I’ve been attending Seattle Rep since I was a teenage years and there’s a reason they are a nationally and internationally known theatre – some of the best shows in Seattle take place on their stages in the Seattle Center neighborhood. My parents have been season ticket holders for well over a decade (how long, Mom?) and always try to make it to the performances that feature “Talk Backs” after the show, where some of the creative team and actors join the audience for a in-depth look into the production.  I’m excited to hear from them what shows in the next season they are looking forward to seeing the most.

The Seattle Times reports on their upcoming season, as Seattle Repertory Theatre celebrates it’s 50th year (Seattle Pocket notes peppered throughout):

“Pullman Porter Blues” (Bagley Wright Theatre, Sept. 27-Oct. 28), a new blues musical by Seattle’s Cheryl West about African-American train porters.

With The Paramount Theatre, the Rep will host a tour run and Seattle debut of the Tony-winning “War Horse” (at The Paramount, Feb. 12-24, 2013). (See the Paramount’s full season, here.) 

“The Glass Menagerie,” by Tennesee Williams will be mounted by Rep associate artistic director Braden Abraham (Leo K. Theatre, Oct. 19-Dec. 1). (I went to college with Abraham and let me tell you: his creative work is something else. I can’t wait to see how he brings this gem of a play, The Glass Menagerie, to life.  There will be magic when Abraham meets Williams. Even if you’ve seen productions of this show before, don’t miss this one! You can thank me later. Tennesee Williams an American favorite and this play is one of his best.)

“Inspecting Carol” (Bagley Wright, Nov. 23-Dec. 23): This antic satire about a hapless theater troupe butchering “A Christmas Carol” was devised by ex-Rep head Daniel Sullivan and company actors in 1991. (I’ve seen this show before and can’t wait to hear who will be cast in this year’s production. Charming, a great choice for the holidays for everyone in need of a laugh. Which means, get your tickets early.)

“American Buffalo” (Bagley Wright, Jan. 11-Feb. 10, 2013): by David Mamet

New Play Festival (Poncho Forum, January 2013) (Kudos to “big” Seattle theatre (who also struggle – support them with donations and subscriptions!) for supporting new works!)

“Photograph 51” (Leo K., Feb. 1-March 3, 2013): Abraham directs Anna Ziegler’s bio-play about scientist Rosalind Franklin and her unsung role in the discovery of the double helix mechanism of DNA. (Well, this one sounds quirky and fun! I can’t wait to learn more in their preview pieces.  Love the combo of a real story in a show that also encourages women to become scientists in a field that is still male dominated.)

“Good People” (Bagley Wright, March 8-April 7, 2013) byDavid Lindsay-Abaire

“Boeing-Boeing” (Bagley Wright, April 19-May 19, 2013)  Says Manning, “It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comedy that works like a Swiss watch.” (Heard great things about the recent Broadway revival – can’t wait to see!)

See full Seattle Times article by Misha Berson, here. 

Some of my favorite productions that I’ve seen The Seattle Rep include The K of D, an urban legend, The 39 Steps, Fences, The Cook, Take Me Out, Topdog/Underdog, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, and Waiting For Godot.

What shows most appeal to your tastes in the coming season? Favorite past shows at The Rep?