BWW Reviews: Balagan and SMT's URINETOWN Sets an Almost Perfect Tone
If you're going to go after a quirky, off kilter show such as "Urinetown", you need to go for the over-stylized melodrama aspect of it or don't even bother. Well Balagan Theatre has never been one to shy away from that "go big or go home" mentality and their current co-production with Seattle Musical Theatre is no exception. But as over the top as it is, it just doesn't quite reach the heights of satire in some places to really push the show into the realm of sardonic gold.
Balagan Theatre and Seattle Musical Theatre Co-Produce URINETOWN, Now thru 8/24
The heads of Balagan Theatre heard that Seattle Musical Theatre (SMT) also had Urinetown in their season and reached out to the heads of SMT to create a partnership that would be more beneficial for both theaters and for the theatre community. With this in mind, Balagan is shifting their scheduled Urinetown production from September to August, to allow for a Co-Production with Seattle Musical Theatre. Balagan is thrilled to add SMT to their season co-producers. This joint production of Urinetown will take place at SMT's theater at Magnuson Park.
Balagan Theatre and Seattle Musical Theatre to Co-Produce URINETOWN, 8/8-24
The heads of Balagan Theatre heard that Seattle Musical Theatre (SMT) also had Urinetown in their season and reached out to the heads of SMT to create a partnership that would be more beneficial for both theaters and for the theatre community. With this in mind, Balagan is shifting their scheduled Urinetown production from September to August, to allow for a Co-Production with Seattle Musical Theatre. Balagan is thrilled to add SMT to their season co-producers. This joint production of Urinetown will take place at SMT's theater at Magnuson Park.
Balagan Theatre's 2014-15 Season to Feature Gasparini & Brightman's MAKE ME BAD, MURDER BALLAD & More
On the heels of its critically acclaimed world premier new musical ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME by Valerie Vigoda, Brendan Millburn and Tony winner Joe DiPietro and directed by Obie Winner Lisa Peterson, Seattle's Balagan Theatre Company announces its 2014/15 season. Balagan's upcoming season reflects the past, present, and future of the new American musical and continues its mission in bringing exciting cutting edge theatre to a new generation of theatre goers.
BWW Reviews: Balagan's LES MISERABLES Has Laudable Moments But Lacked Some Power
I must be honest here; Balagan Theatre putting on a production of Les Mis already has two hurdles to overcome before I even set foot in the door. First that it's Les Mis. It's a monumental undertaking and one of my favorite shows and I'm incredibly picky about it. And two, it's Balagan and with their recent track record I expect great things. So before I even enter the theater I already have some impossibly high standards for the production. And while there were definitely some superb moments on that stage (many in fact) there were also some glaring drawbacks that kept the show from meeting or even exceeding those standards.
Emma Hunton, Molly Ranson & More Set for PUMP UP THE VOLUME Workshop Today
Veteran film and theatre producer Sandy Stern, with Louis Hobson, Jake Groshong and Katie Tomlinson Diamond of Seattle's Balagan Theatre, will present a closed workshop performance today, July 12, of Jeff Thomson and Jeremy Desmon's new rock musical Pump up the Volume, directed by Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies,South Pacific) and Dave Solomon, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli and music direction by James Sampliner (Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer).
Photo Flash: Outrageous and Offensive Hilarity in Balagan's THANKSKILLING
Jeff Thompson, Jordan Mann and Balagan Theatre should be ashamed of themselves as last night they opened Balagan's New Works Summer Series with Thompson and Mann's musical horror spoof "Thankskilling" based on the indie horror film of the same name. It was crude, lowbrow, crass, offensive … and one of the funniest things I've seen in awhile.
Alice Ripley, Kendra Kassebaum to Lead Balagan Theatre's CARRIE in Seattle this October
Balagan also announced a trio of Broadway powerhouse artists for Carrie: The Musical: Alice Ripley, Kendra Kassebaum, and Keaton Whittaker as Carrie. Ripley is best known for her Tony Award-winning turn as Diana Goodman in Next to Normal; Kassebaum was the first to replace Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda in Wicked; and young local actor Keaton Whittaker starred alongside Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones in A Little Night Music.
Alice Ripley & Jinkx Monsoon Headline Balagan Theatre's Free Season Preview Party Tonight
Balagan Theatre will introduce the 2013-2014 mainstage season with a free community celebration, tonight, June 10, 7:30pm at the Moore Theatre, featuring America's Next Drag Superstar, Jinkx Monsoon (also known in Seattle as musical actor Jerick Hoffer), and Broadway star and Tony Award winner Alice Ripley, best known for creating the role of Diana Goodman in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal.
Alice Ripley & Jinkx Monsoon to Headline Balagan Theatre's Free Season Preview Party, 6/10
Balagan Theatre will introduce the 2013-2014 mainstage season with a free community celebration, Monday, June 10, 7:30pm at the Moore Theatre, featuring America's Next Drag Superstar, Jinkx Monsoon (also known in Seattle as musical actor Jerick Hoffer), and Broadway star and Tony Award winner Alice Ripley, best known for creating the role of Diana Goodman in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal.