Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

This “reimagined” musical production, based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel The Color Purple, is not for the faint of heart. Tough subject matter surrounds a young girl born into segregation and extreme poverty in the deep south. Emotionally and sexually abused by both her “father” and the man he forces her to marry, Celie (Adrianna Hicks), endures unfathomable cruelty.

Adrianna Hicks’ exacting characterization of Celia, over a period of four decades beginning in the early 1900s, is extraordinary. Hicks flawlessly transitions Celia from a broken, pregnant teen to a powerfully brusque luminary – thankfully!

As The Color Purple’s antagonists age and grow in awareness and empathy, the audience can settle back in their seats with a sigh of relief. Top favorite in song-and-dance relief is the delectable Sofia (Carrie Compere) and chums’ “Hell No!” The seductive rendition of “Any Little Thing” with Sofia and Harpo (J. Daughtry) brings the house down.

Not to be missed, this thought-provoking production (and 2016 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical Revival) of The Color Purple is at The Paramount in downtown Seattle for a limited run now through July 1, 2018. Tickets here.

Photos by Matthew Murphy

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

Reserve your tickets now ArtsWest’s “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” – Billie Holiday at her finest! Felicia Loud’s reincarnation of Billie Holiday, in one of Ms. Holiday’s solo concerts shortly before her death, is stunning beyond compare. This ArtsWest Playhouse production by Lanie Robertson is theatre in its most authentic art form.

With minimalist stage design, Emerson’s 1950s Bar and Grill fades into the background while Ms. Loud’s legendary Billie Holiday commands every breath of space with her brassy, brave, and beautiful presence. Her songs and autobiographical monologue of oft heart-wrenching memories – life, love, and loss – educate, tickle the funny bone, pull on the heartstrings, and leave the audience awestruck. This was one of those very rare times when both myself and fellow theatre-goers were speechless as the actor departed the stage. That WAS Billie Holiday up there sharing her most intimate stories . . . was it not?

If you’re a jazz fan, a Billie Holiday fan, or someone who simply enjoys music and history, you won’t want to miss Felicia Loud’s demanding performance. “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” is now playing at ArtsWest in West Seattle now through July 8, 2018. Tickets here. 

Photo via ArtsWest

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” comes to life after a century of being kept in the closet. Now through July 1st, Book-It excels once again! This rendition of Oscar Wilde’s farcical Victorian-era “scandalous” story-telling is delivered in magnificently subtle and oft mysterious tones. Judd Parkin’s clever adaptation is unique in revealing a more factual take on Wilde’s “unabashed and uncensored” works than previously known. Wilde’s original transcript, highly censored and edited in its 1891 printing, went unpublished until 2011. 

Every cast member contributes richly to the Book-It fashion of storytelling – always a delight to behold. Chip Sherman’s (Dorian Gray) portrayal is stealthily, steadily, and skillfully paced in transporting the audience through Dorian’s transitioning, demented, climactic journey. Jon Lutyens (Basil Hallward) is superb as the stalwart artist responsible for Dorian’s infamous painting.

If you have, or have not, previously read “The Picture of Dorian Gray,”  take time to absorb Book-It’s notes (in the lobby as well as in your program) prior to the performance. Accolades to Book-It for remarkably engaging, enlightening Encore Stages programs: the absolute best in pre-show entertainment and education.

You still have time to experience this quirky, scandalous “The Picture of Dorian Gray” at its finest. On view now through July 1, 2018 at Book-It in the Seattle Center. Tickets here.

Photo by John Ulman.

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Accolades to The 5th Avenue Theatre for unique casting in this musical production of Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Equally deserving in praise is The 5th’s outstanding, far-reaching education program surrounding deaf and hard-of hearing community awareness.

Foresight in casting Joshua Castille, a highly-accomplished deaf actor, in the lead role demonstrates incredible depth in research, intellect, and heart. In addition to Joshua Castille delivering a spot-on physically-deformed and deaf Quasimodo, the supporting casts’ skills in signing add an entirely new dimension to the stage. You gotta love a musical that engages not only singing but signing (ASL – American Sign Language) gargoyles!  E.J. Cardona’s vocal offerings as The Voice of Quasimodo/sidekick gargoyle are flawless.

It’s enlightening to experience The 5th Avenue opening its doors to such thoroughly creative, thoughtful, inclusive productions. Engaging audiences and the greater community – this production of Hunchback’s includes the 30-person Pacific Lutheran University Choral Union – serves to overshadow devastating effects of those who strive to diminish the human spirit. Thank you, 5th Avenue, for illuminating thought, discussion, and your stage with relevance, intellect, and, most of all, heart.

Don’t miss this new, inspiring rendition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame! On stage now through June 24, 2018 at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre. Learn more here. 

NOTE: for a limited time, audiences can use this special link to save 25% on select performances:  https://www.5thavenue.org/promo/rhythm.

Photos by Tracy Martin

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

Les Misérables is back in Seattle with a totally exhilarating production at The Paramount Theatre. This epic musical, based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, is magnificent in every way possible.

In its 32nd year, currently the fifth longest-running Broadway show, Les Mis’ staging and scenery have recently been revamped. Inspired by Hugo’s paintings, Matt Kinley has created extraordinarily masterful sets and image design. In perfect tandem is Paule Constable’s magically stunning lighting that exudes brilliance throughout the stage.

The gifts, strengths, and energies of everyone in this most demanding, heart-wrenching production are remarkable. Emily Bautista (Eponine) and Joshua Grosso (Marius) are perfection in their hauntingly beautiful duet, “A Little Fall of Rain” – reminding this reviewer of Hugo’s agony over the drowning of his beloved daughter.

You won’t want to miss a beat of this dynamic Les Mis production – it may be awhile before we Seattleites have an at-home opportunity to again catch it in all its glory. Playing at the lovely Paramount Theatre now through June 17. Tickets here for the Tony-Award winning Les Misérables.

Photo by Matthew Murphy 

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Hairspray is back!  If you’ve yet to experience this charismatic musical highlighting high school in the sixties, the time is right to head to Village Theatre in Issaquah! Or, if you just want to bask in the glow of the all-familiar musical score once again, here’s your chance.

Having seen this performance over Mother’s Day weekend, it was especially fitting to experience a cast of driven, dynamic moms, each determined to stand up to save the day in her own unique fashion. The mom who stole the show as Edna Turnblad (Tracy’s initially shy and intimidated mother) was performed to the hilt by the amazingly multi-talented Mr. Nick DeSantis.

Gather your teenage daughters and granddaughters, mothers and grandmothers to enjoy this rollicking, feel-good, happy-ending musical together. You’re very likely to find yourself wishing for more while humming and dancing your way out of the theatre.

Hairspray spreads good cheer now through July 1, 2018 at Village Theatre in Issaquah and from July 6-29, 2018 at Everett Performing Arts Center. Tickets here. 

*****

About the show (in their own words): This all-new stage production will be bursting with Village Theatre’s unique flair, as Hairspray gives new meaning to BIG entertainment. Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream: to dance her way onto national TV, dethrone the reigning teen queen, win the affections of the local heartthrob, and integrate a TV network… .all without denting her ‘do! The Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning Best Musical teaches us to look past skin color and size in the fight for equal rights.