Broadwayhour.com News and Information

Indefinite Suspension of Operations

2010-11-30T17:17:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

It is with sadness and regret that I write to inform you of an indefinite suspension of operations of BROADWAYHOUR.COM.

I moved back to California in March for familial reasons and have since found the added work of maintaining broadwayhour.com too much. I knew it would be a challenge to manage the website and team from eight hundred miles away, but when it became apparent that even keeping up with news stories and updating the news blog was too much for me to handle, I realized that it is no longer fair to you, the readers, or myself to continue to stretch the limited time I have only to post information late and miss shows. I had hoped that, perhaps, someone on the current team may have the time amidst full class-loads or full-time work to take on the managing of broadwahour.com, but unfortunately it does not seem to be the case.

Perhaps, sometime in the future, broadwayhour.com could be relaunched. But who knows? For now, I write to thank you all for your support and comments through the last four years. I started this website as a Sophomore Theatre major at Seattle University and it blossomed into something I never could have imagined at the time: a full team of reviewers, our own ".com," several blogs as well as a homepage. It has been a privilege and an honor to review the shows and update you readers on news about the Seattle Theatre scene. This has truly been a defining endeavor for me and I hope that you have enjoyed reading our reviews at least half as much as we've enjoyed writing them.

Thank you, Seattle.

Happy Holidays,

Andrew J. Perez (aka. Nigel Andrews)

Spotlight On…A Christmas Story: The Musical!

2010-10-20T14:30:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Spotlight Night features songwriters, actors and a profile of an American humorist and raconteur at The 5th Avenue Theatre

SEATTLE, WA –The 5th Avenue Theatre’s next installment of our popular Spotlight Night series focuses on our upcoming production of A Christmas Story: The Musical!. Spotlight Night features the show’s hot young composer/lyricist duo, an introduction to the show’s cast and a behind-the-scenes look at Jean Shepherd, the legendary radio raconteur whose stories inspired the film on which the musical is based.

Hosted by The 5th’s Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, this popular free event gives theater patrons a peek behind the curtain at the history, lore and creation of Musical Theater, with a special focus on upcoming shows at The 5th.

The evening features an interview with Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriters for A Christmas Story: The Musical!, and known as the “first Musical Theatre stars of the YouTube generation.” After meeting as undergraduates at the University of Michigan in 2005, the two collaborated on their first musical, Edges, which went from a college workshop to more than 100 productions across the US and Canada. The show also won the pair the prestigiousJonathan Larson Award, making them the youngest artists to ever be so honored. Pasek and Paul will talk about the process of creating new music for a well-loved story and will perform songs from Edges, A Christmas Story and their upcoming projects James and The Giant Peach and Dog Fight.

This is also an opportunity to meet the remarkable cast of A Christmas Story: The Musical!, including 5th Avenuefavorite Anne Allgood, who plays Mother in the show, and Broadway veteran John Bolton, whose career includes roles in Spamalot, Curtains, Contact and Titanic. The children of the show will also make appearances, including Clarke Hallum, the Olympia youth who was chosen to play Ralphie Parker after a nation-wide search.

Armstrong will also provide a brief recap of the life and work of Jean Shepherd, a complex and fascinating humorist, writer and performer. Shepherd found early fame in radio, collaborated with jazzman Charles Mingus and filmmaker John Cassavettes, was the inspiration for the protagonist of Herb Gardner’s play A Thousand Clowns and Shel Silverstein’s song “A Boy Named Sue,” and co-wrote and narrated the film A Christmas Story, which to his delighted surprise became a modern American classic.

Spotlight Night begins at 7:00 PM on Tuesday November 9. The event is free, but attendees must reserve their tickets. They can do so 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.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol: Highly-anticipated world premiere, delayed by arson, finally comes to the stage

2010-10-20T14:29:00.002-07:00

Play by Seattle’s John Longenbaugh opens at Taproot Theatre on November 26

SEATTLE – October 19, 2010 – One year after the October 2009 arson that forced Taproot Theatre to postpone its world premiere production of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol, the theatre finally brings this holiday mystery to the stage in November and December. Underscoring the anticipation for this premiere by Seattle playwright John Longenbaugh, tickets are selling fast; two performances are already sold out, and Taproot has added an additional senior matinee. Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol—directed by producing artistic director Scott Nolte—opens on November 26 and runs through December 30, with low-price previews on November 19 and 20, plus a pay-what-you-can performance on November 24.

These then are the facts: The year, 1894. The date, Christmas Eve. The location, 221B Baker Street. After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve uncovering clues from the detective's past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a dire end? They must "do it all in one night" to accomplish the task.

Longenbaugh—a director and playwright with over 20 years of theatre experience—conceived the idea forSherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol out of a desire to see a holiday production that offers all the joys of classic stories such as Dickens’ oft-produced A Christmas Carol, but with some surprises mixed in. Having worked with Taproot Theatre in the past for the premiere of his play The Man Who Was Thursday (2002), Longenbaugh approached Nolte in 2007 about sitting in on a reading of the play. From there the two worked out a plan for getting the script ready to premiere at Taproot Theatre in November 2009.

However, on October 23, 2009, just four days after the first rehearsal, an arsonist set fire to the building adjacent to the theatre, forcing Taproot to temporarily relocate and postpone the play. Since then, Longenbaugh’s My Time with the Lady, co-written with Ron Richardson, premiered at the Little Red Studio in August, followed by Arcana, the collected evening of shorts, staged at Open Circle in September.

This holiday season the original cast from the planned 2009 production of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol returns, with acclaimed actor Terry Edward Moore as Sherlock Holmes, along with David Dorrian, Aaron Lamb, Pam Nolte, Jesse Notehelfer, Eric Riedmann and Alex Robertson. Stephen Grenley joins the cast as Watson. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Jody Briggs. Britney Smallwood serves as stage manager, Shanna Ridenour as dialect coach and Judy Naegeli as dramaturg.

Seattle Men’s Chorus Delivers Loads of Holiday Glee. Gleeks and Non-Gleeks Flock to Benaroya Hall 11/27 – 12/20.

2010-10-20T14:29:00.001-07:00

Broadway Leading Lady Kelli O’ Hara Performs with the Chorus November 27-28 Only

For the 2010 Seattle Men’s Chorus (SMC) Holiday Concert, Holiday Glee, the Chorus will take a few cues from the wildly popular TV series Glee. “For over 30 years the gay choruses in particular have been doing what the show Gleeis doing now,” said artistic director Dennis Coleman. “This show has just made it popular. But, it does call attention to choral music and singing, and however that happens, it’s wonderful!” SMC pays homage to Glee, but with a twist. The show’s unofficial anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin” has been re-worked as a parody with holiday-themed lyrics and individual Chorus members will represent several of the main characters including Kurt, the openly gay student at McKinley High. Coleman continues, “There’s a lot of ‘camp’ to Glee, and camp is a gay art form. Everything about the show screams ‘gay chorus!’” The concert will be funny, but also serious. The Chorus will celebrate different American holiday traditions focusing on the music and style of Las Vegas, Nashville, Broadway, and the Southwest (especially Arizona). And SMC’s beloved rendition of Silent Night and other traditional holiday tunes will not disappoint.

Guest artist Kelli O’ Hara will join the Chorus for the first two performances on November 27 at 8pm and November 28 at 2pm. O’Hara has her own personal connection the TV show Glee; she starred opposite Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester the Glee Club’s fearless leader) twice on Broadway, in the Lincoln Center revival of South Pacific (2008) and in The Light in the Piazza (2005). She has been nominated for a Tony Award 3 times and is returning to Seattle after an extended stay back in 2003 when A Light in the Piazza was in development at Intiman Theatre.

Meet the Parkers—And All of their Neighbors!

2010-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Olympia, WA-based actor lands the role of Ralphie!

SEATTLE, WA –We are pleased to announce the cast for A Christmas Story: The Musical!, the 5th Avenue Theatre’s upcoming holiday production. The roster features an impressive array of Seattle area talent, as well as three actors from New York.

After a coast-to-coast search that included auditions in New York, Seattle and Los Angeles, as well as video submissions from across the country, Olympia, Washington-based actor Clarke Hallum was chosen to play the lead role of Ralphie Parker. The 11-year-old Hallum has most recently appeared at the Capital Playhouse as Charlie in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

“I’m proud, but not surprised that, after a nationwide search, we found our Ralphie right here in the Pacific Northwest,” says 5th Avenue Theatre Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong. “Casting Clarke -- as well as the many other children who will be featured in this exciting production -- says a lot about the incredible talent pool of performers of all ages who live here in the Puget Sound.”

The adults in A Christmas Story: The Musical! include several familiar faces, as well as performers new to 5th Avenue audiences. The principals are John Bolton (The Old Man), Anne Allgood (Mother), and Frank Corrado (Jean Shepherd). Featured performers include Carol Swarbrick (Miss Shields), Orville Mendoza (Elf/Waiter), Eric Polani Jensen (Pierre), and Matt Wolfe (Santa).

The rest of the children in the cast have also primarily been drawn from the Puget Sound area. They include Keenan Barr (Grover Dill), Ashton Herrild (Scut Farkus), Matthew Lewis (Randy Parker), and Dexter Johnson (Flick). River Aguirre (Schwartz) joins us from New York. The ensemble includes Walker Caplan, Wilder Cufley, Larson Eernissee,Drea Gordon, Shaye Hodgins, Olivia Mora, Erich W. Schleck, Cameron Washington, and Mira Wellington.

More About the Cast

John Bolton is a New York-based actor who has originated roles in several Broadway productions including Curtainsand Spamalot. Anne Allgood has performed locally at ACT, Seattle Rep, Intiman, Village Theatre, and of course at The 5th, where she was seen in a bravura turn as The Old Woman in last season’s critically-acclaimed Candide. Frank Corrado, a veteran of the Seattle theater scene, last appeared at The 5th Avenue in White Christmas as General Waverly. He is joined by Carol Swarbrick, who also appeared in White Christmas as Martha Watson. Orville Mendoza is based in New York and his work has included a Drama Desk-nominated performance in Adrift In Macao.Eric Polani Jensen, another 5th Avenue regular, was last seen behind an astonishing moustache as The Governor inCandide. And Matt Wolfe graced our stage in Catch Me if You Can.

Rounding out the cast are Seattle-based performers (and 5th Avenue favorites) Jadd Davis, Candice Donehoo, Brandon O'Neill, and Billie Wildrick as the Radio Quartet. Joining them are Krystle Armstrong, Jared Michael Brown, Sarah Davis, Aaron Finley, Frances Leah King, Jenny Shotwell, and Ty Willis as members of the Ensemble.

More about A Christmas Story: The Musical!

Based on the stories of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and adapted from the hilarious 1983 family holiday film, A Christmas Story: The Musical! follows young Ralphie Parker, as he schemes his way towards the holiday gift of his dreams -- a Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. With its sparkling original score by Broadway’s hottest young composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, its wicked wit, and its heart of pure gold, A Christmas Story: The Musical! is a yuletide delight for the whole family.

Tickets for A Christmas Story: The Musical! are available by calling 206-625-1900 or toll-free at 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.5thavenue.org and in person at the box office located at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM.

Special thanks to 5th Avenue Theatre’s 2010-11 season co-sponsors Safeco Insurance and US Bank, and to production sponsors Boeing and 4Culture.

Sheila Daniels makes Seattle Rep directing debut with Dancing at Lughnasa

2010-10-18T08:54:00.001-07:00

Seattle, WA – An all-star Seattle cast teams with inventive director Sheila Daniels to revisit Brian Friel’s touching Irish family drama Dancing at Lughnasa, playing at Seattle Repertory Theatre Nov. 12-Dec. 5, 2010.

Tickets are available now through the Seattle Rep Box Office at 206-443-2222 as well as online atwww.seattlerep.org.

Well regarded for her work in the Seattle fringe theatre scene, Sheila Daniels is making her Seattle Repdirectorial debut with Dancing at Lughnasa. Daniels became associate director at Intiman in 2007, and helmed two of their most exciting productions in recent years: A Streetcar Named Desire and Crime and Punishment. She was also recently heralded for her work on Electra at Seattle Shakespeare Company and Breaking the Code for Strawberry Theatre Workshop.

“I’ve been wanting to bring Sheila to the Rep for a while now, and this is the perfect piece for her,” said Seattle Rep Artistic Director Jerry Manning. “She has her own Irish heritage, and she will bring a deep respect and a fresh perspective to this beautiful play.”

Continuing Manning’s commitment to Seattle artists, the cast is comprised of entirely Seattle actors: Mari Nelson, Gretchen Krich, Linda K. Morris, Cheyenne Casebier, Elizabeth Raetz, Todd Jefferson Moore, Ben Harris, and Troy Fischnaller.

Creating the world of Donegal, Ireland, 1936—when the play takes place—is imaginative set designer Etta Lilienthal (Betrayal, Opus); costumer designer Constanza Romero, who recently received a Tony nomination for her design of Broadway’s Fences (written by her late husband August Wilson); lighting designer L.B. Morse; and composer Paul James Prendergast, who is also creating music for the Rep’sThree Tall Women.

The play is set in the rural kitchen of the five fiercely proud Mundy sisters, a place for talking, laughing, and lively dancing—moments that defy the hardships of their daily life. Their brother, a missionary, has just returned from Uganda, and the sisters find themselves each on the brink of momentous change. Friel's Tony-Award-winning play captures a beautiful and exuberant sliver of these women's lives, a summer where love—and everything else—seemed possible.

Seattle Rep last produced Dancing at Lughnasa in 1995. “I love this play, and I really wanted the opportunity to bring it to a new generation of theatre-goers,” Manning said.

SPECIAL EVENT Whiskey & Fiddle: Irish Night at Seattle Rep, Saturday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m.
Come early to the Saturday evening performance (show at 7:30 p.m.) for Irish dance lessons from TheBaile Glas Irish Dancers, music by Mooncoyne, and food and drink tastings. Dance and music free withtheatre ticket; food and drinks available for a small additional charge.

Performance Details: Performances of Dancing at Lughnasa are at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees on most Saturdays and Sundays and select Wednesdays. There is aCaptioned Performance on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.; an Audio-Described performanceSaturday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.; and an American Sign Language (ASL)-interpretedperformance on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. Post-play discussions will be held after the performances on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. The Pay-What-You-Can Performance is Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving, November 25.

2009 Arson Spree: One Year Later

2010-10-18T08:53:00.002-07:00

One year after arsons, Taproot Theatre renews commitment

to Greenwood neighborhood, commemorates victims

SEATTLE – October 14, 2010 – With the one-year mark since the October 23 arson approaching, Taproot Theatre Company’s leadership, board and staff renew their commitment to the neighborhood and commemorate those affected and devastated by the fires.

“We planted our roots solidly in Greenwood when we bought the early-1900s theatre 22 years ago, and we love the vibrancy and creativity that surround us everywhere,” said producing artistic director Scott Nolte. “We want the neighborhood to know that we’re here to stay, that this is where we want to be.”

Production manager Mark Lund echoes Nolte’s sentiment.

“Taproot seems as much a part of Greenwood as Greenwood seems a part of Taproot,” he said. “I’ve spent the past 19 years of my career working at Taproot, and can say with confidence that the positive changes I’ve witnessed here in Greenwood over the years are at least partly due to Taproot’s presence in the neighborhood.”

The string of arsons began in summer 2009 and continued into November of that year, until the arsonist was caught. Many people who lived and worked in the area went about their days in fear, not knowing if and when the arsonist would strike again, and if they could be next. This fall, on any given day, Greenwood teems with commuters, shoppers, artists and business owners going about their daily routines with a sense of normalcy.

The Green Bean Coffeehouse—one of the four businesses housed in the Eleanor Roosevelt Building (E.R.B.) until the October 23 fire—has relocated to its new permanent home in the former McDonald’s building within a block of its old site, and other businesses, including Rosewood Guitar, have reopened as well. Some scars remain, reminding people of the attacks. Some businesses were devastated and never returned, including C.C. Teriyaki, Szechuan Bistro and Pho Tic Tac, the other three businesses housed in the E.R.B. A mural still stands at the former building’s site, serving as a constant reminder of what happened, but offering a bright image of hope for the neighborhood’s continued recovery and rebuilding. Taproot Theatre is working on a plan for the site.

Taproot Theatre is thankful for the support of countless other artists, arts organizations, businesses, foundations, firefighters and friends that made it possible to persevere and finally reopen in early 2010.

The theatre celebrates a heroic year on October 22 with Taproot Uncorked, a special fundraising event featuring a presentation on heroic wines by Patrick Anderson, owner of Greenwood’s Vineyard Wine Shop. Anderson defines heroic wines as “wines which are victorious in their endeavor to survive all odds,” a fitting metaphor for Taproot’s experience over the past year. Taproot Uncorked takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Upper Crust’s Greenwood Square. Tickets are $45 and are available online at www.taprootuncorked.com. Advanced registration is required. Taproot Uncorked is made possible through generous partnerships with The Vineyard Wine Shop and The Upper Crust Catering.

An Honor to be Nominated!

2010-10-18T08:53:00.001-07:00

5th Avenue artists, staff up for Seattle’s Gregory Awards

SEATTLE, WA –The 5th Avenue Theatre is proud to have received several nominations this year from Theater Puget Sound’s Gregory Awards, an annual event in which members of Seattle’s theater community vote on their favorite shows and artists from the past year.

Last season’s production of Candide received nominations in no less than six categories, including Actress (Anne Allgood), Director (David Armstrong), Costumes (Lynda L. Salsbury), Set Design (Matthew Smucker), and Lighting Design (Tom Sturge), as well as a nomination for Outstanding Production. Donald Holder (lighting design) also received a nomination for his work on South Pacific, which also played at The 5th last season.

In addition, 5th Avenue Casting Associate and Artistic Project Manager Brandon Ivie received a People’s Choice nomination for his work with his own company Contemporary Classics.

“I am thrilled that our production of Candide has been honored with so many Gregory Awards nominations,” 5th Avenue Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong said. “This production was truly a labor of love by everyone who worked on it. However, what I am most excited about is that we now have a new vehicle to shine a light on our incredible Puget Sound theater community. I have always thought that there are only three great theater towns in the United States — New York, Chicago and Seattle -- and we should constantly be singing the praises of what we have here because it is truly extraordinary. The Gregory Awards is a wonderful new way to help accomplish that goal.”

The awards will be presented on October 25, 2010, at ACT Theatre, 700 Union Street and will include a catered reception and live entertainment throughout the evening. Tickets for the event can be purchased athttp://www.acttheatre.org/Shows/OnStage/2010GregoryAwards.

Tickets for The 5th’s current production the Tony-winning musical In the Heights, as well as all other shows in the 2010-11 season, are available by calling 206-625-1900/toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849). Tickets can also be purchased online at 5thavenue.org and in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.

Dolls and Guys: A Musical Roulette changes time

2010-10-18T08:51:00.001-07:00

Dolls and Guys: A Musical Roulette
Friday, Oct 22 8:00p
at Century Ballroom, 915, E Pine Street, Seattle, WA
$17 (or you can purchase a festival wristband)

(Seattle) - October 22nd, 2010, over 20 multidisciplinary Seattle artists and local personalities will band together over their mutual first love... musical theater. Performers/curators Sarah Rudinoff, Nick Garrison, Sara Edwards and Paula the Swedish Housewife have enlisted Seattle’s leading musical theater performers, indie rock musicians, burlesque dancers, dragerific artists and special guests in a show filled with songs from the show world. They asked these artists: what was your first taste of musical theatre? What role would you never be cast in, but have always wanted to play? What song have you always secretly loved? Discover their answers all in one show.

Hosted and led by local musical theater/cabaret icons Rudinoff and Garrison the evening will include a mix of sincere, ridiculous, experimental and sensational performances by:

-Seattle's drag dance sensation, The Cherdonna and Lou Show
-Installation/visual/performing artist and Franklin High School teacher, Jed Dunkerley
-Tragically desperate French Project chanteuse Sara Edwards
-Editor of The Stranger, Christopher Frizzelle
-Dance-theatre troublemakers Stephen Hando & Juliet Waller Pruzan
-Apocalyptic drag legend Jackie Hell
-Poet, MC and provocateur from Canary Sing, Hollis
-New York City’s post-religious gospel goddess Our Lady J
-Musical theatre leading man and blues vocalist Brandon O'Neill
-Performing/cabaret artist, singer and burlesque dancer, Paula the Swedish Housewife
-Alice and Ryan from the eclectic popsters The Pica Beats
-Brad, Satchel and Pigeonhead frontman Shawn Smith
-Evan Mosher & Rob Witmer from “Awesome” and Rick Miller of The Railroad Tycoons make up The Three Amigos
-Seattle lounge scene master Paul West and his daughter, Stranger film editor Lindy West

Click on links above for performer bios.

More information and tickets: http://www.cityartsfest.com/event/century-ballroom/dolls-n-guys-century-ballroom-0

Hamlet: The College Years

2010-10-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents hyper-literate comedyWittenberg

Double Danes - Wittenberg runs in repertory with Seattle Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet

WHO: Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Wittenberg by David Davalos

WHAT: A hyper-literate comedy about prince Hamlet's college days

WHERE: Center House Theatre at Seattle Center

WHEN: November 16-December 5 (Previews Nov 16; Opening Night Tuesday, Nov. 17)

SEATTLE, WA - Two Hamlets on the stage at the same time? Well...almost. In addition to their production of Shakespeare'sHamlet, Seattle Shakespeare Company is presenting a contemporary comedy about Hamlet's college days - Wittenberg. BothHamlet and Wittenberg will run in repertory at the Center House Theatre with several opportunities to see both plays on the same day.

Tickets are available now through the Seattle Shakespeare Company Box Office at 206-733-8222 as well as online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

Wittenberg is a smart, sprightly battle of wits. In the weeks before young Hamlet is called back home to Elsinore, university colleagues Dr. Faustus and Martin Luther vie for the head and heart of the Danish Prince. Hamlet, quite undecided, struggles with his tennis game. On all sides passion and argument build into a highly entertaining exploration of reason versus faith.

Local director Rita Giomi directs this funny and intellectually stimulating play which features Connor Toms in the role of Hamlet (Toms played the title role in Hamlet directed by Ms. Giomi at the Seattle Children's Theatre), Chad Kelderman as Dr. Faustus, Michael Patten as Rev. Martin Luther, and Michelle Chiachiere as the Eternal Feminine.

Playwright David Davalos homesteads in northern Colorado with his wife and daughter. Some of his plays include Daedalus: A Fantasia of Leonardo Da Vinci, The Tragedie Of Johnnius Caerson (a comedy in blank verse chronicling the Late Night TV wars) and Darkfall (a modern sequel to Paradise Lost). For its premiere production at Philadelphia's Arden Theatre, Wittenberg received the 2008 Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play. David is also the recipient of the National Theatre Conference's 2008 Stavis Playwriting Award.

Seattle Women’s Chorus and Hopelink Partner for a Donation – Ticket Discount Event!

2010-10-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

$10 Tickets Available for October 17^th We Are Family Concert with every Non-Perishable Food or Household Item Donated

WHAT: Reaching out and giving back this Fall, Seattle Women’s Chorus partners with Hopelink to bring music lovers a ticket discount – donation event! Starting one hour before showtime (Sunday October 17^th at 6:30pm) on the day of the concert only, Benaroya Hall’s box office will sell all remaining seats for $10 with every non-perishable food or household item donated to Hopelink.

Tickets regularly sell for $20 - $50 so this can mean a possible discount of up to $40, or 80% off. Seating is subject to ticket availability and is on a first come-first served basis.

HOW: This offer is NOT available online or over the phone. Available in person, day of show only. Ticket buyers are asked to donate one non-perishable food or household item per $10 ticket. Suggested items include dry pasta, canned vegetables, cleaning or laundry products. Complete list found herehttp://www.hope-link.org/ Donations must be made at the Benaroya box office for discount tickets.

WHEN: Sunday October 17, 2010. Starting at 6:30pm. Concert begins at 7:30 pm

WHERE: Benaroya Hall Box Office; 200 University Street, Downtown Seattle.

DETAILS: We Are Family

Seattle Women’s Chorus kicks off its eighth season with a concert showcasing the full range of familial connections. Co-presented by the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, We Are Family will feature segments of Rosie O’Donnell’s heartwarming HBO documentary film: A Family is a Family is a Family, complemented by a delightful collection of expertly performed choral music. Songs will include Broadway selections by Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein, original compositions, ballads by Holly Near, classic anthems “Everything Possible” and upbeat pop numbers like “We Are Family.”

SECONDSTORY REPERTORY HAS A SWEET TOOTH THIS HALLOWEEN

2010-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Harriet’s Halloween Candy’ runs October 29 - November 14, 2010

“With Halloween ranking up with Christmas as kids’ favorite holiday, young theater-goers will no doubt relate to Harriet’s pursuit of all that is sugar, while parents will appreciate that Harriet eventually learns friends trump even chocolate.”
– The Seattle Times

REDMOND, WA – SecondStory Repertory kicks off their Children’s Theater Series with the lively and entertaining musical ‘Harriet’s Halloween Candy.’ Based on the popular children’s book by Nancy Carlson, SSR’s production is directed by Kim Ferse with music direction by Cathy Bleecker. ‘Harriet’s Halloween Candy’ plays Oct. 29 – Nov. 14; Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays andSundays at 1pm & 4pm. All single show tickets are $10. Call the box office for more information, 425.881.6777.

Harriet loves Halloween. She loves dressing up; she loves hanging out with her friends; and she loves getting all that delicious, gooey, chewy, chocolaty sweet candy. What she does not love is having to share with her baby brother, Walter, even when her parents make her. Once back from her trick-or-treating, the very important sorting process begins. In theory, this is when Harriet will decide which of her treasures she will bestow on her brother. Licorice whips? Nougat bars? Marshmallow puffs? Tangy tarts? Chocolate drops? No!! They're all too good to share. And they're all hers. To keep her stash safe, Harriet tries hiding it, but what will she do when she has to go to school? Why, take it with her, of course. When her friends find out she's been hoarding all the goodies for herself, they turn their backs on her selfish ways. Her obsession has landed her in a sticky mess. But with the help of her mother, Harriet proves that she knows nothing is sweeter than a true friend.

‘Harriet’s Halloween Candy’ features the prodigious performing talents of; Jillian Boshart (Harriet), Jeff Hitchin (Dad), Pat Haines-Ainsworth (Mom), Andrew Murray (Walter/Luanne), Peter Nolte (Ed), Bobby Temple (George), and Aryn Nemiroff (Tina.)

SSR’s Children's Theater Series is appropriate for grade school aged children. Families with younger children are welcome to attend our all ages performances every Sunday at 1pm.

SecondStory Repertory is located upstairs next to Borders Books in Redmond Town Center. There is plenty of free parking, along with great restaurants and shops for before or after the show! For directions and more info, please visit the company’s website at www.SecondStoryRep.org or call the box office at 425.881.6777.

Harriet’s Halloween Candy

October 29-November 14, 2010

by Ann Schulman

Music and Lyrics by Chad Henry

Based on the book ‘Harriet’s Halloween Candy’ by Nancy Carlson

Published by Carolrhoda Books, Inc., a division of Lerner Publishing Group

Produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences

A Partnership of Seattle Children's Theatre Company-Minneapolis

SHOW CALENDAR

Friday, October 29 at 7:00pm

Saturday, October 30 at 1:00pm

Saturday, October 30 at 4:00pm

Sunday, October 31 at 1:00pm*

Sunday, October 31 at 4:00pm

Friday, November 5 at 7:00pm

Saturday, November 6 at 1:00pm

Saturday, November 6 at 4:00pm

Sunday, November 7 at 1:00pm*

Sunday, November 7 at 4:00pm

Friday, November 12 at 7:00pm

Saturday, November 13 at 1:00pm

Saturday, November 13 at 4:00pm

Sunday, November 14 at 1:00pm*

Sunday, November 14 at 4:00pm

* All ages performances

NTIMAN THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 2011 SEASON

2010-10-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey and Managing Director Brian Colburn announce the lineup of plays for Intiman’s 2011 Season. Additional information, including dates and casting, will be announced soon.

Subscriptions for five-, four- and three-play packages are available now from www.intiman.org or 206.269.1900; Subscriptions for preview performances range in price from $150 to $180; subscriptions for performances after opening range in price from $175 to $200. Special pricing is available for educators, youth and groups.

“Intiman is dedicated to making well-crafted work that speaks to our times,” says Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey . “It has been wonderful this season to see how happily Seattle audiences have responded to the eclectic programming of my first year as artistic director. Next season, I am excited to work with directors Valerie Curtis-Newton, Andrew Russell and Anne Kauffman, and playwrights Tanya Barfield, Julia Cho and Chloe Moss, on a lineup of plays that is equally diverse as we investigate how theatre can be on the forefront of issues that people are thinking about in their own lives and in our community.”

ALL MY SONS

Written by Arthur Miller and Directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton

Intiman will open its season with Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning drama about an ordinary family pushed into extraordinary circumstances in the aftermath of World War II. Directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, Artistic Director of The Hansberry Project at ACT, All My Sons is the first production of a Miller play in Intiman’s history.

THE CALL

Written by Tanya Barfield and Directed by Andrew Russell

The Call, Tanya Barfield’s moving and often uproariously funny world premiere about international adoption, probes the complexities of marriage, friendship, loyalty and betrayal. Intiman Associate Producer Andrew Russell (The Thin Place) directs this world premiere, which asks, what would it really mean to be responsible for a child from another culture?

THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD

Written by J. M. Synge and Directed by Kate Whoriskey

A man with a mysterious past enters a small town bar and seduces the spirited barmaid, and the entire town, with his storytelling. J.M. Synge’s Irish masterpiece The Playboy of the Western World—an “extravagant comedy,” in the words of its author, with a darkly modern undercurrent—is rich with language, imagination and spirit. Kate Whoriskey directs and Daniel Breaker (A Doctor in Spite of Himself at Intiman and a Tony nominee for Passing Strange) stars.

THE PIANO TEACHER

Written by Julia Cho / Director TBA

When a retired piano teacher—seemingly gentle, warm and generous—is visited by two former students, the hidden secrets of the past send shock waves through Julia Cho’s drama, which was produced to great acclaim Off-Broadway. Cho received the 2010 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for The Language Archive.

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

By Washington Irving / New Adaptation by Chloe Moss / Directed by Anne Kauffman

Intiman will end its season with a new version of Washington Irving’s classic for multigenerational audiences written by Chloe Moss, winner of the 2009 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play This Wide Night. Capping off a season filled with metaphorical mysteries, this great American ghost story will provide chills and thrills.

The 2011 Season is subject to change; additional information about the season will be announced at a later date.

Seattle Public Theater News

2010-10-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE PUBLIC THEATER NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE:

- Mauritius is a hit!
- 2010 - 2011 Season is here!
- Coming for Halloween: Zombie Caesar
- Senior High School students present Book of Days
- A Call for Volunteers from the Board of Directors!
- A message from our friends at ACT

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Seattle Public Theater Youth Education Program
Presents

Zombie Caesar Directed by Shana Bestock

Can you ever really kill tyranny, or will it rise from the dead more powerful than before?

Caesar used to be the leader everyone wanted. But now his huge ego threatens to become maniacal. So his trusted advisors decide to kill him, inciting the citizens to riot in support of a new regime led by Caesar's one true friend, the noble Brutus. But Caesar won't stay fully dead - he shows up as a zombie, scaring the citizens, plaguing Brutus, and wreaking havoc. Will Brutus be able to restore peace, or will zombie-driven chaos consume the country?

Shakespeare's classic, original text resonates with contemporary teens learning to navigate by their own ideals through a media-driven, peer pressure cooker time of life. See our youth and middle schoolers in their element!

Performances:
Oct 29 7pm
Oct 30 2pm and 7pm
Oct 31 2pm

FREE
to the public!

For more information go to www.seattlepublictheater.org ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKCABAAAAbAAARMfg)

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The Book of Days by Lanford Wilson

When murder roars through a small Missouri town, one woman begins her own quest to find truth and honesty amid small-own jealousies, religion, greed, and lies. This tornado of a play propels you through its events like a page-turning mystery. From a master American playwright (Fifth of July, Talley's Folly, and many others). Directed by Shana Bestock

Performances:
Nov 5 7pm
Nov 6 7pm
Nov 7 2pm
Nov 12 7pm
Nov 13 2 & 7pm

FREE
to the public

All donations go to the Youth Program

For more info go to www.seattlepublictheater.org ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKCAA8AAAVwAARMfg )

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Watch ACT Theatre-s campy new video, -The Wonders of The ACTPass!- ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKCABEAAADJAARMfg ) It-s all about their ACTPass Member program, which is a great deal for any arts lover: the ACTPass gives you year-round access to theatre, dance, music, film and more at ACT - for just $20-25 a month. You can see any of ACT-s 40+ shows each year, on YOUR schedule, and guests get in for up to 50% off. Check out the hilarious video, and get your ACTPass today at acttheatre.org ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKCABEAAAQCAARMfg ) !

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Check our website (www.seattlepublictheater.org ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKCAA0AAADDAARMfg ) ) for our new Blog, with Twitter updates, comments by the staff, notes from the actors, Photos, and more!

And don't forget to join us on Facebook!

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There's still time to see Mauritius!

Mauritius is a gripping new play from the Pulitzer-prize winning author who's been called "a female David Mamet." Surprisingly, stamp collecting is risker than one might think. Jackie and Mary are half-sisters whose mother's death leaves them in possession of a rare stamp collection. But which sister actually ownds the stamps? Which of three dealers can be trusted with the sale? Directed by Russ Banham, Mauritius features Mark Fullerton, Heather Hawkins, Joseph P. McCarthy, Carolyn Marie Monroe and John Murray.

Read the interview with playwright Theresa Rebeck HERE! ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKDAAEAAAV7AARMfg )

For more info, go to www.seattlepublictheater.org ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKDAAEAAAbiAARMfg ) or call the Box Office at (206) 524-1300

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2010-2011 Season now on sale!

Seattle Public Theater invites audiences to follow a diverse cast of characters as they chase money, glory, success, and love in the 2010-2011 season at the historic Bathhouse Theater on Green Lake.

The Season opens with Theresa Rebeck's suspensful thriller, Mauritius, running October 1st - 24th.

Start the new year with the rueful family comedy, My Wonderful Day by Alan Ayckbourn, running January 28th - February 20th, 2011.

What does it mean to be truly happy? Explore the meaning March 18th-April 10th, 2011 in the tragically funny drama The Happy Ones by Julie Marie Myatt.

SPT-s season wraps up May 20th-June 12th with the a fresh look at George Bernard Shaw-s charming and delightful classic, Arms and the Man.

An SPT season would not be complete without a holiday treat. This year, SPT introduces the fresh, funny and moving Jacob Marley-s Christmas Carol by Tom Mula running December 3rd-24th along with the ever-popular The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, running December 10th-24th. Both shows are add-ons to SPT-s regular season, but surely not to be crossed off that holiday list!

For more info, go to www.seattlepublictheater.org ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKDAAMAAAefAARMfg ) .

Buy your subscription now at Click4Tix! ( http://spt.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NxDNSAKDAAMAAAi3AARMfg )

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Seattle Public Theater needs you-yes, you!

Enjoy an energizing, fun environment while volunteering to help with our 2011 Fundraising Auction, to be held at the famous Teatro Zinzanni.

We are holding a preliminary -meet and greet- at the Green Lake Bathhouse for you to explore volunteer opportunities on Saturday, October 23rd at 1p.m. Join us and find out how you can play an important role and be involved in helping Seattle Public Theater have the best auction ever. No matter what your background is, we have a place for you. So c-mon, spend an hour with us on Saturday, October 23rd. You can even bring your BFF. We-ll bring the refreshments and the opportunities.

If you are interested in connecting with others and being a part of our theater family, send an email to knorem@live.com ( mailto:knorem@live.com ) . We would love to hear from you, because we need you-yes, you!

Sincerely,

Seattle Public Theater Board of Directors

Our Lady J's "Gospel for The Godless" fuses electro/pop with unorthodox uplifting gospel music at West Hall for one night only

2010-10-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE — OUR LADY J’s "Gospel for the Godless," is a celebration of original music, penned by the self-proclaimed "transsexual spiritualist" Lady herself. Inspired by traditional Gospel services, Our Lady J delivers a new testament of post-religious gospel music that promises to deliver you from your woes, sans the usual dogmatic baggage. Our Lady J revitalizes the genre while remaining true to what gospel music was intended to be: powerful, uplifting music for all of humankind. She blasts her classical and gospel roots into the future; fusing electro/pop with the unorthodox uplifting soul-shaking sound she is known for. Presented in partnership with City Arts Fest .

Tickets are available now for this one-night only engagement. Order online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106992 - VIP Table seating can be ordered by emailing paula@swedishhousewife.com

SHOW DETAILS:

EVENT: Our Lady J's "Gospel for the Godless"

DATES: Saturday, October 23 at 10:00pm

COST: $15 Advance/$20 Day of Show (21+)

VENUE: West Hall 915 E Pine St - Second Floor, Seattle, WA 98122

TICKETS: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106992

About The Swedish Housewife Presents
Billed as a “producer extraordinaire” and short-listed for The Stranger’s “Genius Award” as an organization, Paula The Swedish Housewife has mounted award-winning, sold-out shows starring some of the modern underground’s most celebrated performers for more than 20 years. A Cultural Educator who pushes the envelope with a velvet glove while eliciting shock and awe to the Seattle Audiences, The Swedish Housewife conceptualized House of Thee UnHoly and has been the Creative Director for each incarnation since 2006. Website: http://swedishhousewife.com. Facebook: Facebook.com/shwpresents & Twitter: twitter.com/theSHW.

The Swedish Housewife Presents upcoming shows:

November 18 - Thee 2nd Annual "Cornucopia Cabaret Fundraiser for Treehouse" at The Triple Door

December 18 - Taylor Mac ("One of the most exciting theater artists of our time." -Time Out, NY) at West Hall

20 multidisciplinary artists and local personalities reveal their secret love of musical theater

2010-10-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Dolls and Guys: A Musical Roulette

Friday, Oct 22 8:00p

at Century Ballroom, 915, E Pine Street, Seattle, WA
$17 (or you can purchase a festival wristband)

(Seattle) - October 22nd, 2010, over 20 multidisciplinary Seattle artists and local personalities will band together over their mutual first love... musical theater. Performers/curators Sarah Rudinoff, Nick Garrison, Sara Edwards and Paula the Swedish Housewife have enlisted Seattle’s leading musical theater performers, indie rock musicians, burlesque dancers, dragerific artists and special guests in a show filled with songs from the show world. They asked these artists: what was your first taste of musical theatre? What role would you never be cast in, but have always wanted to play? What song have you always secretly loved? Discover their answers all in one show.

Hosted and led by local musical theater/cabaret icons Rudinoff and Garrison the evening will include a mix of sincere, ridiculous, experimental and sensational performances by:

-Seattle's drag dance sensation, The Cherdonna and Lou Show
-Installation/visual/performing artist and Franklin High School teacher, Jed Dunkerley
-Tragically desperate French Project chanteuse Sara Edwards
-Editor of The Stranger, Christopher Frizzelle
-Dance-theatre troublemakers Stephen Hando & Juliet Waller Pruzan
-Apocalyptic drag legend Jackie Hell
-Poet, MC and provocateur from Canary Sing, Hollis
-New York City’s post-religious gospel goddess Our Lady J
-Musical theatre leading man and blues vocalist Brandon O'Neill
-Performing/cabaret artist, singer and burlesque dancer, Paula the Swedish Housewife
-Alice and Ryan from the eclectic popsters The Pica Beats
-Brad, Satchel and Pigeonhead frontman Shawn Smith
-Evan Mosher & Rob Witmer from “Awesome” and Rick Miller of The Railroad Tycoons make up The Three Amigos
-Seattle lounge scene master Paul West and his daughter, Stranger film editor Lindy West

More information and tickets: http://www.cityartsfest.com/event/century-ballroom/dolls-n-guys-century-ballroom-0

Intiman Announces The Scarlet Letter

2010-10-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

New Adaptation of The Scarlet Letter, Written by Naomi Iizuka and Directed by Lear deBessonet, Opens at Intiman Theatre on October 29; Featured in the Cast Are Mark Anders, Frank Boyd, Renata Friedman, Jose J. Gonzales, Zabryna Guevara, Izabel Mar, R. Hamilton Wright and violinist Emily Holden

Community programs include Front Porch Theater, a page-to-stage experience for multigenerational audiences, and an original Rough Eagles student project

Performances: October 22 – December 5 at Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center

Press Night: Friday, October 29 at 8 pm

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre continues its 2010 Season with Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, written by Naomi Iizukaand directed by Lear deBessonet. Performances will begin at Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center , on Friday, October 22 and continue through Sunday, December 5. The opening night performance is Friday, October 29 at 8 pm.

Featured in the cast are Mark Anders (Governor Bellingham, Mistress Hibbins), Frank Boyd (Dimmesdale), Renata Friedman(Adult Pearl), Jose J. Gonzales (Reverend John Wilson), Zabryna Guevara (Hester), Izabel Mar (Pearl) and R. Hamilton Wright(Chillingworth). Anders and Gonzales also play the Chorus of Townspeople and the Chorus of Children. The cast will be accompanied on stage by violinist Emily Holden, who will perform original music composed by Todd Reynolds, a forerunner in the expansion of the violin beyond its classical tradition into genre-bending and technology-driven compositions.

Tickets are available from www.intiman.org or 206.269.1900. Single ticket prices range from $25 to $65 for Wednesday-Sunday performances. All adult tickets on Tuesday nights are $25. Discounts are available for groups and members of the military, and patrons age 25 and under can purchase tickets for $10, pending availability. The pay-what-you-can performance isWednesday, October 27 at 7:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased in person or by phone beginning at noon that day; patrons can pay by credit card with a $10 minimum per ticket.

“We come from the Puritan tradition,” says Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey. “The ethical and moral structure our forefathers created is still alive today. Hester owns her own experience, wearing her “A” with pride; Dimmesdale and Chillingworth hide their secrets and remain silent. What is most compelling to me about telling this story now is that we still live in a world in which some people feel they must hide their own authentic selves, rather than face our rigid moral coding and a society that brands them with guilt and sin.”

Nationally acclaimed for plays that offer a poetic, often mythic exploration of memory and American history, Naomi Iizuka is the author of 36 Views, Language of Angels, Polaroid Stories and other plays. The recipient of numerous honors including the PEN/Laura Pels Award and a Whiting Writers’ Award, she heads the graduate MFA Playwriting program at the University of California , San Diego . In Seattle , her work has been produced by Annex Theatre, Printer’s Devil Theatre, Theater Schmeater and Young Americans’ Theatre Company, among others.

Lear deBessonet has been developing new works for theatre in New York since 2003 with a focus on interdisciplinary andsite-specific music-theatre projects. On the Levee, her music-theatre collaboration with Marcus Gardley, Todd Almond and visual artist Kara Walker, premiered at Lincoln Center ’s LCT3 this year and she works often with Stillpoint Productions, her production company. She was honored with the first annual Presidential Award for Artistic Excellence by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council alongside Mayor Bloomberg and Edward Albee, and was named one of “25 People to Watch” by Time Out New York.

The creative team includes scenic designer Peter Ksander, costume designer Frances Kenny, lighting designer Justin Townsend, composer/sound designer/music director Todd Reynolds and choreographer Tracy Bersley. The Seattle casting was by Kate Godman and the New York casting was by MelCap Casting/David Caparelliotis. The stage manager is Julie Haber. For biographies of the company, visit www.intiman.org.

Community Programs

Intiman is dedicated to producing work that allows audiences to experience worlds that are different from their own, and then make a connection back to themselves through dialogue both at the theatre and in a wide range of community programs. In addition to its mainstage season, Intiman reaches out to students and people with limited access to the arts through a statewide arts-in-education program, initiatives that engage youth, outreach activities and civic partnerships. Projects around The Scarlet Letter include:

Front Porch Theater is an ongoing, county-wide series in which scenes from classic plays are read out loud by volunteer readers, followed by a moderated conversation that is open to all attendees. For The Scarlet Letter, participants are reading brief scenes from both Iizuka’s adaptation and Hawthorne ’s novel, followed by a discussion about how the themes resonate today; the differences between the play and the original story; and the process of adapting a novel for the stage. Front Porch Theater continues through November 19; for a calendar of readings, visit www.intiman.org.

Rough Eagles brings together diverse teens from Cleveland and Roosevelt High Schools to create and perform an original play. This year, a cast of 16 students are working with director Keni Cohen, an instructor with Seattle Children’s Theatre, to create a play based on the themes of The Scarlet Letter and their own personal experiences, including a summer retreat in which they participated in workshops on theatre and activism. The play, which will include live music, will be made up entirely of writings by the cast and will be performed on The Scarlet Letter set on November 1 before touring to both high schools for subsequent performances. For more information, visit www.intiman.org.

Art & Audience Events

The audience is invited to stay for Post-Play Conversations after the following performances:

· Tuesdays: November 2 and November 23 at 7:30 pm

· Wednesdays: November 10 at 7:30 pm; November 17 at 2 pm

· Fridays: November 5, November 12 and November 26 at 8 pm

· Saturdays: November 6 and November 20 at 2 pm

Date Night for Parents • Saturday, November 6 | 6:30 pm Reception | 8 pm Performance

Intiman, Kids Co. and Seattle Children’s Theatre combine forces to provide the entire family with a night out. Accredited by the National After School Association, Kids Co. is conveniently located at John Hay Elementary School in Upper Queen Anne. For pricing and additional information, patrons should contact Kathleen Maki at kathleenm@intiman.org or 206.204.3325.

Wine Wednesday • Wednesday, November 17 | 6:30 pm Reception | 7:30 pm Performance $10 add-on fee

The popular wine-tasting series returns for the second year, presented by Maryhill Winery with light snacks from Ten Mercer.

’Round Six Happy Hour • Friday, November 19 | 6 pm Reception | 8 pm Performance | Free

Intiman hosts a ‘happy hour’ (free with ticket) with drinks from Hale’s Ales, light snacks from Seattle Catering and live music.

Sign-Interpreted Performance • Saturday, November 20 at 8 pm

Intiman’s ASL series is coordinated by Paul Bert with reserved seating for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

ACT’s Mainstage Season Concludes with the Seattle Premiere of The Lieutenant of Inishmore

2010-10-07T08:09:00.001-07:00

Seattle, WA – October 7, 2010 – ACT concludes its 2010 Mainstage season with the much anticipated Seattle premiere of The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Oscar-winning author Martin McDonagh. Directed by ACT Artistic Director Kurt Beattie, this gleefully gruesome black comedy revolves around Padraic (Jeffrey Fracé), a merciless Irish terrorist deemed too extreme for the IRA, and his obsessive love for his black cat, Wee Thomas. Wee Thomas is Padraic’s only friend, and when Padraic learns of Wee Thomas’ untimely and unnatural death, the carnage begins. His short list of suspects includes his father Donny (Seán G. Griffin) and his neighbor Davey (MJ Sieber). Aiding Padraic in his bloody quest for vengeance is Mairead (Elise Hunt), a young terrorist groupie, and stalking him are three of his fellow Irish National Liberation Army members (Tim Hyland, David Roby, and Brian D. Simmons), looking for vengeance of their own.

“An instinct for the absurd is probably a requirement for any comic talent, and Martin McDonagh is exceedingly good at making comedy out of unfunny things. The destination of his plots is usually an absurd one, because only in an absurd world could violence be understood as a natural form of problem solving, as it seems to be in almost everything he has written,” said Director Kurt Beattie. “In The Lieutenant of Inishmore, McDonagh brilliantly spotlights and skewers the horrific extent of the savagery in Northern Ireland during the latter half of the 20^th century. Because McDonagh is so audaciously entertaining, and such a good storyteller, it’s easy for us to forget that his play isreally centered in the realities of this tragic chapter of Irish history.”

A highly technical (and fun!) show, featuring plenty of theatre tricks, gallons of blood, and gruesome body dismemberment, ACT has been in preparation for over a year in the making of this Seattle premiere. The Lieutenant of Inishmore was first performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 11, 2001. It was produced off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company in 2006 before transferring to Broadway and receiving a 2006 Tony Award nomination for Best Play.

Seattle high school students invited to compete in national August Wilson Monologue Competition

2010-10-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Seattle Repertory Theatre hosts Seattle regionals;

winners compete on Broadway

Seattle, WA – Seattle Repertory Theatre is now accepting applications from Washington high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to compete in the August Wilson Monologue Competition. Seattle Finals will be held March 2, 2011 at Seattle Rep. Participants will perform a three-minute monologue from one of August Wilson’s plays. The top three winners of the Seattle Finals will receive cash prizes ($500, $250 and $100) and a trip to New York City to participate in the National Finals on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre in May 2011.
Registration is open until Dec. 10, 2010 through the Seattle Rep website (http://www.seattlerep.org/Plays/Events/AugustMonologue.aspx).
Interested students need to attend one workshop with Seattle Rep staff, either at the Rep or with a community partner. There will be an informational session on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Seattle Rep to assist students in finding and working with one of Wilson’s monologues. Organizations or schools that can guarantee a minimum of 10 students are eligible to host a free workshop at their venue, led by Seattle Rep staff, to introduce the project and coach student monologues.
Organizations or schools interested in hosting a workshop should contact Seattle Rep School Programs Manager Scott Koh at scottk@seattlerep.org or 206-443-2210, ext. 1043 by November 1, 2010.
“Seattle Rep had a close relationship with August Wilson. We are the only theatre in the world to have produced all ten plays in his Century Cycle, plus his one-man show How I Learned What I Learned,” said Artistic Director Jerry Manning. “It is an honor to be able to take part in this national program and partner with some of August’s closest collaborators on an amazing opportunity for high school students.”
The inspiration for the August Wilson Monologue Competition was sparked in 2007 in Atlanta by Wilson’s long-time collaborators Kenny Leon and Todd Kreidler of True Colors Theatre Company. The program added regional competitions in New York, Pittsburgh, and now Seattle.
“The goal of the competition is to build partnerships with schools and theaters across the United States, and to create educational materials about August Wilson that allow students to connect these important theatre works with educational curricula like history, social studies and literature,” said Todd Kreidler,associate artistic director of Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company.
Kreidler was dramaturg for Wilson’s last three plays, and he worked with him at Seattle Rep.
“This monologue competition offers students of all races the opportunity to inhabit the lives and speak the words of these vital, lively characters,” he said.

# # #

August Wilson Monologue Competition Fact Sheet
DATES TO NOTE:

Nov. 1, 2010: Deadline for organizations or schools to sign up for a free workshop
Nov. 13, 2010: Informational meeting at Seattle Rep
Dec. 10, 2010: Deadline for student registration on-line at www.seattlerep.org
Feb. 19, 2011: Semi-finals at Seattle Rep
March 2, 2011: Finals at Seattle Rep
May 7-9, 2011: National competition in New York

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE, STUDENTS MUST:
Be enrolled in a high school in Washington State (10th through 12th grade). Private school and home-schooled students are eligible.
Complete an application form, including the name of a teacher who will serve as a reference.
Be available for the semi-finals Saturday, February 19, 2011 and the regional finals on March 2, 2011 at Seattle Repertory Theatre.
Be available for national competition May 7 to 9, 2011 in NYC.
Have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.
Attend one workshop with Seattle Rep staff, either at the Rep or with one of our community partners. The first scheduled workshop is on Saturday, November 13 at Seattle Rep from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Contact scottk@seattlerep.org to sign-up.

CREATIVITY PULSES THROUGH GREENWOOD-PHINNEY THIS FALL

2010-10-06T08:49:00.001-07:00

Neighborhood showcases its multi-faceted creativity with variety of Arts Crush events

SEATTLE – October 5, 2010 – Greenwood-Phinney made international headlines last year with Cooper, its neighborhood cat-turned-photographer, but that’s just the beginning of the creativity abounding here. With murals and galleries, a dance studio, a writing center and its own professional theatre, Greenwood-Phinney is one of Seattle’s hottest arts neighborhoods. This month it showcases all the artistry with a series of events for Arts Crush, the month-longregional arts festival.

Visual art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the special events scheduled for Friday, October 8, which coincides with the monthly Art Up Greenwood-Phinney Art Walk. Families with children will enjoy a number of events throughout the month, including a free session of the popular Drama with Your Mama class (October 19) from Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio and a free performance of the entertaining bullying-prevention play Treasure Ally (October 23). Then on October 24, get your groove on with 13 free dance classes from The American Dance Institute and Art on the Ridge.

For a full schedule of events and to learn more about Arts Crush, visit http://artscrush.org/.

Seattle Shakespeare Company launches 20th Anniversary Season with Hamlet

2010-09-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE, WA - Seattle Shakespeare Company opens its 20^th anniversary season with a masterpiece of world drama - Hamlet. Award-winning director John Langs returns after his much-lauded production of The Merchant of Venice to stage and rediscover this exalted classic.

Tickets are available now through the Seattle Shakespeare Company Box Office at 206-733-8222 as well as online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

The acting company of Hamlet features 15 local Northwest actors with Darragh Kennan (Twelfth Night, Electra) taking on the title role. Kennan is joined on stage by Charles Leggett (The Merchant of Venice, King Lear), Richard Ziman (Henry IV, parts 1 & 2, Chamber Richard III), Mary Ewald (Founding member of New City Theatre), David Pichette (Henry IV, parts 1 & 2), and Brenda Joyner (Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing - Wooden O).

In the play, after Prince Hamlet hears the otherworldly voice of his dead father demanding revenge, it ignites an intense whirlwind of intrigue and deception. Pulled apart by love and duty, Hamlet struggles to make sense of his upended world as he attempts to pursue justice.

"I feel like Shakespeare wrote a human being in Hamlet that was looking to the future -- a spirit that was moving forward," said director John Langs on the first day of rehearsal. "Shakespeare was sort of inventing a human being out there on the edge with this character, and all of these obstacles that Hamlet has to move through; so many people also have to move through in their lives. At the end of the play I just feel that the loss of that spirit moving forward that gets eaten by a machine of politics and fear and greed is something we can all really relate to and respond to."

This will be the second time that Seattle Shakespeare Company will have produced Hamlet in its 20 year history.

WHEN: October 27-December 5, 2010 (Opening Night: Friday, October 29 at 7:30PM)

Performance times: Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 PM with selected Saturdays at 2PM and selected Sundays at 2PM and 7:30PM

Taproot Uncorked celebrates Heroic Wines and an extraordinary post-fire year

2010-09-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

Celebratory fundraiser takes place on October 22, one year after arson

SEATTLE – September 28, 2010 – One year after the arson that severely damaged—and threatened to destroy—Taproot Theatre Company’s Greenwood playhouse, the theatre hosts Taproot Uncorked, a fundraising event celebrating its extraordinary post-fire year and looking ahead to the future. On October 22, Taproot Theatre and Greenwood’s Vineyard Wine Shop team up at The Upper Crust’s Greenwood Square for a night of pairing heroic wines and Taproot’s heroic year.

Given the challenges, and ultimately victories, of the past year, the theme of heroic wines seemed appropriate.

“By heroic wines, I mean wines which are victorious in their endeavor to survive all odds,” says Vineyard Wine Shop owner Patrick Anderson. “With each passing year the vine’s roots grow deeper and deeper into the soils, and with this comes the wisdom of age and experience.”

The fire in the early hours of October 23, 2009, destroyed the Eleanor Roosevelt Building—which Taproot leased to four businesses—and resulted in such extensive smoke and water damage to the theatre that Taproot was forced to shut its doors for three months and relocate performances. Having weathered multiple recessions in its nearly 35 years, Taproot’s leadership had learned to persevere through the ups and downs of time, but a fire was something no one ever thought would happen.

“It hit as a shock, but throughout that morning I just kept thinking, ‘We have to get through this. We have audiences to serve, a neighborhood we’re committed to,” said Taproot’s co-founder and producing artistic director, Scott Nolte. “The way the Greater Seattle arts community, the Greenwood-Phinney neighborhood, and so many other friends rallied around us gave me hope that we would get through this and come out even stronger than before.”

Taproot Theatre officially reopened its doors on January 29, 2010, for opening night of The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis’ allegory adapted by George Drance and New York’s Magis Theatre. The production played to sold-out houses and broke all attendance records in the theatre’s nearly-35-year history. In addition, the 2010 season went on to bring in Taproot’s highest number of subscribers ever.

The evening’s festivities run from 6 to 8 p.m. and include tasting and learning about heroic wines with wine expert Patrick Anderson, hearty hors d’oeuvres from The Upper Crust, plus time to visit with some of Taproot’s most deeply rooted artists who will be pouring the wines. Taproot Uncorked takes place at The Upper Crust Catering’s Greenwood Square, located at 8420 Greenwood Avenue North. Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Tickets cost $45 and are available online at www.taprootuncorked.com.

Taproot Uncorked is made possible through generous partnerships with The Vineyard Wine Shop and The Upper Crust Catering.

Legendary Joey Arias gives homage to Billie Holiday in "Strange Fruit"

2010-09-28T20:17:00.002-07:00

GLADD Award Winner & Cirque du Soleil emcee brings back his critically acclaimed Seattle-born show for one night only.

SEATTLE — Legendary underground entertainer-turned international cabaret sensation Joey Arias returns to Seattle’s historic Triple Door on Tuesday, October 12 at 7:30pm, for an evening of homage to the great Billie Holiday, with all the bawdiness, elegance, and musical genius needed to properly channel the magic of "Lady Day." Joey Arias will be accompanied by his longtime pianist and creative co-conspirator, Eliot Douglass. Strange Fruit's return to Seattle is made possible by producer The Swedish Housewife Presents.

Cirque du Soleil created a role specifically for Arias, the emcee/”Mistress of Seduction” for Zumanity: the Sultry Side of Cirque de Soleil, which he played for a five year run. Arias is the 2009 recipient of GLAAD’s “Off Off Broadway” Award for Arias With a Twist, an intimate “cabinet of curiosities” melding Arias’ legendary voice with puppeteerBasil Twist’s lavish, ecstatic visual creations. Showing at The Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on October 16, patrons can buy a limited number of joint-cover tickets for both "Strange Fruit" and "Arias With a Twist" by calling The Triple Door or visiting the box office in person. Visit http://bit.ly/ariasdc for more information on the joint cover offer.

Now with international acclaim, Seattle was home for the creation and development of Strange Fruit. The Swedish Housewife brought Arias from New York to perform at Re-Bar and paired him up with local jazz musician Pete Leionen. Craig Flory was part of the birth of "Strange Fruit," which was further developed with Eliot Douglass. Arias and Douglass have toured with this production to London, Edinburgh, Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver B.C. Variations of this show have been seen in Australia and Berlin. The Swedish Housewife has produced the Seattle engagements since 1990 at Re-Bar, The Crocodile and most recently, The Triple Door. Craig Flory joins this engagement on saxaphone, with Denali Williams on drums.

The Stranger celebrated Strange Fruit as "nothing short of amazing" and declares the show will "blow your f***ing head open," while Seattle Gay News wrote, “to say [Arias] left victorious would be something of an understatement… the only thing strange about this particular fruit is just how darn brilliant he really is.”

Pianist Eliot Douglass has worked with Arias for 17 years, with concerts in three continents. The two also worked together in the hit Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas, where Douglass was an original member, composing and arranging material for the show. Douglass has worked with Linda Ronstadt, Jack Nicholson, Patti Austin, Debbie Reynolds and Shirley MacLaine, among other artists.

Outrageous and avant-garde, Arias’ one-of-kind voice and thoroughly modern take on the music of Ms. Holiday continues to bend minds, winning over music and theatre lovers all across the planet. He has been featured at such diverse spaces as NYC’s hallowed Carnegie Hall and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and has collaborated with countless influential artists, including David Bowie, Andy Warhol, and Klaus Nomi.

Tickets are available now for this one-night only engagement. Order over the phone by calling 206-838-4333, in person at the box office at 216 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101, or online at tripledoor.net

2010 Gregory A. Falls Sustained Achievement Award

2010-09-28T20:17:00.001-07:00

What: Theatre Puget Sound (TPS) is pleased to announce the recipient of this year’s Gregory A. Falls Sustained Achievement Award: M. Burke Walker. A freelance director in Manhattan since 1999, M. Burke Walker lived and worked in Seattle from 1966-1999. He was the Founding Artistic Director of the Empty Space Theatre which he led for twenty years. His regional directing credits include theaters throughout the United States; locally, in addition to theEmpty Space Theater, he has worked with Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, ACT Theatre, Tacoma Actors Guild, theatre simple and Seattle Shakespeare Festival (now Company). For a full bio, please see attached file. Mr. Walker will be honored at this year’s Gregory Awards ceremony.

The Gregory A. Falls Sustained Achievement Award honors individuals in our theatrical community who have given their time, energy and talents over a number of years. In particular, this award honors people who have had a widespread positive effect on the community. The award is named in honor of Gregory A. Falls, a former chair of the UW School of Drama, who is credited with creating Seattle’s vibrant theater scene. Falls died unexpectedly of pneumonia at age 75 on April 3, 1997.

Where: ACT Theatre, Kreielsheimer Place, 700 Union Street, Seattle.

When: Monday, October 25^th, 2010. VIP reception begins at 6:30 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm and the ceremony begins at 7:30 pm.

Who: All members of the theater community and the general public are encouraged to attend (ticket information is listed below). The evening will offer a unique opportunity to spend time with local artists, honor Mr. Walker and the nominees, and help show your support for our local theater community.

TICKET INFORMATION

To purchase tickets, please go online to www.gregoryawards.org or call the ACT box office at 206-292-7676. Presale tickets are $15 for TPS members, $20 general admission, or $30 at the door (no discounts at the door). Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the ceremony begins at 7:30 PM.

VIP RECEPTION

Please join us for a special VIP reception honoring M. Burke Walker and the nominees in other awards categories at 6:30 PM before the doors open for the main event. VIP tickets are $100 and include an opportunity to meet the artists at the reception, complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, access to the VIP lounge (sponsored by Fremont Brewing and Willis Hall Winery), preferred seating at the ceremony, and a mention in the souvenir program.

For More Information:

Visit www.GregoryAwards.org for more details on the Gregory Awards.

For press inquiries, please contact Rebecca Olson at GregoryPress@tpsonline.org.

Intiman’s ‘Run/Walk for Congo Women’ Reaches Capacity of 600 Participants

2010-09-28T20:16:00.001-07:00

Proceeds from the 5K event on Saturday, October 16 will benefit Women for Women International’sCongo Program, one of several organizations supported by Intiman in connection with its recent production of Lynn Nottage’s Ruined

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre announces that 600 participants have joined its ‘Run/Walk for Congo Women’ around Seattle ’s Green Lake Park on Saturday, October 16, the capacity for the 5K event. All proceeds will benefit Women for Women International’s Congo Program. The Run/Walk is one of several programs sponsored by Intiman to raise awareness about the ongoing tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Intiman’s production of Ruined, which became the second-best-selling show in the theatre’s history after its extended run this summer, is now at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles , where it runs through October 17. The co-production is directed by Intiman Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey, who also directed the world premiere of the play after developing it over five years with Lynn Nottage.

“The success of Ruined, both as a piece of theatre and as a play that can effect change, has been gratifying,” says Whoriskey. “Nothing, however, prepared me for the level of engagement and activism that we have seen in Seattle . The commitment of our audiences and this community to take action and support women in the Congo has been extraordinary.”

Intiman is the sole sponsor of the Run/Walk, which was inspired by author and activist Lisa Shannon’s grassroots movement “Run for Congo Women.” This event is one of several opportunities that Intiman offered in connection with its production to raise awareness and financial support for survivors of sexual violence.

Following each performance, members of the company collected donations for the Panzi Hospital of Bukavu—the hospital mentioned in the play—which provides treatment, surgical repair and other services for Congolese women. Seattle audiences collectively donated more than $50,000 to support the hospital and Intiman’s local outreach efforts.

In addition to its institutional offerings, members of Intiman’s staff are supporting a woman in the Congo through Women for Women International and have raised funds locally for OKoNGO, a Seattle-based organization that supports Congolese refugees in the United States .

Intiman’s production of Ruined was sponsored in part by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

For more information, visit www.intiman.org.