Category: Review

The Lower Depths – Play – Review – Intiman Theatre & The Seagull Project

@showsiveseen "The Lower Depths" #play by @Intiman Theatre & The Seagull Project at Erickson #Theatre Off Broadway. Desolate portrayal of society's miserable underbelly & squalor. Closes this weekend! Adapted from Maxim Gorky's masterpiece. Review: showsiveseen.com/8027 Photos: Joe Moore Director: Gavin Reub Stage Manager: Emily Doorenbos #showsiveseen ♬ Empty – Letdown.

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Lower Depths by Intiman Theatre & The Seagull Project at Erickson Theatre Off Broadway. Desolate portrayal of society’s miserable underbelly & squalor. Closes this weekend!

Recommendation
See it if you enjoyed Arlington (which incidentally also featured Kiki Abba) or the dystopian aspects of Les Misérables.


Synopsis from the Theatre: In the basement of the exploitative King family live nine people on the edge of the world. Card sharps, artists, sex workers, and more make up this dynamic cast of characters, whose dreams and realities bump against the low ceiling society has built for them. When a stranger arrives with a message of hope, their situation is challenged and their lives upended. An ensemble of fourteen actors paint a vivid portrait of life in the margins of society. Love, poverty, addiction, loss, and healing play across the stage in this contemporary adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s classic play. The Lower Depths was first produced by the Moscow Art Theatre on December 18, 1902, where it was directed by Konstantin Stanislavsky. It is Gorky’s best known play and is now a hallmark of Russian realism.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 2/8/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since the show ends this weekend!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: A couple

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Two

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but I imagine you’d appreciate this more if you’re familiar with the original play by Maxim Gorky.

Defined Plot/Storyline: This play was more dialogue with less action and less story.

Equity Actors: A whopping 10!

Total Number of Actors: 14

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was there an intermission? Yes

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Dawn: I enjoyed Dawn’s (played by Esther Okech) character the most. Her visual stark transformation in the 1st act was unexpected and she said a poignant statement towards the effect of “If I’m such a burden to society, why do I feel so weighed down.” Plus, I’m always of fan of dramatic dishware smashing.

Theatre Company: The Seagull Project and Intiman Theatre

Venue: Erickson Theatre Off Broadway

Venue Physical Address: 1524 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap to Expensive

Tickets: https://www.intiman.org/depths/

Ticket Affordability Options: The ticketing website offers honor code discount options for students, military, industry, … or anybody. They also offer 20 free rush tickets 1 hour in-person before each performance.

Dates: February 6 to February 24, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: It’s Capitol Hill … so good luck. Try taking the bus. Ironically, the lots on Harvard Avenue across Seattle Central College are cheaper than street parking. Geeez!

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Pictures: See pictures below and in video above by Joe Moore.

Miguel Castellano and Alexandra Tavares in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.
Julie Briskman and Tyler Polumsky in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.
Charles Leggett and Julie Briskman in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.
Amy Thone in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.
Amy Thone and Sharva Maynard in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.
Amy Thone, Antonio Mitchell, and Tyler Polumsky in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.
Amy Thone, Antonio Mitchell, and Tyler Polumsky in The Lower Depths. Photo by Joe Moore.

The Book of Will – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen Lauren Gunderson's "The Book of Will" #play at @TaprootTheatre. Enthusiastic delivery. Nice #Tudor costumes. Love letter to #Shakespeare, #acting, posterity, & legacy. #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Takes forever – Subyub Lee

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Book of Will play at Taproot Theatre. Enthusiastic delivery. Nice Tudor costumes. Love letter to Shakespeare, acting, posterity, and legacy.

Recommendation
See it if you enjoyed Bruce or if you’re a Shakespeare fan.


Synopsis from the Theatre: An unforgettable true story! In an act of undying devotion, Shakespeare’s best friends race to do the impossible: Publish every play he wrote. This irreverent, witty, and surprisingly modern tale celebrates friendship, found family, and an unselfish act that changed the world forever. From the author of Silent Sky and the Christmas at Pemberley series.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 1/26/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since the show ends this weekend!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: Obviously, you should be familiar with Shakespeare references and his major plays.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 10

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was there an intermission? Yes

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Purpose of Theatre/Acting: My favorite scene was at the beginning of the second act when John Heminges (played by Eric Jensen) and Henry Condell (played by Reginald André Jackson) solemnly waxed poetically about the reason for live theatre – it’s so the people in the room can feel. “The faeries aren’t real, but the feeling is.”

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Storyline: It’s not an absolute requirement, but it didn’t feel like the storyline followed the classic narrative structure of the typical plot pyramid/diagram. Additionally, similar to Bruce, there didn’t seem like enough substantial significant conflict or cliffhanger. The deaths seemed random/unnecessary, and characters appeared out of nowhere.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

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

Price: Medium

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/the-book-of-will/

Ticket Affordability Options: TodayTix/Goldstar

Dates: January 24 to February 24, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

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

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Pictures: See pictures below and in video above by John Ulman.

Reginald André Jackson, Nolan Palmer, and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Nolan Palmer and Melanie Godsey in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Andrew Litzky and Nik Doner in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Reginald André Jackson and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Llysa Holland, Nikki Visel, Eric Jensen, and Reginald André Jackson in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Reginald André Jackson, Melanie Godsey, Nik Doner, and Eric Jensen in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.
Eric Jensen and Llysa Holland in The Book of Will at Taproot Theatre. Photo by John Ulman.

Becoming Dr. Ruth – Play – Review – Village Theatre

@showsiveseen "Becoming Dr. Ruth" one-person #play starring at Village Theatre. Surprisingly, the show was less about sex advice from granny & more about storytelling #Jewish heritage. Inspired me to keep a diary. Dates are an anchor! Review: showsiveseen.com/7832 B-roll: @Nyhuis Creative #Jew #holocaust #showsiveseen #theatre #storytelling ♬ Dream Girl – Izellah

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Mark St. Germain’s “Becoming Dr. Ruth” one-person play starring Naomi Jacobson. Surprisingly, the show was less about sex advice from granny and more about storytelling Jewish heritage. Inspired me to keep a diary. Dates are an anchor!

Recommendation
See it if you’re okay with 4th wall acknowledgements or action-less one-person plays. Audience members who appreciate Jewish heritage or good storytelling would also enjoy this show.


Synopsis from the Theatre: She’s America’s favorite sex therapist! Before she became Dr. Ruth, Karola Ruth Siegel had to flee Nazi Germany on the Kindertransport, become a sharpshooter in Jerusalem, and survive as a single mother in America. Filled with irrepressible wit, joy, and honesty, Becoming Dr. Ruth tells the triumphant and life-affirming story of a woman who—through her perseverance, indefatigable spirit, and bravery— carved her own unique place in the world. Acclaimed actress Naomi Jacobson reprises the role that has garnered her ovations across the country in this tour-de-force one woman play. Becoming Dr. Ruth promises an unforgettable, hilarious, and uplifting evening of theater that will touch your soul and heart. Dr. Ruth is a sex therapist and educator and speaks about sex in a matter-of-fact way appropriate for the radio. Contains short descriptions of war and Nazi Germany with one moment recalling a graphic war injury.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 1/19/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen.

Type: One-person Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: It was more storytelling

Several or Few Settings/Locations: It was more storytelling

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably enjoy this more if you’re familiar with Holocaust history.

Defined Plot/Storyline: The storytelling was chronological, but it didn’t feel like a defined plot.

Equity Actors: 1

Total Number of Actors: 1

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

Was there an intermission? No

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Favorite Line: “I get very aroused, with a strong erection, whenever I see a cow.”

Rant(s)

  • Jokes on Size: The script was too gratuitous with jokes about Dr. Ruth’s tiny size. (Sigh), we get it, she was short!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Dr. Ruth mentioned Zionism, but she didn’t make a stance either way on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It would have been a timely comment given today’s current events. Either way, it would have also been a controversial stance I would have loved to hear since Seattle tends to favor one side while the playwrights tend to favor the opposite side.
  • Jewish Heritage vs Sex: Surprisingly, Dr Ruth didn’t talk about sex much in this play. Most of it was during the last 15-30 minutes of the show. The script was more about the Holocaust and its aftermath. Interestingly enough, she mentioned that sex isn’t shameful in the Jewish tradition like it is with Christians. “I couldn’t help but wonder,” is that why there so many Jewish references in the Sex and the City TV show?
  • Jewish Prejudice: It was interesting to hear that Swiss, Polish, (and Israeli?) Jews looked down on German Jews who survived the Holocaust. We, as humans, are horrible to each other.

Theatre Company: Village Theatre

Venue: Village Theatre

Venue Physical Address:

  • Issaquah: 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027
  • Everett: 2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://villagetheatre.org/shows/dr-ruth/

Ticket Affordability Options: See the theatre’s official pages about discounts and pay-what-you-can performances.

Dates:

  • Issaquah: January 16 to February 18, 2024
  • Everett: February 24 to March 17, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking:

  • Issaquah: Free street parking and certain free parking lots. Lot parking availability is very difficult to find though. I’ve basically given up on that. I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, you can always find parking at the library but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that mostly only locals know about.
  • Everett: Free street parking and some paid parking lots/garages.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures below by Auston James.

Naomi Jacobson as Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer in Becoming Dr. Ruth at Village Theatre (2024). Photo by Auston James.
Naomi Jacobson as Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer in Becoming Dr. Ruth at Village Theatre (2024). Photo by Auston James.
Naomi Jacobson as Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer in Becoming Dr. Ruth at Village Theatre (2024). Photo by Auston James.
Naomi Jacobson as Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer in Becoming Dr. Ruth at Village Theatre (2024). Photo by Auston James.

A Case for the Existence of God – Play – Review – ACT Theatre

@showsiveseen Samuel D Hunter's "A Case for the Existence of God" beautiful #play at @ACT Theatre Seattle starring Nate Tenenbaum & Conner Neddersen. Surprising how little the show mentioned religion or God. In the spirit of the script's male vulnerability theme, I actually shed a tear during the last scene. Review: showsiveseen.com/7936 Director: John Langs Stage Manager: JR Welden or Bret Torbeck #friendship #friends #fatherhood #parenthood #parents #showsiveseen #theatre #adoption ♬ My Father – Melaner

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Samuel D Hunter’s A Case for the Existence of God beautiful play at ACT Theatre starring Nate Tenenbaum & Conner Neddersen. Surprising how little the show mentioned religion or God. In the spirit of the script’s male vulnerability theme, I actually shed a tear during the last scene.

Recommendation
See it if you’re okay with plays that are more dialoge and less action.


Synopsis from the Theatre: Inside a small loan brokerage in Idaho, two men — a study in opposites — struggle to make a place for their families in the American dream as they balance parenthood, financial security, desire, and empathy. This award-winning play, with a revelatory ending, leads audiences on a journey of intrigue and reckoning as the two fathers’ lives intertwine in a powerful narrative about what it means to be human.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Weekend 2/9/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since the show ends this weekend!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate this play more if you’re a parent …. bonus points if you know the pain of being a single parent or the painful process of adoption. That being said, I don’t have kids and I’m not even sure I want kids, but I still enjoyed the play.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly yes, but the script was mostly dialogue and less action. While I typically don’t prefer dialogue plays, this one was actually not bad.

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 2

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

Was there an intermission? No

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No, but it was good.

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Favorite Line: Something like “I’m not a weepy gay man who needs to be held by a straight man.”
  • Nate Tenenbaum: Kudos to Nate Tenenbaum (who played Keith) for tearing up on-demand. His climactic chaotic tantrum scene was good too.
  • Awkward Moments: There were several deliciously uncomfortable awkward moments. In hindsight, they remind me of The Office TV show.
  • Male Vulnerability: This play uniquely portrayed vulnerable everyday men without appearing limp wristed (Relax, I’m gay!). It normalized the fact that men can also experience anxiety attacks and depression. It also showed that deep plutonic friendships between straight and gay men are possible.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Religion: The title led me to assume this play was about Christianity. Unless I missed the symbolism (which is very possible), there was nothing in it about religion. However, the actors described the mortgage processes in a way that could have touched on religion though. If you’ve seen this show, comment in my social media links below why you think “God” is in the title.

Theatre Company: ACT Theatre

Venue: The Falls Theatre at ACT Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 700 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://acttheatre.org/2023-24-season/a-case-for/

Ticket Affordability Options: Check out the the theatre’s official discounts page or TodayTix/Goldstar.

Dates: February 2 to February 18, 2024 – Previews started the 2nd and opening press night was the 8th.

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. If I don’t walk to this theatre, I park in the Convention Center garage with the entrance between Seneca and Pike. There is indoor access from the garage to the theatre if you walk through the old convention center.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:

Buy a Ticket or Learn More:

Pictures: See pictures below by Dai Ross Art and Photography.

ACT Contemporary Theatre presents Samuel D. Hunter’s The Case for the Existence of God featuring Nathaniel Tenenbaum (Keith) and Conner Neddersen (Ryan), directed by John Langs. Photos by Rosemary Dai Ross. (2024).
ACT Contemporary Theatre presents Samuel D. Hunter’s The Case for the Existence of God featuring Nathaniel Tenenbaum (Keith) and Conner Neddersen (Ryan), directed by John Langs. Photos by Rosemary Dai Ross. (2024).
ACT Contemporary Theatre presents Samuel D. Hunter’s The Case for the Existence of God featuring Nathaniel Tenenbaum (Keith) and Conner Neddersen (Ryan), directed by John Langs. Photos by Rosemary Dai Ross. (2024).
ACT Contemporary Theatre presents Samuel D. Hunter’s The Case for the Existence of God featuring Nathaniel Tenenbaum (Keith) and Conner Neddersen (Ryan), directed by John Langs. Photos by Rosemary Dai Ross. (2024).
ACT Contemporary Theatre presents Samuel D. Hunter’s The Case for the Existence of God featuring Nathaniel Tenenbaum (Keith) and Conner Neddersen (Ryan), directed by John Langs. Photos by Rosemary Dai Ross. (2024).

Sunset Boulevard – Concert Musical – Review – Showtunes Theatre Company

@showsiveseen @Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard" concert musical at Cornish Playhouse by Showtunes Theatre Company. Powerful excentric #diva portrayal from @billieville. Rich tenor from @Matthew Kacergis. #Epic songs followed by long applauses. #Glorious string section/score. Tragically beautiful story. I'm downloading the soundtrack! Review: showsiveseen.com/7875 Director: @kitchenskelly Music Director: Nathan Young Stage Manager: Aaron Alonso #sunsetBoulevard #showsiveseen #theatre #NormaDesmond #hollywood #AndrewLloydWebber ♬ original sound – The Kennedy Center

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Sunset Boulevard concert musical at Cornish Playhouse by Showtunes Theatre Company. Powerful excentric diva portrayal from Billie Wildrick. Rich tenor from Matthew Kacergis. Epic songs followed by long applauses. Glorious string section/score. Tragically beautiful story. I’m downloading the soundtrack!

Recommendation
See it, especially if you enjoy musicals performed as concerts.


Synopsis from the Theatre: The plot revolves around Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent screen era, living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street. When young screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally crosses her path, she sees in him an opportunity to make her return to the big screen, with romance and tragedy to follow.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 2/3/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since this show’s entire run is only 4 performances!

Type: Musical performed as a concert

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? N/A – There was no set since this was a musical performed as a concert.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably enjoy this more if you’ve either seen original the film or seen the full non-concert production of the original musical. However, I haven’t seen either and I still enjoyed this production. It just required a little more imagination than usual.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes, a 25-person orchestra

Equity Actors: 5

Total Number of Actors: 23

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was there an intermission? Yes

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Absolutely!

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Favorite Lines:
    • Something like “If I lose my car, it’s like having my legs cut off.” What a poignant testament to American life especially in LA!
    • “There’s nothing tragic about being 50, not unless you try to be 25.”
  • Epic Songs: This musical was filled with epically-performed songs. I’m definitely downloading the soundtrack! The audience went wild with long applause and some standing ovation after the following memorable songs.
    • “New Ways to Dream”
    • “With One Look” – What a hook!
    • “Sunset Boulevard”
    • “As If We Never Said Goodbye”
  • Score and Strings: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score allowed the orchestra string section to shine. The glorious overture reminded me of the high-quality orchestras that 5th Avenue Theatre is known for.
  • Norma Desmond: It was a joy to watch Billie Wildrick dramatically portray the excentric melancholic diva Norma Desmond, clinging to sanity and delusional fantasy.
  • Costumes: Despite this show being a concert version of a musical, Norma Desmond was still decked in glamourous statement pieces.
  • Universal Themes: This beautifully tragic story was filled with several relatable themes. Norma Desmond painfully, desperately grasped for her youth and the glory of her past life. In an effort to preserve her sanity, she desperately clung to lies from others or lies from herself. Joe Gillis (played by Matthew Kacergis) struggled with the allure of riches and selling out. This show was a painfully alluring depiction of the human experience.

Rant(s)

  • Microphones: Sometimes, the microphones turned on a couple milliseconds too late. Additionally, I think some of the cast was also not mic’ed. I’m not sure if it was because of sound board operation or because they didn’t have the budget for more microphones.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Career Continuity: Let this show be a cautionary tale to those temporarily taking a career sabbatical! When you come back, the workforce won’t welcome you with open arms.
  • Memory Play: Norma Desmond’s introduction scene exhibited a fantastical element that reminded me of the memory play genre.
  • Andrew Lloyd Webber: I try to attend shows with a blank slate knowing as little about the premise as possible. In fact, I typically only read the synopsis immediately before publishing my review. Throughout this musical, I kept thinking how it reminded me of The Phantom of the Opera like with the vibrato. Everything clicked when I discovered Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote Sunset Boulevard. Speaking of The Phantom of the Opera, I definitely prefer Sunset Boulevard more. It doesn’t help that Phantom strikes me pumpkin-spiced basic.
  • Showtunes Theatre Company Production Runs: It’s such a shame that Showtunes Theatre Company performances are typically only 1-2 weekends. But I it makes sense since musicals in concert format aren’t very mainstream.

Theatre Company: Showtunes Theatre Company

Venue: Cornish Playhouse

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

Price: Cheap to Medium

Tickets: https://www.showtunestheatre.org/sunsetboulevard

Dates: February 3 to February 11, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and paid street parking. I usually park on Mercer to the West of 1st Ave. There’s usually also plentiful street parking around Safeway. If there’s an event in Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena, street parking is usually limited and much more expensive.

Like/Comment/Share my Social Media Posts About this Performance:

Buy a Ticket or Learn More: