Region – Page 16 – Shows I've Seen

Snowed In – Musical – Review – ArtsWest

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Corinne Park-Buffelen’s and Mathew Wright’s Snowed In lite holiday show at ArtsWest. Intimate Xmas musical revue with clever songs between sketches. Cozy set with warm lights.

Recommendation
See it if you’re looking for a lite Christmas show.

Synopsis from the Theatre: ArtsWest has sent four incredible artists on a cozy retreat to write the most perfect holiday show the world has ever seen. But when a blizzard hits and tensions rise, the crumpled up notebook pages start to pile up even faster than the snow. Will they finish the show in time? Or will they have to rely on a sprinkle of holiday magic to pull the whole thing off? Inspired by classic holiday TV specials and musicals about putting on a musical, witness the birth of a new Seattle theater tradition as four of the city’s most beloved musical theater stars take you on a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays. Featuring original music by Rich Gray, Corinne Park-Buffelen, and David Taylor Gomes & original musical arrangements by Riley Brule, Aaron M. Davis Norman, and David Taylor Gomes

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 12/9/23 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts so you see earlier notification of shows I’ve seen.

Type: Musical Revue w/ Sketches

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: One – the living room of a remote cabin

Static (Stationary) Set?: Yes

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

Defined Plot/Storyline: Not really

Live Band/Orchestra: Live accompaniment on the piano from associate music director Riley Bruley

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 4

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

“Happy Being Hosted”: My favorite song was this early jazzy number sung by Sarah Russell and written by Richard Gray about preferring to be a lazy guest than a host. I could totally relate!
“Joy to The World”: Aaron Norman’s arrangement of this classic song exuded Sister Act energy.
“The Perfect Christmas Song”: Corinne Park Buffelen’s and David Taylor Gomes’s song was a good deconstruction of cliche Christmas songs.
“In the Bleak Midwinter”: At first, I thought this song was an original parody of biblical Christmas songs. But I discovered in the program that it was actually an old traditional song later arranged by David Taylor Gomes.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

“Your Recipe is Perfect to Me”: Throughout this entire cabaret-like song, I thought it was strictly about fruitcake but the characters later alluded that the song was about gays. I’m such an oblivious gay! Now I wish I could hear it again.

Theatre Company: ArtsWest

Venue: ArtsWest

Venue Physical Address: 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Price: Cheap to medium

Tickets: https://www.artswest.org/events/snowed-in/

Dates: November 30 to December 23, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and free street parking. I usually park on 44th or 45th Ave behind the theatre.

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https://www.artswest.org/events/snowed-in/

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

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and/or video below

@showsiveseen @Coco P-B's & Mathew Wright's "Snowed In" lite #holiday show at ArtsWest. Intimate #xmas #musical #revue w/ clever songs between sketches. Cozy set w/ warm lights. Review: showsiveseen.com/7665 #Christmas #theatre #showsiveseen Director: Kelly Kitchens Musical Director: @David Taylor Gomes ♬ O Christmas Tree (a) – Stuart Roslyn, Matthew James Foundling

Role	Name
Performers	Rachel Guyer Mafune Christian Quinto Nik Hagen* Sarah Russell*
—	—
Director	Kelly Kitchens
Associate Music Director & Pianist	Riley Brule
Choreographer	Shadou Mintrone
Concept and Book	Matthew Wright (Artistic Director) Corinne Park-Buffelen
Composers	Rich Gray, Corinne Park-Buffelen, & David Taylor Gomes
Stage Manager	Leila Cheung*
Additional Music Arrangements	Aaron M Davis Norman
Sound Designer	Spencer Behm
Production Technical Director	Andrew Long
Lighting Designer	Trevor Cushman
Props Master	Adair Maccormack
Music Director	David Taylor Gomes
Rehearsal Stage Manager	Christopher Kehoe
Costume Designer	Jae Hee Kim
Scenic Designer	Brandon David Riel
Board Operator	Daisy Bower
Master Electrician	Robert Mitchell
Scenic Charge Artist	Bella Rivera
Sound Technician	Conor Fortner
Assistant Stage Manager	Hana Oh
Production Manager	Zenaida Rose Smith
Carpenters	Michael O’Neill and Peter Ryer
Managing Director	Inji Kamel
Other Key Volunteer	Mike West

* Member of Actor’s Equity Association

Fellow Passengers – Play – Review – Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Fellow Passengers play by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. A play-within-a-play where the outer play was silent and the inner play was a spoken reenactment of A Christmas Carol. Solid, well-developed storytelling delivery. Realistically-designed basement set. Live sound effects from Ayako Okano.

Recommendation
See it if you’re interested in a uniquely-presented version of A Christmas Carol.

Synopsis from the Theatre: In a fortuitous turn of events, Strawshop is proud to announce that Fellow Passengers—originally scheduled at Book-It Repertory Theatre—opens December 1 for a four-week revival at it’s original home: Strawberry Theatre Workshop. Told in the narrative style that Book-It made famous in Seattle, “Passengers” is every page of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol performed by just three actors, who bring over fifty characters to the stage.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 12/2/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: It was a play within a play. The outer play was just one location (a basement) and the inner play was several locations from A Christmas Carol.

Static (Stationary) Set?: Yes, the outer play set was “set in stone.” The inner play definitely required more imagination from the audiance than than most other shows.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but if you’d probably appreciate the show more if you’re familiar with the original A Christmas Carol story.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Ayako Okano generated live sound effects and some music. She used bells, chimes, chains, an electronic keyboard, and a milk crate of all things.

Equity Actors: 2

Total Number of Actors: 3

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium Speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 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? Probably not, but it was good

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Storytelling: When I saw Amy Thone on the cast list, I knew the acting would be top notch. The actors delivered their lines like professionals with enthusiasm and energy. Often on opening night (even with professional shows), I can tell when a show needs more time to “cure.” But this production was solid on day one.
Tiny Tim: As I’ve mentioned previously, I absolutely loathe the Tiny Tim Christmas trope. I’m so relieved there was no cutesy child actor portraying Tiny Tim in this play.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Book-It Repertory Theatre: The play exuded the distinctive narration style of the recently-late Book-It Repertory Theatre. Book-It was actually supposed to produce the show this season, but they prematurely closed their doors forever. I wonder how much of the show Book-It already originally produced. For example, did Book-It already imagine/create the scenic design before they closed, and Strawberry Theatre Workshop continued where Book-It left off?
New Scenes: There were a couple of scenes towards the end that I don’t remember from the traditional A Christmas Carol story. For example, there was a scene involving people on a ship.

Theatre Company: Strawberry Theatre Workshop

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

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

Price: Cheap to medium

Tickets: https://www.strawshop.org/fellow-passengers.html

Dates: December 1 – 23, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

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. The cheapest paid lot close by is at 1300 E Olive St with the entrance on 14th Ave. I highly suggest parking far away or taking the bus since parking lots and street parking are expensive in Capitol Hill.

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https://www.strawshop.org/fellow-passengers.html

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures and/or video below

@showsiveseen Greg Carter's "Fellow Passengers" #play by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. A play-within-a-play where the outer play was silent and the inner play was a spoken reenactment of #CharlesDickens #AChristmasCarol." Solid, well-developed storytelling delivery. Realistically-designed basement set. Live sound effects from Ayako Okano. Photos: John Ulman. Review: showsiveseen.com/7640 #theatre #showsiveseen #xmas #humbug #dickens #ChristmasCarol #Scrooge #Christmas ♬ Merry Christmas Baby – Sture Zetterberg

Role	Name
Performers	Shermona Mitchell Galen Joseph Osier^ Amy Thone^ Daniel Christensen (Understudy)
—	—
Playwright	Greg Carter adapting from from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Director	Rhonda J Soikowski
Musician	Ayako Okono
Stage Manager	P Alyda Sorm
Graphic Designer	Melanie Wang
Box Office Manager	Megan Carleton
Designers and Constructors	Adam Zopfi Hulse Reed Nakayama KD Schill Kyle Thompson Greg Carter Megan Carleton Forrest Leonard Rhonda J Soikowski Nona Schroeder
Lighting Designer	Reed Nakayama
Property Designer	Adam Zopfi Hulse
Scenic Designer	Greg Carter

^ Member of Actors Equity Association

White Christmas – Musical – Review – The 5th Avenue Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Irving Berlin’s White Christmas musical at The 5th Avenue Theatre complete with an audience singalong at the end. Starring Ashley Day & the rich-voiced Cayman Ilika. Showcasing a diverse repertoire of choreography in an old-timey glamour showbiz standards motif. #whiteChristmas

Recommendation
See it, especially if you’re looking for a standard Christmas show … with pop standards!

Synopsis from the Theatre: Based on the beloved, timeless film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas comes just in time for the holiday season. After World War II, two veterans, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, begin a successful song and dance act, following two singing sisters to their Christmas gig at a Vermont resort lodge. With classic standards such as the titular hit, “Sisters,” “Snow,” “Blue Skies,” and “I Love a Piano,” White Christmas is a stirring and delightful musical that stands the test of time

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 12/1/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set?: No

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but I wonder if you’d appreciate the show more if you saw the original film. I didn’t see the original film, but I enjoyed the live show.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: All

Total Number of Actors: Too many to count

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? Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Music and Orchestra: From the NYC-like swinging jazzy overture hook, I knew the orchestra and score would be fabulous in this show.
Choreography: This musical was heavy on dance. I was thrilled to discover that my favorite dance modality (tap dancing) filled this show. “Blue Skies” featured clean, tight choreography with a touch of Fosse. Additionally, the dancers in “I Love a Piano” showcased good dance synchronicity. There was also an earlier number in the first act with a little Latin flair.
Rich Voices: Cayman Ilika (as Betty Haynes) has such a rich, developed voice with a slight transatlantic accent quality. It was immediately distinctly noticeable in her first number “Love and the Weather.” I also didn’t know that Candice Song Donehoo (as Martha Watson) could belt it until she sang “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” Unfortunately, her previous role in Cinderella didn’t allow her to show off her pipes like she could in White Christmas.
Snow: Snow wasn’t isolated to just the stage. It also fell throughout the audience. They must spend a lot of time vacuuming after every performance!
Favorite Lines:
- While holding her boobs, Betty said, “Am I lopsided?”
- “Put up a show in 5 days? Why not. They say God took a week.”
- “I told you to work on the second chorus, not the second chorus girl.”
- “I will just go to my dressing room and have a scene”

Rant(s)

Theatre Temperature: Just like in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s December show last year The Wiz, the theatre was freezing! I overheard audience members behind me mention the same thing. I ended up wearing my wool coat and gloves during the performance. For tickets that can cost upwards of $200, I imagine one of the premium seats could pay the heating bill for one night!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Holiday Inn: The premise in White Christmas is so similar to Holiday Inn that it’s almost lazy writing and I felt a little cheated. It’s akin to how Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies blatantly reuse the same old formula with a dash of weak plot conflict. That being said, I enjoyed both shows and I’d see either one again. Plus, I wouldn’t fault the musical’s book author too much since they were just basing the shows on the original films.
Christmas Tree: Why was the Christmas tree moving during “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)?” I kept wondering if someone would jump out for comic relief … which would have been leftfield for a touching scene!
Zac Efron: Is it just me or does Ashley Day look like Zac Efron?

Theatre Company: The Fifth Avenue Theatre

Venue: The Fifth Avenue Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://www.5thavenue.org/shows/2023-2024/irving-berlin-s-white-christmas/

Ticket Affordability Options: The 5th Avenue Theatre often partners with organizations you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, they sometimes offer a discount for my employer affiliation.

Dates: November 25 to December 24, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: When I don’t walk to the theatre or park on the street, I park in the paid garage at the Motif Hotel northwest of the theatre. The entrance is on 5th Ave. Do NOT park in the Hilton garage (entrance on 6th Ave). That’s where most of the audience (and I think the subscribers) parks, so it’s a nightmare to leave. However, the Hilton garage is the closest garage to the theatre and you can access the theatre through a tunnel if you want to avoid the elements. But, in my opinion, this benefit is not worth the time wasted leaving the garage.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures under video and in video by Tracy Martin and Mark Kitaoka.

@showsiveseen @Irving Berlin's "White #Christmas" #musical at @The 5th Avenue Theatre complete with an audience singalong at the end. Starring Ashley Day & the rich-voiced @Cayman Ilika. Showcasing a diverse repertoire of choreography in an old-timey glamour showbiz standards motif. Review: showsiveseen.com/7598 #whiteChristmas #xmas #theatre #showsiveseen #irvingBerlin ♬ White Christmas – Michael Bublé

Phillip Attmore and Taryn Darr in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.

Ashley Day and company in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.

Ashley Day and Gia Pellegrini in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.

Phillip Attmore, Ashley Day, and Brandon O’Neill in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Tracy Martin.

Cayman Ilika, Taryn Darr, and company in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.

The cast of The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka.

Taryn Darr and Phillip Attmore in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s *White Christmas*. Photo Credit: Tracy Martin.

Role	Name
Bob Wallace	Ashley Day
Phil Davis	Phillip Attmore
Ralph Sheldrake	Brandon O’Neill
General Henry Waverly	Reginald André Jackson
Ed Sullivan Announcer	Ty Willis
Tessie	Cristin J. Hubbard
Rita	Ania Briggs
Rhoda	Trina Mills
Jimmy	Eric Polani Jensen
Betty Haynes	Cayman Ilika
Judy Haynes	Taryn Darr
Quintet	Cristin J. Hubbard Eric Polani Jensen Charlie Johnson Trina Mills Brandon O’Neill
Train Conductor	John David Scott
Mr. Snoring Man	Ty Willis
Mrs. Snoring Man	Cristin J. Hubbard
Martha Watson	Candice Song Donehoo
Susan Waverly	Beatrice Cramer, Gia Pellegrini
Ezekiel	Sean G. Griffin
Mike	Ty Willis
Regency Room Dancers	Davione Gordon Charlie Johnson Rico Lastrapes Jonathan Luke Stevens
Ensemble	Ania Briggs Kristin Burch Davione Gordon Cristin J. Hubbard Eric Polani Jensen, Charlie Johnson Ashley Lanyon Rico Lastrapes Trina Mills Richard Peacock John David Scott Jonathan Luke Stevens Katy Tabb Jaclyn Wheatley Carolyn Willems Van Dijk Shelby Willis
Bob Wallace Underestudy	Michael Sharon
Phil Davis Understudy	Cayel Tregeagle
General Henry Waverly Understudy	Ty Willis
Ralph Understudy	John David Scott
Betty Haynes Understudy	Miranda Antoinette
Judy Haynes Understudy	Mallory Cooney King
Mr. Snoring Man/Mike/Ed Sullivan Announcer/Ezekiel Understudy	Erlc Polani Jensen
Mrs. Snoring Man/Tessie/Quintet Understudy	Ann Cornelius
Martha Watson Understudy	Cristin J Hubbard
Swings	Maggie Darago Jordan King Katie Marshall Christopher Sweet
Dance Captain	Maggie Darago
—	—
Conductor	Beth Grimmett-Tankersley
Keyboard 1	Dwight Beckmeyer
Keyboard 2	Rebecca Smith
Bass	Todd Gowers
Drums	Alec Wilmart
Horn	Jill Jaques
Trumpet 1	Brad Allison
Trumpet 2	Richard Titterington
Trumpet 3	Michael Van Bebber
Trombone 1	Dan Marcus
Trombone 2	Keith Winkle
Trombone 3	Antonio Portela
Percussion	Paul Hansen
Reed 1	Dane Andersen
Reed 2	Jory Tindall
Reed 3	Derek Smith
Reed 4	Lori Shepard
Reed 5	Jay Easton
Violin	Lynn Bartlett-Johnson
Cello	Christine Lee
Keyboard Coordinator	Michael Matlock
Music Assistant	Andrew Pang
Rehearsal Pianist	Dwight Beckmeyer
Rehearsal Drummer	Alec Wilmart
—	—
Directors	James A Roco and David Armstrong
Choreographer	James A. Rocco
Music Director	Matt Perri
Producing Partner	Marleen And Kenny Alhadeff
Composer and Lyricist	Irving Berlin
Orchestrations	Larry Blank
Authors	David Ives and Paul Blake
Vocal and Dance Arranger	Bruce Pomahac
Scenic Designer	Anna Louizos
Associate Director	Jimmy Shields
Costume Coordinator	Heidi Zamora
Director of Production	Joan Toggenburger
Costume Designer	Carrie Robbins
Associate Music Director/Conductor	Beth Grimmett-Tankersley
Costume Associate	Danielle Nieves
Production Manager	Ryan Gastelum
Lighting Designer	Heather Gilbert
Associate Choreographer	Maggie Darago
Associate Lighting Designer	Thorn Michaels
Technical Director	Mathew Carleton
Sound Designer	Haley Parcher
N.Y. Casting Director	Stephanie Klapper
Associate Sound Designer	Liam Steckler
Costume, Wardrobe, & Hair Director	Shannin Strom
Hair/Wig & Makeup Designer	Kelley Jordan
Seattle Casting Director	Brodrick Santeze Ryans
Assistant Hair/Wig & Makeup Designer	Juliette Lewis
Production Stage Manager	JR Welden
Assistant Stage Managers	Jamie J. Kranz Erin B. Zatloka
Swing Stage Manager	Jeffrey K. Hanson
Producing Artistic Director	Bill Berry
Managing Director	Katie Maltais
Production Assistant	Larcyn Burnett
Child Actor Guardian	Amy Jurkiewicz

Contest Winner – MJ: The Musical – Paramount Theatre

Congrats Leeda for winning a ticket courtesy of Shows I’ve Seen to Broadway Seattle’s & Seattle Theatre Group’s MJ: The Musical. Review: showsiveseen.com/7468 #musical #theatre #showsiveseen

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Preview Post – Black Nativity – Musical – Intiman Theatre

Black Nativity Xmas musical opening night by Intiman Theatre and The Hansberry Project at Broadway Performance Hall. Performing until 12/30/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #gospel #church #choir #christmas #showsiveseen #theatre

Final Full Review (Posted 12/26/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/black-nativity-musical-review-intiman-theatre/

Tickets: https://www.intiman.org/black-nativity/

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