Category Archives: Arts Events

Don’t miss “Bohemia” at The Triple Door (now through Jan 26)

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The current production of “Bohemia” at The Triple Door (now through January 26) is a true delight! Brandon and I made a date night out of the evening. This lively, silly, and unique musical succeeds in whisking you away from 2019 into the bohemian world of Dvorák, Chopin, and the world of the green absinthe fairies. I’m not a big fan of classical music, but you truly don’t have to be to enjoy this show. The pace of the show is quick and lively, the vibe is a playful, goofy, one with some heartfelt moments mixed in. We left feeling playful and amused! Pro tip: If you can, order “Fairy Service” with your absinthe drink order!

More about the show (in their own words):

This must-see musical by Mark Siano and Opal Peachey is a freewheeling cabaret about love, classical music, art nouveau, and more. Set in 1890s Prague, Bohemia combines the music of Dvorák and Chopin, with art by Alphonse Mucha. Historic artists like Sarah Bernhardt and George Sand, interweave with beautiful green fairies, aerial numbers, dance, burlesque, classical piano battles, comedy, and original songs.

The illustrious Triple Door transforms into 1890s Prague in Bohemia, a story about love, classical music, art nouveau, green fairies and absinthe. Presented by Opal Peachey and Mark Siano, this new musical combines live orchestral music from composers Antonín Dvorák and Frédéric Chopin, with original musical works; a set inspired by the art of Alphonse Mucha; and historic artists Sarah Bernhardt and George Sand interweave with beautiful green fairies, aerial numbers, dance, burlesque, classical piano battles, comedy, and new and original songs.

The story centers around famous Bohemian composer Antonín Dvorák who has hit a wall prior to composing his magnum opus. In a move of desperation he turns to a bottle of absinthe for inspiration. In this macabre and mystical dream cabaret, Dvorák is visited by the ghost of late composer Frédéric Chopin and a host of green fairies. Chopin and many other famous Bohemians guide Dvorák as they search for the true source of inspiration and grasp at artistic immortality.

Bohemia runs now through January 26, 2019. Tickets here.

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Exciting, memorable, and stunning: Disney’s The Lion King at The Paramount is a true joy.

Posted in Arts Events, Miscellaneous Awesome by
One of my all-time favorite musicals, Disney‘s The Lion King, is back in Seattle at The Paramount Theatre now through January 6. Walking into this gorgeous theatre is a gift in itself. Seeing the incredible costumes and puppetry in this production is a jaw-dropping experience. The cast of this tour is incredibly strong – we loved Mpume Sikakane (who was the understudy performing on Press Night) as Rafiki. Her powerful voice and stage presence are captivating. Also notable were Danielle Jalade as Young Nala, Jared Dixon as Simba, and Nia Holloway as Nala, and Thabani Buthelezi (Ensemble – notably in the purple and yellow outfit in Act Two’s opening number “One by One.”
There’s a reason this is Broadway’s third longest running show in history & the highest grossing Broadway production of all time: it’s a wonderful production on so many levels. The puppetry and costuming alone are worth the ticket price. The scenes with the entire company on stage as birds and four-legged creatures are moving and powerful. Somehow, the choreography, costuming, and performances have enough magic to make even grass interesting to watch!
Fun fact: Julie Taymor became the first woman to win Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for her direction of The Lion King on Broadway. The show also won a Tony for best Choreography that same year.
If you’re a fan of The Lion King movie and haven’t seen this production, treat yourself and a loved one to this production. My +1 for the night, my dear friend Rusty, had very high expectations and they were absolutely met. It was such a joy in itself to sit next to him as he saw this production for the first time. At once point, he leaned in and whispered “I am having SUCH a great time” with such glee on his face. “Ooh there’s more!” he clapped as the powerful number opened Act Two. As I walked up the aisle during intermission, I heard many comments of awe and wonder shared by other audience members, including one woman who was telling her friend “I think my mouth has been open in amazement from the start of the show!” I can relate.
Having already seen the show, I wasn’t sure if the magic would still be there for me, but it absolutely was. I would see this show every year if I had the chance. And, yes, I have been singing “Oh I just can’t waaaaait to be king” in the streets of Seattle all month.
The show runs through January 6 and you’ll want to buy your tickets now.
(Note: on Saturday, January 5 at 2pm there will be a Sensory Friendly Performance. This performance is for individuals with sensory, social and learning disabilities and their families. Slight adjustments to the performance will be implemented such as reduction in jarring sounds and elimination of strobe lights focused into the audience. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, please visit stgpresents.org/access.)
I love this show. I just watched the montage video again and got chills again just with those opening lyrics. “Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba Sithi uhm ingonyama.”
Seriously. Take a peek:
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Photo by Brinkhoff Mogenburg

Willa Cather’s ‘My Antonia’ is a beautifully heart-warming gem for the holiday season (at Book-It Repertory Theatre now through Dec 30)

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Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

The wholesome production of “My Antonia,” based on Willa Cather’s most autobiographical 1918 novel, springs to life with gusto in a creatively crafted stage setting.  Book-It Repertory Theatre’ss multi-layered set not only pulls the audience into Ms. Cather’s native Nebraskan wide-open prairie but also exemplifies her intimate, small-town surroundings.

Tim Gouran is impeccable in his portrayal of Jim Burden, a young boy wending his way through idyllic prairies, wheatfields, and bygone memories into adulthood. Jim’s story, so delightfully enacted, encompasses his early friendships and his lifelong fascination with Antonia.

Inclusive of an engagingly supportive cast, “My Antonia“ standouts include Kiki Abba, effervescent in her multiple roles; Jasmine Jean Sim, as the sparkling Lena; and, of course, Nabilah S. Ahmed, as the strong and steadfast Antonia.

This is the perfect season to take a stroll around the gleaming Seattle Center, stop by the bustling Armory for a bite to eat, and take in “My Antonia” at the intimate Seattle Center Book-It Repertory Theatre. Tickets for “My Antonia” are available now through December 30th.

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“No romantic novel ever written in America, by man or woman, is one half so beautiful as My Ántonia.” —H. L. Mencken

Photos by John Ulman 

Delight in “A Holiday Romance” Improv Show at Jet City Improv this December

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The Holiday Romance movie genre is often quirky, cheesy, and predictable. It’s a great foundation for an improv show – taking all the things you love about holiday romances, adding more laughs, and leaving out the predictability.

Jet City’s current long-form improv production of “A Holiday Romance” is excellent, with a stellar cast and director. As one of my pals commented after the show, it makes you want to come back and see it again! The cast rotates roles every night as well (mixing up who will be the two main leads) which adds a freshness to the production. They expect tickets to sell out as we get later in the month. Shows are Thursdays and Fridays through December 21 and special Saturday matinee performances on December 8 and 15, 2018. Discounts available for military, seniors (55+), students, and groups.  Tickets and more info here. 

On a related note, check out the awesome ways that Jet City Improv supports Youth Outreach year round, here. What an awesome organization!

In their own words:

“A Holiday Romance is a schmaltzy, feel-good, over-the-top Rom Com that aims to remind everyone how sometimes you have to stop to smell the hot cocoa and evergreen as you fall in love during the Holiday Season.”

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Photo by Duncan MacDonald

Timeless, popular “Annie” delivers holiday cheer at The 5th Avenue Theatre (now through Dec 30)

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Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

Score your holiday tickets now for “Annie“ at Seattle’s festive 5th Avenue Theatre! This timeless show is on stage in all its splendor now through December 30.

Irresistible and irrepressible Annie – along with her tough and tumble orphaned sidekicks, her delightful dog Sandy, and remaining high-spirited cohorts –  delivers rich holiday cheer. The chemistry between Annie and the other orphans, as they strive to escape Miss Hannigan’s nasty deeds, is awesome. The orphans’ musical number “Fully Dressed” is magical in synchronization and pure fun.

Breathtaking backdrops of New York City are truly beautiful and equally staggering. As Annie (played by the talented Visesia Fakatoufifita the night I saw the production) finds herself in the midst of 1930’s Depression Era Hooverville, the audience is prone to reflect on similar scenarios on the streets of Seattle – all too realistic, yet bringing Annie ever closer to contemporary issues.

The welcoming, flawlessly orchestrated production of “Annie” at The 5th Avenue Theatre is pure joy. The fact that “Annie” remains a timeless powerhouse in audience popularity is no surprise. Accolades to Billie Wildrick’s artistry and sparkle in directing, Kelli Foster Warder’s top-notch choreography, Caryl Fantel ’s awesome music direction, and the dynamic Creative Team. Thank you, 5th Avenue Theatre, for bringing “Annie” back to Seattle!

With rave reviews in mind, you’ll want to reserve your “Annie” tickets before they’re completely sold out. Tickets are available at downtown Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre ticket office and online. Now through December 30th, 2018.

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Photos 1, 2 & 4 by Tracy Martin. Photo 3 by Mark Kitaoka 

Exhilarating, fast-paced “In the Heights” hip-hops its way into the hearts of Seattle Rep audiences (now through December 30)

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Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In the Heights” is riveting Seattle Rep’s audiences with the same powerful punch that “Hamilton” delivered when it played Seattle earlier this year. “Heights” captivating fast pace is a major draw to the success of this production.

Artfully crafted staging allows New York’s Washington Heights’ barrio to spring to life with its engaging characters, colorful street fare, and impressive rooftop orchestra. The musical number “Carnaval Del Barrio” has the audience swaying in their seats to the spirited rhythms of Caribbean-style street dancing. “In the Heights” cast of mesmerizing rap and hip-hop dancers are, undoubtedly, introducing many audience members to a whole new genre of music and theatre. (I’d encourage anyone unfamiliar with “In the Heights” to snag the soundtrack and listen carefully prior to theatre attendance.)

“In the Heights” is extraordinarily timely in its ability to highlight basic needs of all immigrants, regardless of place of origin. As with every generation of newcomers to  American shores, these Latinx artists provide a rare glimpse into their struggles for acceptance, love, dignity, community, and humanity.

“In the Heights” offers up tremendous heart and soul, guaranteeing you truly don’t want to miss this dynamic performance. Tickets for many performances (through December 30) are already selling out so get yours now. 

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Village Theatre’s “Matilda the Musical” personifies Roald Dahl’s high-spirited, funny, magical, and uplifting storytelling

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Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

Matilda the Musical is high-spirited and, in true Roald Dahl style, very funny, magical, and uplifting. Whether you see Matilda at Village Theatre in Issaquah in November or December, or in Everett in January, the experience will move and delight you.

Matilda’s cast of fourteen children, and supporting adults, delivers an action-packed show that charms the audience with its physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding antics.

Nava Ruthfield, as the extraordinary Matilda, is remarkable in her ability to carry the demanding lead role without missing a beat. Chris Ensweiler, as Matilda’s abhorrent father, proves to be the perfect antagonist.

The orchestration is superb in each of the anticipated Matilda numbers. While “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” are standouts, the joy-filled “When I Grow up” is an all-around masterpiece in creativity.

 

Matthew Smucker, Matilda’s Scenic Designer, nails it with delightfully engaging sets. Large cursive alphabet and heavily-laden bookshelves dominate the stage to the amusement of children and adults.

A perfect holiday gift for children of all ages, you may purchase your tickets now for the terrifically zany Matilda. Currently playing at Issaquah’s Village Theatre now through December 30, 2018, Matilda will also play at Everett Performing Arts Center from January 4 through February 3, 2019.

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Photos by Mark Kitaoka