UNIVERSITY PREP

by Jay Irwin - March 27, 2025

Dear Readers, in the past I’ve talked about plays that are essential for your theatrical education, plays that are just good for you. If those fluff plays out there are candy, then these essentials are your vegetables. Once such play is Lorraine Hansberry’s Pulitzer Prize winning classic from 1959, ...

by Amelia Divine - March 24, 2025

Oliver! has always been a tale of survival, of the brutal systems that devour the vulnerable, and of the strange and tender communities that spring up in their margins. With Lionel Bart's reframing of Oliver!, now on stage at Theatre Off Jackson, Reboot Theatre Company takes a sharp left turn into 1...

by Shelley Dean - March 23, 2025

Countless musical groups have risen to fame, many becoming universally known household names. There are fewer groups whose music transcends time, genre evolution, and the classic dramatics. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are among these precious few. Whether you immediately think of 'Walk Like a...

by Jay Irwin - March 21, 2025

Rejoice Dear Readers, as the Carnival is in town. But not your average carnival. No. This is the Can Can and to celebrate their 20th anniversary (yes, they’ve been titillating for 20 years) they’ve brought us a sultry, steamy, magical extravaganza with “Carnival of Curiosities”....

by Jay Irwin - March 15, 2025

Dear Readers, when the rights for local theaters to produce hit shows become available, or start to become available, you know every theater will be vying to be the first. One such show currently in this situation is Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson’s huge hit “Waitress”. And once those rights are o...

by Jay Irwin - March 13, 2025

If you’re at all familiar with the plays of Lauren Yee, Dear Readers, then you know of her delightfully odd situations, rich characters and scintillating dialog. People are still talking about last season’s “Cambodian Rock Band” but my favorite was her “King of the Yees”. Her work brings out the goo...

by Amelia Divine - March 02, 2025

Time Stands Still (by Thalia’s Umbrella), draws you into a carefully crafted, intimate world where the line between audience and observer feels blurred. With a thoughtfully detailed set and a standout performance from its lead actress, this production demonstrates the impact of small-scale storytell...

by Jay Irwin - March 01, 2025

Dear Readers, I love a good play that can make me feel something. Not just tell me a story but immerse me in the subject. One such play is Sarah Ruhl’s “Letters From Max” currently playing at Seattle Public Theater. And while it certainly got to me, the play itself has some accessibility issues I ne...

by Amelia Divine - February 23, 2025

CRAVE, Sarah Kane’s stylistic one-act play, is an uncompromising plunge into the raw, chaotic landscape of human emotion. Now performing at Intiman Theater, this is a 55-minute concept piece that seems to revel in its own disarray. In true avant‐garde fashion, the play introduces us to four enigmati...

by Jay Irwin - February 20, 2025

Dear Readers, if you’re not familiar with the Jason Robert Brown love story, “The Last Five Years” currently being offered from ACT and The 5th Avenue Theatre, you could get a bit confused watching it. So be sure to read on to avoid confusion. But for myself, I’ve seen it a few different times. I’ve...