Review: SOLARIS at Book-It Repertory Theatre
One thing that can be said about Book-It Repertory Theatre, Dear Readers, is that they know how to surprise and thrill. Their 2016 productions of “The Brothers K” still live rent free in my head. So, when I heard they were tackling a novel such as Stanislaw Lem’s “Solaris”, currently playing at the Center Theater, I was dubious but excited. Taking on this Sci-Fi/thriller/love story is not an easy thing to do. It’s been attempted many times including a few movies, the most recent in 2002 with George Clooney, but to put the Solaris Space Station up on stage sounded like a stretch. But then, I did say they always surprise, and they did this time, as well as thrill.
Review: THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY at Taproot Theatre
Christmas is a most favorite holiday to many, and the Jane Austen fan base has never been stronger. What could be more perfect than to revive some of Austen’s most beloved characters (and some of her most notorious) in a delightful Christmas setting? THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY is a holiday treat. The production blends the lavish frippery of the Regency era with dollops of modern humor that is sure to please both traditional and contemporary tastes.
BWW Review: TEENAGE DICK at The Seattle Rep
The provocative title, “Teenage Dick”, for the current show at the Seattle Rep is giving some people pause while others just find it hilarious. Yes, I’m sure it’s intentionally provocative to get attention and yes, it’s funny. But it’s just the nickname for the main character, Richard, and he is a teenager, so let’s get the giggles out of our system now. I’ll wait. All good now? OK, Dear Readers, now I can tell you all about this incredible show and how I was left super excited for “Teenage Dick”. Dammit! I guess it wasn’t all out yet.
Seattle Shakespeare Company Presents TROILUS AND CRESSIDA
Classic characters from Homer's The Iliad a?" Hector, Ulysses, Achilles, Ajax, Helen a?" leap to life with the help of Shakespeare's imagination to reveal the follies of war in Troilus and Cressida at Seattle Shakespeare Company. David Quicksall directs the production which begins previews on March 17, opens March 20, and runs through April 12 in the Center Theatre at Seattle Center.
2019 Gypsy Rose Lee Award Winners Announced
Seattle Theater Writers Seattle's theater reviewers circle announces the Winners of Excellence in Seattle theatrical productions. Spanning dozens of theater companies and productions, from large and prominent to small and humble, the Gypsy Rose Lee Awards honor the excellence found across the area.
BWW 2019 Seattle Critic's Choice Awards (Jay's Picks)
Oh my! What a year! We've seen bad-ass gospel singers, lost Jewish plays, mythical towns of excretion and even an octopus wrestler or two. No, those aren't allusions to the crazy theater going on in Washington D.C. but the crazy wonderful theater going on right here in the Seattle area. It was tough coming up with just one winner (or even just a few Honorable Mentions) but I managed to do it a?? for the most part. Plus, some shows that more of you should have seen. (Yes, that's me nagging you all, Dear Readers, to check out more of the smaller or obscure theaters around here.) But what it all comes down to is, we're blessed here in the Northwest with an over-abundance of theatrical riches and I'm so fortunate to be able to share some of my favorites of the year with you with the BWW 2019 Seattle Critic's Choice Awards (Jay's Picks). So, let's get started, shall we?
Photo Flash: 7th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS At Joe's Pub
The seventh annual 'Night Of A Thousand Judys' - the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Sayre - featured the musical talents of two time Tony Award-nominee Christine Andreas (My Fair Lady, Oklahoma!), Nathan Lee Graham (Zoolander, 'LA to Vegas'), Brittain Ashford (The Great Comet of 1812), Matt Doyle (Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon), Julian Fleisher (New York Public Radio), Molly Pope (Cafe Caryle, Adelaide Festival), Kat Cunning (HBO's 'The Deuce,' Company XIV), and Amber Martin (John Cameron Mitchell's The Origin of Love).