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 Review: Not much Sticks in Seattle Shakespeare Company's THE RIVALS
While viewing the opening night of Seattle Shakespeare Company's production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's a?oeThe Rivalsa??, one old adage kept springing to mind. a?oeThrow it against the wall and see if it sticks.a?? Well, aside from a few standout performances, not much stuck. But that wasn't from lack of trying as director George Mount seemed to throw everything but the kitchen sink at that wall whether it fit within the play or not.
Photo Flash: THE RIVALS At Seattle Shakespeare Company
Duels, dandies, deceptions, and dudes with daddy issues stir up a comic frenzy in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's witty gem The Rivals at Seattle Shakespeare Company. George Mount directs the production which begins previews on Jan. 7, opens Jan. 10 and runs through Feb. 2 at the Center Theatre at Seattle Center.
THE RIVALS Announced At Seattle Shakespeare Company
Duels, dandies, deceptions, and dudes with daddy issues stir up a comic frenzy in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's witty gem The Rivals at Seattle Shakespeare Company. George Mount directs the production which begins previews on Jan. 7, opens Jan. 10 and runs through Feb. 2 at the Center Theatre at Seattle Center.
BWW Review: Seattle Public's World Premiere FIRE SEASON Crackles with Honest Vulnerability
Seattle Public Theater is currently offering a play you've probably never heard of, "Fire Season". And you've never heard of "Fire Season" because it's a World Premiere having been written by author Aurin Squire under the auspices of having won the inaugural Emerald Prize, Seattle Public Theater's new play award. So yes, "Fire Season" is a brand-new play that you've probably never heard of … but you need to.
BWW Review: ACT Negotiates a Stunningly Solid Piece with OSLO
In 1993 a few Norwegian politicians managed the impossible, to get the Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate a peace. What sounds even more impossible is that they all kept it secret. Now this may not sound like the riveting topic for a three-hour play but what J.T. Rogers' 'Oslo', currently playing at ACT, does it to go beyond the facts of the accords and examines the humanity that made the accords possible and that kind of conflict makes for a tense and often times funny piece presented with a stunning ensemble from ACT.
Casting and New Venues Announced: Wooden O Free Summer Shakespeare in the Parks
Casting is announced for Seattle Shakespeare Company's free Wooden O productions of King Lear and The Merry Wives of Windsor which start performances on Thursday, July 12. Both productions will perform in park venues throughout King and Pierce Counties (please see attached schedule). This summer marks the 25th Anniversary for Wooden O productions in the parks.
BWW Review: ArtsWest Really Goes for It With Demented Racial Carnival Ride AN OCTOROON
ArtsWest does it again with another cool, cutting-edge production about identity with their latest show, 'An Octoroon'. Many modern adaptations of antiquated productions pointing out racism, though well-intended, are comparatively watered-down to Brandon J. Simmons' razor-sharp adaptation of 'An Octoroon'. Thanks to the commitment of the actors and the creativity of the set design, this all-out production apologizes to noone, and uses shock value in an intentional, effective way.
Working Class Immigrants Choose Survival Over The American Dream In IRONBOUND
At a bus stop in a run-down New Jersey town, Darja, a Polish immigrant cleaning lady, is done talking about feelings; it's time to talk money. Over the course of 20 years, and three relationships, Darja negotiates for her future with men who can offer her love or security, but never both. Award-winning playwright Martyna Majok's IRONBOUND is a darkly funny, heartbreaking portrait of a woman for whom love is a luxury-and a liability-as she fights to survive in America.
BWW Review: Theatre Schmeater's Toast TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE! Turns Twenty-Four, Still Got It
It's that time of the year again! Theatre Schmeater's 'Twilight Zone: Live!' celebrates its 24th birthday with three culturally pertinent episode adaptations. As a first timer with high expectations, the first few moments seeing my beloved Twilight Zone in color were jarring. This passes. In this perfect homage that clearly expresses reverence with just the right sprinkling of poking-fun, 'Twilight Zone: Live!' is a cozy, kooky production that continues to be as timeless as infinity.
BWW Review: Seattle Public Theater's Blisteringly Intense ON CLOVER ROAD
Hang with me here, Dear Readers, as there are only a few things I can tell you about Seattle Public Theater's current production of 'On Clover Road' lest I give away any surprises. In fact when I arrived to the theater the management asked me not to open the press packet they gave me to keep the secrets from me before I saw it. But I'll do my best. Let's see, I can say that the show is a one act with a run time of about 75 minutes. I can say this blistering thriller is written by the amazing Steven Dietz, author of 'Lonely Planet', 'Becky's New Car', 'Yankee Tavern' and 'Bloomsday' to name just a few. And most importantly I can say that you do not want to miss this one because if you do you'll be missing an incredibly thrilling ride with some of the finest performances I've seen all year.
Seattle Public Theater to Bring Steven Dietz's Gritty ON CLOVER ROAD to Pacific Northwest
A desperate mother will do anything to get her daughter back. In an abandoned motel on a desolate American road, she meets a man with whom she believes is her only hope at reunion... but nothing is as it seems and what happens next will shock voyeurs to their core. ON CLOVER ROAD - a gritty new play by critically acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz - has its Pacific Northwest premiere with Seattle Public Theater beginning on September 23rd through October 16th at the Bathhouse in Green Lake.
Seattle Public Theater to Bring Steven Dietz's Gritty ON CLOVER ROAD to Pacific Northwest
A desperate mother will do anything to get her daughter back. In an abandoned motel on a desolate American road, she meets a man with whom she believes is her only hope at reunion... but nothing is as it seems and what happens next will shock voyeurs to their core. ON CLOVER ROAD - a gritty new play by critically acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz - has its Pacific Northwest premiere with Seattle Public Theater beginning on September 23rd through October 16th at the Bathhouse in Green Lake.
BWW Review: Seattle Shakes' Gimmicky ROMEO AND JULIET Lacks Passion
A few months back another group in Seattle put up an immersive production of "Romeo and Juliet" that blew me away and finally gave me the chance to see a completely solid production that I liked. But even while watching that I knew that Seattle Shakespeare Company would be closing out their season with their own intimate production of the show and I worried that the chances of getting another great production might be tempting fate or the theater Gods or the odds or whatever. Well unfortunately my fears were well founded as this new staging, while having a few stand out supporting performances, ultimately falls flat with a severe lack of passion or love (crucial for a love story) and an overarching theme that at best feels confusing and tacked on and at worst, pretentious.