TAPROOT IMPROV COMEDY RETURNS TO THE MAINSTAGE THIS SPRING

SEATTLE – April 16, 2010 – Audiences will burst their corsets and ascots with laughter this spring as Late Night at Taproot brings Taproot Improv Comedy back to the Mainstage. Building on the hilarity of the Victorian farce Charley’s Aunt running May 12 through June 12, Taproot’s rollicking, uproarious improv team hits the stage every Friday night with their best material. Of course, it’s not written yet, because the audience supplies the ideas! With split-second timing and talent galore, audiences are bound to have a good time. Taproot Improv Comedy takes place on May 21 and 28 and June 4 and 11, at approximately 10:30 p.m., or shortly after the performance of Charley’s Auntends.

Tickets are just $10, or $8 with a ticket to Charley’s Aunt. Group pricing is available for parties of 8 or more. Tickets are available at the door only, no advance sales.

About Charley’s Aunt:

Taproot Theatre continues its 34^th season with Brandon Thomas’ classic hit, Charley’s Aunt, May 14 through June 12 (previews May 12 and 13). Debuting in London in 1892, Charley’s Aunt’s original production ran 1,466 performances. The story has since been the subject of multiple film and stage adaptations. 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.

ACT Serves up Premieres in Dance, Theatre, Visual Art and Film

2010 Mainstage season kicks off with The Trip to Bountiful

May 2010

Seattle, WA – April 15, 2010 – Basic Monthly Members of ACT – A Contemporary Theatre have plenty to see in the month of May, featuring the debut of new works from KT Niehoff / Lingo Dance, New Century Theatre Company, SOIL Artist-Run Gallery, RAWSTOCK, and Hedgebrook’s Women Playwrights Festival, as well as the 2010 Mainstage season opener, Horton Foote’s enduring American classic The Trip to Bountiful.

KT Niehoff/Lingo Dance: A Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light

A Central Heating Lab Event

April 22-May 15

Tickets: Single tickets start at $18 or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

Seattle Magazine’s 2007 Dance Artist of the Year KT Niehoff continues her search for potent environments that challenge audience/artist proximity – practically, metaphorically, emotionally, and psychologically. Serving as the final, culminating event of a three-month performance series launched late February, Lingo dance premieresA Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light, a dance/theater/cabaret/glam rock musical commissioned and produced by The Central Heating Lab at ACT. Raucous and wild,Niehoff has expanded her posse of vibrant performers to include seven contemporary dancers turned “showgirls” and Ivory Smith’s local indie band, Ivory in Ice World . Both Niehoff and Smith have borrowed inspiration from Pippin, Cabaret, and Moulin Rouge to create Glimmer’s look and sound. An additional part of the Glimmerexperience: up to 12 ticket holders per show can reserve spots to have a pre-show cocktail at a nearby bar with the Glimmer cast. It’s a Dutch date – patrons pay for their drinks; Lingo for theirs. Reserve with ticket purchase, phone only (206) 292-7676 . Learn more at lingodance.com.

New Century Theatre Company: On the Nature of Dust by Stephanie Timm

A Central Heating Lab Event

May 5-30

Tickets: Single tickets start at $25, $15 students/people 25 & under or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

Shirley Bliss has some growing up to do. When her teenage daughter, Clara, turns into an ape, then proceeds to devolve into more and more primitive species, Shirley’s struggle to keep Clara within reach sparks an emotional evolution in herself and within her community. But will it be enough to save Clara? This quirky and poignant new comedy by company playwright Stephanie Timm examines the complexities of mother/daughter relationships, the mysteries of faith, and the benefits of fudge ripple ice cream. From NCTC, Seattle’s exciting new theatre company (recently named “Theatre Of The Year” at the 2009 Gregory Awards) who performed the critically acclaimed productions of The Adding Machine and Orange Flower Water as a part of The Central Heating Lab of ACT.

SOIL at ACT

A Central Heating Lab Event

May 6

Tickets: FREE!

SOIL Artist-Run Gallery partners with ACT on First Thursday, May 6, to host an opening reception at ACT celebrating their new relationship and the cross-pollination of theatre and visual art. Commissioned by ACT, SOIL will curate and install two, four-month cycles of new art at ACT in the windows facing 7^th Avenue, between Pike and Union, May 6 – August 30, with the second cycle, September 6-December 31. The cycle of window displays are inspired by ACT’s 2010 Mainstage season in what Artistic Director Kurt Beattie describes as “an evolution of consciousness, a journey through the 50s to now.” Each window, viewable from both the street and inside of ACT one hour prior to each show, will address important issues relative to each period using a limited color palette of whites and creams with one accent color and one recurring object in the style of its time. The result is a bright, fresh, rhythmic visual movement through the decades. Participating SOIL Artists: Julie Alpert (Project Director), Kiki MacInnis (Co-Director), Susanna Bluhm Callahan, Cable Griffith, Derrick Jefferies, and Timea Tihanyi.

Hedgebrook’s Women Playwrights Festival

A Central Heating Lab Event

May 17

Tickets: FREE!

Now in its 13th year, Hedgebrook’s Women Playwrights Festival has helped develop the work of some of the most compelling voices writing for the American stage, including 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, as well as Pulitzer finalists Theresa Rebeck and Sarah Ruhl. The Festival offers four playwrights a unique opportunity to be in residence with their dramaturgs at Hedgebrook on Whidbey Island for two weeks, to develop new work. On May 17, ACT welcomes the 2010 Festival for a lively conversation with this year’s playwrights: Danai Gurira, Sherry Kramer, Lenelle Moïse, and Sarah Treem, and to hear excerpts from all four plays-in-process.

RAWSTOCK Short Film Festival

A Central Heating Lab Event

May 19

Tickets: Single tickets start at $10 or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

Now in its third year of partnership with ACT’s Central Heating Lab, RAWSTOCK Short Film Festival continues to be Seattle’s destination for cutting-edge animation, politically incorrect comedy, and relentless grindhouse cinema. This year’s festival includes the debut of Everyday is a Journey, which launches an innovative new film genre: Synergistic Cinema, one story, told by six writers/directors via six individual “chapter” films. See each chapter unfold at each RAWSTOCK event May 19- November 17, culminating into the final full screening of the film in its entirety in December.

Short Stories Live at Town Hall: A Mother’s Tale

A Central Heating Lab Event

May 23

Tickets: Advance tickets, $13/$10 Town Hall Members, seniors & students; $15/$13 at the door or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members; online at brownpapertickets.com.

Think of it as NPR’s Selected Shorts, Seattle style: ACT Artistic Director Kurt Beattie selects compelling short stories based on a common theme; then local actors bring the stories to life during readings at Town Hall. This month’s program is directed by ACT Literary Manager Anita Montgomery and features stories in honor of mothers: The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick (featuring Alexandra Tovares); A Mother’s Tale by James Agee (featuring Morgan Rowe); and Eleanor’s Music by Mary Gordon (featuring Jeanne Paulsen).

The Trip to Bountiful by Horton Foote

A Mainstage Play

May 7 – June 6

Tickets: Single tickets start at $37.50 (adults) $10/$15 (students/people 25 & under) or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

In 1953 Houston, the elderly Carrie Watts dreams endlessly of visiting her childhood home one last time before it is too late. But first, before she embarks on a sentimental journey home, she must find a way to escape the suffocating confinement of an over-bearing daughter-in-law and under-serving son. Both heartbreaking and uplifting, this haunting American classic is an unforgettable meditation on the idea of home and its power to sustain us. Featuring the extraordinary talents of Ian Bell, Mary Kae Irvin, Charles Leggett, Jessica Martin, Marianne Owen, Wesley Rice, and Paul Morgan Stetler.

Launched in 2008, The Central Heating Lab at ACT serves as an incubator and catalyst for new works. ACT cultivates, produces, and presents artists working in all performance genres and provides an artistic home for a variety of local performance groups and artists. Relationships develop daily with individual actors, performers and playwrights while established partnerships with groups such as the New Century Theatre Company, RAWSTOCK, Seattle Dance Project, and Icicle Creek Theatre Festival deepen. New programs are added throughout the year.

With year-round programming produced by The Central Heating Lab at ACT alongside ACT’s Mainstage season of plays, ACT offers its patrons a unique opportunity to maximize their theatre experience – the Basic Monthly Membership, an all-access pass to everything at ACT. It’s like Netflix for theatre! For only $20 (under age 30) to $25 per month, Members can attend any ACT produced performance throughout any given month, provided ticket availability. It is flexible, affordable, and is the first of its kind in the region. There is no contract, members may cancel at any time, and there is no limit to the number of times a member can attend. For the month of May, that means a Member can see all six shows, if they so choose, for only $20 to $25 vs. paying the single ticket price of at least $110 (if buyer would choose to see all six shows).

For more information about May programming or Membership, or to arrange interviews, please contact Jennifer Rice at (206) 285-5175 or rice1234@yahoo.com.

May 2010 Summary:

KT Niehoff/Lingo Dance: A Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light

April 22- May 15

Tickets: Single tickets start at $18, or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

New Century Theatre Company: On The Nature of Dust by Stephanie Timm

May 5- May 30

Tickets: Single tickets start at $25; $15 (students/people 25 and under), or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

SOIL at ACT

May 6

Tickets: FREE!

Hedgebrook’s Women Playwrights Festival

May 17

Tickets: FREE!

RAWSTOCK

May 19

Tickets: Single tickets start at $15 or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

Town Hall and ACT: Short Stories Live at Town Hall

May 23

Tickets: Advance tickets, $13/$10 (Town Hall Members, seniors & students); $15/$13 (at the door), or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

The Trip to Bountiful by Horton Foote

May 7- June 6

Tickets: Single tickets start at $37.50 (adults); $10/$15 (students/people 25 and under), or included for ACT Basic Monthly and Charter Members

ACT Theatre

Ticket Office: (206) 292-7676

Group Sales (12 or more): (253) 839-4204

700 Union Street, Seattle WA 98101

www.acttheatre.org

Intiman Theatre’s Black Nativity Moves to The Moore through a Collaborative Partnership with Seattle Theatre Group

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre announces that its annual production of Black Nativity, a holiday tradition for the past 12 seasons, will be co-presented in 2010 with Seattle Theatre Group at The Moore Theatre, which will become the gospel musical’s new home.

Intiman determined last season that Black Nativity had outgrown its performance space and would require a venue with greater capacity for audiences and additional production values moving forward. “We are thrilled to be entering into this collaborative partnership with STG,” says Managing Director Brian Colburn. “As producers and colleagues, we can utilize the best resources of both organizations while maintaining the commitment to family-friendly pricing and community outreach that has characterized the spirit of the production at Intiman. This will create tremendous benefits for the show—and for the many people in Seattle and throughout King County who will be able to experience the production closer to Christmas.”

“It’s been a long-time dream for STG to present a holiday engagement at The Moore Theatre,” says Josh LaBelle, STG Executive Director. “Our new partnership withIntiman Theatre and their annual production, Black Nativity, allows for more people than ever to experience this beloved community tradition in Seattle ’s longest operating historic theatre.”

Performances will run December 10-26, with a preview performance on December 9. Group tickets are available from Kathleen Maki at 206.204.3325 or atgroups@intiman.org. STG subscriptions are available from www.STGpresents.org. Tickets for the general public will range in price from $25-55 for adults and $15 for youth age 18 and under. The on-sale date for single tickets and more information about the production will be announced soon.

Intiman’s core commitment is to make theatre that is relevant to our time. It is celebrated as an activist theatre that produces ambitious and exciting productions of classics and new plays. Through its work on stage, innovative community engagement programs and a statewide arts education program, Intiman fosters conversation and debate among its audiences, students and people with limited access to the arts. Guided by the vision of Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey and Managing Director Brian Colburn, Intiman supports the development of new works, interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and diverse voices. Founded in 1972, Intiman was awarded the 2006 Tony Award for OutstandingRegional Theatre.

Your Vote Can Help The 5th!

Nationwide Partners in Preservation program comes to Seattle, announces The 5th Avenue Theatre a candidate for restoration funds

SEATTLE – Partners in Preservation has announced the 25 candidates for their Seattle program, which includes the historic 5th Avenue Theatre. The proposed project at The 5th is a renovation of its lobby’s elaborately painted ceiling and walls. The recipient of the grant money will be determined by members of the public voting on-line for their favorite candidate.

Launched in 2006, Partners in Preservation is a program in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, pledged $5.5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic places throughout the United States. American Express has already allocated more than $3.4 million in preservation grants and given $1.1 million to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to support its work helping people save the places that matter to them, all across the country.

This year, the program comes to the Seattle-Puget Sound area. The public is invited to vote online once a day from April 15–May 12 athttp://www.preservationnation.org/partners-in-preservation/seattle/vote.html for the places and projects they believe should receive funding. The winner of the public vote is guaranteed to receive a grant. The remainder of the $1 million in available funding will be distributed among a yet to be determined number of projects by American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and an advisory committee comprised of Seattle-Puget Sound area civic and preservation leaders taking into account the results of the public vote. The final grant decisions will be announced on June 15.

The 5th Avenue is seeking the funds to help restore portions of the Theatre’s lobby, decorated in the ornate fashion of Imperial Chinese architecture, including ceiling coffers and a trio of hand-drawn murals that have been covered over since 1979. In that year a group of 43 local companies and community leaders raised $2.6 million to renovate the Theatre. But limitations of time and money meant trimming the project of a complete lobby restoration. As a result, this awe-inspiring décor has faded and deteriorated from cracking plaster, water damage, and old age. We hope to complete this restoration this year to help commemorate The 5th Avenue’s 30th Anniversary as Seattle’s premier home of musical theater.

The proposed project would cost an estimated $150,000, and be led by esteemed restoration artist Michael Pennington, whose restoration work includes eight years working at LA’s Biltmore Hotel, as well as earlier work at The 5th Avenue. “The 5th Avenue is a national treasure,” says Pennington, “and I feel almost personally responsible and obligated to do everything I can to bring it back to its glory.”

A crucial part of the renovation work will be matching up the original paints with modern equivalents. “Back when they were doing the original work, metallic paints were primitive,” explains Pennington. “They were using a material called bronze powder that gives a sort of bronzy metal look. The problem is that it’s made from browned aluminum and it eventually tarnishes into a dirty greenish brown cast.” Over the years the bright colors of the lobby have faded into a gray-green, and some subsequent touch-ups weren’t well matched to the original color. “What we do is take off some of that paint, match it exactly, and use it as our final colors,” Pennington says.

The project is envisioned as a ten week process using 6-10 artists, who will have to do the majority of their work on a scaffold erected to reach the ceiling areas while craning to look overhead. “There’s a legend that Michelangelo lay on his back to paint the Sistine Chapel,” Pennington continues. “I highly doubt that. And if he did, he definitely had assistants to hand him brushes!”

For more details on the project and guidelines on voting for The 5th, go to http://www.5thavenue.org/about/votefor5th.aspx.

Season subscriptions to The 5th Avenue’s 2010-2011 Season are available by calling 206-625-1900/toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), at our website5thavenue.org, and in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.

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 Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, Managing Director Bernie Griffin and Producing Director Bill Berry, 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.

Seattle Shakespeare Company Announces Plans for 20th Anniversary Season

SEATTLE - Coming off of a remarkable year that saw a 15% growth in subscription ticket sales and where each production exceeded single ticket goals, Seattle Shakespeare Company announces plans for the theatre's 20^th anniversary season. In October, director John Langs returns after his smash hit ofThe Merchant of Venice in 2009 to stage Hamlet for a six week run. Running in repertory during the latter weeks of Hamlet will be Wittenberg, a hyper-literate four-actor comedy about the Danish prince's years at university. The former artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Henry Woronicz, makes his Seattle Shakespeare Company debut with his fairy tale staging of Chamber Cymbeline in January. In February Artistic Director Stephanie Shine will stage the Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill masterpiece of musical theatre The Threepenny Opera. The 20^th anniversary season wraps up in mid-April withShakespeare's frothy comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Quickly becoming a mainstay of many school curriculums and performing arts venues across the state, Seattle Shakespeare Company will again mount two touring productions for Spring of 2011: a six-actor production of Macbeth and the company's popular 5-actor Romeo and Juliet.

"It's so hard to believe we're going to be marking 20 years of this company," says Artistic Director Stephanie Shine. "We've spiced the season with artistic challenges that speak to our future, and surprising fun that celebrates our past. We're fulfilling the promise we made last year to stage John Lang's Hamletand our dear friend Rita Giomi directs the devilish new comedy Wittenberg - we've even set up a weekend where folks can see both shows in one day; a veritable Hamlet marathon!"

"I'm thrilled that Henry Woronicz is returning to the Northwest. He's an exquisite artist, and I can't wait for our audiences to get to know him and his work. The Threepenny Opera hasn't been professionally produced in our city in decades, so I'm excited to take on that musical challenge and we've company actors who are ready to take our patrons on this Brechtian journey."

2010-2011 INDOOR SEASON

Hamlet

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by John Langs

October 27-December 5, 2010

After prince Hamlet hears his father's otherworldly voice demanding revenge, thus begins an intense whirlwind of intrigue in Shakespeare's most complex and emotional drama. Pulled apart by love and duty, Hamlet struggles to make sense of his upended world while attempting to pursue justice. Director John Langs returns after his much lauded production of The Merchant of Venice to stage and rediscover this towering masterpiece.

Wittenberg

By David Davalos Ÿ Directed by Rita Giomi

November 15-December 5, 2010

What was Hamlet like before he returned to Elsinore from school? Find out in this smart, sprightly and audacious battle of wits. University colleagues Dr. Faustus and Martin Luther hold court while their student, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, faces the quandary of who to study with (while also struggling with his tennis game). This hyper-literate new comedy brings us the story behind the stories in a hilarious, highly entertaining and accessible exploration of reason versus faith.

Chamber Cymbeline

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by Henry Woronicz

January 5-30, 2011

One of Shakespeare's last plays, Cymbeline is fairytale come to life. A banished princess, a wicked stepmother, a faithful servant, and long lost brothers all inhabit this storybook adventure. After brave princess Imogen is exiled from her father's court and falsely accused of adultery, she sets forth on a treacherous and miraculous journey to reclaim her place in society and reunite with her true love.

The Threepenny Opera

By Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill Ÿ Directed by Stephanie Shine

February 9-27, 2011

Who is the greater criminal: he who robs a bank or he who founds one? Enter the seedy underworld of Mac the Knife, a dapper criminal who leaves a trail of broken hearts and slashed throats wherever he roams. In this dark musical satire of "respectable" society, every character would sell out any other if there's an advantage to be gained. Among the shadows, betrayals abound while new alliances form between the dashing thieves, saucy prostitutes, and scheming entrepreneurs in this crowning achievement of musical theatre.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

By William Shakespeare

April 19-May 15, 2011

That lovable rogue John Falstaff has decided to take up residence in the country town of Windsor, but negotiating the intrigues of this sleepy burg are more than he can handle! When he attempts to seduce and swindle Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, these original desperate housewives catch wind of Falstaff's plan, and decide to have a laugh at his expense. Now the game's afoot! This bright and bouncy comic gift features sly wit and clever pranks wrapped around a tender young romance.

On Tour across Washington in Spring 2011

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare Ÿ Directed by George Mount

A ruthless lord seizes power with the help of his scheming wife and a trio of other-worldly witches. Urged on by eerie prophesies and ambitious desire, Macbeth slices through kinsmen, friend and foe in a bloody climb to power at whatever cost. Six actors playing multiple roles create a tight, emotion-packed production that is sure to thrill.

Romeo and Juliet

By William Shakespeare

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.

Season Ticket Packages and Single Tickets

Season tickets subscription packages are now on sale and range from $82 to $180 for all five 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 September. Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at Center House Theatre at Seattle Center .