Anne Allgood News

OK, so we'll start off with the fact that it's an Arthur Miller piece. One of the greatest storytellers of our time and ACT's current production of "The Price" is a shining example of that. But add into the genius of Miller a killer set, sizzlingly intense pacing and a stunner of a cast and ACT has an absolute winner of a show that deserves to be seen and savored.

Two estranged brothers who haven't spoke in sixteen years are forced to come together to settle their late father's estate. In the attic of a New York brownstone scheduled for demolition, two men whose lives have taken different paths attempt to resolve their father's holdings and reconcile a past rife with conflicting family histories. Nominated for two Tony Awards including Best Play, The Price is one of Arthur Miller's masterpieces examining the worth of family loyalty in a powder keg of resentment and animosity.

Because I couldn't be limited to just five, here are the top SIX theatrical endeavors happening this summer in Seattle that have me a little giddy.

Two estranged brothers who haven't spoke in sixteen years are forced to come together to settle their late father's estate. In the attic of a New York brownstone scheduled for demolition, two men whose lives have taken different paths attempt to resolve their father's holdings and reconcile a past rife with conflicting family histories. Nominated for two Tony Awards including Best Play, The Price is one of Arthur Miller's masterpieces examining the worth of family loyalty in a powder keg of resentment and animosity.

Arizona Theatre Company presents the Arizona premiere of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Drama finalist and Broadway hit Other Desert Cities, a story of family relationships and deep, dark secrets meant to stay buried, at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, from tonight, Feb. 13 through March 2.

A Contemporary Theatre single tickets go on sale to the public for all 2014 Mainstage shows February 12, 2014. ACT is offering 50% off of adult price tickets for previews of Bethany one-week only February 12-18.

Arizona Theatre Company presents the Arizona premiere of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Drama finalist and Broadway hit Other Desert Cities, a story of family relationships and deep, dark secrets meant to stay buried, at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, from Feb. 13 through March 2.

Holy Crap! That's really the most emphatic sentiment I can use to describe the internal battles I had when trying to pick my top picks for this past year. There were so many amazing performances and achievements that to pick just one was almost an impossibility (and as you'll see, WAS an impossibility for one category). But the battle is over and it's my distinct pleasure to announce my picks for the 2013 Broadway World Seattle Critic's Choice Awards (or Jay's Picks, if you prefer).

ACT - A Contemporary Theatre welcomes Sir Alan Ayckbourn to direct an entirely local cast for the American premiere of his play Sugar Daddies at ACT, now playing through November 3, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights below!

Sir Alan Ayckbourn certainly knows how to bring rich and complex characters to life and then set them spinning to hilarious ends and his current production of "Sugar Daddies", making it's American Premiere at ACT, is no exception. And while it could use some trimming, he gives us a sobering yet funny look at how nothing comes without a price.

ACT - A Contemporary Theatre welcomes Sir Alan Ayckbourn to direct an entirely local cast for the American premiere of his play Sugar Daddies at ACT this October.

I hope you will indulge me, Dear Reader, as I will not be reviewing the current production of "The Pirates of Penzance" at the 5th Avenue Theatre. Instead let's call this what it is, a thank you letter to the remarkable cast and crew at the 5th Avenue for infusing a musical theater classic with such heart, fun, humor, talent and beauty that even a diehard fan of the show found himself leaving the theater with a huge grin on his face and a renewed love for the piece. (I'm referring to myself, of course.)

Today's 'New Day NW' in Seattle welcomed Brandon O'Neill, Anne Allgood and Hunter Ryan Herdlicka from The 5th Avenue Thatre's Gilbert & Sullivan classic THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. The trio performed the song 'Matter Patter', then joined guest host Kim Holcomb to chat about the production. Click below to watch the segment!

The 5th Avenue Theatre is thrilled to announce that pirates will be invading the historic stage for four hilarious weeks of performances this summer in Gilbert & Sullivans The Pirates of Penzance. This tuneful classic first set sail from New York's Fifth Avenue Theatre on Broadway more than 130 years ago, and 40 major revivals later, it arrives in Seattle with a Pacific Northwest twist. DirectorJames Rocco will take the helm of the all-new production, which he is setting in British Columbia. This cheeky farce features a boatload of Seattle's favorite performers.

ACT - A Contemporary Theatre announces that Sir Alan Ayckbourn has selected an entirely local cast for the American premiere of his play Sugar Daddies at ACT this October.

They just don't make good door slammer farces like they used to. Perhaps we've lost the sensibilities to come up with new ideas that make these tales of mistaken identity, concealed trysts and ridiculous characters funny. But luckily we still have old chestnuts like "Boeing Boeing", currently playing at the Seattle Rep, and people like director Allison Narver who understand what it takes to bring these tales to life and make them gut-bustingly funny.

The 5th Avenue Theatre presents its new production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man, a loving valentine to musical theater, now playing through March 10. Check out the video below of 'Lida Rose.'

Seattle Theater Writers, a critics' circle of local theater writers and reviewers, today announces the 2012 slate of nominees of the second annual Gypsy Rose Lee Awards, theater awards devoted to recognizing excellence across the economic spectrum of professional Seattle theaters.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is thrilled to announce the cast for its glorious new production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man, a loving valentine to musical theater. The 5th's exuberant staging features a cast of 29 adults and 16 children, not to mention a full 20-piece orchestra, bringing this musical masterpiece to booming brassy life with the full force and excitement of a parade. Seattle native and seasoned Broadway pro Noah Racey returns home to star as Professor Harold Hill alongside Laura Griffith as Marian (the librarian) Paroo singing such celebrated songs as "Til There Was You," "Seventy Six Trombones," and "Ya Got Trouble." This all-star cast also features a host of Seattle's finest actors, including Anne Allgood, Jeff Steitzer, Laura Kenny, Richard Gray, Darragh Kennan, Joshua Feinsilber, and many others.

On the chance that you only read the first few sentences of my review of "Ramayana", currently playing at ACT, let me just say this right at the start. Go see this show! Hire the babysitter, arrive early (to catch the awesome Indian bazaar in the lobby), and prepare yourself for one of the most glorious and magical evenings I've had in the theater for quite awhile as ACT Theatre presents an exquisite and epic tale that mesmerizes from beginning to end.