Puget Sound (Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia/Bellevue) – Page 4 – Shows I've Seen

Damn Yankees – Musical – Review – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

@showsiveseen "Damn Yankees" #musical by @Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson. Starring Jessie Selleck & Vincent Milay. Delightful choreography by Mackenzie Malhotra. Wonderful "A League of Their Own"-like costumes & #baseball player ensemble. Review: showsiveseen.com/9657 Photos: Colin Madison Director: Brad Lo Walker Music Direction: Aimee Hong Stage Manager: Valerie Reid #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo. – 1994 Original Cast Recording – "Damn Yankees" 1994 Broadway Cast

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Damn Yankees musical by Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson. Starring Jessie Selleck & Vincent Milay. Delightful choreography by Mackenzie Malhotra. Wonderful “A League of Their Own”-like costumes & baseball player ensemble.

Recommendation
See it, especially if you like baseball.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): An older man makes a deal with the devil (hence “damn” in the title) to become a young baseball superstar so he can win the pennant for his favorite team.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Put summer into extra innings with Reboot Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Damn Yankees! This sporty musical comedy is a true American classic, packed with baseball, unforgettable music, high-energy dance, and devilish charm. Don’t miss Reboot’s twist on this Broadway mega-hit! Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd, trades his soul to the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate, for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation, Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life that he’s left behind.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 9/6/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Show closes on 9/21/24!

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you might enjoy this more if you’re familiar with baseball.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: None

Total Number of Actors: 15, which is pretty large for such a small stage

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Yes

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Songs and Choreography : There were many memorable songs, such as “You’ve Gotta Have Heart,” “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo,” “The Game,” “Two Lost Souls,” and “Six Months Out of the Year.” This was largely due to Mackenzie Malhotra’s choreography and the exceptional baseball player ensemble. Of course, the well-crafted music played a significant role as well.
Devil and Gags: Mr. Applegate (the devil character played by Vincent Milay) was comedically well-written and well-executed. Additionally, the script contained several cute jokes related to the Satan or hell. For example, Mr. Applegate couldn’t swear on the bible in court because it burned him. Or when someone asked him “Are you anybody?” he replied “not a soul.”
Costumes: Chloe Cook designed nostalgic women’s baseball player outfits similar to the costumes in A League of Their Own movie as shown below.
The Washington Senators in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Rant(s)

Sound Balancing: It was difficult to hear some solo performers since they sang too soft and there were no microphones.
Resolutions (No Spoiler): The script resolved some conflicts at the end unsatisfyingly. The solutions felt random and lazily conceived.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Gender-conscious Casting: Like their previous shows, Reboot Theatre Company cast several roles with performers differently gendered than the original characters. Interestingly, their characters also often didn’t conform to traditional gender roles. For example, female performers played male baseball players characters but still sometimes acted feminine. They wrapped their hair in a towel in the locker room or screamed excitedly after a game like “woo girls.” It was certainly a show full of gender bending.
- Vocal Range: I was a little worried that that the gender inclusive casting would force the performers to sing unnaturally and unpleasantly too high or too low. Fortunately, I didn’t hear any weird vocal ranges in this production. It made me wonder if they transposed any songs.
Temperature: I was also worried about attending this show on a hot day. As I’ve often mentioned in the past, Theatre Off Jackson is too hot in the summer. Fortunately, the A/C valiantly and successfully cooled the room adequately during the performance.

Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company and Theatre Off Jackson

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price Range: $30

Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select the $5 inclusion rate on the ticketing website

Dates: September 6 to 21, 2024

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street under/past the I-5 bridge, though it’s a dodgier area. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.

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Pictures: See pictures below by Colin Madison.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Sophie J. Sen (center) as Gloria Thorpe with the ballplayers in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Ellen Dessler Smith as Meg Boyd and Jessie Selleck as Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Jessie Selleck as Joe Hardy and Salem Salma Wahab as Lola in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Vincent Milay as Applegate and Salem Salma Wahab as Lola in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

The company of DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Kiki Werner as Van Buren, Annalisa Brunchmann as Rocky, Eleanor Withrow as Smokey, and Stefanie Meifang Van Rafelghem as Sohovik in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Ed Robison as Joe Boyd and Vincent Milay as Applegate in DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company. Photo by Colin Madison.

Preview Post – Damn Yankees – Musical – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

Congrats to Reboot Theatre & Theatre Off Jackson on the opening night to the Damn Yankees musical & their packed, energetic audience. Catch the show through 9/21 and stay tuned for my full review!

Final Full Review (Posted 9/11/24): https://www.showsiveseen.com/damn-yankees-musical-review-reboot-theatre-company-theatre-off-jackson/

Tickets: https://reboottheatre.org/damn-yankees-info

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Come On, Get Tappy! – Musical – Review – Outrage Onstage at SecondStory Repertory

@showsiveseen @Harry Turpin's & Stacie Hart's @comeongettappy world premiere #musical by @Outrage Onstage at SecondStory Repertory. I'd like to think Shirley Temple's life behind the scenes was as #campy & sensational as this. Review: showsiveseen.com/9603 Photos: Colin Madison #showsiveseen #theatre #childstar #childactor #camp ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) – Tommy Richman

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Harry Turpin’s & Stacie Hart’s Come On, Get Tappy! world premiere musical by Outrage Onstage at SecondStory Repertory. I’d like to think Shirley Temple’s life behind the scenes was as campy & sensational as this.

Recommendation
See it if either 1) you enjoy camp 2) you want to support community theatre 3) or you want to support new theatre works.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Hijinks ensue when an unexpected villain threatens the natural order of a Shirley Temple-style variety show.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: The “Tappy McCrackin Variety Hour” is the biggest hit show network television has ever seen. A pint-sized girl named Tappy McCrackin is the singing, dancing star of it all – but she’s collected a dangerous enemy in her rise to the top. As the show prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a huge spectacle performance to be broadcast live in every living room in America, danger lurks in the wings. Villains, friends, and lovers find themselves in a chaotic scene when disaster strikes the studio – right before the big show. As the cameras roll, who will help her save the day?

Attended Performance Date: 8/29/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Show closes on 9/15/24!

Type: Musical

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple

Static (Stationary) Set? Mostly yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: None

Total Number of Actors: 16, which is pretty large for such a small stage

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Costumes: For a non-Equity show, I was surprised with the diverse sizable costume selection curated by costume designer Kristin Haskins. What a spectacle!
Fish Sponsor Gag: Regarding the fish-related sponsor mentioned in the script, the advertisement songs that played in the background before the show and during intermission were a nice touch.
Tappy Shrine: Another impressive attention to detail was the extensive “Tappy McCrackin Discovery Gallery” shrine in the theatre lobby. It featured wall art, headlines, and memorabilia that showcased Tappy’s fictional career over the years. The intermission might not be long enough to fully explore all the intriguing lore!
Tap Dancing: I absolutely love watching tap dancing in musicals. The mention of “tap” in the title actually initially drew me to see this show. However, while the production featured more tap dancing than most musicals, I was still expecting even more given the name of the titular main character. Side note, the “saluting” dance routine from choreographer (also the co-creator and director) Harry Turpin reminded me of the classic “Anything Goes” song with Sutton Foster.

Rant(s)

Mic-ing: Some dialogue and lyrics were difficult to understand. It could have been different microphone models, suboptimal microphone placement, inconsistent microphone usage, soundboard operation, or something else. I’m fairly certain I missed background story that was integral to the plot because of this.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Second Act Script Development: The second act script, particularly the latter half, unfortunately fell prey to a common theatre issue where it feels less developed compared to the first act. This portion of the script could benefit from additional reworking and refinement.

Theatre Company: Outrage Onstage and SecondStory Repertory

Venue: SecondStory Repertory

Venue Physical Address: 7325 166th Ave NE Ste F250, Redmond, WA 98052

Price Range: $35

Dates: August 23 to September 15, 2024

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Free lot or free garage parking provided by the Redmond Town Square outdoor mall where the theatre company resides.

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Pictures: See pictures below by Colin Madison

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Allie Nolan and the cast of *Come On, Get Tappy!* Photo by Colin Madison.

Allie Nolan, Merry Senn, Meagan Castillo, Sydney Caruso, and the cast of *Come On, Get Tappy!* Photo by Colin Madison.

Olivia Lee and the cast of *Come On, Get Tappy!* Photo by Colin Madison.

Meagan Castillo and Merry Senn. Photo by Colin Madison.

Ceili Caruso, Kyle Sinclair, and the cast of *Come On, Get Tappy!* Photo by Colin Madison.

Kyle Sinclair, Merry Senn, and Meagan Castillo. Photo by Colin Madison.

Oliva Lee and Mauro Bozzo. Photo by Colin Madison.

Preview Post – Come On, Get Tappy! – Musical – Outrage Onstage at SecondStory Repertory

Happy world premiere to Harry Turpin’s and Stacie Hart’s Come On, Get Tappy! musical by Outrage Onstage at SecondStory Repertory. Performing until 9/15. Stay tuned for my full review! #camp #campy

Final Full Review (Posted 9/4/24): https://www.showsiveseen.com/come-on-get-tappy-musical-review-outrage-onstage-at-secondstory-repertory/

Tickets: https://comeongettappy.com/

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Peter Pan – Musical – Review – Paramount Theatre

@showsiveseen @Peter Pan the Musical family-friendly #musical national tour from @Seattle Theatre Group & Broadway Seattle at the Paramount. Starring @nolan and @Cody Garcia. Impressive stage magic with aerial flying, fairy effects, shadow tricks, and beautiful projections that would certainly fill children & adults with wonder. Closes 8/25. Review: showsiveseen.com/9499 Director: Lonny Price Stage Manager: Megan Belgam & Kendall Stevens Conductor: Jonathan Marro #theatre #showsiveseen #peterPan #Neverland #CaptainHook ♬ I Won't Grow Up – The Fools

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Peter Pan family-friendly musical national tour from Seattle Theatre Group and Broadway Seattle at the Paramount. Starring Nolan Almeida and Cody Garcia. Impressive stage magic with aerial flying, fairy effects, shadow tricks, and beautiful projections that would certainly fill children and adults with wonder. Closes 8/25.

Recommendation
See it if you enjoy kid-friendly musicals or you want to take your kid to the theatre.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): It’s the classic story of Peter Pan, the magical boy (accompanied by his fairy Tinkerbell) who never grows up. He flies Wendy and her brothers to Neverland, where they encounter the lost boys, Tiger Lilly with her indigenous gang, and Captain Hook with his pirate band.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 8/21 – Buy your tickets now since the show closes on 8/25!

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? No, it was dynamically changing

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate this show more if you’re already familiar with the classic tale in any iteration. I personally saw the Disney film and the movie Hook.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: All

Total Number of Actors: 24

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours, which might be too long for a show targeted to kids

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

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Stage Magic:
- Aeriel Flying: This production expertly incorporated aerial flying throughout the show starting with Peter Pan’s glitter filled grand entrance. The actors seamlessly transitioned between flying and walking. The aeriel flying would surely fill children with a sense of wonder. I certainly personally wondered when they found the time to unobtrusively attach and detach their flying cables on-stage in the middle of scenes!
- Fairy Effects: This production portrayed the Tinkerbell fairy well with “simple” little light bulbs, which often required coordination between actors and some lite puppetry skills.
- Shadow Tricks: Peter Pan’s shadow was so convincing. It “moved” scenery pieces like a picture frame and curtains. I didn’t even realize it wasn’t Nolan Almedia’s actual shadow until the last half of the scene. Tight synchronicity!
- Projections: Thankfully, the projections weren’t an overused crutch like I’ve often seen in other shows. The projections augmented the flying scene spectacularly. However, it was a cop out to portray the actors in the projections during part of that scene. The vibrant realistic backgrounds blended well with the physical scenery pieces. They sometimes created wonderful transitions between settings like the jungle and ship. However, there were a few moments where movement was obvious cheesy fake CGI like water splashes, flying birds, and falling leaves.
Scenic Design: I love the lush, vibrant green motif, especially the beautiful jungle sets.
Bookends: Peter Pan’s visits to the real world nursery at the beginning and end of the show mirrored each other well.
Pirates: Cody Garcia and Kurt Perry flamboyantly portrayed Captain Hook and Smee respectively. It was cleaver to see their band of pirates as an actual music band.

Rant(s)

Kid Friendly: This is probably the most childish show I’ve seen from Broadway Across America in Seattle, San Antonio, and Houston … even more than any Disney national tour musical! I guess this is appropriate if you’re taking kids to the theatre. But it will definitely turn off childless grinch patrons like me. A part of me thinks this show is better suited for professional children’s theatre (like Seattle Children’s Theatre) instead of the Paramount. Adults acting childish with exaggerated movements (when theatre movements are already inherently exaggerated) is not my cup of tea. I also generally detest seeing elementary school children on stage since they typically milk the cuteness factor, which distracts from their actual performing talent.
- Dying Scene (No Spoiler): Because I detested the childish elements of this show, I was drawn (like a pendulum thirsty for grown-up theatre) to the most solemn scene in the show when a character was dying. But they ruined the moment by breaking the fourth wall (vomit) and resolving it with a family-friendly pantomime cop out. Die Mufasa!
- Moon: WTF was the talking moon? That random transient character was uncalled for and unnecessary. It shattered the suspension of disbelief. Get out of here!

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Mermaid: Unlike most Peter Pan story iterations, there were no mermaid characters in this script. Even the Peter and the Starcatcher prequel included mermaids!
Score: The songs were fine, but not iconic. They were well-performed, but not inherently memorable. The kid-friendly nature didn’t help things out either. For example, I wasn’t a fan of Disney-like “Friends Forever” and that god-awful song about crowing. Speaking of Disney, I wish they could include some Disney Peter Pan songs like “You Can Fly.”
Indigenous Theme: I noticed that Larissa FastHorse (who is Native American) was credited for book modifications to the 1954 script. I’m so curious how drastic her changes were to the portrayal of indigenous characters. I remember in my woke 2024 hindsight that the Disney film was racially problematic.
- Tiger Lilly: Tiger Lilly’s (played by Raye Zaragoza) song lines were often in a lower alto-ish range. With most female leads singing soprano, I wonder what the reason for this musical decision was. Side note, Raye Zaragoza in this role strangely reminded me of Jennifer Garner in the movie 13 Going on 30.

Theatre Company: National Tour Brought by Broadway Across America and Seattle Theatre Group

Venue: Paramount Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price Range: $40 to 135 plus the insane Ticketmaster fees. Buy your ticket at the box office to avoid most of the Ticketmaster fees. Down with the Ticketmaster Live Nation monopoly!

Ticket Affordability Options: Seattle Theatre Group might partner with an organization you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, I believe UW employees/students are eligible for an organization discount.

Dates: August 21 to August 25, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking and paid garage parking. The best parking garage is under the convention center w/ the entrance on Pike around the Pike and Terry intersection. Last I checked, this is one of the cheapest, least busy, and closest garages. Alternatively, you can probably find street parking as you move closer to the West Precinct (810 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Do NOT park where the Paramount subscribers park. Last I checked, they usually park in the garage attached to the Cheesecake Factory. It’ll take you at least 30 minutes to exit that garage after the show.

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Pictures: See pictures below by Matthew Murphy from MurphyMade

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.