Performance Type – Page 43 – Shows I've Seen

Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play at The Phoenix Theatre. Hilarious slapstick comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Dr. Jekyll’s research finds him – as usual – investigating the split between good and evil in the human psyche. Of course, things get out of hand when he decides being evil might be more fun and recreational. This hilarious spoof of the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson will keep you in stitches as this fast-paced comedy takes the stage and is appropriate for all ages.

Reviewed Performance: 2/4/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you enjoy slapstick comedy. I usually do not but I still enjoyed the show.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes, if it was an Equity production

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 10

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 45 mins

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Leading Actor: I was already excited to see Josiah C Miller because of his great performances in Chapter Two and Rocky Horror Show. In Chemical Imbalance, he commanded his portrayal of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a well-spoken, strongly-projected voice.
Cast Doubling: Obviously, cast doubling was involved between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There was also significant cast doubling between the good and evil identical twins Calliope and Penelope, both played by Julia Mounce. Both actors took on the challenge without using costume changes. The lisp was a clever way (or a crutch?) to help the audience distinguish when the actor was playing a good or evil character. If anything, I consider it a success when the audience is able to do this, regardless of the means … unless you use a big fat sign!
Favorite Scene: When a dinner party gradually and hilariously migrated to below the dinner table
Favorite Lines: “You have to marry and have children before your hair drops out” and “See about getting the carolers some table scraps from the kitchen. I do so like to support the arts.”

Rant(s)

Punches and Kicks: Needs to be more realistic

Theatre Company: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: Cheap

Dates: February 3 – 26, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in adjacent lot

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "Chemical Imbalance: A #Jekyll and #Hyde #Play" at the Phoenix Theatre. #Hilarious #slapstick #comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Review: showsiveseen.com/3794 #theatre ♬ Bad Side – CRMNL

Role	Name
Plodgett	Ingrid Sanai Buron
Lady Throckmortonshire	Melanie Calderwood
Euphronia Jekyll	Susan Connors
Ivy	Kaira Hensler
Xavier & Police Lieutenant	Brandon Jepson
Constable	James Lynch
Dr. Henry Jekyll & Mr. Hyde	Josiah C. Miller
Calliope & Penelope Throckmortonshire	Julia Mounce
Rosamunda Dewthistle	Amanda Petrowski
Ambrosia Jekyll	Mckenzie Wilson
….	…
Playwright	Lauren Wilson
Director	Eric Lewis
Fight Coordinator	Sam Graves
Technical Director	Craig Marshall
Stage Manager	Ian Wight
Costumer	Elizabeth Shipman
Set Dresser	Susan Connors
Set Design	Eric Lewis & Craig Marshall
Set Construction	Eric Helland & Ian Wight
Board Operator	Craig Marshall

The Hatmaker’s Wife – Play – Centerstage Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Hatmaker’s Wife play at Centerstage Theatre. Surprisingly symbolic, abstract, & time bending with child-like dialogue and Slavic accents. #theatre #hat

Synopsis from the Theatre: Hetchman the retired hatmaker loves his hat – and his wife. When both go missing, he vows to find them. But first he needs to muster the strength to leave the comforts of his beloved armchair. The Hatmaker’s Wife is a surreal time-bending fable set in a home where walls talk, words magically appear, and a sweet unexplainable love triangle develops between a man, his wife, and his hat.

Reviewed Performance: 1/29/23 on Opening Weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not really. It alternated between past and present occupants of a home.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you’re into shows with lots of symbolism that are open to interpretation

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 14

Length (Including Any Intermission): 90 mins

Intermission: Yes

Theatre Company: Centerstage Theatre

Venue: Dumas Bay Centre

Venue Physical Address: 3200 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023

Price: Cheap

Dates: January 27 – February 19, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in adjacent lot

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https://centerstagetheatre.com/hatmakers-wife/

Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "The #Hatmaker's Wife" #play at Centerstage Theatre. Surprisingly symbolic, abstract, & time bending w/ child-like dialogue & Slavic accents. Review: showsiveseen.com/3779 #theatre #hat ♬ In the Bosom – Sweet After Tears

Role	Name
Voice	Andreya Pro
Gabe/Golum	Van Lang Pham
Hetchman	Peter Cook
Hetchman’s wife	Brynne Garman
Meckel	Scott W. Pinkston
Wall	Brittany Lael
—	—
Playwright	Lauren Yee
Director	Angela Bayler
Stage Manager	Madeline Hiller
Scenic Designer	Niclas Olson
Costume Designer	Marie Morgans
Light Designer	Michelle Weingarde-Bandes
Sound Designer	Patrick Fuhrman
Props Master	Henry Behrens
Scenic Artist	Jasmine Johnson
Hat Music Composer	Ryan Rumery
Assistant Stage Manager	Dean Marshall

An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When the World is No Longer – Musical – Dacha Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When the World is No Longer: w/ Dacha Theatre at Theatre Off Jackson. Experimental abstract allegorical musical about a house party rager before the end of the world. Very open to interpretation. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When The World is No Longer: is an electro-synth musical at the end of the world. Following a global announcement of the exact time Earth, as we know it, will cease to exist, a community of young queer friends and lovers decide the only reasonable thing would be to gather together for one last rager. This musical invites you into a glance at the last party on Earth–interwoven through a retrospective of cherished and tragic memories–to celebrate and mourn the delights and deceptions of the human experience.

Reviewed Performance: 1/29/23 Evening on Opening Weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Musical – This is uncommon for abstract experimental shows, which are usually plays instead

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: No – It was a mix of past, present, and maybe imagined vignettes.

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Recommendation: See it if 1) you’re into abstract, experimental shows that are open to interpretation 2) or you liked Arlington.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 14

Length (Including Any Intermission): A little less than 2 hours. The show either needs to be shorter or needs to include an intermission!

Intermission: No

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Coveralls: Was there any symbolism behind all the boilersuits? Or am I too far removed from what’s fashionable these days? Major “coolaid and sneakers cult” vibes!
Out of Tune?: One of the actors sang out of tune and I was wondering if it was intentional or not because of the allegorical nature of the musical.
Audience Participation: Before the musical started, cast members filtered into the theatre like it was a house party. They interacted with the audience in character asking “Do you know this band that’s playing?” or “Who do you know anybody at this party?” I actually didn’t realize one of the people talking to me was an actor at first! If you don’t want to interact with the cast before the show starts, just glue your eyes to your phone. 🙂 Additionally, halfway through the show, they asked all audience members to join on-stage if they wanted to. Half the audience acquiesced, and the cast continued to perform to the remaining audience members in their seats, which could be awkward if only one person decided to stay in their seat!
Moral of the Story: What was the message? I always struggle to grasp this in shows that are very abstract and experimental. Leave a comment in my social media post links below about what you think it is!

Theatre Company: Dacha Theatre

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Every performance is pay-what-you-can. You can pay $1-50 per ticket online. It’s all honor system. The standard price is $35.

Dates: January 27 – February 11, 2023

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. There’s also paid parking lots nearby as well.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video by Brett Love

@showsiveseen “An Incomplete List of All the Things I’m Going to Miss When the World is No Longer:” w/ @dachatheatre at Theatre Off Jackson. #Experimental #abstract #allegorical #musical about a house #party #rager before the end of the world. Very open to interpretation. Review + Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/3731 #theatre ♬ Out of My Mind – Dylan Rockoff

This Bitter Earth – Play – Seattle Public Theater

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): This Bitter Earth play at Seattle Public Theatre. Commentary on race & interracial/interclass relationships today. Great projections. Ironic ending … life is so random/unfair! Take care of your blessings! #LGBT #gay

Synopsis from the Theatre: A deep love is challenged by divisive political realities. Jesse, an introspective black playwright, finds his choices called into question when his boyfriend, Neil, a white Black Lives Matter activist, calls him out for his political apathy. As passions and priorities collide, this couple is forced to reckon with issues of race, class and the bravery it takes to love out loud.

Reviewed Performance: 1/28/23 Opening Weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not really. It was a mix of events alternating between past and present.

Recommendation: See it if you’re 1) into commentaries on race 2) or okay with plays with only 2 actors

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 2

Length (Including Any Intermission): 105 mins, which was a little long. An intermission-less show shouldn’t be longer than 90 mins in my book.

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Projections: They depicted an NYC taxi ride in a way I’ve never seen before. For the video, I think they attached a recorder to the back of a car driving around downtown. The performers acted a taxi scene while the video projected in the background. The home window projections were pretty good too. However, they shouldn’t project windows on a red brick wall. It doesn’t look as realistic as a flat white surface.

Rant(s)

Timeline: I’m personally not a fan of shows (or even books) that alternate between past and present frequently. The occasional flashback is okay but when it is frequent, the timeline is usually muddled and disjointed.

Other Musing(s)

Moral of the Story: The script felt like it was trying to make a statement, but I couldn’t grasp what it was. Maybe “take care of your blessings?” Also, what statements was it trying to convey about race and class? Leave a comment in my social media post links below about what you think is the message of the play.

Theatre Company: Seattle Public Theater

Venue: Seattle Public Theater

Venue Physical Address: 7312 West Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Cheap

Ticket Affordability Options: Every performance is pay-what-you-can. You can pay $5-50 per ticket online. It’s all honor system. The standard price is $36.

Dates: January 27 – February 19, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free lot outside the theatre. It’s one of the public lots for Green Lake Park.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video by John Ulman

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "This Bitter Earth" #play at @seattlepublictheater. Commentary on #race & #interracial/#interclass relationships today. Great projections. Ironic ending … life is so random/unfair. Take care of your blessings! Review: showsiveseen.com/3695 #LGBT #gay #theatre #BLM ♬ Remedy – Shaq Rayes

Role	Name
Brodrick Santeze Ryan	Jesse
Tyler Rogers	Neil
—	—
Harrison David Rivers	Playwright
Brandon Ivie	Director
Nate Tenenbaum	Assistant Director
Lowell Deo	Artistic Liaison
Emily Marie Harvey	Stage Manager
Michael Latham	Assistant Stage Manager
Lex Marcos	Scenic Designer
Amber Parker	Lighting Designer
Meghan Roche	Sound Designer
Bella Rivera	Properties Designer
Ahren Buhmann	Projections Designer
Michael Notestine	Costume Designer
Jasmine Lomax	Intimacy Director + Fight Choreographer
Jennifer Ewing	Scenic Charge
Locke Landis	Lead Electrician
Annie Lareau	Artistic Director

A Woman of No Importance – Play – Taproot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): A Woman of No Importance Oscar Wilde play at Taproot Theatre followed by a charming English tea reception from Lá Liath Bakery. Felt like Downton Abbey and Jane Austen. Bretteney Beverly delightfully reminded me of Dowager Countess Crawley. Pinkies up! #theatre #British

Synopsis from the Theatre: Gerald’s prospects are bright as he celebrates his new position with the notorious Lord Illingworth. But amidst the glittering banter at Lady Hunstanton’s party, a long buried scandal is revealed. Will the unveiling of Gerald’s lineage change the trajectory of his future? And what of the lovely American who’s captured his heart? This comedic classic from Oscar Wilde will charm you with its cleverness and wit.

Reviewed Performance: 1/27/23 Opening Performance – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Awards: Zero? For such a classic play, I’m surprised. Let me know in my social media posts if this play garnered any awards.

Film: Several film adaptations of the play, which is a good sign in my book

Defined Plot/Storyline: There was not an extensive storyline but there was a climax. The entire play was only 4 scenes.

Recommendation: See it if you like Downton Abbey or Jane Austen. Bonus points if you can easily understand what they’re saying in Shakespeare plays.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: Two but most of them were very good

Number of Actors: 11

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

Digs on Americans: The English characters frequently poked fun at American culture. It reminded me of how New York City plays and musicals frequently tells jokes about New Jersey.
Acting: The actors’ expressions, reactions, and responses were well-timed. It’s probably due to both good writing and good acting.
Act Endings: Act one closed with a great dramatic climactic sequence/reveal that compelled the audience to stay for the second act. Act two (the last act) ended with a nice closing line that wrapped up the play in a tidy bow.
Set Change: Usually productions try to hide busy set changes in the dark. This production showcased the stage magic in the middle of act two when they transformed the walls. The audience even clapped for that!
Favorite Line: “Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious; both are disappointed.” I feel like there were more witty adages but this is the only one I could remember.
English Tea Reception: Lá Liath Bakery provided classic British finger foods for opening night reception including cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, shortbread, scones, dodgers, and “biscuits.”

Rant(s)

Too Many Characters: Oscar Wilde introduced too many characters at the beginning of the play. If was difficult keeping track of everyone on-stage and who they were gossiping about. At the end of the day, half of the characters weren’t essential to the story.

Other Musing(s)

Mental Energy: Maybe I didn’t eat my Wheaties that day but this play was difficult to follow, especially in the beginning. To be fair, I already struggle following British English, whether it be modern, old (like Jane Austen), or really old (like Shakespere). I could clearly understand the American character though! It doesn’t help that English humor can be very sly. But the audience didn’t seem to experience my problem. They seemed to gather much more than I did since they laughed at many jokes I missed. Maybe this play is for smarter, more highbrow patrons! After I sorted out all the characters by the middle of act one, I began to enjoy the play more especially since that’s when the conflict started, and the storyline became simpler for commonfolk like myself! 😛

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price: Medium

Ticket Affordability Options: Pay what you can days and GoldStar

Dates: January 25 – February 25, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I almost always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video and in video by Robert Wade

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "A Woman of No Importance" #OscarWilde #play at @taproottheatre w/ a charming #English tea reception from La Liath Bakery. Very #DowntonAbbey & #JaneAusten. @brettbeverly delightfully reminded me of Dowager Countess Crawley. Pinkies up! Review: showsiveseen.com/3640 #theatre #British ♬ Vivaldi "Four Seasons" "Spring" – harryfaoki

Rebecca M. Davis, Melanie Hampton, and Bretteney Beverly in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Juliette Jones and Bretteney Beverly in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Aaron Lamb and Candace Vance in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Tyler Campbell in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Candace Vance in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Rebecca M. Davis and Candace Vance in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Candace Vance and Will Eames in *A Woman of No Importance* at Taproot Theatre Company. Photo by Robert Wade.

Role	Name
Lady Caroline Pontefract	Bretteney Beverly *
Hester Worsley	Juliette Jones
Sir John Pontefract	Tyler Campbell
Lady Hunstanton	Rebecca M. Devis
Gerald Arbuthnot	Will Eames
Mrs. Allonby	Nikki Visel
Lady Stutfield/Alice	Melanie Hampton
Mr.Kelvil	Bill Johns
Lord Illingworth	Aaron Lamb *
Mrs. Rachel Arbuthnot	Candace Vance
Archdeacon Daubney	Nolan Palmer
—	—
Lady Caroline/Lady Hunstanton (Understudy)	Cailtin Frances
Hester Worsley/Lady Stutfield/Alice (Understudy)	Audrey Herold
Sir Pontefract/Mr. Kelvil/Archdeacon Daubney (Understudy)	Jeff Church
Gerald Arbuthnot (Understudy)	Koo Park
Mrs. Arbuthnot/Mrs. Allonby (Understudy)	Charissa J. Adams
Lord Illingworth (Understudy)	Brian Pucheu
—	—
Playwright	Oscar Wilde
Director	Karen Lund **
Assistant Director	Brad Lo Walker
Scenic & Sound Design	Mark Lund
Costume Design	Jocelyne Fowler
Lighting Design	Michael Wellborn
Fight Choreographer	Christopher Kidder-Mostrom **
Stage Manager	Claire Stark *
Dramaturg	Sonja Lowe
Dialect Coach	Alyssa Keene
—	—
Property Master	Andrea Spraycar
Assistant Stage Manager	Grace Heller *
Casting Consultant	Jessica Spencer
Casting Associate	Pilar O’Connell
Dresser	Luna McMeen
Draper	Martha Mitchell
Stitchers	Veronica Dimoff, Scìan Hayes
Wig Designer	Joyce Degenfelder
Wig Specialist	Juliette Lewis
Master Electrician	Aiyana Stephens
Scenic Carpenter	Tim Samland *
Light Board Operator	Clint Bull
Sound Board Operator	Marty Sisk
Electricians	Kathryn Louise, Jacob Viramontes
Scenic Strike/Load-In	Jasmine Cote ** Chandler Eichele Tamir Lehrer **

* Actors Equity Association
** Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
*** United Scenic Artists Local 829
**** IATSE Local No 15