Friday, July 31, 2009

Taproot Theater Company announces next season!

Taproot Theatre Company’s 2010 Season:

The Great Divorce – Regional Premiere

By C.S. Lewis, adapted by George Drance & The Magis Theatre

January 29-February 27, previews January 27 & 28

C.S. Lewis’ fantastical work springs to life in this electrifying regional premiere. One drizzly afternoon our author embarks on a supernatural voyage with a cast of eccentric, humorous characters that bear a remarkable resemblance to us. Theatrical, imaginative and thought provoking. It’s a bus ride through heaven and hell that, in the grand C.S. Lewis tradition, leaves you breathless and wanting more.

Brooklyn Boy – Regional Premiere

By Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies

March 19-April 17, previews March 17 & 18

Can we ever go home… and do we want to? Eric Weiss has finally made it big with a best seller and a shot at a Hollywood film. An inconvenient phone call brings him back to the Brooklyn neighborhood he grew up in and happily left behind. Witty and deeply touching, this story of growing up, coming home and making sense of it all is sure to warm your heart.

Charley’s Aunt

By Brandon Thomas

May 14-June 12, previews May 12 & 13

By George! This is splendid! A quiet afternoon luncheon turns into a hilarious masquerade when college chums attempt to woo a pair of charming young ladies. After persuading a classmate to impersonate their missing aunt (and chaperone), mischief, high jinks and shenanigans ensue. This hilarious classic has been delighting audiences for over 100 years.

Man of La Mancha

A Musical Play by Dale Wasserman

Music by Mitch Leigh & Lyrics by Joe Darion Original Production Staged by Albert Marre

Originally Produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James

July 9-August 7, previews July 7 & 8

Don Quixote is mad... mad enough to dream an impossible dream while tilting after windmills with his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza. Taproot’s adventurous new staging of Cervantes’ immortal classic reunites you with a story and songs that will capture your imagination and set you dreaming again. Quixote’s romantic quest is as crazy as he is. But is his impossible dream madness or vision? The trial is about to begin.

Wedding Belles – Regional Premiere

By Alan Bailey & Ronnie Claire Edwards

September 24-October 23, previews September 22 & 23

When a bedraggled bride is found stranded at an East Texas bus station in 1942, the determined ladies of the Eufala Springs Garden Club leap into action! Lemonade, wedding cake and a gown are easy enough to come by… but where’s the groom? This side-splitting comedy overflows with love, laughter and southern hospitality at its best! From the creator of Smoke on the Mountain.


Ticket and Subscription Information:

Performances take place Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with matinees on Saturdays. Ticket prices range from $22 to $35; plus, we offer a $10 ticket for ages 25 and under, discounts for students and seniors, group rates for parties of eight or more, and one pay-what-you-can performance for each production.

Taproot Theatre is currently in its resubscription period; subscriptions open to the public on October 1, and single tickets go on sale in January 2010.

Subscribers save up to 18% over single ticket prices, plus enjoy great benefits like priority seating, discounts on additional tickets, free ticket exchanges, a subscriber rewards card and more. Subscribers have a number of packages to choose from, including three- and five-play season subscriptions and a Flex Pass subscription, which gives patrons more flexibility when scheduling their tickets.

For more information about subscriptions and single tickets, visit www.taproottheatre.org or contact the box office at 206.781.9707 or box@taproottheatre.org. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5:00 p.m., and until show time on performance nights.

All performances are held at Taproot Theatre, located at 204 N. 85th St. in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. The 226-seat theatre is wheelchair accessible and is equipped with assisted listening devices.

Support for Taproot Theatre’s 2010 Mainstage season is generously provided by The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, ArtsFund, 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission, PONCHO and Nesholm Family Foundation.

ABOUT TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

Catch Me if You Can Benefit Performance

Catch Me Benefit Performance Announced

Seattle’s Compass Center to receive portion of each ticket sold for 8/5/09 performance

SEATTLE, WA –The 5th Avenue theatre today announced that it will be holding a special benefit performance of their World Premiere musical Catch Me If You Can on Wednesday August 5 to benefit the Compass Center, a non-profit agency serving homeless and low income individuals and families in the greater Seattle area.

The benefit is to honor of the memory of Teresa Butz, who was a board member of the Compass Center.

Five dollars of every ticket sold for this performance will be donated to the Center, with half of the donation coming from the theatre and half from the show’s New York producing partners.

The Compass Center serves homeless and low-income men and women over 18 years of age, a vulnerable and underserved population in Seattle and King County. It is a culturally and ethnically diverse population, consisting of individuals with varying strengths and needs.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, currently in previews prior to its August 6th opening, 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.

Tickets for this special performance and all other performances are available over the phone by calling 206-625-1900 / toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, or online at 5thavenue.org

The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Seattle Rep Raises $1 Million in Match Campaign and Ends Year in Balance

Seattle, WA – Seattle Repertory Theatre announced today the success of a $1 million one-to-one matching campaign, which enabled the theatre to end their fiscal year in balance on June 30, 2009.

In November, the theatre identified a large potential shortfall due to a slow start in ticket sales and a projected decline in giving due to the state of the economy. Initially Seattle Rep put into action a number of cost-saving measures including staff furloughs to offset early shortfalls in earned revenue, but still needed a new strategy to meet expectations for contributed income.

Seattle Rep management approached Seattle Repertory Theatre Foundation—a partner organization that oversees the theatre's endowment—to explore the possibility of a $1 million matching loan from the endowment.

The Foundation agreed, stipulating that they would match any new or increased gift dollar for dollar, up to $1 million, raised by the end of the fiscal year.

Coming down to the wire with the last gift received just a half hour before the deadline, the theatre was able to raise $1 million of new money in just six months. The majority of the donors (1,430) were new, with 46% giving $50 or less. Additionally, 610 current donors increased their gifts by amounts that ranged from $1 to $100,000.

"We knew that in this economy it would be tough to encourage new donors to support the theatre," said Managing Director Benjamin Moore. "We devised a unique way to use our own resources to energize a fundraising campaign and correct our course for the season."

The theatre was galvanized by very strong ticket sales in the second half of the season. Three of the season's nine productions were extended due to popular demand, and season closer "Wishful Drinking" starring Carrie Fisher had the highest single ticket sales of any show in Seattle Rep history.

For the coming 2009-10 season and beyond, the theatre has enacted a number of initiatives to maintain financial stability, including reduced performances and a 32-hour work week for administrative staff. The reduction in operating budget will offset the fact that the theatre won't receive a distribution of investment income from the endowment until the investment market recovers. The endowment currently holds assets of over $11 million.

"We are so grateful to the community for supporting us and securing our position as one of Seattle's largest and longest-running theatres," said Board of Trustees President Jane Zalutsky. "Our gift back to you is financial responsibility so we can continue to create high quality theatre."

Seattle Rep opens its 2009-10 season Sept. 25 with Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps."

Preview Cancelled and Performances Added for Catch Me If You Can

SEATTLE The 5th Avenue Theatre regrets to announce the cancellation of preview performances Thursday July 23 through Sunday July 26 of the upcoming World Premiere of the new musical Catch Me If You Can, but will be offering two additional performances of the show next week on Tuesday July 28 and Wednesday July 29. The two additional performances will be at 7:30 pm.

This cancellation was made necessary due to a serious family emergency affecting a principal cast member.

Patrons who had purchased tickets for preview performances that were cancelled will be accommodated first if they wish to exchange their tickets for these performances, and are also invited to exchange their seats for another night during the run. Tickets for these two additional performances will go on sale to the general public on Friday morning.

Ticketholders who need to exchange their tickets can do so by contacting the 5th Avenue Box Office at (206) 625-1900, or in-person at 1308 5th Avenue Seattle. Ticketing hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit 5thavenue.org.


TICKET  TO  BROADWAY !

A benefit concert for Seattle Musical Theatre

presented by

Sno-King Community Chorale Ensemble

under the direction of Frank DeMiero

Enjoy an evening of musical favorites from

Annie Get Your Gun, Beauty and the Beast, …

Plus selections from the Chorale’s vast repertoire of pop, spiritual and inspirational music

Saturday, August 22, 2009

7:30 p.m.

Magnuson Park Community Center

7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle

Tickets: 206.363.2809

$15.00 General Admission

$13.00 Students/Seniors

Festival Seating

Preview Cancelled for Catch Me If You Can

SEATTLE The 5th Avenue Theatre regrets to announce the cancellation of the Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 preview performances of the upcoming world premiere of the new musical Catch Me If You Can.

This cancellation was made necessary due to a serious family emergency affecting a principal cast member.

Patrons who had purchased tickets for preview performances are invited to exchange their seats for another night during the run. They can do so by contacting the 5th Avenue Box Office at (206) 625-1900, or in-person at 1308 5th Avenue Seattle. Ticketing hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit 5thavenue.org.

Latenight Improv Returns to Taproot's Mainstage

Friday nights after Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming

SEATTLE – July 20, 2009 – Taproot Theatre is bringing Late-Night Improv back to the Mainstage this summer for three hilarious evenings of fun. Following the performances of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming on July 24 and 31 and August 7, Taproot’s improvisers will take the stage to entertain audiences with their imaginative sketches based on audience suggestions. Performances start at 10:15 p.m., or shortly after the Mainstage performance ends.

Tickets are $10 at the door, or $8 for patrons staying after the performance of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. Taproot Theatre is located at 204 North 85th Street in Greenwood.

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming is a toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’, heartwarmin’ bluegrass gospel extravaganza. Written by Connie Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey, with musical arrangements by Mike Craver, this musical runs through August 8. For tickets, call the box office at 206-781-9707.

Support for Taproot Theatre’s 2009 season is generously provided by 4Culture, ArtsFund, The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, Washington State Arts Commission, Nesholm Family Foundation and PONCHO. Thanks to The Upper Crust, our Opening Night sponsor, and Romio’s Pizza and Pasta and Dry Soda, our Pizza and a Play sponsors.

About Taproot Theatre

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

###

Late-Night Improv FACT SHEET

WHAT: Late-Night Improv on the Mainstage

WHEN: Fridays, July 24, 31, August 7, after Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming.
Start time is approximately 10:15 p.m.

WHERE: Taproot Theatre

204 North 85th Street

Seattle, WA 98103

TICKETS: Tickets are just $10, or $8 for those staying after the evening’s performance of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. Tickets are available at the door.

Electra Added to Seattle Shakespeare's Season

Frank McGuinness' acclaimed adaptation to be directed by Sheila Daniels

SEATTLE - Seattle Shakespeare Company announced that it has added Sophocles' Electra to the 2009-2010 indoor season. Sheila Daniels, who staged the company's production of Pericles and is Artistic Associate at Intiman, will direct Frank McGuinness' adaptation. Electra replaces the previously announced production of Hamlet.

"We've decided to postpone our production of Hamlet with director John Langs," says Artistic Director Stephanie Shine. "Due to some fortuitous news with his home life, John won't be available in the first half of 2010. Since collaborating with John was one of the big reasons for scheduling Hamlet, I've decided to move the production to the 2010-2011 season."

Electra marks the first time the company has presented a Greek classic. With the addition of Electra, the previously announced schedule of Seattle Shakespeare Company performance 2009-2010 changes to the following:

2009-2010 INDOOR SEASON

Twelfth Night

By William ShakespeareŸ Directed by Stephanie Shine

December 3-27, 2009

And you thought your household was crazy at the holidays! After surviving a shipwreck and washing up in Illyria, Viola lands a job, disguised as a boy, in Duke Orsino's court. The Duke is pining for Lady Olivia, but she's too consumed with mourning her dead brother to bother. While a randy uncle chases after the maid, a snooty butler scrambles to keep control, and oddball houseguests hatch secret plans behind closet doors. Into this madness drops Sebastian, Viola's twin brother who was thought to be lost at sea. Shakespeare's beguiling comedy of romantic adventures and misdirected love is an enchanting holiday treat for the whole family

Electra

By Sophocles adapted by Frank McGuinness Ÿ Directed by Sheila Daniels

January 7-31, 2010

The Greek wellspring for all revenge stories. Treachery and murder line the corridors where Electra mourns the brutal murder of her father by her adulterous mother, Clytemnestra. Grief-stricken and bent on retribution, Electra awaits her brother's return in order to enact her fervent quest for justice. Filled with 90-minutes of raw emotions, this startling family tragedy will leave you shocked, dazed, and breathless for more.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by Marcus Goodwin

March 18-April 11, 2010

Everything you want in a romantic comedy: moony and misguided guys, smart and resourceful gals, a road trip, and a funny bit with a dog. Fickle Proteus has dropped his gal, and he and Valentine stumble over themselves trying to court the beautiful Sylvia. Now it's up to plucky Julia to plot a plan to win back her wayward beau. This comic tale of wandering hearts will surely capture yours!

Henry V

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by Russ Banham

April 15-May 9, 2010

Henry V is the quintessential saga about inspired leadership and a band of brothers who triumph against all odds. Newly crowned, King Henry faces his first major challenge against the mighty French army. A hasty invasion leads to a long hard siege. Trapped and at the point of near disaster, Henry rallies his troops with his St. Crispin's Day speech to prepare for one last heroic battle. Henry V follows the epic tale of Prince Hal started in Henry IV (Seattle Shakespeare Company Fall 2008).

Fall Workshop Presentation

I Always Write of You

Music by David Duvall

October 25, 26, 27

Taking inspiration from Shakespeare's sonnets, this eclectic cabaret runs the gamut of musical styles from Big Band Swing to Brazilian Bossa Nova and everything in between. Seattle Shakespeare Company will develop this new musical piece in workshop form and then present three public performances.

On Tour Spring 2010


A Midsummer Night's Dream

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by George Mount

Public performance at the Center House Theatre March 21

Fly off to the fairy kingdom for a romantic adventure. Two pairs of mixed up lovers find their way through the forest while the fairy queen's heart is captured by an unlikely suitor. Utilizing seven actors and puppets, this production of Shakespeare's most popular comedy muddles love and magic to create a delightful 90 minute confection for all.

Romeo and Juliet

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by George Mount

In the midst of an historical bitter feud, passionate young love emerges. Defying their parents' wishes Romeo and Juliet marry and plot to run away together, only to be thwarted at every turn. With five actors brandishing swords poised for actions, this 90 minute drama is a swashbuckling romance and the greatest love story ever told.

All dates, plays and artists are subject to change.

eason Ticket Packages and Single Tickets

Season tickets subscription packages are now on sale and range from $54 to $132 for all four main stage productions. Season ticket subscription packages can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (206) 733-8222. Single tickets will be on sale in October. Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at Center House Theatre at Seattle Center .

Monday, July 20, 2009

Stephen Sondheim Comes to Seattle

Musical Theater Giant Stephen Sondheim

Makes His First Seattle Visit at Age 79

A Life in the Theater: An Onstage Conversation with Stephen Sondheim & Frank Rich Benaroya Hall, October 26, 2009. 8:00 pm. Tickets On Sale Now.

[Stephen Sondheim is] “the greatest and perhaps best-known artist

in the American musical theater…” – The New York Times

Seattle, WA – It’s hard to believe that in 79 years, and countless hours tinkering on this nation’s greatest stages, Stephen Sondheim has never worked in this wonderful theater town. On October 26, 2009 musical theater’s living legend, Stephen Sondheim, will make this first momentous journey to Seattle; and will hold what promises to be an enormously entertaining and informative onstage conversation with his friend and respected New York Times columnist Frank Rich. This once-in-a-lifetime event is a must-see for anyone who has ever enjoyed any live theater performance.

The two respected men took A Life in the Theater on the road in 2008, but never made it further north than Portland Oregon. The show earned rave reviews and packed houses. Rich asks questions and Sondheim answers them, offering up stories and anecdotes from his decades in musical theater. (It’s probably no surprise that Sondheim is funny and has an actor’s excellent timing.) Having worked with everyone from actor Zero Mostel and choreographer Jerome Robbins to actress Ethel Merman and director Harold Prince, Sondheim’s stories are fascinating glimpses at the inner workings of Broadway.

Northwest Associated Arts, in cooperation with The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Men’s Chorus & Seattle Women’s Chorus and The Stranger, is pleased to present A Life in the Theater: An Onstage Conversation with Stephen Sondheim and Frank Rich on Monday, October 26, 2009 at 8pm in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium at Benaroya Hall. Tickets are on sale now and range from $48 - $78. They are available through the Benaroya Hall Box Office, at 206.215.4747 or online at www.benaroyahall.org.

Stephen Sondheim is this nation’s most beloved contemporary composer-lyricist. His musicals include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, (1962), Company (1970), Follies (1971), A Little Night Music (1973), Sweeney Todd (1979), Sunday in the Park with George (1984), Into the Woods (1987), Assassins (1991), and Passion (1994). He also wrote lyrics to West Side Story (1956) and Gypsy (1959). At 79, Sondheim has spent more than 50 years in professional musical theater. He’s won 7 Tonys, multiple Grammy Awards, and in 1985 his Sunday in the Park with George won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. (The Pulitzer was shared with James Lapine, who wrote the book for the musical.) He’s also worked in film and wrote the score to Warren Beatty’s 1981 movie Reds. And having collaborated as a young man with such titans of the American musical theater as songwriter Jule Stein and composer-director Leonard Bernstein, Sondheim is a living link to the mid-20th century artists who made the

musical theater one of America’s great art forms.

Frank Rich is The New York Times columnist who writes a 1,500-word essay every Sunday in the opinion section. In his column Rich, whose political bent is unabashedly progressive, skewers captains of industry, the media, cultural watchdogs, religiosity, and politicians of all stripes. But before Rich became an essayist on the “intersection of culture and news,” as The New York Times describes his current job, he was for many years the paper’s chief drama critic. And that’s the connection that makes an evening of Sondheim and Rich so engaging.


14/18 Roster Announced!

14/48 Announces Artist Roster for Summer ’09 Festival

14/48 Virgins include

Playwrights MJ Seiber & Vincent Delaney;

Directors Katjana Vadenboncoeur of Washington Ensemble Theatre &

Tyrone Brown of Brown Box Theatre;

Actors Therese Diekhans, Alyson Scadron-Branner & R. Hamilton Wright

Seattle, WA – July 13, 2009 – Winner of the Seattle Mayor’s Arts Award in 2008 and Seattle’s hearts and minds in 2009, 14/48 will run July 31 - August 1 & August 7 - 8 at 8:00 & 10:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at On the Boards, 100 W Roy St, Seattle WA in lower Queen Anne. 14/48 involves more than 75 artists per festival with at least 25%, the 14/48 Virgins, participating for the first time. Artistic participation is by invitation only and is predicated on the most rigorous professional standards. With twelve solid years of growth under its belt, 14/48 (fresh off a Standing Room Only January 2009 festival ) will enter On the Boards proudly carrying enough beer, food and caffeine to fuel the city’s most adventurous theatre artists who will create 14 plays in 48 hours the audience will never see again but will never forget.

Tickets are $18 online or $20 at the door.

An All-Festival Pass is available for $35 and available at www.brownpapertickets.com.

The complete Artist Roster and Press Photos are available at www.1448fest.com.

14/48 is 14 plays conceived, written, designed, scored, rehearsed and performed in 48 hours. The brutal combination of short deadlines, extreme talent, incredible speed, frayed nerves and an immediate inspiration serve to strip away creative inhibitions occasionally found in more traditional theater, proving that, contrary to popular opinion –sometimes the first idea is the best.

Here’s how 14/48 works:

Early Thursday Night, Before the Festival Begins: After tapping the ceremonial 14/48 Keg, all the participants choose a theme by completing this sentence: “Theatre would be a lot more interesting if there were seven ten-minute plays about _____.” One answer is chosen at random and that becomes the theme for the following evening.

Thursday Night: Seven caffeine-filled writers have one night to write a 10-minute play based on the theme.

Friday Morning: Seven directors gather and each randomly draw one play. Thirty minutes later, the directors blindly choose actors and actresses’ names on slips of paper to cast the show.

That Day: The band shows up to provide music and sound, designers create all technical aspects of each show as the directors and their casts rehearse all day.

Friday at 8pm: The seven plays have their World Premiere. The audience provides the theme for the next evening’s show via a random drawing and the seven writers go home to start the process all over again to culminate with seven World Premieres for Saturday evening at 8pm.

“Get your tickets now. 14/48 always sells out.” - Disappointed patron from January 2009 Festival.

14/48 Veterans include: Jerry Manning (Producing Artistic Director: Seattle Repertory Theatre), Stephanie Shine (Artistic Director: Seattle Shakespeare Co.), Charles Leggett (Becky’s New Car at ACT & Merchant of Venice at SSC) Rita Giomi (Artistic Associate: Seattle Children’s Theatre), Brian Faker (Producing Director: Giant Magnet), Sheila Daniels (Associate Artistic Director: INTIMAN), and Stranger Genius Award Winners Paul Mullin, Amy Thone, Gabriel Baron and Sarah Rudinoff. Some artists who have worked at On the Boards and 14/48 include Kevin Joyce, Stephen Hando, Bret Fetzer, Juliet Waller-Pruzan, Amii LeGende and Sarah Rudinoff. On the Boards artists participating in 14/48 this summer are directors Nick Garrison, Katjana Vadenboncoeur and Basil Harris, actor Charles Smith and marimbist extraordinaire Erin Jorgensen.

About 14/48

Founded in 1997 by Michael Neff and Jodi-Paul Wooster, the festival has evolved from a one-night one-time only event to a twice-yearly, two-weekend-long theatrical bonanza dedicated to featuring Seattle’s most fearless theatre artists with occasional guests from Los Angeles, Vancouver BC and New York. Participation is by invitation only and ranges from experienced fringe theater artists to Seattle ’s performance elite. Each festival, 14/48’s Steering Committee strives to comprise the artist pool of at least 25% new participants (a.k.a. “14/48 virgins”). The 14/48 Steering Committee is Shawn Belyea, Jodi-Paul Brown-Wooster, Kerri Brown-Wooster, Deb Fialkow, Tim Hyland, Andy Jensen, Peter Dylan O’Connor, Alex Samuels and Stan Shields.

Othello extends a very successful run!

Due to audience demand and strong ticket sales, Intiman Theatre is extending its run of the Theatre for a New Audience production of Othello for an additional week of performances. Tickets are on sale now for shows on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:30 pm; Wednesday, August 5 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Thursday, August 6 at 7:30 pm; Friday, August 7 at 8 pm; Saturday, August 8 at 2 pm and 8 pm; and Sunday, August 9 at 2 pm (closing). Tickets are available from www.intiman.org or 206.269.1900.

Prior to the first performance on July 2, Intiman had a total of four single tickets available for all four of the previews before the official opening on Wednesday, July 8 at 7:30 pm. The pay-what-you-can performance sold out in 23 minutes.

Othello, directed by Arin Arbus, was originally produced in New York last February. The sold-out production was brought back in April due to overwhelming demand for tickets and played a limited-engagement remount before coming to Intiman this summer.

To support patrons in the current economy, all adult tickets for every Tuesday night performance are on sale for $25. Patrons 25 and under can purchase tickets to any performance for $10. Pending availability, rush tickets will be sold 15 minutes before curtain for $20. Intiman has also created a new “Friends Four Pack”: patrons can buy four adult tickets for any production in the remainder of this season (including Othello, The Year of Magical Thinking and Abe Lincoln in Illinois) and save $50 off their total order.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Go Straight from the Barbecü to the Weddin’ with Purty Mouth

The Central Heating Lab at ACT Presents Eight Late-Night Shows,

August 14 – September 5, 2009

Seattle, WA – July 2, 2009 – Immediately following ACT’s Mainstage production of Das Barbecü, Seattle’s favorite country-tonk band Purty Mouth will present The Weddin’ Sangers as the latest Central Heating Lab companion piece. Audiences can mosey from Das Barbecü (July 31-September 6) in ACT’s Falls Theatre straight into a hilarious one-hour revue in the BullittDas Barbecü, The Weddin’ Sangers celebrates, in song, the dysfunction and redemption lurking at the heart of the modern American wedding. For eight shows, Purty Mouth and their specials guest artists will perform cheeky music and heartbreaking ballads; every Friday and Saturday evening at 10:30 p.m. from August 14 – September 5, 2009. Cabaret. Inspired by the themes of

Purty Mouth has been performing in Seattle for nearly a decade. Their unique take on country and pop music is dialed-in from a universe where Brokeback Mountain sits comfortably alongside John Wayne. All shows are for all ages so bring those dancin’ boots and enjoy:

Fri, Aug 14 & Sat, Aug 15 - The Stag/Hen Party (Last Night of Freedom): An evening in which Purty Mouth are the hired entertainment for the Stag and Hen parties. They witness all sorts of shenanigans whilst performing songs of boozy lust and debauchery. Featuring members of the award winning dance and cabaret troupe The Heavenly Spies. (www.myspace.com/theheavenlyspies).

Fri, Aug 21 & Sat, Aug 22 - Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride: For some a wedding isn’t all happy-happy-joy-joy. Taking a break from the wedding receptionLady Rizo of Lady Rizo and the Assettes. (www.ladyrizoandtheassettes.com). revelry, Purty Mouth dedicates these songs to love’s losers and the broken-hearted. Featuring special guest and cabaret superstar

Fri, Aug 28 & Sat, Aug 29 - Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: What’s a wedding without a little drama? Jealousies, infidelities, rivalries, oh my! The Purty Mouth Weddin’ Sangers see it all from their bandstand perch. Featuring special musical guests Paul & Claudia Anastasio (Paul is an alumnus of Merle Haggard, Asleep at the Wheel, and Loretta Lynn bands; Claudia fiddles in Minnie Pearl Jam and Whozyamama Zydeco).

Fri, Sept 4 & Sat, Sept 5 - I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do: Not all weddings result in a perfect union, but sometimes out of the ashes of love something new is discovered. Our beloved musical combo wrap up the eventful wedding reception with a musical celebration of love and commitment, guaranteed to keep guests dancing! Special guests to be announced.

Tickets to The Weddin’ Sangers are $10 ($7 for students, seniors, or with the purchase of tickets to ACT’s Mainstage production of Das Barbecü) and are available at the ACT Ticket Office, 700 Union Street, Downtown Seattle, (206) 292-7676, or online at www.acttheatre.org. For more information about Purty Mouth, The Central Heating Lab, or ACT Theatre’s mainstage production Das Barbecü, visit www.acttheatre.org.