My mom is a big Woody Guthrie fan! Here’s her review of the new show at the Seattle Repertory Theatre in Seattle Center.

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

Score! Woody Guthrie comes to life on stage at The Seattle Rep! The multi-talented quartet in “Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie” gifts us with an honest and heartfelt portrayal of Woody Guthrie and his musical approach to uplifting humanity during some of the hardest times in American history. David M. Lutken, originator and principal actor of “Woody Sez” is superb in his Woody Guthrie role. In harmony with Lutken, David Finch, Darcie Deaville, and Helen Jean Russell transport the audience back to the dark days of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.

The opening night audience was energized and enthusiastically responsive to Guthrie’s familiar songs—each accompanied by down-home instrumentation, simple staging, and heart-rendering storytelling. David Lutken not only lives and breathes life into Woody Guthrie during performances, he and other cast members generously invite audiences to join in the hootenannies following upcoming shows on January 22 and 29. It can’t get any better than this if you’re a Woody Guthrie devotee or just love folk music! Be sure to catch a thought-provoking performance of “Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie” now through January 29. See you at the hootenanny!

Tickets here.

Synopsis from Seattle Rep:

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs such as “This Land is Your Land” and “The Ballad of Tom Joad.” This musical portrait, featuring Woody’s stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America’s great folk troubadour. Along with a multitalented cast of performers/musicians, virtuoso David Lutken reprises his award-winning role as “the original folk hero.” Approximately two hours, five minutes with one intermission.

Photo 1: Darcie Deaville, David Finch, David M. Lutken, and Helen Jean Russell in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s “Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie.” Photo by Michael Doucett.

Photo 2: David M. Lutken and Helen Jean Russell in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s “Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie.” Photo by Michael Doucett.