Category Archives: Arts Events

Virtual entertainment for you this week

Posted in Arts Events, Free in Seattle, Giveaways & Special Offers, Staying in by

“In solidarity, we distance,” my friend Angelica Kushi shared in her Facebook Live video today. While we’re physically distancing, this is an opportunity for us to socially connect  – online.  We’re staying in (unless we are one of the heroes working a front line job to keep the community alive). We’re keeping ourselves 6 feet or more away from others in the necessary times we do go out. We’re discovering new ways to experience life from indoors. We are voicing and naming our feelings, mitigating our stress and anxiety, and finding the “bright spots” where we can.

It is imperative for our wellbeing, for our own self-care and for our ability to show up for others, that we do things to relax and recharge when we can. Reach out to others and offer support. Be a helper. And prioritize your own self-care too. Take time to breathe deep throughout the day. And find ways to play, explore, and experience delight. Your brain needs you to keep these healthy, play-seeking, gratitude-seeking neuropathways going now more than ever.

I wanted to share a few free virtual events and experiences with you today:

Ebooks and Audiobooks from the Library

Got a library card? Download the Libby app and sign up with your card – you’ll be able to check out ebooks and audiobooks for free. If you need help with the technology, reach out to a friend to walk you through it over the phone (or message me if you don’t have someone to turn to and I’ll pair you with a helper).

See what the Sea Otters are up to

The Seattle Aquarium offers webcams of the Sea Otters and Harbor Seals!

CJ Casson Sea otter at Seattle Aquarium

We Heart “The Stranger” 

The Stranger has collected an awesome list of virtual events for us – check out their full list. This page shares virtual events for tonight/Friday/Saturday/Sunday and ongoing dates. You’ll want to subscribe to get future updates from them.

Free Hypnosis Session

Join me Sunday as I host a free hypnosis session online “Mindful Hands: keep your hands comfortably away from your face.” If you can’t make it Sunday, you’ll be able to watch the replay. Join my free Reframe Your Brain Facebook group here for details. (If you aren’t on FB and want access to this recording, drop me a message at keridwyn.com/contact)

Dance it out 

Dance Church is offering their next fab-energy dance workout event on March 22 at 10am. Free (donations welcome). Live stream will be here. Learn more about Dance Church here. (I’m going to be in an online class at that time but hope to make the next one – not sure what the dates are yet.) If you attend, I want to hear about it!

Reach out to others

Reach out to friends and even acquaintances that may need more connection. Think about which friends who are “distancing in solidarity” and living solo (or with a roommate situation that is tricky for them). Consider what folks of older ages you know and see how they’re doing (maybe ask if they need any support with learning how to video chat or other tech needs you can walk them through on the phone).  Seeing each other’s faces gives us more feelings of connection than just texts or even phone calls. This is the time to connect, as we distance in solidarity.

Angelica Kushi’s Online Yoga Class

My lovely friend Angelica (who I quoted at the top of this post) is hosting a yoga class ($9 suggested or pay what you can) on 3/20 and 3/23 at 9am Pacific Time on Zoom. She’s also offering great rates if you prefer a one-on-one session with her. Details here.

Which Paramount musical in 2020/2021 are YOU most excited for?

Posted in Arts Events by

By Keridwyn Deller

The Paramount and Seattle Theatre Group have announced The 2020/2021 Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount season of musicals! The blogger team here at Seattle Pockets is likely to review most if not all of the shows at the Paramount in downtown Seattle and there are so many we’re looking forward to! Subscription renewals are on sale now and new subscriptions will be available later in March. Details here.

Here’s the lineup, in their own words:

“The season kicks off with the critically acclaimed smash-hit musical THE BAND’S VISIT, featuring the story of a band that arrives lost in a remote town to which they bring new life with their music. This is followed by the Season Option, the joyful show for all ages, BLUE MAN GROUP.

Next, the holiday season gets into gear with IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, a lavish new production and a must-see for the holidays. Then, we ring in the new year with AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS an electrifying story following the Temptations’ extraordinary rise to stardom.

The season continues with Lincoln Center Theater’s new production of a timeless classic musical, LERNER & LOEWE’S MY FAIR LADY, which is followed by another new production of an iconic musical phenomenon, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

Late spring features six weeks of HAMILTON, back by popular demand. Featuring an award-winning creative team and based on the beloved 1990’s hit movie, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL concludes the season.”

I saw Hamilton when it was in town last time and it was phenomenal. I would absolutely go see this again but since my mom, Seattle Pockets reviewer Jeanne Deller, hasn’t had a chance to see it yet, she’ll be sharing her review of the show this time around (Mom and Dad – have a blast! I know you will). 

Beyond Hamilton (the crown jewel of the season and reason alone to get a season subscription), I’m most excited to see Jesus Christ Superstar (one of my favorite musical scores of all time) and Ain’t Too Proud (I love the music of The Temptations and songs of this era and the show looks promising based on this New York Times review). I’m also looking forward to a date night with my hubby to see My Fair Lady as it will fun nostalgia for him. (Fun fact: Brandon played Colonel Pickering in his 8th grade production. Cute!)

What musicals from the Broadway at the Paramount’s season are you most excited to see? What do you know about 2018 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, The Band’s Visit? Post in the blog comments or share in the comments on Seattle Pockets’ Facebook Page. I look forward to hearing from you!

For more information, visit www.STGPresents.org/Broadway.

P.S. I’m also so stoked to see The Play That Goes Wrong in April of this year (part of the 19/20 Season)! I hear great things.

Ook33f1APictured: Ain’t Too Proud. Photo by Matthew Murphy

 

Review: “Bliss” brings a new kind of fairy tale to The 5th Avenue Theater. Now through February 23rd.

Posted in Arts Events by

Review by Melissa Morgan

Make way for Bliss! Fun from the start with catchy tunes and hilarious dialogue, Bliss is a new original tale at The 5th Avenue Theater. It is a delightful, hilarious, and empowering new take on the princess fairy tale. With great costuming, stage design, and music, audiences are left laughing and cheering as the story unfolds.

Bliss centers around four princesses Piper (Gizel Jiménez), Faye (Kristolyn Lloyd), Carmella (Katy Geraghty) and Holly (Claire Neumann) who sneak out of their tower to explore the world. Along the way, they meet Sir Pincus Glimmermore their fairy godfather (Mario Cantone), the handsome Prince Devon (Conor Ryan), a non-magical cobbler Toby (John-Michael Lyles), and a unicorn named Stacy. The cast does a great job of entertaining while exploring what it means to be an empowered woman and a fairy tale princess. The sisters fight, make up, talk to worms instead of small birds, and help others discover that Princesses can be whatever they want along the way.

With a standout cast, great score, and refreshing take on the princess tale, Bliss is sure to be a hit for years to come. At The 5th Avenue Theatre in downtown Seattle now through Feb 23rd, 2020. Get your tickets today!

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Photo via 5th Avenue Theatre Facebook Page

 

Don’t miss the Children’s Film Festival Seattle, returning Feb 27 – March 8, 2020 for its 15th year.

Posted in Arts Events, Kid Friendly by

by Keridwyn Deller

The Children’s Film Festival Seattle is the West Coast’s largest film festival for kids ages 3 – 16. Now in its 15th year, the Children’s Film Festival Seattle is a cinematic extravaganza that celebrates the best and brightest in international films for children, including animation, feature-length films, short films, and hands-on workshops. Each year, Northwest Film Forum selects children’s films from dozens of countries, reaching more than 10,000 people during festival screenings in Seattle and a subsequent festival tour of 20-25 U.S. cities.

Tickets and full schedule at http://childrensfilmfestival.org

Going to the Children’s Film Festival Seattle has been a tradition in my family for many years now, with my mom and dad taking their youngest granddaughter (who is now 13 and looks forward to this each year) to multiple movies during one of the film fest’s weekends. I invite you to start your own tradition this year, by taking the kiddos in your life (whether it’s your own kids, nieces and nephews, or family friends). Know friends who have kids? Please share this blog post with them to help get the word out about this special festival.

The films from around the world that the Children’s Film Festival Seattle includes in their lineup are both affordable and incredibly memorable.

I asked my mom to send me her thoughts on the film festival. She wrote, “The Children’s Film Festival Seattle is one of those events we never miss. Fun, stimulating, thought-provoking international films that raise awareness and benefit humanity across the globe. The Children’s Film Festival Seattle is our most treasured yearly Christmas gift for our now-teen granddaughter.”

Learn more about the Children’s Film Festival on their website and Facebook page.

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In their own words:

FEATURE FILM HIGHLIGHTS
In addition to live-action features such as “H is for Happiness,” a quirky and funny new drama from Australia, and “Rocca Changes the World,” about a young German girl who will stop at nothing to prove her independence, the following feature film programs are especially of note:

MOVING STORIES (U.S.)
Friday, February 28 – 7:00pm at Northwest Film Forum
Moving Stories, a feature film for ages 9+, tells the story of six diverse dancers from an acclaimed New York dance company, which travels the world working with at-risk youth. The film is a travelogue of world issues, with stops in Romania, South Korea, Iraq, and Israel, but it is also a gripping show-business saga, showing both novice and professional dancers working against the odds to get their performances ready in time for the curtain. The film will be preceded by an interactive and all-ages audience dance experience, leading the audience from our lobby into the theater.  WATCH THE TRAILER

TEAM MARCO (U.S.)
West Coast Premiere w/ filmmakers in attendance!
Directed by Julio Vincent Gambuto, Team Marco the story of an 11-year-old boy obsessed with electronics — who discovered the delights of real-time companionship with his father, as he introduces him to the bocce, one of the world’s oldest games.

THE KINGS OF MULBERRY STREET (South Africa)
West Coast Premiere!
This debut feature from South African director Judy Naidoo is a high energy romp through the fictional neighborhood of Sugarhill District, in South Africa. The film’s heroes are two boys of Indian heritage who are in love with Bollywood — and find echoes of that film genre’s dramatic and musical plots in their own lives as they confront a crime boss in their tight-knit neighborhood. WATCH THE TRAILER

ZARA AND THE MAGICAL FOOTBALL BOOTS (The Netherlands)
Presented in partnership with CAIR-WA
A high-energy film that tells the story of Zara, a nine-year-old girl in an asylum seeker’s refugee camp, who discovers an otherworldly way to play soccer like a pro. Outside of its well-known lead actors, the cast is made up of children who live in asylum centers in The Netherlands.  WATCH THE TRAILER

MICROPLASTIC MADNESS (U.S.)
A documentary feature that shows the passion of young people to fight climate change and protect the environment. It follows a fifth-grade classroom from Red Hook, New York, as they learn from experts about the threat of microplastics in the world’s oceans, and become dedicated activists working to reverse a very complicated and environmental threat. WATCH THE TRAILER
SHORT FILM PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
23 amazing programs of short animated and live-action films feature bold thematic content that foster dialogue around current issues such as global migration (“Borders, Boundaries and Home”, co-presented with CAIR-WA), the environment ( “For the Planet” and “Earthwise”), and LGBTQ issues and identity (“Rainbow Roar,” co-presented with Gay City). Programs for our youngest festival audiences members will include gentle and often humorous animation in such programs as “Icing on the Cake,” “Caleidoscope,” promoting the ideals of friendship, empathy and understanding.

Review: For a thought-provoking and often quirky glimpse into the perils of catastrophic decision-making, don’t miss “The Children” at Seattle Rep.

Posted in Arts Events by

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Rife with tension and off-beat humor, “The Children” confronts a generational dilemma facing three distressed scientists. Lucy Kirkwood, Playwright, and Tim Bond, Director, have tackled one of today’s toughest, most monumental issues and brought it to the stage with a cast of convincingly strong characters.

With his usual dynamic on-stage flair, Seattle’s R. Hamilton Wright wins the audience over in his role as Robin, a man who steals away daily to tend his cows after an environmental disaster. His wife Hazel, played by Jeanne Paulsen, embraces the home front to avoid catastrophic realities on the outside.  Enter Rose, played by Carmen Roman, and you have a convoluted narrative of triangulation amid decades of monumental decision-making gone wrong.

While “The Children” speaks clearly to those who are acutely aware of a “looming climate crisis” (Director Tim Bond’s words), many fail to understand or admit that our children’s future is fraught with disaster if we continue on the familiar path. One can only hope this subtle, yet extremely complex production will travel far and wide to raise awareness of the need to act quickly. Accolades to Seattle Rep for bringing this topic to their stage – may they profoundly enlighten the Universe!

“The Children” is currently on stage at Seattle Rep, running through March 15th, 2020, for your enlightenment. Tickets here.

Screenshot 2020-02-14 at 9.40.20 AM

Photo by Nate Watters 

Review: Disney’s “FROZEN” renders Seattle’s Paramount Theatre audience spellbound!

Posted in Arts Events by

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Spectacular in every way, Disney’s “FROZEN” is one splendid spectacle for all to behold. Young and old alike are mesmerized by this truly superior compilation of talent, staging, music, costuming, choreography, and so much more, now at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle. Magic is in the air from the moment you enter the theatre and far beyond the spontaneous standing ovation. A phrase that perpetually comes to mind is pure joy.

As royal sisters Elsa (played by the boldly dynamic Caroline Bowman) and Anna (played by the perfectly impish Caroline Innerbichler) are entrapped in intrigue and high adventure, the audience is gifted with a journey through the most exquisite Winter Wonderland one might possibly imagine. 

Beyond exquisite is a thoroughly bewitching transformation of Elsa’s attire and surroundings, drawing gasps and cheers from the spellbound audience. Highest praise goes to Christopher Oram, Scenic and Costume Designer, for this enchanting, live, on-stage achievement. 

Magical merriment for the very youngest crowd (and all, of course) are reindeer Sven (played by the nimble Evan Strand) and snowman Olaf (played by the dexterous F. Michael Haymie). What a cast! What a production! Every bit of this beautifully orchestrated stage production stole the hearts of most, if not all, of the rapturous crowd fortunate enough to take it in. 

This unparalleled production of “FROZEN” is on stage at The Paramount Theatre in Seattle, now through March 1st, 2020. You don’t want to miss out on this purely joyful event – tickets on sale now.

Screenshot 2020-02-12 at 9.45.59 AM

Photo by Deen van Meer

“FROZEN” features the songs you know and love from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new musical numbers.

 

Classical Music Lovers: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Emerald City Music & The Aizuri Quartet

Posted in Arts Events by

Emerald City Music is “Seattle’s home for eclectic, intimate, and awesome classical music experiences. Deemed “the beacon for the casual-classical movement” (CityArts), ECM hosts world-renowned musicians in an open bar, chic downtown SLU concert setting.”

Emerald City Music is offering three upcoming performances in February, March & May. I’m gifting my parents a Valentine’s Day present to see “The Aizuri Quartet: 2019 Grammy Nominees” on February 14.  Tickets here.

Details about The Aizuri Quartet: 2019 Grammy Nominees, in their own words:

February 14, 2020 (8pm)

415 Westlake, Seattle

The Aizuri Quartet has taken the classical music scene by storm, garnering top prizes at the prestigious M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition (2018) and receiving a Grammy nomination for their album, Blueprinting.

Antonín Dvořák Selections from Cypresses

Lembit Beecher These Memories May Be True

Rhiannon Giddens At the Purchaser’s Option

Jean Sibelius String Quartet, “Voces Intimae”

Komitas Vartabed Armenian Folk Songs (selections)

Each selection of the program is used to carefully craft a heartfelt letter addressed to the space deeply nestled within our hearts, minds, and memories we call “home.” Intimate love songs by Dvořák (arranged for string quartet) and the nostalgic, soulful folk songs by Armenian composer Komitas Vartabed serve as bookends for the program, each containing a deep expression of homeland. Beecher’s These Memories May Be True was inspired by fragments of Estonian culture, songs and stories passed down to him by his grandmother that create, according to the composer, a “sense of something beautiful that has been lost in the wash of time.” Rhiannon Giddens depicts the visceral tragedy of a young woman and her child being sold as slaves in her work “At the Purchaser’s Option,” and is juxtaposed by Sibelius’ expression of psychological anguish and longing for serenity in “Voces Intimae.” Tickets here.

“a quartet of expert collaborators, who cogently traverse a range of repertoire staples and modern works.” – New York Times

ecm

—

Future Emerald City Music shows include “Evolution” on March 27 and “What You Are To Me” On May 1.

“EVOLUTION follows the significant thread of influence and development of the keyboard throughout the history of Western classical music. Featuring the harpsichord, piano, and the modern-day synthesizer, this evening is packed full of both iconic and eclectic keyboard tunes, offering a unique journey from the Renaissance to the minimalism of the 20th century with Jeremy Jordan, Henry Kramer, Vicky Chow, and Kenneth Weiss as your guides. J

 

WHAT YOU ARE TO ME is “A landmark collaboration between three national arts organizations, the season finale features a world-premiere by Philadelphia-based composer Patrick Castillo bookended by three decidedly unique gems of the chamber music library. Bohuslov MARTINU Variations on a theme by Rossini for cello and piano Sergei PROKOFIEV Sonata for two violins Patrick CASTILLO Winter Light (world premiere) Erich KORNGOLD Suite for two violins, cello, and piano left hand WHAT YOU ARE TO ME, the final installment of Season Four, is a collection of works that give voice to ideas of displacement, existential doubt within difficult socio-political climates, and the tragedy of conflict and war. Martinu’s usage of a theme from Moses in Egypt for his Variations is perhaps apropos to his own exodus from war-torn Europe to the United States in 1942. Prokofiev’s Sonata for two violins represents the composer wrestling with acquiescence to the political forces of the Soviet Union and maintaining an individual voice. Inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s film Winter Light (1963), Castillo’s world-premiere explores similar existential questions and spiritual doubt in the face of a fraught socio-political climate.

More details about Emerald City Music on their website, emeraldcitymusic.org.

Two giveaways, help the koalas, network for free, and the musings of a Seattle bus driver (Weekly Pocket Roundup)

Posted in Arts Events, Charity / Benefit, Free in Seattle, Networking Events, Staying in by

By Keridwyn Deller

Welcome to another Weekly Pocket Roundup,  a potpourri of events, experiences, giveaways, things to do while staying in, and other quality content.

YES, it’s time for another movie ticket giveaway! Keep reading to discover how you can easily enter to win two tickets to see a movie at Pacific Place this February.

Speaking of giveaways – how about a Burlesque giveaway?!

Some of the very best comedic burlesque performers are coming to The Triple Door this February (13-16, to be exact) for J’ADORE! A Burlesque Valentine! Re-imagined every year, this is a delightful way to your valentine’s day weekend. I’ve taken dates and friends to this show over the years…get your pals together and go! They are hosting a giveaway right now (you can enter on their Facebook post and Instagram post). P.S. Cherdonna is in the show!

Auction items for Australia:

An awesome woman named Jill Gallagher is hosting auctions on Facebook to raise money for Australian organizations Red Cross and Wires to help with the devastation from the fires. Thanks to my pal Rachel Miller for sharing this group with me. You can check it out and bid on what you want here.  P.S. I love online auctions for good causes!

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Shows I’ve been enjoying lately:

I hear “The Good Place” has it’s series finale episode happening soon. If you haven’t checked this comedy out yet, start with season 1 episode 1 and give it a couple episodes. It’s delightful and clever. I also enjoyed the weirdness that is “John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch.” Not all of the numbers were my cup of tea but those that were are worthy of a rewatch. Thanks for being weird, John. P.S. JustWatch is a site/app that makes it easy to discover where the shows and movies you want to see are currently streaming.

A blog from a Seattle bus driver:

Shout out to Seattle bus driver Eric who not only gets us around town safely but also shares his stories on his blog Transit Transient and Other Stories. Check out his blog and enjoy a unique perspective of the city and the people on the bus.  Thanks for submitting my blog via my contact form, Eric and for the care you give our community through your work. P.S. I’m so grateful for my Metro bus route that gets me from home to my office!

Free networking event:

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free event on February 18, 2020: Level Up Your Networking Game. Details here. In their own words: “Join us at the next Elevate NW Series for a “Networkshop”, led by Alan Alabastro, photographer and networking expert. He’ll go over the basic dos and don’ts in making new business connections and offer advice on how to follow up afterward. Plus, you’ll have a chance to try out these tips in real-time, as you hone your skills with other attendees.” P.S. I’ll be at a Hypnotherapy conference in Vegas – but you should go!

Ready to enter to win two movie tickets to see The Photograph at Pacific Place in downtown Seattle?

I’m giving away three pairs of tickets to see The Photograph at AMC Pacific Place at 7pm on February 12, 2020.  Enter via the form here (plus you can get bonus entries on my Facebook post). Three winners will win a pair of tickets each!

About the film:

When famed photographer Christina Eames unexpectedly dies, she leaves her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Issa Rae) hurt, angry and full of questions. When a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box is found, Mae finds herself on a journey delving into her mother’s early life and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with a rising-star journalist, Michael Block (LaKeith Stanfield).

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmicB3J1emw

P.S. The seats at AMC Pacific Place are adjustable and so comfortable!

Photograph_contest_

Got something for me to consider for a future Seattle Pockets post or round up? Contact me here. I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via my contact form about what you’d like me to cover in the future or giveaway, whether it’s your own business, event, or product, or simply something you’re a fan of.  

Movie & Airbnb Giveaway + books, songs & parties (Weekly Pocket Roundup)

Posted in Arts Events, Giveaways & Special Offers, Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

It’s time for a Weekly Pocket Roundup. This is a potpourri of events, experiences, giveaways, things to do while staying in, and other content you can enjoy.

GIVEAWAY! Movie passes and an Airbnb gift card:

Enter to win two tickets to Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island (for any Regal movie theatre in the Seattle area during the run-of-engagement) and a $50 travel gift card for Airbnb. About the movie: From the producer of Get Out and Halloween, Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island stars Michael Pena, Maggie Q, and Lucy Hale. I hear that this movie turns the idea of “be careful what you wish for” on its head. Will the movie’s vacation winners uncover the island’s secrets? Only in theatres, starting February 14, 2020. Enter to win, here.

blum

FICTION book I read recently:

 

I love the feeling of being obsessed with a good book/audiobook. “The Power” by Naomi Alderman likely bumped something out of my Top 20 Fiction Booklist. It is not for the faint of heart (violent scenes are described in detail) but if you can handle that, I highly recommend it: fans of The Handmaid’s Tale, science fiction, and/or dystopian novels will likely enjoy this book).  The audiobook reader, Adjoa Andoh, is a perfect match for this story. It. Is. Intense. And good enough to make me skip watching TV or listening to podcasts during my downtime because I just wanted to dive back into the story. Check out the book description on Goodreads and my full review on Instagram.

Screenshot 2020-01-23 at 5.29.15 PM

Photo (used with permission) by @booksonblue

NON-FICTION book I read recently:

 

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” is written by twins Emily & Amelia Nagoski. Like most self-help books, this is packed with lots of story examples (I’m more of a get-to-the-point-and-give-me-some-tools sort of reader, but I understand other folks love more storytelling as they learn). There are many concepts in this book that I look forward to applying to my life and sharing with my clients and the Reframe Your Brain group. Some of the book was review for me (re-learning is also an important part of my personal journey) and some of the concepts and advice were new to me. While I wasn’t blown away by every section – or rather, I should say, not every section was about something I could relate to –  as a whole I found reading this book incredibly valuable and am grateful to the authors for writing it. I’ve already started to change some habits and add some new practices in my life based on advice from this book. Check out the book on Goodreads. 

PARTY at the museum this Friday at Burke NiteLife: EARTH

 

This Friday, Jan 23, 2020, in their own words: “Get a close-up look at our planet at this rockin’ after-hours party!  Chat with Burke experts about minerals that sparkle and shine, mushrooms that make our soils, spiders that burrow, and more. Feel the ground move under your feet with live music from DJ Phenohype. Enjoy a cocktail by Westland Distillery (on the rocks of course).  Mingle with and see performances by drag artists Cranberry, Kylie Mooncake, Noona Kween, Rylee Raw, and Sir Killer Bunny. Make an EARTH-inspired woven ring with CHamoru artist Roquin Siongco. and more! Enjoy themed cocktails (on the rocks – get it?) by Westland Distillery, beer by Two Beers Brewing Co., cider from Seattle Cider Company, and hard seltzer from Sound Seltzer.” Tickets here.

New SONG I’m listening to:

 

“Seams” by Peitho. A lovely local friend has launched her first single, “Seams.”  I’m so thrilled and inspired by Peitho for achieving this goal! The single is available on Spotify, Deezer, iHeartradio, Google Play, Youtube, Amazon Music, and will soon be on iTunes.

More about Peitho: “Peitho is an artist native to the Pacific Northwest. She was classically trained to perform on stage at the University of Washington, has performed in several operas, and toured in Hungary and Latvia. Eventually, she was seduced by electronic music, drawn to trip-hop and dream pop aesthetics. She is excited to begin this new project and share it with you.”

 

Peitho

What else I’m up to:

If you haven’t checked out my free Reframe Your Brain group on Facebook, join us today! I share articles and advice to support you on your journey as you improve your mindset and mental and emotional wellness. Not on Facebook (or trying to use it less)? Contact me at keridwyn.com/contact and I’ll hook you up with a non-social-media option to access the content.

Wishing you a week full of pockets of joy,

Keridwyn

P.S. Let me know with a comment, message, or Facebook message what you think about the Weekly Roundup Pocket format for posts! I also accept submissions if you have content you want me to consider sharing in a future roundup. I love hearing from you.

Review: The high-spirited cast of Village Theatre’s charming “She Loves Me” delivers heart and levity

Posted in Arts Events by

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Village Theatre’s adaptation of “She Loves Me,” fully encapsulated in a flawlessly charming set, delivers anticipated heart and levity with its artful, high-spirited cast. 

Upon perusal of Village’s ‘encore 50’ program, you’ll find fun facts beginning with ‘5 Shows You Didn’t Know Are Based on the Same Story.’  Many theatre aficionados, without doubt, are well aware of the fact that “She Loves Me” and the movie “You’ve Got Mail” are pretty much one and the same. Most, however, are unaware that this endearing tale came to life in 1937, under the title “Parfumerie.” Trust Village Theatre to enhance your knowledge of theatrical tidbits – you’ll find the “encore 50” discussion most informative. 

While “She Loves Me” saunters somewhat leisurely through Act I, it escalates with lightning speed in Act II. Allison Standley (as Amalia) and Eric Ankrim (as Georg) are deliciously delirious in portraying the muddle their characters find themselves in the number “Where’s My Shoe?” On the heels of “Where’s My Shoe,” Ms. Stanley raises the bar even higher in Amalia’s “Vanilla Ice Cream” antics. Taryn Darr (as Ilona Ritter) gives a delightfully endearing performance with “A Trip to the Library.”

Village Theatre’s “She Loves Me” orchestra is superb, period costumes are remarkably spot-on, rousing dance numbers are amazingly clever, versatile, and thoroughly engaging . . . this production is clearly a winner in every way.

Perfectly orchestrated for families (though maybe a tad slow for young children), “She Loves Me” promises an invigorating night of musical theatre for teens, in-betweens, parents, and (of course!) grandparents. On stage at Issaquah Village Theatre now through February 23, and Everett Performing Arts Center from February 28 through March 22, 2020.

“She Loves Me” tickets are available here.

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