CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A JOLT OF SOUL AS THE GOSPEL MUSICAL BLACK NATIVITY PLAYS ITS FINAL SEASON AT INTIMAN

This year’s production will run December 1-27, with the opening night on Friday, December 4 at 8 pm; all adult tickets during the first two weeks are $25

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre invites audiences to “hear again the Christmas story” with its annual production of Black Nativity, a holiday favorite that features 40 singers, dancers and musicians. This will be the gospel musical’s last season at Intiman, where it has been a tradition since 1998. Intiman and members of the creative team are currently exploring new options for the future, including a move to a larger venue in King County .

Black Nativity is directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, with music direction and arrangements by Pastor Patrinell Wright, Seattle’s “Gospel Queen” and founder of the Total Experience Gospel Choir. Written by Langston Hughes, the production is a showcase for gospel music performed by soloists from churches and stages across King County ; gravity-defying choreography and tap in the tradition of past dance legends; and an on-stage band. This season’s production features actors Josephine Howell and Jimi Ray Malary joining Pastor Wright and the Rev. Mr. Joseph E. Connor in the leading roles, and dancers Bryson D. Conley and Pamela Yasutake as Joseph and Mary.

“Black Nativity is a vital and treasured part of Intiman’s mission,” says Managing Director Brian Colburn. “It brings to our theatre wonderful artists, community members and audiences who thrill to the talent, heart and joyous expression of faith that make this show so unique and special. But with 40 artists on stage and sold-out houses, it has outgrown the capacity of our space. In collaboration with Jackie and Pat, we are looking at larger venues in King County for the 2010 production. We look forward to honoring its history this season, and to exploring new scenarios that will continue to make this a holiday event for the entire family in future years.”

To celebrate the production’s 12 years here, Intiman is offering special pricing opportunities during the first two weeks of performances and will participate in a “12 Days of Christmas” series of civic programs throughout the run, during which Intiman staff and artists will take part in public events that contribute to the health and well-being of our community.

All adult tickets for every performance from December 1-13 are on sale for $25. Adult tickets for performances from December 15-27 are $45. Youth tickets for all patrons age 18 and younger are $15 for the full run of the production. Tickets are on sale now from 206.269.1900 or www.intiman.org.

“Black Nativity has grown each year at Intiman, with each year’s show bigger and better than the year before,” says Moscou, who has directed the annual production since its first season. “We all feel that it’s time to look at a new venue that will support its continued growth.”

“Looking at a shorter run in a larger venue closer to the holidays is an exciting idea,” says Pastor Wright. “We want Black Nativity to always have the spirit of Intiman’s non-denominational church, but this will serve our artists and our audiences by making the production a Christmas event.”

Intiman Theatre performs at 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center . Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. There will be a special Christmas Eve performance on Thursday, December 24 at 4 pm and no performances on Christmas Day.

Seasonal support for Intiman Theatre is provided by ArtsFund; Intiman Theatre Foundation; Kreielsheimer Remainder Foundation; The Leading National Theatres Program, a joint initiative of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and Washington State Arts Commission.

Taproot Theatre presents staged readings of Sherlock Holmes

and the Case of the Christmas Carol despite Greenwood fire

Theatre plans to present world premiere production in 2010

SEATTLE – November 12, 2009 – Taproot Theatre presents two staged readings of John Longenbaugh’s Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol this December 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. at Seattle Pacific University’s McKinley Hall. Forced to postpone the world premiere production until 2010 due to the Greenwood fire on October 23, Taproot Theatre producing artistic director Scott Nolte and playwright John Longenbaugh still wanted to offer a taste of what is to come.

“When the extent of the damage from the fire was clear and we had to make the decision to postpone the show I was as heartbroken as anyone at Taproot,” said Longenbaugh, who has been actively involved in the Seattle theatre scene for years. “Scott had pulled together such an incredible cast for the show and rehearsals were giving me a chance to truly hone the script. I’m immensely grateful that the Theatre is giving the cast, and me, a chance to give Seattle a little peek at this play that we’re all so excited about.”

The Greenwood fire happened just days after the cast met for the first rehearsal. While Alex Robertson, Jesse Notehelfer and Eric Riedmann were recast in Taproot Theatre’s new holiday production, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, at its temporary location, the other actors return to perform in the staged readings in the roles in which they were originally cast. Terry Edward Moore returns as Sherlock Holmes and David Nail as Watson, plus David Dorrian, Aaron Lamb and Pam Nolte. They are joined by Kevin Brady and Charity Parenzini.

“These readings should be a lot of fun and give audiences who were anticipating the show something to whet their appetite,” Longenbaugh said. ”For me, the feedback from a live audience is crucial in developing this work, which we hope to be able to present to our audiences in a full production next year.”

The staged readings of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol take place at McKinley Hall at Seattle Pacific University, located at 3307 Third Avenue West. Tickets will be available on a pay-what-you-can basis at the door only, with proceeds benefitting the Greenwood Fire Relief Fund. For questions or more information, please call Taproot Theatre at 206-781-9707.

Taproot Theatre plans to produce the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol next year. In the meantime, it’s presenting It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, adapted for the stage by Joe Landry, at the Stage One Theatre at North Seattle Community College this holiday season from November 25-December 30.

From White Christmas to the Great White Way!

Broadway’s newest star got her start at The 5th—and she’s still only 13 years old!

SEATTLE, WA –Keaton Whittaker, the young actress who got her start in professional theater at The 5th Avenue in our 2006 production of White Christmas, is currently in rehearsals for the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, opening November 24, starring Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Whittaker was originally cast in White Christmas after being “scouted” by 5th Avenue staff during a karaoke contest at the Crossroads Mall. After playing the role of Susan Waverly in both the SeattleWhite Christmas and the 5th Avenue production’s tour to Sacramento, Whittaker went on to play Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird at Intiman, young Jane in Civic Light Opera’s Jane Eyre, and a host of other roles in shows at The 5th, including Whistle Down the Wind, Sunday in the Park with George and Shrek The Musical. production of

Her performance as Young Fiona in Shrek initially impressed the producers and they had plans to take her along to the Broadway run, but as her mother Nancy relates, “the girl who played Young Fiona also had to be able to go on for young Shrek, and by the time we came to the production, she’d grown to where that wasn’t possible.” Fortunately for Keaton, the casting director for Shrek recommended her for the Night Music audition, and another year and a half of growth and experience in Seattle turned out to be a great preparation for her Broadway debut as Fredrika in the Sondheim classic.

Keaton’s experience working at The 5th and other Seattle theaters makes working at Broadway’s Walter Kerr Theatre surprisingly comfortable. “It doesn’t feel a lot different at all,” she says, though she’s still adjusting to working with not just the cast but the stars. “Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones are actresses I’ve watched my whole life. I can’t believe I’m on the same stage with two people I admire so much.”

Keaton credits her Seattle experience for not only helping her develop her acting and singing skills, but for teaching her focus, discipline, and how to respect her fellow cast members and director. “It’s also taught me that every opportunity you get to audition, you go for it. If you don’t get it, there’s always another show opening somewhere.” And for her friends back in Seattle, she sends her love and gratitude—particularly to Lauren Carlos, who’s playing, with Drea Gordon, the same role in this year’s production of White Christmas that got Keaton her start. “She’s my best friend. So if you can mention just one thing, say this: I love you Lauren. And I’m so proud of you.”

The 5th Avenue’s revival of White Christmas, which sold out three years ago, begins previews on November 28 and opens December 3, running till December 30. Tickets and multi-show subscriptions are available online at 5thavenue.org, over the phone by calling 206-625-1900 / toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), or in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.

Taproot Theatre’s insurance increases Greenwood arson award to $25,000

SEATTLE – November 10, 2009 – Taproot Theatre is using its Burglary and Arson Insurance coverage to allocate $15,000 to the NW Insurance Council’s award for apprehending the Greenwood arsonist or arsonists, bringing the award up to $25,000.

“We recognize the impact the fires have on our entire community, from the businesses who lost everything on October 23 to the fear the fires have instilled in many others,” said Taproot’s producing artistic director, Scott Nolte. “It is our hope that the crimes will be solved before any more arsons are committed.”

The NW Insurance Council announced this morning that the Arson Award Fund, which it sponsors along with the Arson Alarm Foundation, is now at $25,000, and encouraged anyone with information to call their local authorities or the Arson Hotline at 800-55-ARSON.

Fight Prostate Cancer One Moustache at a Time

Gentlemen, start your moustaches! Ladies, help them out! We're fighting Prostate and Testicular Cancer with the best weapon our natural creation has given us: Facial Hair! Welcome to:

MOVEMBER!

http://www.us.movember.com/mospace/232837

Movember is a a month-long donation-raising expedition raising money that will go directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Testicular Cancer foundation.

Andrew J. Perez of Broadwayhour.com has shaved off his handlebars to regrow whatever moustache he can while raising money to fight Prostate and Testicular Cancer. Kenna M. Kettrick of Broadwayhour.com is supporting his moustache growing with donation-getting of her own!

This is where you, our loyal readers and friends, come in.

We need donations. We are trying to reach a goal of $1500.00. It's a modest goal considering some of the amazing fundraising that is happening around us, so help us smash it and blast forward with as much as we can muster. Prostate Cancer affects one in six men in their lifetimes and Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer affecting men ages 18 to 35.

Help us raise awareness by growing a moustache! Help us fight back by donating! Join our team (The Illyirans) and raise money as well! Every cent counts. When I sent out a facebook invitation I've tried to get people to understand that if every person who received that invitation had donated $2.00, we would have hit our goal in one shot. Help us get there and help us go the extra mile. Fight Cancer, look hot with a moustache and be part of the newest craze that's sweeping the Nation and the World: MOVEMBER!

To donate, join or track our progress, follow any of the links above or this one right here:
http://www.us.movember.com/mospace/232837

We at SMT are very excited about our next production, HONK! premiering November 13 and running through November 29.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's poignant tale, "The Ugly Duckling," HONK! tells the story of an odd looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother after he is seduced away by a wily Cat who wants to eat Ugly for dinner. After escaping, Ugly encounters a beautiful swan, Penny, tangled in a fishing line. After he frees her, the two fall in love, but she must return to her flock and fly south for the winter. Left all alone, Ugly’s mother finds him frozen in snow. Her warm tears manage to thaw him out and he comes back to life – as a handsome swan! Soon, Ugly is reunited with Penny and the two swans decide to live the rest of their days in the same pond as Ugly’s loyal mother.

While obviously appropriate for young theatre-goers, adults of all ages will enjoy the hilarious dialogue and beautiful songs sung by the various barnyard creatures, together with a great many “fowl” puns.

Friday and Saturday performances at 8pm

Sunday matinees at 2pm

One Thursday performance on November 19 at 7:30 pm

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents

Twelfth Night

December 3-27, 2009 at the Center House Theatre

SEATTLE - This December, Shakespeare's only holiday-themed play, Twelfth Night sweeps onto the stage featuring traditional music and caroling, jokes and laughter, and some smooching under the mistletoe. Artistic Director Stephanie Shine stages this beguiling comedy of romantic misadventures which opens on Friday, December 4 at the Center House Theatre and will run through December 27.

Support for Seattle Shakespeare Company's production of Twelfth Night is provided by the Washington State Arts Commission, ArtsFund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and KUOW.

During a holiday party, Duke Orsino pines for Lady Olivia, but she's too busy mourning for her dead brother. Olivia's randy uncle, Toby Belch, chases after Maria the maid, the snooty butler Malvolio scrambles to keep everything under control, and a mystical fool Feste tosses off shrewd bon mots to anyone who will listen. Into festivities drops a pair of magnetic, identical twins, Viola and Sebastian, arousing passion wherever they turn, and weaving healing magic for everyone.

The cast of Twelfth Night features John Bogar (Malvolio), Michael Dooly (Antonio/Captain), Chris Ensweiler (Feste), Ray Gonzalez (Sir Toby Belch), Tim Gouran (Sebastian), Brenda Joyner (Olivia), Darragh Kennan (Andrew Aguecheek), Frank Lawler (Fabian), Susannah Millonzi (Viola), Carter Rodriquez (Valentine), Carol Roscoe (Maria), Jose Rufino (Duke Orsino), and Sean Patrick Taylor (Curio)

Set design for Twelfth Night is Andrea Bush, with costume design by Melanie Burgess, lighting design by Andrew D. Smith, with music by Sean Patrick Taylor.

Performances of Twelfth Night are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2:00 pm (December 12 & 19) and Sundays at 2:00 pm. There will be additional 7:30 pm performances on December, 22, 23 and 27 and a 2:00 pm matinee on December 23. There will be no performance on December 25.

Special "Shakespeariences" will be offered in conjunction with Twelfth Night including: "Jumpstart into Twelfth Night" a facilitated introduction to the play (December 10 at 6PM - $10) and post play discussions on selected performances.

Tickets to performances of Twelfth Night are now on sale and range from $30-$36 for adults and $22-$25 for seniors and students. Pay-What-You-Will previews are on December 1 and 2 at 7:30 PM. Discounted tickets are available for groups of ten or more.

For ticket reservations, call the Seattle Shakespeare Company box office (206) 733-8222 or go online at www.seattleshakespeare.org. Regular box office hours are Tuesday through Friday 1:00-6:00 PM. During performance weeks, in addition to regular hours, the box office opens Saturdays 1:00-6:00 PM and Sundays 12noon to 4:00 PM. Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at the Center House Theatre at Seattle Center.