Review by Maren Hassenger:

Each chapter of A People’s History is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Disclaimer from the theatre’s website “Please note: This show contains unrestricted language and American history.”

The New York Times wrote about Mike Daisey, “One of the finest solo performers of his generation.”  “What distinguishes him from most solo performers is how elegantly he blends personal stories, historical digressions and philosophical ruminations. He has the curiosity of a highly literate dilettante and a preoccupation with alternative histories, secrets large and small, and the fuzzy line where truth and fiction blur. Mr. Daisey’s greatest subject is himself,” The New York Times describes.

“Mike Daisey is a brilliant storyteller working on an epic scale,” Seattle Rep Artistic Director Braden Abraham comments. “We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Seattle to present this provocative, relevant, and engaging new work with our Pacific Northwest audiences – this is one to come back for again and again.”

A People’s History plays The Seattle Repertory Theatre now through November 25, 2018. Tickets here.

Photo by Sabrina Fonseca

Even if you have to stumble through the fast-paced lyrics of “Conga,”  if the song brings a smile to your face, you will want to dance your way to the Paramount Theatre now through October 28, 2018 and see On Your Feet The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway musical.

The music will have you feeling energized and light. The dancing will make you want to sign up for a dance class up the hill at Century Ballroom.  The cast is incredible. Christie Prades, who plays Gloria in the tour, is affable, magnetic, and incredibly talented as the lead role, truly evoking the essence, sound, and moves of the legendary performer. Ektor Rivera, who starred in the role on Broadway, is sexy, charming, and is able to bring realness into a role that might have been less likable played by someone without such talent. His voice is incredible and enchanting. This tour is thick with talent: from Gloria’s mother (in both the first act and in the second act in a heartfelt duet wtih Emilio) to the ensemble performers that are able to shine in a powerful number near the end of the show.

The show has an all-star team behind it as well: Director Jerry Mitchell (who has won two Tony Awards and was nominated for six more), and Choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Trujillo was nominated for a Tony for this show – he also choreographed Jersey Boys). 

Photos by Matthew Murphy

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

To the absolute delight of those who experienced it three years ago – and to those who missed out last time around – the long-awaited, crowd-pleasing Come From Away is back in Seattle at The 5th Avenue Theatre. (A little backstory: Come From Away first started as a workshop in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s new works program before taking form as fully mounted productions at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre.)

Springing to life on stage is the reenactment of the aftermath of 9/11 when 38 commercial flights with 6,700 passengers and crew members were diverted to Gandor International Airport. The heartfelt, heartwarming reception these strangers received from the native Newfoundlanders was astounding.

Come From Away’s dynamic cast brings us on board to experience the fear, camaraderie, trust, and, most strikingly, lifelong friendships that evolved as hearts and minds opened to that which is foreign. Lively, high-spirited, and uplifting! 

Come From Away lightens the heart and brings joy in celebration of the best of humanity. Don’t let this incredible historical happening pass you by. Tickets available now. The Tony  Award®-, Drama Desk Award- and Outer Critics Circle Award-winner Come From Away plays now through November 4, 2018 at The 5th Avenue Theatre in downtown Seattle. 

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Ursula Rani Sarma’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s beloved 2007 novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is theatre at its ultimate best. This powerfully heart-wrenching narrative steeps us in the throes of Afghanistan’s ever-changing, decades-long turmoil and unfathomable brutality. A Thousand Splendid Suns plays Seattle Repertory Theatre now through November 10, 2018.

From the perspective of two women’s unlikely friendship, the actors move us seamlessly through time. Impeccable in their profoundly formidable lead roles are Rinabeth Apostol (Laila) and Denmo Ibrahim (Mariam). Their portrayal of undying feminine strength, resilience, and love are spellbinding as they wend their way through a never-ending reign of terror.  

Difficult to observe, Haysam Kadri’s astute rendition of the abhorrent antagonist (Rasheed) is chilling to the core. Mesmerizing in her role as Laila’s child (Aziza), Nikita Tewani pulls the heartstrings like none other.

Impeccable attention to detail in casting, sets, sounds, and lighting holds the audience captive while, periodically, adding unshakable shock value. If you’re familiar with Hosseini’s novels, you can well imagine this production has the potential to grab you by the throat and tear your heart out. Trust me – it does exactly that.

You seriously don’t want to miss A Thousand Splendid Suns! Arrange for your tickets now through November 10 at our splendid Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Photos via Seattle Rep Facebook page 

TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival is playing for just 10 days, starting October 11, 2018! This festival includes a wide variety of what look to be excellent films, including six evenings of short films (boy shorts, girl shorts, trans shorts, QTPOC shorts, and more). Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally/friend to those in the community (so, that means anyone reading this blog, right?), this festival offers something for you. In total, there are 65 programs comprised of 143 narratives, documentaries, premieres, and short films. I was amazed to read that over half of these films were directed by women! Venues include SIFF Cinema Egyptian, Northwest Film Forum, Broadway Performance Hall, and AMC Pacific Place.

Open up your calendar and take a look at the schedule to find the right films for your taste: https://threedollarbillcinema.org/twist.

There is a lot to choose from but scrolling through their online guide makes it easy. Since the festival is about to start, I recommend opening up your calendar and seeing when you can make time for some films in the coming days. Twist: Seattle Queer Film Festival is a gift to the Seattle community.