has been, alongside Blood Brothers and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the most exciting and rewarding of my career,” says director Bill Kenwright. “It is a show that has everything – great, great songs, exciting narrative, wonderful performances and one of the best and simplest storylines I have ever come across.”

Featuring a host of award-winning songs including the Boyzone smash hit “No Matter What,” WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND tells the story of a young Louisiana girl who finds a mysterious stranger hiding in her barn. When she asks his identity, the first words he utters are “Jesus Christ,” and it’s as if all her prayers have been answered. While the townspeople are determined to find the escaped felon, she and her friends vow to protect him from the outside world.

This new U.S. premiere production partners renowned rock lyricist Jim Steinman (Meatloaf’s classic album Bat Out of Hell, Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”) and award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) to create a melodic and haunting score that was inspired by the indigenous sounds of the American South – blues, gospel, country and rock ‘n’ roll. With a book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Andrew Lloyd Webber, WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND combines award-winning songs and epic storytelling for an extraordinary tale about the transformative power of love.