Preview Post – White Christmas – Musical – 5th Avenue Theatre

Amazing seats to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas musical opening night at The 5th Ave Theatre. Performing until 12/24/23 Christmas Eve. Stay tuned for my full review! #whiteChristmas #xmas #irvingBerlin #showsiveseen #theatre

Full Final Review (Posted 12/18/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/white-christmas-musical-review-the-5th-avenue-theatre/

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

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Little Women – Play – Seattle Rep

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Kate Hamill’s Little Women play at Seattle Rep starring Amelio Garcia, directed by Marti Lyons. Based on the original classic by Louisa May Alcott. Modern commentary on gender roles and growing up. Pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas theme in this winter show. #tomboy #ComingOfAge #LittleWomen #xmas

Recommendation
See it, especially if you enjoy plays about defying traditional gender roles.


Synopsis from the Theatre: Jo March isn’t concerned with what’s “ladylike.” Actually, she’s not sure she wants to be a lady at all. An aspiring writer, the headstrong Jo must negotiate with rigid societal norms to realize her dreams of independence. Against the backdrop of the Civil War, the beloved March siblings grow together and apart, discovering love, joy, and friendship as they learn the importance of family and being true to oneself. Kate Hamill’s (Pride and Prejudice, 2017) fresh and lively adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel will bring the entire family together this holiday season.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 11/15/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set: Mostly no

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’d probably appreciate this play more if you read the original classic novel. I did not, but I constantly wondered during the performance how the book and the play differed.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Equity Actors: 9

Total Number of Actors: 9

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? Probably not but it was good

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Scenic Design: The dollhouse-like motif was well-chosen in light of the script’s “defy gender norms” message.
  • Christmas Theme: I’m typically not a fan of Christmas shows since they typically lack depth and seem more of a way for theatres to milk audiences for extra holiday revenue. But I appreciated how the playwright/author included Christmas themes while not making the story solely about Christmas. The theatre synopsis didn’t even tout this as a holiday show! The first act was heavy on the feel-good old-timey movie-like Christmas theme. To quote the script, it was like the “sentimental lady stories” Jo was instructed to write. On the other hand, I don’t think the second act mentioned Christmas much at all and it was less sentimental (aka better than the first act).
  • Favorite Quote: “Can’t you play something gayer?”

Rant(s)

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Battle Hymn of the Republic: What’s the deal with the sisters singing “Glory, glory, halleluiah!” occasionally throughout the show?
  • Atrocity: A character committed a grave atrocity in the middle of the second act, but I don’t think they portrayed it to the audience (unless I missed it). I would have loved to see the drama of the scene occur, especially since it preceded a delicious argument scene.
  • Friends Episode: I kept thinking about the Friends TV show episode “The One Where Monica and Richard are Friends” where Joey was too emotionally invested in the characters when he read the book, especially when somebody (who honestly lived an insignificant life in my opinion) died. I kind of wish I didn’t know the book spoilers from that episode so I’d feel more surprised.
  • End of 1st Act: The first act uniquely didn’t end in a cliffhanger. It felt similar to when the first act of Into the Woods ended. I literally thought there wasn’t a second act in both shows!

Theatre Company: Seattle Rep

Venue: Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Rep

Venue Physical Address: 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: Medium to Expensive

Tickets: https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202324-season/little-women/

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: November 10 to December 17, 2023

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.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures under video by Bronwen Houck

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

@showsiveseen @Kate Hamill's "Little Women" #play w/ @seattlerep & Milwaukee Repertory Theater starring Amelio Garcia, directed by Marti Lyons. Based on t@Kate Hamill's "Little Women" #play w/ @seattlerep & Milwaukee Repertory Theater starring Amelio Garcia, directed by Marti Lyons. Based on the original classic by Louisa May Alcott. Modern commentary on gender roles & growing up. Pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas theme in this winter show. Review: showsiveseen.com/7261 #tomboy #ComingOfAge #LittleWomen #xmas #theatre #showsiveseen he original classic by Louisa May Alcott. Modern commentary on gender roles & growing up. Pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas theme in this winter show. Review: showsiveseen.com/7261 #tomboy #ComingOfAge #LittleWomen #xmas #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Reasons – STAR SEED
Katie Peabody, Amelio García, Cy Paolantonio, and Rebecca Cort in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Katie Peabody, Rebecca Cort, Cy Paolantonio, and Amelio García in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Chiké Johnson and Katie Peabody in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Rebecca Cort, Katie Peabody, Colleen Madden, Amelio García, and Cy Paolantonio in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Amelio García and Austin Winter in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Rebecca Cort, Cy Paolantonio, Katie Peabody, and Amelio García in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Richard Nguyen Sloniker, Colleen Madden, Amelio García, and Rebecca Cort in Little Women. Photo by Bronwen Houck.
RoleName
Amy MarchRebecca Cort
Jo MarchAmelio Garcia
Hannah/Mrs. Mingott/MessengerMacall Gordon
Mr. Laurence/Robert March/DoctorChiké Johnson
Marmee March/Aunt MarchColleen Madden
Meg MarchCy Paolantonio
Beth MarchKatie Peabody
John Brooks/Parrot/Mr. DashwoodRichard Nguyen Sloniker
LaurieAustin Winter
Understudy for Beth/Meg/Hannah/Mrs. Mingott/MessengerCheyenne Barton
Understudy for Laurie/Brooks/Parrot/Mr. DashwoodMiguel Castellano
Understudy for Marmee March/Aunt MarchMacall Gordon
Understudy for Mr. Laurence/Robert March/DoctorVincent “VJ” Orduna
Understudy for Jo/AmyLeah Sainz-Jones
PlaywrightKate Hamill adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
DirectorMarti Lyons
Scenic DesignerCollette Pollard
Movement Director & CaptainCy Paolantonio
Costume DesignerAn-Lin Dauber
Lighting DesignerReza Behjat
Fight Director & Intimacy ConsultantAlyssa Kay
DramaturgPaul Adolphsen
Sound Designer & Original MusicJane Shaw
Music DirectorAaron M. Davis Norman
Assistant DirectorDaira Rodriguez Miranda
Stage ManagerJessica C. Bomball
Assistant Stage ManagerShay Trusty
Milwaukee Rep CastingJonathan Hetler
Seattle Rep CastingKaytlin McIntyre & Shawna Grajek
Scenic AssistantDelena Bradley
Spanish Show Program & Youth Guide EditorAlejandra Campoy
Marketing & Engagement ContractorAna María Campoy
Spanish Script TranslatorDaniel Jáquez
Assistant Lighting DesignerLily McLeod
Spanish Content TranslatorGrecia Leal Pardo
Production AssistantAnahita Sepehri
Stage Management ApprenticeSam Smith

Preview Post – Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley – Play – Taproot Theatre

Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley play opening night w/ Taproot Theatre. Performing until 12/30/23. Stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 12/12/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/georgiana-kitty-christmas-at-pemberley-play-taproot-theatre/

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2023/georgiana-kitty-christmas-at-pemberley/

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Hotdish – Play – Pony World Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Brandon Healy’s Hotdish play by Pony World Theatre at 12th Ave Arts. Directed by Charlotte Peters. Midwest repression/escapism that felt universal. Funny caricatures from Jessica Robin’s. Good acting delivery from James Hyun Lee (returning from an 8-year hiatus). Novel live video component and nice stage.

Recommendation
See it if you enjoyed Dream Hou$e.


Synopsis from the Theatre: For this world premiere play, simply combine 3 “hotdishes” (casseroles for you non-Minnesotans), one dysfunctional family, one reality TV show, tater tots, black pepper, your grandmother’s rose water perfume, a few dashes of joy, and a pinch of heartache. Kayla Liggett has taken in her unemployed brother, Toby, while he looks for work. But Toby thinks the answer to all his troubles is winning his favorite reality TV cooking show, Champion Chef. As Toby falls deeper into this enticing fantasy, their mother Evelyn faces her own financial crisis. It falls to Kayla to save them both, but she can barely keep her own life together. Guided by a magical being who happens to be the glamorous host of Champion Chef, the family must face what fractured their lives in the first place. Hotdish tells a story about family, food, and fixing the cracks in all our hearts.

Attended Performance Date: 11/9/23 – See my previous preview posts here.

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set: Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’d probably appreciate the script more if you’re familiar with Midwest themes. For example, the hotdish concept is traditionally from the Midwest, which I didn’t know until after the play.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly yes

Equity Actors: Zero

Total Number of Actors: 5

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium speed

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.25 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 in Elevator Thoughts

  • Scenic Design: The home kitchen reminded me of Village Theatre’s Book Club stage. The fridge remarkably occasionally doubled as an entrance/exit and an actual fridge.
  • Novel Live Videography: Some scenes were portrayed like a reality TV cooking show competition where a stagehand recorded the actors and the video replayed on the audience like a TV show in real time. Occasionally they combined the live video with pre-recorded clips. They’re definitely working double time in A/V room during this production! The live video component reminded me of the basketball player in Village Theatre’s Songs for a New World. This novel videography was very effective for the non-speaking parts. However, there was a noticeable slight delay in the live video while the actor was speaking to the camera. I also observed this delay at Village Theatre. And if I’m not mistaken, I also noticed this delay at the Blue Man Group national tour. So, I’m not sure that there is any good solution. Maybe transmit the video via a cable instead wirelessly for better latency?
  • Reveal (Slight Spoiler): There was a reveal in the second act that reminded me of Gabe’s birthday scene in Next to Normal. I’m now second guessing the scenes I saw previous to this reveal!
  • Universal Themes: The script seemed to focus on Midwest repression and hopelessness, but it felt universal. The need for fantasy/escape was similar to the theme in She Kills Monsters. I empathized with Toby Ligget (played by James Hyun Lee) as he described his alienation, depression, and failure. And I felt Kayla Liggett’s (played by Sydney Kaser) yearning as she described the need for familiar safe physical company as she copes with being the strong one in the family. The white noise during Toby’s longing made the pressure in his mind all the more tangible.
  • Caricatures: Jessica Robins portrayed a plethora of caricatures like a rough tap-dancing Irish bartender, a phone operator, and a grisly seasoned tow-trucker. Her reality TV show host persona reminded me of Tessa from Dream Hou$e, which was also produced at 12th Ave Arts. My absolute favorite personality was the bank officer with a delightful Midwest accent especially during her funny mini monologues on doughnuts and coffee (pronounced “cawfee”). Kudos for the several the costume changes behind the bar/counter, which were probably uncomfortable!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Theatre Company: Pony World Theatre

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts

Venue Physical Address: 1620 12th Ave #203, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6146488

Dates: November 3 to December 2, 2023

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. 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 the lots are expensive in Capitol Hill.

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

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

@showsiveseen "#Hotdish" #play by Pony World Theatre at 12th Ave Arts. Directed by @charlotte. #Midwest repression/escapism that felt universal. Funny caricatures from @jrobartist. Good acting delivery from @DogtorJames (returning from an 8-year hiatus). Nice stage & novel live video component. Photos: Tanya Izadora & Ken Holmes. Review: showsiveseen.com/7259 #theatre #showsiveseen #Minnesota #realityTV #cooking ♬ Keeping Everything Inside – Sophie Pecora
Cast of Hotdish. Photo by Tanya Izadora.
Rebecca as Evelyn, confronting Sydney as Kayla. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Jessica Robins and James Lee. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Testimonial Time. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Just One Night. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Miranda Interviews Toby. Photo by Ken Holmes.
The Final Family Showdown. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Jessica Robins as Miranda Pashant. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Miranda Tries Toby’s Cooking. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Jessica Robins and Sydney Kaser. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Sydney, Rebecca, and James as the Liggett Family. Photo by Ken Holmes.
Jessica Robins as Miranda with Van Lang Pham as Kevin. Photo by Ken Holmes.
RoleName
Toby Liggett James Hyun Lee
Kayla Liggett Sydney Kaser
Evelyn Liggett Rebecca Goldberg
Kevin Van Lang Pham
MirandaJessica Robins
DirectorCharlotte Peters
PlaywrightBrendan Healy
Stage ManagerKristin Brown
Assistant Stage ManagerMichael Latham
Scenic DesignerSann Hall
Lighting DesignerChih-Hung Shao
Props DesignerAndrea Spraycar
Sound DesignerJustin Johnson
Projections DesignerBrendan Mack
Costume DesignerLuna McMeen
Video And Additional AssetsPeter Antoniou & Charlotte Peters
Technical DirectorJustin Duffiance
Scenic Charge ArtistAnnie Duffiance
Production ManagerEllie Hughes
Artist LiaisonLisa Viertel

Preview Post – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – Village Theatre

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical opening night at Village Theatre. Performing until 1/28/24. Saw the national tour twice before this production. Stay tuned for my full review! #caroleKing

Final Review (Posted 12/4/23): https://www.showsiveseen.com/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical-village-theatre/

Tickets: https://villagetheatre.org/shows/beautiful/

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