The Broadway Hour
KSUB Seattle
**Listen in to hear Nigel Andrews, Rick Skyler and Jack Jarden**
Sunday from 10-Noon
Seattle University
Tickets and Information
Dark Play or Stories for Boys >February 21 - March 2, 2008 (mature audiences only)
Open Circle Theater
at Theater Schmeater
Tickets and Information
(RUR) Rossum's Universal Robots >February 22 - March 22, 2008 (Thursday through Sunday)
Seattle Shakespeare
Tickets and Information
The Miser >March 13 - April 6, 2008
Seattle Children's Theater
Tickets and Information
The Hundred Dresses >February 22 - April 6, 2008
According to Cyote >March 14 - May 11, 2008
Busytown >April 25 - June 15, 2008
Intiman Theater
Tickets and Information
The Diary of Anne Frank >March 26 - May 17, 2008
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets and Information
By the Waters of Babylon >January 31 - March 2, 2008
The Imaginary Invalid >February 21 - March 22, 2008
How? How? Why? Why? Why? >March 13 - April 19, 2008
The Cure at Troy >April 3 - May 3, 2008
ACT Theater
Tickets and Information
Ilkhom Theatre Festival >March 14 - April 13, 2008
Fathers and Sons >May 1-25, 2008
Seattle Opera
Tickets and Information
Tosca >February 23 - March 9, 2008
Il Puritani >May 3 - 17, 2008
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Tickets and Information
Mame >February 9 - March 2, 2008
Cabaret >March 25 - April 13, 2008
Capitol Hill Arts Center
Tickets and Information
100 Heartbreaks >February 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, March 1, 2008
Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
INTIMAN THEATRE ANNOUNCES RECIPIENT OF ITS SECOND RUBEN VAN KEMPEN AWARD, HONORING ARTS EDUCATORS IN WASHINGTON STATE
SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Bartlett Sher and Managing Director Laura Penn , announces Thomas J. Armitage, Director of Theatre at North Central High School in Spokane, as the second recipient of its biennial Ruben Van Kempen Arts Educator Award. The award will be presented at Intiman’s Annual Meeting on Monday, March 17 at 5:30 pm.
Intiman inaugurated the Ruben Van Kempen Arts Educator Award in 2006 to honor performing arts teachers in the state of Washington who inspire and empower young people through theater. The award is named for its first recipient, Ruben Van Kempen, Director of Drama at Roosevelt High School , who was instrumental in founding Intiman’s flagship education program, Living History, with then-Artistic Director Elizabeth Huddle in 1986.
Armitage was nominated for the award by his former student Benjamin Stuart, who is currently pursuing a degree in Theatre Education at Seattle Pacific University . Noting that “Armo” (as he is universally known to his students) is an educator, a mentor and an artist, Stuart praised his dedication to his students at North Central High School (where Armitage has taught for his entire career) and his commitment to serving Spokane ’s performing arts community. “Tom Armitage is always looking to engage and educate the entire school, and break down social cliques and stereotypes,” Stuart wrote. “In addition to offering unique production experiences, he finds new ways to celebrate invention, creativity and life.”
For more information about the Ruben Van Kempen Arts Educator Award, visit www.intiman.org.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Weekly Update - 2/22/2008
The Broadway Hour
KSUB Seattle
**Listen in to hear Nigel Andrews, Rick Skyler and Jack Jarden**
Sunday from 10-Noon
Seattle University
Tickets and Information
Dark Play or Stories for Boys >February 21 - March 2, 2008 (mature audiences only)
Open Circle Theater
at Theater Schmeater
Tickets and Information
(RUR) Rossum's Universal Robots >February 22 - March 22, 2008 (Thursday through Sunday)
Seattle Shakespeare
Tickets and Information
The Miser >March 13 - April 6, 2008
Seattle Children's Theater
Tickets and Information
Hamlet >January 25 - February 24, 2008
The Hundred Dresses >February 22 - April 6, 2008
According to Cyote >March 14 - May 11, 2008
Busytown >April 25 - June 15, 2008
Intiman Theater
Tickets and Information
The Diary of Anne Frank >March 26 - May 17, 2008
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets and Information
By the Waters of Babylon >January 31 - March 2, 2008
The Imaginary Invalid >February 21 - March 22, 2008
How? How? Why? Why? Why? >March 13 - April 19, 2008
The Cure at Troy >April 3 - May 3, 2008
ACT Theater
Tickets and Information
Ilkhom Theatre Festival >March 14 - April 13, 2008
Fathers and Sons >May 1-25, 2008
Seattle Opera
Tickets and Information
Tosca >February 23 - March 9, 2008
Il Puritani >May 3 - 17, 2008
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Tickets and Information
Mame >February 9 - March 2, 2008
Cabaret >March 25 - April 13, 2008
Capitol Hill Arts Center
Tickets and Information
100 Heartbreaks >February 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, March 1, 2008
Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information
KSUB Seattle
**Listen in to hear Nigel Andrews, Rick Skyler and Jack Jarden**
Sunday from 10-Noon
Seattle University
Tickets and Information
Dark Play or Stories for Boys >February 21 - March 2, 2008 (mature audiences only)
Open Circle Theater
at Theater Schmeater
Tickets and Information
(RUR) Rossum's Universal Robots >February 22 - March 22, 2008 (Thursday through Sunday)
Seattle Shakespeare
Tickets and Information
The Miser >March 13 - April 6, 2008
Seattle Children's Theater
Tickets and Information
Hamlet >January 25 - February 24, 2008
The Hundred Dresses >February 22 - April 6, 2008
According to Cyote >March 14 - May 11, 2008
Busytown >April 25 - June 15, 2008
Intiman Theater
Tickets and Information
The Diary of Anne Frank >March 26 - May 17, 2008
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets and Information
By the Waters of Babylon >January 31 - March 2, 2008
The Imaginary Invalid >February 21 - March 22, 2008
How? How? Why? Why? Why? >March 13 - April 19, 2008
The Cure at Troy >April 3 - May 3, 2008
ACT Theater
Tickets and Information
Ilkhom Theatre Festival >March 14 - April 13, 2008
Fathers and Sons >May 1-25, 2008
Seattle Opera
Tickets and Information
Tosca >February 23 - March 9, 2008
Il Puritani >May 3 - 17, 2008
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Tickets and Information
Mame >February 9 - March 2, 2008
Cabaret >March 25 - April 13, 2008
Capitol Hill Arts Center
Tickets and Information
100 Heartbreaks >February 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, March 1, 2008
Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Hundred Dresses
Seattle Children's Theatre
Tickets: (206) 441-3322 or website
Fridays @ 7:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday @ 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM
February 22 - April 6, 2008
The Hundred Dresses, a play adapted by Mary Hall Surface based on the book by Eleanor Estes, is set in a 1938 small American town. Due to the Great Depression, many families are forced into a subsistence living style and are fearful that the continuing stream of immigrants is saturating the job market, keeping them in poverty. These may seem like fairly mature themes for a production whose audience consists mainly of children, but rest assured, the morals of standing up for what's right and not being prejudiced are themes that all ages can enjoy, and Seattle Children's Theatre is more than up to the task in presenting this.
The technical aspects of Hundred Dresses are extremely well done. Designer Rick Paulsen used the lighting to effectively convey scene changes and even inner thoughts to the audience in a clear and simple way. Also, the scenery of the set (designed by Carey Wong) is extremely versatile. Even though the actors playing children were adults, the audience is led to believe they are younger because the size proportions of the stage made them seem so much smaller and younger. Finally, it seems as though Wong wanted the scene to have an almost pop-up storybook quality to it, with two dimensional trees and a house that looks as though it came straight out of a fairy tale.
The acting of the show caused the most controversy. Rather than playing to both the adults and the children, the acting styles are aimed more at the under-10 age group with giant, deliberate movements and loud voices. Actors Betsy Schwartz (Maddie), Troy Fischnaller (Jacob/Willie), Tim Gouran (Jack), and all the other adult actors playing children were spot-on in terms of their childish mannerisms, keeping the play somewhat lighthearted overall.
Overall, The Hundred Dresses starts out a bit slow but finishes so strongly that the audience will walk out more than satisfied with the production. Although the adults may not like the acting and the kids won't get the historical pop-culture references (such as Buck Rogers and Greta Garbo), there is something for everyone who comes to enjoy. This is a story that will endear itself to the heart of anyone willing to listen.
-Jack Jarden
Tickets: (206) 441-3322 or website
Fridays @ 7:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday @ 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM
February 22 - April 6, 2008
The Hundred Dresses, a play adapted by Mary Hall Surface based on the book by Eleanor Estes, is set in a 1938 small American town. Due to the Great Depression, many families are forced into a subsistence living style and are fearful that the continuing stream of immigrants is saturating the job market, keeping them in poverty. These may seem like fairly mature themes for a production whose audience consists mainly of children, but rest assured, the morals of standing up for what's right and not being prejudiced are themes that all ages can enjoy, and Seattle Children's Theatre is more than up to the task in presenting this.
The technical aspects of Hundred Dresses are extremely well done. Designer Rick Paulsen used the lighting to effectively convey scene changes and even inner thoughts to the audience in a clear and simple way. Also, the scenery of the set (designed by Carey Wong) is extremely versatile. Even though the actors playing children were adults, the audience is led to believe they are younger because the size proportions of the stage made them seem so much smaller and younger. Finally, it seems as though Wong wanted the scene to have an almost pop-up storybook quality to it, with two dimensional trees and a house that looks as though it came straight out of a fairy tale.
The acting of the show caused the most controversy. Rather than playing to both the adults and the children, the acting styles are aimed more at the under-10 age group with giant, deliberate movements and loud voices. Actors Betsy Schwartz (Maddie), Troy Fischnaller (Jacob/Willie), Tim Gouran (Jack), and all the other adult actors playing children were spot-on in terms of their childish mannerisms, keeping the play somewhat lighthearted overall.
Overall, The Hundred Dresses starts out a bit slow but finishes so strongly that the audience will walk out more than satisfied with the production. Although the adults may not like the acting and the kids won't get the historical pop-culture references (such as Buck Rogers and Greta Garbo), there is something for everyone who comes to enjoy. This is a story that will endear itself to the heart of anyone willing to listen.
-Jack Jarden
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bartlett Sher Extends Contract
SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre Board President Susan J. Leavitt announces that Artistic Director Bartlett Sher has extended his contract through the end of the 2009 production season. Sher is currently in New York directing the first Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, which opens on April 3 at Lincoln Center Theater. He will direct the world premiere of Namaste Man, a play written and performed by Andrew Weems, at Intiman in the spring.
“Bart is an extraordinary artist,” said Leavitt. “His productions here and in New York confirm that he is one of the most vibrant, inventive and rigorous talents working anywhere in the country. The entire Intiman board is thrilled to extend his contract, and to be working so closely with him to set a course for the future that encompasses both the best opportunities for him and Intiman’s continued growth and stability.”
“Intiman is in an extremely healthy and wonderful place right now, with a fantastic season in front of us, and very strong subscription sales and fundraising successes,” said Sher. “The work that being done by the staff, board and advisors is excellent and I know will help us continue to build Intiman’s institutional capacities. Particularly in this time of transition, I am pleased to make this commitment and to be part of such a careful process of long-range planning.”
Intiman has recently embarked on a national search to identify a successor to Managing Director Laura Penn , who will leave Intiman on March 28 to assume her new position as Executive Director of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers in New York.
Kevin Maifeld, senior consultant of Arts Consulting Group, former managing director of Seattle Children’s Theatre and founding director of the Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership program at Seattle University , is working with Intiman as its Interim Managing Director until a permanent successor is named. The national search is being directed by Greg Kandel, founding partner of Management Consultants for the Arts, who guided the Intiman board in the search process that culminated in Sher’s hiring. The Search Committee is chaired by trustee Cynthia Huffman and vice chaired by past trustee Joel Bodansky.
Sher received a 2006 Tony nomination for his direction of Awake and Sing! by Clifford Odets and a 2005 Tony nomination for his direction of The Light in the Piazza by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2006 with The Barber of Seville, and later this season he will direct the opera Roméo et Juliette for the Salzburg Festival. At Intiman, he has directed the world premieres of Prayer for My Enemy and Singing Forest by Craig Lucas (both also at Long Wharf Theatre); Nickel and Dimed, Joan Holden’s adaptation of the nonfiction bestseller by Barbara Ehrenreich; and plays by Chekhov, Wilder, Shakespeare, Goldoni and Tony Kushner. He received the Callaway Award for his production of Cymbeline, produced by Theatre for a New Audience, which was the first American Shakespeare invited to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Intiman gratefully acknowledges the following for their institutional support: The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, ArtsFund, The Boeing Company, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Intiman Theatre Foundation, Kreielsheimer Remainder Trust, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, The Norcliffe Foundation, PONCHO, Safeco, The Shubert Foundation, The Seattle Foundation, WaMu, and Wells Fargo Bank. Additional funding is received from Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, City of Seattle ; 4Culture; Metropolitan King County Council and Washington State Arts Commission.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
MAME
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Ticket Info: call (206) 625-1900 or online
February 9 - March 2, 2008
The all-American classic musical from the Golden Age of Broadway is back! With big costumes, big sets, and even bigger voices, the 5th Avenue Theatre knows how to do it right.
If MAME seems a tad over-the-top at first, one must remember it is simply the nature of the beast. Broadway heavy hitter Jerry Herman first wrote the music and lyrics back in 1966, giving MAME the huge production numbers, touching ballads, and happy-go-lucky characters that keep the show floating and sparkling. Now, under musical direction from David Holcenberg and with over 40 years under its belt, MAME has certainly managed to retain both its innocence and its appeal.
The story of “Auntie Mame” and her beloved nephew is centered, as any good musical should be, on unconditional love. Throw in a few drunken parties, the Great Depression, and some uptight Connecticuters, and you’ve got a mix for Broadway gold. When Manhattan’s favorite socialite Mame Dennis is surprised one night by the arrival of her only living relative, young Patrick Dennis and his conservative caretaker, Agnes Gooch, her life is forever changed. The two take to each other like gin and dry vermouth (indeed, one of the most endearing scenes is when young Patrick mixes a martini in true Dennis fashion), and provide love and support to one another over decades of changes.
The sets (Walt Spangler) chronicle the great passage of time in the play. The impressive chandelier and classic, sprawling staircase depict Mame’s abode, while the furniture, aided by the period costumes, is imperative in portraying the era. The costumes (Gregg Barnes) are extravagant in the best way possible: colorful, flashy, and certainly a-plenty.
In a show like MAME, there is a danger of overshadowing perfectly good acting with the flamboyancy of the show. However, the actors certainly do not disappoint. Broadway veteran Dee Hoty, who exhibits her character’s determination and unstoppable drive in every scene, aptly embodies the title role. Other notable actors include the young men behind “Patrick Dennis,” Matt Owen and 12-year-old Nick Robinson. Carol Swarbrick brings spunk and wit to the role of Mame’s dearest friend, “Vera Charles.” The number “Bosom Buddies” with Hoty and Swarbrick is arguably the cleverest in the show.
Nearly everything about MAME (sets, costumes, characters) may be ostentatious, but the audience is neither shocked nor repelled. With superb direction by David Armstrong, the show embraces its own absurdity while demanding, quite rightly so, the respect of the audience. Seen in its context, MAME is everything a big-budget musical should be, and, unless one is a realist or minimalist, this show is quite a must-see.
Reviewed by: Natasha Rae
Ticket Info: call (206) 625-1900 or online
February 9 - March 2, 2008
The all-American classic musical from the Golden Age of Broadway is back! With big costumes, big sets, and even bigger voices, the 5th Avenue Theatre knows how to do it right.
If MAME seems a tad over-the-top at first, one must remember it is simply the nature of the beast. Broadway heavy hitter Jerry Herman first wrote the music and lyrics back in 1966, giving MAME the huge production numbers, touching ballads, and happy-go-lucky characters that keep the show floating and sparkling. Now, under musical direction from David Holcenberg and with over 40 years under its belt, MAME has certainly managed to retain both its innocence and its appeal.
The story of “Auntie Mame” and her beloved nephew is centered, as any good musical should be, on unconditional love. Throw in a few drunken parties, the Great Depression, and some uptight Connecticuters, and you’ve got a mix for Broadway gold. When Manhattan’s favorite socialite Mame Dennis is surprised one night by the arrival of her only living relative, young Patrick Dennis and his conservative caretaker, Agnes Gooch, her life is forever changed. The two take to each other like gin and dry vermouth (indeed, one of the most endearing scenes is when young Patrick mixes a martini in true Dennis fashion), and provide love and support to one another over decades of changes.
The sets (Walt Spangler) chronicle the great passage of time in the play. The impressive chandelier and classic, sprawling staircase depict Mame’s abode, while the furniture, aided by the period costumes, is imperative in portraying the era. The costumes (Gregg Barnes) are extravagant in the best way possible: colorful, flashy, and certainly a-plenty.
In a show like MAME, there is a danger of overshadowing perfectly good acting with the flamboyancy of the show. However, the actors certainly do not disappoint. Broadway veteran Dee Hoty, who exhibits her character’s determination and unstoppable drive in every scene, aptly embodies the title role. Other notable actors include the young men behind “Patrick Dennis,” Matt Owen and 12-year-old Nick Robinson. Carol Swarbrick brings spunk and wit to the role of Mame’s dearest friend, “Vera Charles.” The number “Bosom Buddies” with Hoty and Swarbrick is arguably the cleverest in the show.
Nearly everything about MAME (sets, costumes, characters) may be ostentatious, but the audience is neither shocked nor repelled. With superb direction by David Armstrong, the show embraces its own absurdity while demanding, quite rightly so, the respect of the audience. Seen in its context, MAME is everything a big-budget musical should be, and, unless one is a realist or minimalist, this show is quite a must-see.
Reviewed by: Natasha Rae
Friday, February 15, 2008
NEW CAST UPDATES ON SHREK THE MUSICAL
Joining Shrek on his journey from swamp to stage will be the Tony Award®-winning Sutton Foster (Princess Fiona), who is currently starring as Inga in Broadway's Young Frankenstein and returning to Seattle after its pre-Broadway run; Tony Award®-nominee Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad), who is currently in Broadway's Spamalot; and Kecia Lewis-Evans (The Dragon), who was most recently seen on Broadway as Trix in The Drowsy Chaperone. Learn more about casting and SHREK THE MUSICAL's Broadway debut at Playbill.com
The Miser
March 13-April 6, 2008
By Moliere
Translated by David Chambers
Directed by Robert Currier
SEATTLE – He is a whirling dervish of paranoid greed. Harpagon is one of Moliere’s most notorious characters and Seattle Shakespeare Company unleashes him on stage for its production of The Miser. In a translation by David Chambers, Robert Currier directs The Miser which opens on Friday, March 14. The production runs through April 6 (low priced preview on March 13) at the Center House Theatre at Seattle Center .
Support for Seattle Shakespeare Company’s production of The Miser is provided by the Seattle Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and 94.9 KUOW.
In The Miser, Monsieur Harpagon is a skinflint’s skinflint. He’d rather marry off both of his children than part with one measly cent. So he attempts to…and nobody’s happy about it! Through silly scheming, bamboozling banter, and disguised identities, everyone in Harpagon’s household tries to pry either a lover or a fortune from the greedy geezer’s grasping hands.
ACT Partners with Icicle Creek Theatre Festival
Another Step in Nurturing New Voices, New Works in Theatre
Seattle, WA – February 12, 2008 – Expanding on its role of developing new works, ACT – A Contemporary Theatre today announces a new partnership with Icicle Creek Theatre Festival (ICTF), a non-profit theatre company that provides new playwrights the opportunity to develop their plays in a workshop environment with professional directors and actors, resulting in partially-staged, script-in-hand presentations read during its annual Festival (August 9-10, 2008) at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat n Leavenworth, WA.
“ACT is delighted to be entering into a partnership with the Icicle Creek Theatre Festival. We believe the festival represents a burgeoning artistic community at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, showing the sort of forward thinking and vision that ACT is thrilled to embrace. Further, we see Icicle Creek as a golden opportunity to focus on the development of new plays with an artistic concentration that only such an environment can provide,” said Artistic Director Kurt Beattie.
“ICTF chose to partner with ACT because of our great respect for the work that ACT does for the theatre in Seattle. ACT is the theater that strikes us as being most attuned to its local artists, and most dedicated to the promotion of new work,” said Founder of ICTF Allen Fitzpatrick. “We trust that ACT will benefit from the association with ICTF by being able to offer a quiet and creative venue, a short drive away, where new plays of interest to ACT can be workshopped, prior to further development or presentation in one of ACT’s performance spaces. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.”
ICTF benefits from this partnership with ACT by receiving assistance with casting, play solicitation, dramaturgy, audience development and use of ACT’s space for auditions and presentations.
ACT in turn will continue to play a key role in the developmental process of a new work before it is presented in front of a live audience, either at ACT or at other venues across the nation.
“New work is the cornerstone of American theatre, and ICTF is committed to helping writers prepare their scripts for production in regional theatres around the country,” concluded Fitzpatrick. “ICTF makes every effort to see that plays presented at the Festival are seen by those who are in a position to get those plays produced.”
Atomic Farmgirl by C. Denby Swanson, a new play presented at ICTF last year, was produced Off-Broadway last fall by The Drilling Company in New York.
Reefer Madness! hits Seattle!
BOUNDARIES GO UP IN SMOKE AND HILARITY IS HIGH AT THE SEATTLE PREMIERE
OF THE NEW "HIT" MUSICAL: REEFER MADNESS!
February 22 – March 22 2008
Live Girls Theater
2220 NW Market St., Seattle, WA
Tickets and Information
Seattle, WA – Everything is hysterical and nothing is sacred when your
life is REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL, brought to life in Seattle for
the first time by RK Productions, running February 22 - March 22. The
year is 1936: FDR is in the White House, Duke Ellington is playing the
Jazz Clubs; Gone with the Wind sits on everyone's nightstand and Our
Gang plays on the goggle box. The unsuspecting nation sleeps easy
while a leafy green assassin lurks in the shadows, feeding on
America's seedy underbelly of filth and degradation. Marihuana is
that assassin: a violent narcotic, and unspeakable scourge; the real
public enemy number 1! REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL depicts the tale
of Jimmy Harper, an exemplary, upstanding lad tragically ravaged and
twisted into a hedonistic and murderous weed fiend. YOU WILL BE
SHOCKED as the reefer seduces him into a world filled with
sadistically wild orgies, junkie zombies, homicide, and the devil
himself!
In 1936, a small church group produced a movie to warn of the
'real-life effects' that marijuana has on America's innocent youth
entitled TELL YOUR CHILDREN! The full-feature film exposes the most
typical side-effects of pot, including the tendencies to engage in
orgies, rape, homicide, and suicide. Two years later, exploitation
guru Dwain Esper bought the rights for $297, added scenes with
scantily-clad women, and re-edited some of the original footage to be
more implicative of drug-induced sexual aggressiveness; he also
re-titled the film to REEFER MADNESS! Sixty-Five years later, Dan
Studney (Composer, TV: Weird Science, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,
projects with Matt Groening) and Kevin Murphy (Lyricist, Co-Executive
Producer, Desperate Housewives) were inspired to put the original
script on stage, decked-out with boundary-crossing propaganda and
raucous stereotypes, fueled with hatred for exploitative political
fear tactics; All held together by a glorious 'Big-Broadway-Musical'
score. After traveling from Los Angeles to New York City to 'the Big
Screen' (produced by ShowTime Entertainment), RK Productions
appropriately breathes new life into REEFER MADNESS during a charged
political climate at the perfectly intimate Live Girls Theater in
Seattle, WA… and make no mistake… anyone can fall victim to the evils
of the dread MARIHUANA! The next to succumb could be your sons or
daughters… or even you! … or You!! … or YOU!!!
***REEFER MADNESS is a highly stylized and satirical political
commentary. It contains adult humor, religious parody, drug use, as
well as suggested violence and sexual explicitness. It may prove TOO
SHOCKING for some audiences! ***
OF THE NEW "HIT" MUSICAL: REEFER MADNESS!
February 22 – March 22 2008
Live Girls Theater
2220 NW Market St., Seattle, WA
Tickets and Information
Seattle, WA – Everything is hysterical and nothing is sacred when your
life is REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL, brought to life in Seattle for
the first time by RK Productions, running February 22 - March 22. The
year is 1936: FDR is in the White House, Duke Ellington is playing the
Jazz Clubs; Gone with the Wind sits on everyone's nightstand and Our
Gang plays on the goggle box. The unsuspecting nation sleeps easy
while a leafy green assassin lurks in the shadows, feeding on
America's seedy underbelly of filth and degradation. Marihuana is
that assassin: a violent narcotic, and unspeakable scourge; the real
public enemy number 1! REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL depicts the tale
of Jimmy Harper, an exemplary, upstanding lad tragically ravaged and
twisted into a hedonistic and murderous weed fiend. YOU WILL BE
SHOCKED as the reefer seduces him into a world filled with
sadistically wild orgies, junkie zombies, homicide, and the devil
himself!
In 1936, a small church group produced a movie to warn of the
'real-life effects' that marijuana has on America's innocent youth
entitled TELL YOUR CHILDREN! The full-feature film exposes the most
typical side-effects of pot, including the tendencies to engage in
orgies, rape, homicide, and suicide. Two years later, exploitation
guru Dwain Esper bought the rights for $297, added scenes with
scantily-clad women, and re-edited some of the original footage to be
more implicative of drug-induced sexual aggressiveness; he also
re-titled the film to REEFER MADNESS! Sixty-Five years later, Dan
Studney (Composer, TV: Weird Science, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,
projects with Matt Groening) and Kevin Murphy (Lyricist, Co-Executive
Producer, Desperate Housewives) were inspired to put the original
script on stage, decked-out with boundary-crossing propaganda and
raucous stereotypes, fueled with hatred for exploitative political
fear tactics; All held together by a glorious 'Big-Broadway-Musical'
score. After traveling from Los Angeles to New York City to 'the Big
Screen' (produced by ShowTime Entertainment), RK Productions
appropriately breathes new life into REEFER MADNESS during a charged
political climate at the perfectly intimate Live Girls Theater in
Seattle, WA… and make no mistake… anyone can fall victim to the evils
of the dread MARIHUANA! The next to succumb could be your sons or
daughters… or even you! … or You!! … or YOU!!!
***REEFER MADNESS is a highly stylized and satirical political
commentary. It contains adult humor, religious parody, drug use, as
well as suggested violence and sexual explicitness. It may prove TOO
SHOCKING for some audiences! ***
Rick Steves Travels to Chorus Country?
Steves Joins Seattle Men’s Chorus for Four Special Performances
PBS’ travel guru Rick Steves steps out of TV-land for four live performances with the Seattle Men’s Chorus in their aptly titled Spring concert, A Foreign Affaire. Together Rick and the Chorus guide the audience on a virtual tour across Europe through cleverly coordinated travel tales, visual montages, folk songs, classical music, and contemporary hits. SMC artistic director Dennis Coleman is planning a full roster of rousing songs from popular European destinations; and Rick Steves integrates footage from his hit shows while tossing in a few charming anecdotes—some a bit too (eh hem) “charming” for prime time TV.
Where: In Seattle: McCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
When: Sat., 3/29/08 - 8pm (Seattle – McCaw Hall)
Sun., 3/30/08 - 2pm (Seattle – McCaw Hall)
Tickets: Seattle: Tickets On Sale 2/23/08 $15-$57
Box Office: 206.388.1400 Mon-Fri Noon-7 pm
Online: www.flyinghouse.org
Fun and freedom are what it’s all about. Numerous musical montages explore different aspects of European travel. One section, set against Sir Noel Coward’s Why do the Wrong People Travel? depicts one hilarious travel faux-pas after another. European works of art are re-created in tableaux vivant against a backdrop of songs composed in their honor. And dozens of classic European-themed songs from Broadway and film are woven throughout the show. From Istanbul to Wonderful Copenhagen, Monty Python to ABBA, A Foreign Affaire will be part travelogue and part political commentary. As a participant in the Song of Peace project, Seattle Men’s Chorus will include Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) as part of the performance. In a coordinated effort, thousands – or even millions – of voices will loudly proclaim that peace in our world is of fundamental importance. The Song of Peace project, www.songofpeace.org, continues throughout the month of March which also marks the fifth anniversary of the US entering Iraq.
Weekly Update - 2/15/2008
Weekly Update - 1/25/2008
The Broadway HourKSUB Seattle
**Listen in to hear Nigel Andrews, Rick Skyler and Jack Jarden**
Sunday from 10-Noon
Seattle University
Tickets and Information
Dark Play or Stories for Boys >February 21 - March 2, 2008 (mature audiences only)
Open Circle Theater
at Theater Schmeater
Tickets and Information
(RUR) Rossum's Universal Robots >February 22 - March 22, 2008 (Thursday through Sunday)
Seattle Shakespeare
Tickets and Information
The Miser >March 13 - April 6, 2008
Seattle Children's Theater
Tickets and Information
Hamlet >January 25 - February 24, 2008
The Hundred Dresses >February 22 - April 6, 2008
According to Cyote >March 14 - May 11, 2008
Busytown >April 25 - June 15, 2008
Intiman Theater
Tickets and Information
The Diary of Anne Frank >March 26 - May 17, 2008
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets and Information
By the Waters of Babylon >January 31 - March 2, 2008
The Imaginary Invalid >February 21 - March 22, 2008
How? How? Why? Why? Why? >March 13 - April 19, 2008
The Cure at Troy >April 3 - May 3, 2008
Seattle Opera
Tickets and Information
Tosca >February 23 - March 9, 2008
Il Puritani >May 3 - 17, 2008
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Tickets and Information
Mame >February 9 - March 2, 2008
Cabaret >March 25 - April 13, 2008
Dimitrou's Jazz Alley
Tickets and Information
Saturday, February 09, 2008
By The Waters of Babylon
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Tickets at the box office (206) 443-2222 or online
January 31 - March 2, 2008
With smart and interconnected design elements mixed with dynamic acting, By The Waters of Babylon hits the stage at The Seattle Rep. This show works to bring a new twist to the age old plot line of two different worlds colliding in an everyday life situation, which leads the characters to expose inner feelings about themselves, ultimately culminating in a love affair that unearths deep rooted emotion. The plot focus is reached through a mix of sarcastic humor, deep moments, and dramatic events. At times, this string of influences leads to confusion as the true point of the show is never made clear. The audience is presented with a humorous show and interesting characters, but the focus seems to get lost.
The scene is set in a garden outside a house filled with dark secrets that the owner leaves shrouded behind her happy go lucky demeanor. The Set design’s garden motif (Designed by Michael Ganio) is a constant theme that not only symbolizes the connection to the plot, but the connection to the life of the character who has been burying her secrets underneath years of bramble. Complimented by the lighting (York Kennedy) this set came to life in a effective and fluid manner, transitioning beautifully to different parts of the day, and different places around the house.
The density of these characters is pulled off very well by Suzanne Bouchard and Armando Duran who bring a very confident and strong dynamic to a tedious interaction. They attack the show and grab the audiences attention from the moment the lights hit the stage. See By The Waters of Babylon written by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Robert Schenkkan at The Seattle Repertory Theatre between January 31 and March 2, 2008.
Reviewed by: Rick Skyler
Tickets at the box office (206) 443-2222 or online
January 31 - March 2, 2008
With smart and interconnected design elements mixed with dynamic acting, By The Waters of Babylon hits the stage at The Seattle Rep. This show works to bring a new twist to the age old plot line of two different worlds colliding in an everyday life situation, which leads the characters to expose inner feelings about themselves, ultimately culminating in a love affair that unearths deep rooted emotion. The plot focus is reached through a mix of sarcastic humor, deep moments, and dramatic events. At times, this string of influences leads to confusion as the true point of the show is never made clear. The audience is presented with a humorous show and interesting characters, but the focus seems to get lost.
The scene is set in a garden outside a house filled with dark secrets that the owner leaves shrouded behind her happy go lucky demeanor. The Set design’s garden motif (Designed by Michael Ganio) is a constant theme that not only symbolizes the connection to the plot, but the connection to the life of the character who has been burying her secrets underneath years of bramble. Complimented by the lighting (York Kennedy) this set came to life in a effective and fluid manner, transitioning beautifully to different parts of the day, and different places around the house.
The density of these characters is pulled off very well by Suzanne Bouchard and Armando Duran who bring a very confident and strong dynamic to a tedious interaction. They attack the show and grab the audiences attention from the moment the lights hit the stage. See By The Waters of Babylon written by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Robert Schenkkan at The Seattle Repertory Theatre between January 31 and March 2, 2008.
Reviewed by: Rick Skyler
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
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This is BIG!
The 5th Avenue Announces An Extra Large 2008-2009 Season
With Huge Laughs, Colossal Talent, Epic Love Stories and A World Premiere
7 Shows for the Price of 6
SEATTLE – The 5th Avenue Theatre announces its 2008-2009 season lineup bursting with seven enormously entertaining musicals, five of which are making their 5th Avenue debuts. The season begins with the exclusive pre-Broadway world premiere of SHREK THE MUSICAL, August 14 – September 21, 2008. The next show is a Seattle premiere: the first national tour of Broadway’s 2006 hit THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, October 28 – November 16, 2008. For the holidays, The 5th Avenue produces the roof-raisin’ classic SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, December 3 – 28, 2008. The New Year brings a rousing new musical about the birth of rock ‘n’ roll – MEMPHIS , January 27 – February 15, 2009. In the spring, The 5th Avenue stages HELLO, DOLLY! for the first time in 27 years, March 10 – 29, 2009, and Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize-winning love story SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE makes its 5th Avenue debut April 21 – May 10, 2009. The season closes with the national tour of the one and only (and never before seen at The 5th) GREASE, May 12 – 30, 2009. Together they add up to an extra large seven-show season – for the price of just six shows.
VISIT THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DETAILS ABOUT THE SHOWS!
16TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF WISDOM CONFERENCE
Empowering the Dreams and Spirit of Women
February 15-18, 2008
SEATTLE, WA -The 16th Annual Women of Wisdom Conference beckons women from across the globe. Hundreds gather each year to celebrate community, inspire others and motivate themselves. Through full- and half-day workshops, special performances, a healing temple and goddess market, the world’s women join together to empower their dreams and spirit.
This year the Women of Wisdom (WOW) Conference will be held at North Seattle Community College from February 15 – 18, 2008. WOW welcomes Sobonfu Somé from the indigenous Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso; award-winning author Susan Armstrong; spiritual activist Jean Shinoda Bolen, and dozens of Northwest authors, artists and performers.
Performance events and workshops include: Kelliana (singer-songwriter); The Sacred Fire Choir; Zaphara (belly dancer) and Ferron (folk-singer/songwriter and poet). Workshops incorporate the subjects of: Qigong, ecstatic drumming, touch drawing, tarot, dream analysis, tantric dance, herbal medicine, magick and many others. Executive Director and Founder, Kris Steinnes says, “the Women of Wisdom Foundation (WOW) is committed to community, spirit, leadership and healing for all women. This very special 3 day conference allows you to connect with others and immerse yourself in a spiritual environment filled with positive energy.”
Musical and performance events are Friday, February 15th, from 7-10 PM and Saturday, February 16th, at 7:30 PM. Ticket prices range from $15-$20. Full-day workshops run from 9-4:30, Half-day workshops run from 9 AM-Noon, 1:30- 4:30 PM or 6:30 – 9:30 PM. Workshop prices range $40-$120. For a complete list of events and workshops, or to register online visit: www.womenofwisdom.org. Information is also available by calling (206) 782-3363.
The February conference is one of the largest women’s spirituality events in the United States, and WOW expects many hundreds of men and women to participate in the three days of events. All events are held North Seattle Community College.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Hamlet - Seattle Children's Theater
Hamlet
Seattle Children’s Theatre
January 25 – February 24, 2008
Possibly William Shakespeare’s most well known and most quoted play, Hamlet, finds its way into every canon of literature and theater. However, it is rarely produced with a minimal five actors and, what’s more, produced for children! Rita Giomi’s adaptation and direction of Hamlet is an incredibly skillful presentation of the versatility and universality of Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
Giomi’s adaptation cuts the play down to a fast-paced two hours, including intermission. Her work on the show points out the most important features of the play while keeping it entertaining for all ages. The language is kept true to the script, but the cuts slim down how much interpretation is needed and makes it very accessible to children while keeping it deep for the older audiences. Her direction, similarly, showcases the skill of the five actors playing the entire cast of Hamlet as well as spotlighting the most important details. The use of rapid changes and a phenomenally useful set (by Matthew Smucker) make the play blast by with the audience easily keeping pace.
Connor Toms as Hamlet does a wonderful job making the classic role endearing and truthful, as well as entertaining all ages. At a few moments I was definitely reminded that it was a children’s production I was watching, but only with benefit to my enjoyment. Playing opposite Toms is Peter Crook as Claudius and the voice of the Ghost of King Hamlet. He keeps to the truth of the play and Claudius’ motives, while also keeping it accessible to anyone. Darragh Kennan, Renata Friedman and Amy Thone all take on the difficult task of playing three characters each. Thone has the daunting task of performing Gertrude, the gravedigger and Guildenstern. Her Gertrude is so solid that one can honestly forget that there is an actor and become distracted by the honesty of her performance. Her gravedigger is a complete change, bringing comedic timing to the forefront. Meanwhile, Kennan’s performances as the Player, as well as both Laertes and Polonius is precise and splendid. Keeping track of one character playing both father and son seems like it would be confusing, but with just a few specific changes, Kennan keeps everything clear and distinct. Friedman, similarly, keeps Horatio and Rosencrantz as well as Ophelia distinctive and individual.
Hamlet as presented by Rita Giomi at the Seattle Children’s Theatre is truly a wonderful experience. It really is a wonderful reminder of just how spectacular this show is.
Review by Nigel Andrews and Lia Morgan
Photo by Chris Bennion
Friday, February 01, 2008
ACT’s 2008 Season Preview and Open House
A Sneak Peek into the 2008 Season and ACT’s Theatre Craft
ACT’s 2008 Season Preview & Open House
March 9, 2008
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tickets
FREE!
Reservations for the preview performance strongly recommended
ACT Theatre
Ticket Office: (206) 292-7676
700 Union Street, Seattle WA 98101
Seattle, WA – January 29, 2008 – ACT once again opens its doors for its annual Season Preview and Open House event on Sunday, March 9, 2008.
Providing a sneak peek into the 2008 Season and companion pieces generated by ACT’s Central Heating Lab, this year’s event will include two identical preview presentations, where patrons will have an opportunity to hear from some of the artists whose work will appear onstage and learn more about the theatre’s plans for the year ahead. Short scenes will be read from several 2008 plays. In addition, ACT will host two concurrent “Backstage Insights” programs presented three times during the day, giving patrons behind-the-scenes access into how ACT creates its remarkable scenic designs and costumes. A full schedule follows below:
1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Backstage Insight: Scenic Design & Costumes
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 2008 Season Preview in the Falls Theatre
3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Backstage Insight: Scenic Design & Costumes
4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Backstage Insight: Scenic Design & Costumes
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 2008 Season Preview in the Falls Theatre
Reservations for the preview performance are strongly recommended. Patrons may pick a performance (2:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.), then call ACT’s Ticket Office at (206) 292 -7676.
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