Review: Surprisingly Affected by Resonant WOODY SEZ at Seattle Rep

I'll admit to a large dose of skepticism when heading in to see "Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie" currently playing at the Seattle Rep. Not because I thought it would be bad, just not really anything I was all that interested in watching for two hours. I knew who he was the way many do. I knew he was a folk singer and I remember singing his most notable song, "This Land is Your Land" in grade school. But what I didn't know is what a fascinating life he had and how resonant his works would still be today. And I especially didn't expect to be emotionally affected as I was. But we'll come to that.

In "Woody Sez" (as the full title would suggest), David M. Lutken (as Guthrie) along with Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell and David Finch explore the life and music of Woody Guthrie. From his upbringing in Oklahoma and his tumultuous family life, into the dustbowl era, and through World War II he was always concerned with giving voice to the common man. And it was that voice that made him such an integral part of American History during a time before the Internet where everyone has a way to voice his or her opinions. Like a modern day town crier he travelled across the entire country and beyond calling out the way the little guys were being treated. Maybe he was so relevant as he was one of the few voices then whereas today there are so many voices (could be why so few listen). But whatever the reason his songs touched a chord with so many people and still do today, which was evident from the reaction of the audience.

Devised by Lutken along with Nick Corley, Deaville, Russell and Andy Teristein the show could simply be a rousing hootenanny with all the performers deftly playing multiple instruments but then you add in their obvious connection to the music as well as the music itself and the evening transcends into one truly affecting moment after another. So much so that the tone and passion the performers had created inspired the audience to sing along with the final rendition of "This Land is Your Land" before they were even prompted. There was just so much investment created by the performers that we just couldn't help it (myself included).

In a time when the disenfranchised, the marginalized, and minorities are in danger of being trampled by those in power, it's good to remember that this has all happened before in some form or another and we can have a voice for change if we only listen to each other. And while you may think that a show about Woody Guthrie is not something you care about, I think you may be missing the larger picture. And so with my three letter rating system I give "Woody Sez" at the Seattle Rep a rousing YAY with a renewed sense of hope. And aside from any message or relevance today the show might bring to you; it's just a killer good time.

"Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie" performs at the Seattle Rep through January 29th. For tickets or information contact the Seattle Rep box office at 206-443-2222 or visit them online at www.seattlerep.org.

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