Jay Irwin - Page 54

The Seattle Rep comes full circle in their relationship with the work of August Wilson by remounting the first Wilson play they produced back in 1986, "Fences". And the show, now celebrating it's 25th anniversary, shows no sign of age or waning relevance.

Seattle's Intiman Theatre continues it's hit and miss streak with a definite miss with Clifford Odets' depression era epic, "Paradise Lost". But after seeing this production I think it should have been titled "Two and a half hours Lost".

Seattle Shakes is currently presenting one of William Shakespeare's more lighthearted ventures, the fun and goofy "Two Gentlemen of Verona". And while Shakespeare's comedies don't always broaden one's horizons (culturally speaking) you're sure to have a totally awesome time with this one, dude.

Village Theatre is presenting the world premiere of the new musical "The Gypsy King" on their mainstage. And while the show could do with a little tightening, it's a charming, witty and above all FUN throwback to the musicals of the 40's and 50's.

The Parmount has once again brought Kander and Ebb's killer musical "Chicago" here to Seattle. So how many times do we really need to see this show? Apparently one more time if this is the production!

The 5th Avenue Theatre has brought Heather Hach, Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin's musical adaptation of the Reese Witherspoon movie, "Legally Blonde" to their stages. And while this is not the best production of the show I've seen, it certainly gets snaps for bringing the fun.

The Seattle Rep is presenting David Mamet's viscously funny and hard edged masterpiece "Glengarry Glen Ross" directed by Wilson Milam. And with the level of talent up on the stage and behind it, it's no wonder the Rep has yet another hit on their hands.

Showtunes presented a one night only concert Saturday night which not only showcased highlights from their previous shows as well as from upcoming productions but also announced their collaboration with Broadway Across America and Seattle Theater Group. In addition they also debuted for Seattle audiences in their new performing home of The Moore Theatre in Downtown Seattle.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is presenting the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "South Pacific". This 2008 Tony and Drama Desk award winning revival comes direct from it's continuing run on Broadway and is directed by Seattle favorite Bartlett Sher (who was one of the aforementioned award winners). So with all that in it's favor, it's surprising that the show did not wow. It's good but not great.

An up and coming actor in the Seattle area, 27-year old Trick Danneker (Patrick Francis Danneker) not only knows a lot about theater and conveying a character on stage but is also your average American guy who loves baseball, movies and Coca-Cola. I was lucky enough to sit down with Trick and talk with him about his life, his career and his current role in The Seattle Rep's 'Speech and Debate.'

Neil Simon's classic coming of age story "Lost in Yonkers" is currently playing at Village Theatre in Issaquah. And while the show may be a little tired, there are certainly some wonderful performances in this production.

The Seattle Repertory Theatre is presenting "Speech and Debate", the new play from Stephen Karam. And let me just say that the Rep has not only once again produced a solid hit but continues to produce shows that are entertaining, accessible and memorable across all ages and walks of life.

Seattle's Paramount Theatre is currently presenting the US tour of "Xanadu". And let me tell you the show is stupid, ridiculous, pointless, over the top and has no redeeming value what so ever. And boy will you have a good time at it!

Seattle Shakespeare Company is presenting the bloody Greek tragedy "Electra" by Sophocles and adapted by Frank McGuinness. And let me tell you the tragedy here is most certainly not the quality of the production.

Village Theatre is serving the stage version of that Hollywood classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis" for the holiday season and it is a wholesome good time for the whole family.

Once again Irving Berlin's holiday classic "White Christmas" comes off the silver screen and to life on stage. But there's no need to go see the New York production when you can see the 5th Avenue's wonderful production right here in Seattle.

ACT has once again brought back everyone's favorite Sister from their popular "Late Nite Catechisms" for the newest installment for the holidays, "Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold". And the Sister has never been funnier.

The Seattle Shakespeare Company is currently presenting the often performed "Twelfth Night" by, of course, William Shakespeare. The show itself suffers from the curse of being done all too often so unless it's done incredibly well or with some new and interesting angle, it comes across as just OK. Unfortunately the latter is more the case here.

Once again Irving Berlin's holiday classic "White Christmas" comes off the silver screen and to life on stage. But there's no need to go see the New York production when you can see the 5th Avenue's wonderful production right here in Seattle.

Village Theatre is serving the stage version of that Hollywood classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis" for the holiday season and it is a wholesome good time for the whole family.