November 2022 – Page 3 – Shows I've Seen

Not / Our Town – Play – Pony World Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Not / Our Town play by Pony World Theatre at 12th Avenue Arts. Experimental take on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Performances differ based on audience survey. They pulled me on stage for rock, paper, scissors! Multilayered timeline. Great message about life’s mundane moments. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: With Not / Our Town, Pony World Theatre tackles the most iconic American classic: Our Town by Thornton Wilder. But how much this production feels like an old classic or something new, different, and weird is up to audience members. Before each show, the audience takes a survey with options for several different scenes, staging styles, and even story elements. The winning votes determine that night’s performance. This is not improvised theatre, but instead numerous possible variations of the script. Do you want to see teenagers on ladders or things falling from the ceiling? How about puppets? Would you like to see people fall in love or out of love? You can decide. Does someone need to know or appreciate the original Our Town to enjoy this creative imagining of an old story about life and family? Absolutely NOT. Both the 1938 original and this new play tell stories about family, community, and those journeys in life common to us all. Because even when the destination is the same, there are hundreds of different paths to get there.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/5/22 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: I think so?

Recommendation: See it if you like experimental theatre or the original Our Town play.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but they were good.

Rant(s)

Even though I see average 3 shows per week, I didn’t understand some of the deep theatre references.
I know this is experimental theatre with a pre-performance audience survey but I got major FOMO knowing the show I saw that night wouldn’t match the show someone sees another day!
Despite the theatre’s synopsis, I feel like audience members who previously saw the original Our Town would enjoy this more.

Other Rave(s)

The stage effect right before the intermission was pretty cool. I won’t spoil it for you though!
I don’t know why but the waltz was one of my favorite parts especially with the solo dancer.

Other Thought(s)

If you think the play doesn’t make sense throughout the show, stay till the end! You’ll appreciate the take-home message of the play.
Get your tickets! I think they sold out opening weekend. I could barely find a seat!
Like the theatre synopsis says, this show isn’t true improv. But it had some improv energy if you’re into that. I mean, I was pulled up on stage!
They broke the 4th wall!

Theatre Company : Pony World Theatre

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts (aka Black Box Operations)

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap w/ inclusive pricing options

Dates: November 4 to December 3, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. Street parking is extremely limited since it’s Capitol Hill. Your best luck would be East of Cal Anderson Park on 11th or 12th Ave. Cheapest paid lots are on 11th Ave across from the park. Sigh, “cheapest” was $16 dollars for me. 🙁

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Tanya Izadora Photography.

@showsiveseen "Not / Our Town" #play by Pony World Theatre by Brendan Healy at 12th Avenue Arts. #Experimental take on #ThorntonWilder's #OurTown. Performances differ based on audience survey. They pulled me on stage for rock, paper, scissors! Multilayered timeline. Great message about life's mundane moments. Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1933 #theatre ♬ Better Days – Animal Island

Lisa Viertel with Puppet and Jesse Parce

Amber Walker with Mark Fullerton in Background

Role	Name
Actor (Played as Themselves)	Tyler Campbell, Sophia Franzella, Mark Fullerton, Kathy Hsieh, Agastya Kohli, Jesse Parce, Alanah Pascual, Lisa Viertel, and Amber Walker
—	—
Playwright & Director	Brendan Healy
Stage Manager	Kristin Brown
Assistant Stage Manager	Anahita Sepehri
Scenic Designer and Choreographer	Parmida Ziaei
Prop Designer	Andrea Spraycar
Sound Designer	Alex Potter
Projections Designer	Tristan Roberson
Projections Assistant	Damon Reaney
Costume Designer	Sarah Brush
Puppet Designer	Sann Hall
Survey Engineer	Mike Gilson
Technical DIrector	Justin Duffiance
Scenic Charge and Artist Liaison	Annie Duffiance
Production Manager	Ellie Hughes
Run Crew	Daniel Anson

The Boy Who Kissed the Sky – Musical – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Boy Who Kissed the Sky musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Inspired by the early Seattle life of Jimi Hendrix. Vibrant costumes & great music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous Seattle theatre stages. #JimiHendrix #musician

Synopsis from the Theatre: Set in the heart of Seattle’s Central District to the rhythms that shaped a generation, The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, is inspired by the early life and influences of Seattle native and musical icon Jimi Hendrix. The early era of rock ‘n roll music sets the stage as a young Black boy conjures his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this play inspires us to dream big when it matters most.

Reviewed Performance Date: 10/29/22 Early Afternoon – Sorry for the late review. I would have attended sooner and prioritized writing the review sooner if this theatre company provided me w/ a press ticket like most other theatres do. 🙁

Type: Musical but some may call it a play with music.

World Premiere: No. This might be their second run though. I think their first run was at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any more information!

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you’re an adult or kid! I saw alone as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. The theatre website says ages 8 and up. I’d venture to change that to maybe ages 10 and up especially since it was on the longer side (but still only one act). I’m curious how 8 year olds enjoyed this. You also don’t need to be a Jimi Hendrix fan. I actually don’t like his music but I still enjoyed the show!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 5 stars

Equity Actors: 8 out of 8

Rant(s)

Theatre was too cold.
The imaginary friend character needed a better cup so the audience doesn’t see his junk. As Gunther said in an episode of Friends, “Hey buddy, this is a family place! Put the mouse back in the house.”

Other Rave(s)

The professor was delightful!

Other Thought(s)

There are a few scenes involving depression. Obviously, they fit in just fine in an adult musical but some may question including the scenes in a children’s musical. I’m personally more in favor of the scenes than against the scenes. Children need to know real life! Maybe parents who tell their kids about Santa Clause would vote against these scenes.

Theatre Company : Seattle Children’s Theatre (and maybe Alliance Theatre Company?)

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium – Try Goldstar or the SCT Offers page for more affordable options.

Dates: October 11 – November 6, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center event or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking on Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre. My plan B is usually far away on the street near a electric substation (319 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109).

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

https://www.sct.org/onstage/productions/the-boy-who-kissed-the-sky-2/

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Truman Buffet Photography.

@showsiveseen “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky” #musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre w/ @alliancetheatre. Inspired by the early life of #JimiHendrix. Vibrant costumes & great #music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous #Seattle #theatre stages. Photo Credit & Review: showsiveseen.com/1937 #musician ♬ Purple Haze (Made Popular By The Jimi Hendrix Experience) [Vocal Version] – Party Tyme Karaoke

Role	Name
The Boy	Brandon L. Smith
J Sonic	Cedric Lamar
Mel / Feedback 1	Adam Washington
Donna / Feedback 2	Aishé Keita
Shapeshifter 1 / Feedback 3	Alexandria Joy
Shapeshifter 2 / Feedback 5	Mike Spee
Shapeshifter 3 / Feedback 4	Deborah Bowman
Understudy for Aishé Keita and Alexandria Joy	Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako
Understudy for Deborah Bowman and Mike Spee	Martha Kathryn Smith
Guitar	Miles Harris
Bass	Khari Simmons
Drums	Raoul Hardin
—	—
Playwright	Idris Goodwin
Director	Tim Bond
Composer	Divinity Roxx
Composer / Music Director	Eugene H. Russell IV
Choreographer	Sonia Dawkins
Scenic Designer	Carey Wong
Costume Designer	Alan Yeong
Lighting Designer	Connie Yun
Sound Designer	Chris Lane
Projections Designer	Miko Simmons
Wig Designer	Joyce Degenfelder
Stage Manager	Tori Thompson
Assistant Stage Manager	Michelle Chesley
Assistant Stage Manager	Claire Stark
Production Assistant	Isabella Marziello
Script Supervisor	Jay Chavez

Jesus Christ Superstar – Musical – Reboot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jesus Christ Superstar musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly surprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Don’t miss our high octane heavenly production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! We’re excited to continue our reputation for new interpretations of established musicals and long history of inclusive with this rockin’ fan favorite, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR focuses on the personal relationships between Jesus, Mary, and Judas, and examines the highs and lows of stardom, fanaticism, and mob justice.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/4/22 Evening

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you like inclusive casting.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but don’t let that steer you away from this production.

Rant(s)

Background vocals on namesake signature song “Superstar” needed more volume or energy.
While I appreciate the gender inclusive casting that Reboot Theatre is known for, I wish they would (or could?) transpose songs sung by the opposite gender of what the composer wrote it for. Often times, performers were singing at the lower end of their range and the audience either can’t hear it or it just doesn’t sound good.

Other Rave(s)

I loved how Noel Pederson portrayed Annas as a stern, cold, calculating corporate suit well on her way to eventually shatter the glass ceiling!

Theatre Company : Reboot Theatre Company

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Price: Cheap w/ inclusive pricing options

Dates: November 4-19, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. I think there might be free street parking east of the theatre on Jackson starting under the bridge. There’s also paid parking lots nearby as well.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Colin Madison Photography.

@showsiveseen "Jesus Christ Superstar" #musical by @officialalw w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly suprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1921 #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre #AndrewLloydWebber ♬ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber & "Jesus Christ Superstar" 1996 London Cast & Zubin Varla

William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Front: William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Shana E. Emile (Judas) with the ensemble of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.

Shana E. Emile (Judas), William Douglas Johnson (Jesus), and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Kiki Werner (Simon), Natalie Moe, Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary), Aaron Jin, Jacqueline Tardanico, and (kneeling) Matthew Reyes (Peter) in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.

Noel Pederson (Annas), David Breyman (Caiaphas), Mariesa Gonzale, Natalie Moe (Herod), and Aaron Jin in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Noel Pederson (Annas), Mariesa Gonzale, Shana E. Emile (Judas), Khane Berry, and David Breyman (Caiaphas) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.

Role	Name
Jesus	William Douglas Johnson
Caiaphas	David Breyman
Judas	Shana E. Emile
Pilate	Jasmine Joshua
Herod	Natalie Anne Moe
Mary	Jordyn Day Palmer
Annas	Noel Pederson
Peter	Matthew Reyes
Simon	Kristie Werner
Swing	Joanna Hardie Sarah Hooper
Ensemble	Khane Berry Mariesa Genzale Aaron Jin Jacqueline Tardanico (Jesus/Judas/Mary Understudy)
Conductor/Keyboard 1	Sam Peters
Keyboard 2	William Bryant Jenny Nguyen (Alternate)
Bass	Kendall Crane
Guitar	Cam Schneider
Drums	Scot Sexton
___	___
Director/Choreographer	Harry Turpin
Musical Director	Sam Peters
Stage Manager	Meredith Zandi
Associate Director	Mandy Rose Nichols
Lighting Design	Carolina Johnson
Costume Design	Janelle Kimbrough
Video Engineer	Laser Volcanoes: Grant Boling, Andrew Croll
Video Graphics and Poster Design	Noel Pederson
QLab Programming	Brendan Mack
Props Design	Jessamyn Bateman-Iino
Sound Design	Sandra Huezo-Menjivar
A/V Installation	Bruce Hart
Production Manager	Scot Charles Anderson
Artist Liaison	Wei Low
Dance Captain	Mariesa Genzale
Tap Dance Captain	Meredith Zandi
Fight Captain	David Breyman
Composer	Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyricist	Tim Rice
Executive Director (TOJ)	Patti West
Business Manager (TOJ)	Karen Shay
Technical Liaison (TOJ)	Catriona Urquhart
Technical/Production Coordinator (TOJ)	Frank Phillips
Front of House Manager (TOJ)	Tim Crist

The Amen Corner – Play – The Williams Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Amen Corner play w/ music by The Williams Project & Langston Seattle at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Good critique on toxic hypocritical church piety & condemnation. Religious interjections & rich pure black voices were a delight. Love seeing a good unraveling on stage. The audience attended in their Sunday best! #POC #religion #mutiny #BiPOC

Synopsis from the Theatre: In a storefront church in Harlem, Sister Margaret’s fierce piety inspires both devotion and fear in her congregation. But when a figure from her past returns, and her son starts looking for answers outside the church door, Sister Margaret finds her standing in danger. As secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, Sister Margaret must fight for her family, her flock, and ultimately, her faith. Equal parts soaring music, prophetic poetry, and gripping family drama, The Amen Corner asks audiences to face the beautiful and frightening path that leads to liberation. And gives space to, as Baldwin says, “let the church say Amen.”

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/3/22 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Live Band: No

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you grew up in a Christian church.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.75 stars

Equity Actors: 6 out of 9. First professional production of this play in Seattle!

Rant(s)

The bedroom and kitchen was confusing. Where they located in the same building as the church?
I’m not sure if the production budget could afford this or if it was an intentional creative decision but the folding chairs needed to be replaced with real church pews.
The churchgoers somehow needed better stage blocking. I don’t want to see the back of their heads! To be fair, I admit that it’s difficult to avoid this with a church stage.

Other Rave(s)

Sister Boxer (Felicia Loud) has a lovely voice. I could listen to her talk or sing all day.
Powerful stern fierce pastor portrayal by Maiya Reaves
Nice background gospel music before performance and during intermission.
Favorite line was something an old man said to the effect of “no woman has ever touched me.”

Other Thought(s)

Where were my BiPOC brothas and sistas? This is the first time I’ve attended Langston Seattle (albeit only 3 times total) where non-POCs were the majority in the audience. The subject matter was even about a black church! Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any theories.

Theatre Company : The Williams Project

Venue: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

Venue Physical Address: 104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Price: Cheap w/ Pay-what-you-can Options

Dates: November 2-20, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot parking or free street parking.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

https://www.thewilliamsproject.org/amen-corner

Cast and Production Team: Under the video.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Michael B. Maine.

@showsiveseen “The #Amen Corner” #play w/ music by The Williams Project at Langston Seattle. Good critique on toxic hypocritical #church piety & condemnation. #Religious interjections & rich pure #black voices were a delight. Love seeing a good unraveling on stage. The audience attended in their Sunday best! Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1887 #poc #religion #mutiny #BiPOC #theatre ♬ original sound – Shows I've Seen

Role	Name
Brother Boxer	Holiday
Sister Boxer	Felicia Loud
Sister Moore	Anjelica McMillan
Margaret	Maiya Reaves
Odessa	Cathleen Riddley
Luke	Adrian Roberts
Brother Davis	Malcolm J. West
David	Dimitri Woods
Sister Ida Jackson	Amaya Zhané
———-	———-
Playwright	James Baldwin
Director	Reggie D. White
Music Director	Aaron M. Davis Norman
Set and Costume Designer	An-lin Dauber
Props Designer	Robert J. Aguilar
Lighting Designer	Robin Macartney
Stage Manager	P. Alyda Sorm
Production Manager	Kyle Hartmann
Technical Director	Justin Duffiance

Ghost Writer – Play – Woodinville Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Ghost-Writer play by Woodinville Repertory Theatre at Sammamish Valley Grange. Inherently boring subject matter becomes interesting & beautiful. The instrument evolves into a musician! Loved the sophisticated prickly old wife. Nice touch with the playbill. What was the secret phrase? #ghostwriter #writer #author #typist #punctuation

Synopsis from the Theatre: In the early 20th century, New York author Franklin Woolsey hires Myra to type his popular novels. As Myra’s involvement in the mechanics and interpretation of Franklin’s dictation deepens, their metaphysical interplay becomes as entwined as their repressed attraction to each other. Even after Woolsey suddenly dies, Myra continues to finish his novel, to the consternation of his jealous wife Vivian. Is Myra channelling the words of a dead man, concocting a skillful scam, or finding her voice as a writer?

Reviewed Performance Date: 10/29/22 Evening – Sorry for the late review. I would have attended sooner and prioritized writing the review sooner if this theatre company provided me w/ a press ticket like most other theatres do. 🙁

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you’re okay with plays with less action and plot. I usually don’t prefer them but this was actually good.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes, if it was produced by an Equity company.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.25 stars

Rant(s)

It was a little weird how an actor that just died awkwardly stayed standing on stage. I wonder how the original production depicted this.

Other Thought(s)

This is the first Woodinville Repertory Theatre show I attended. It kind of reminded me of As If Theatre Company or Heart Repertory Theatre.
The theatre was so intimate I could see that the leading actress had nice teeth!

Theatre Company : Woodinville Repertory Theatre

Venue: Sammamish Valley Grange

Venue Physical Address: 14654 148th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Price: Cheap

Dates: October 14 to November 6, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking and Cost: Free lot parking. Watch out for bad online directions though. Google Maps incorrectly led me to the parking lot of J Bookwalter Tasting Studio, Market Vineyards, & Pepper Bridge Amavi Cellars!

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team Leadership: Under the video.

Other Video +/- Pictures:

@showsiveseen “Ghost-Writer” #play by Woodinville Repertory Theatre at Sammamish Valley Grange. Inherently boring subject matter becomes interesting & beautiful. The instrument evolves into a musician! Loved the elegant prickly old wife. What was the secret phrase? Nice touch with the playbill. Review: showsiveseen.com/1851 #ghostwriter #writer #author #typist #punctuation #theatre ♬ The Author – Livingston

Character Role	Performer Name
Myra Babbage	Mary Leedy
Franklin Woolsey	Curt Simmons
Vivian Woolsey	Melanie Workhoven

Production/Creative Role	Name
Playwright	Michael Hollinger
Director	Cynthia White
Costumes Design and Props	Chris Curino
Lighting Design	David Baldwin
Stage Manager	Tyler Petty
Audio Engineer	Alex Trewin
Sound Consultant	Hjalmer Anderson
Producer	Charley Blaine
Photographer	Sandro Menzel
Production Manager	Jane Ryan