William Pool

BWW Review: ReAct's PRELUDE TO A KISS Lacks Spark

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, ReAct performs 'Prelude to a Kiss' in this updated, ethnically diverse adaptation directed by David Hsieh.. Twenty-somethings Peter and Rita fall in love and decide to get married after six weeks. Their basking in the honeymoon phase of their relationship takes a turn when a mysterious man at the wedding asks to kiss Rita, causing a Freaky Friday-esque soul switch that promises a lot of hilarity. Unfortunately, due to lack of chemistry between the lovers along with serious pacing issues in the script, Peter and Rita's love (which should be beyond skin-deep) falls flat.

BWW Reviews: Chekov Becomes Hilarious in ACT's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE

Sometimes a fun night is just a dead lock. Such is the case when you take three of Seattle's most gifted and seasoned actors and put them in the off kilter world of a Christopher Durang play as has happed over at ACT with their current production of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike". I have to admit going in I had very little doubt that I would have a good time with all those elements combined and I was not disappointed. But beyond the sure thing of comedy that resulted what also emerged was a truly thoughtful and resonant look at some ways society has been brought down as it's built up.

M.A.D. Playhouse to Present Mohan Rakesh's HALF-HEARTED at Cherry Lane Theater, 12/19-22

After a successful run of their first play this summer, M.A.D Playhouse brings us another South Asian family drama Half-Hearted written by Mohan Rakesh, and directed by Hafiz Karmali at The Cherry Lane Theater from December 19 through December 22.

BWW Reviews: ReAct's PICNIC - Too Much Style, Not Enough Passion

It's a very easy trap to fall into when dealing with a small town period piece, taking that wholesome and naive mentality and over infusing it into the show. Such is the issue with ReAct's current production of William Inge's 50's era tale of forbidden love, 'Picnic'. And with that over-stylization the situation becomes more comical and less passionate.

Book-It Rep Presents HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, Now thru 10/21

Book-It Repertory Theatre has announced its staging of the popular bestseller, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. This hopeful journey of a Chinese American boy in 1940s Seattle will run Wednesday- Sunday, tonight, Sept 18 - October 21, 2012 at the Center Theatre at the Armory.