You Can’t Take It With You – Play – Sound Theatre Company
Category: Theaters, Performance Spaces, and Production Companies
Next to Normal – Musical – Twelfth Night Productions
Type: Musical
Recommendation: See it! It’s my favorite (or 2nd favorite) musical. Seen it 3 times already … and none of them were professionally produced!
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 stars
Negatives: Sometimes actors’ vocal pitch was flat. I suspect this was because I attended an afternoon matinee. It probably would have sounded better during an evening performance when their vocal cords were more warmed up. That being said, any tonal variation would probably have been unnoticeable to the untrained ear.
Story, Script, and Lyrics: Suburban mom with bipolar depression and schizophrenic features. One of the few musicals to win a Pulitzer (which is usually for books and not for stage performances), this piece is so well written and relevant for an over-medicated society (this coming from a pharmacist). It’s a great commentary on the practice of psychiatry. One of the treatments (won’t spoil it) was a bit over the top though. I absolutely love how in the middle of the first act (again, won’t spoil it) the audience caught completely off guard. I felt so betrayed! Such good writing. Unlike most musicals I like to watch, the ending was more realistic (aka sad) than your typical happily-ever-after. Basically, there’s no easy answer to mental illness.
Cast and Theater Company: Well-chosen cast. Hilary Heinz Luthi had a great raw voice for this rock musical. David Naber added a nice ballet-like sinister aspect to the Gabe character. It didn’t hurt that he was great eye candy as well haha. I’ve seen 3 performances from Twelfth Night Productions. Two have been good and was one was mediocre. I’m curious to see what the next one will be like.
Venue and Set: Venue in an old elementary school converted to youth arts center. The performance was actually in the gym. Despite the simple set, the cast worked well with what little they had and it let the writing/acting shine more. My friend said that he preferred this intimate simple production over the national professional tour he saw on the big stage at a major venue. He said it’s easier to experience the raw emotion. Interesting stage effects during the climax (i won’t spoil it!) of the first act.
Music and Audio: What can I say, I love rock/pop musicals. The band was good and the conductor/pianist (Greg Smith) was particularly enthusiastic and expressive.
Price: $ (Low-priced at $20)
Dates: February 16-18 & 23-25, 2018
Seating: General Admission
Link:
The Gin Game – Play – Village Theatre
Type: Play
Recommendation: Don’t see it unless you like to watch people talking with no action. So boring!
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3 stars
Negatives: There was no plot/action. It was like watching paint dry. This was the first Village Theatre production where I actually left at intermission. I guess there’s a first for everything… :-/
Story, Script, and Lyrics: Gramps and granny play gin rummy and talk out life … mostly complaining about their nursing home. You may actually like this play if you liked The Humans (which was also “meh” in my book).
Cast and Theater Company: Small two-person cast, which didn’t do this boring play any favors. The actors were good but the play was just bad. I’m surprised Village Theatre took on such a bad piece to perform since their productions are usually pretty satisfying.
Venue and Set: Interesting detailed set. It’s a shame they never had any scene changes.
Music and Audio: Okay. Nothing particularly good or bad to say.
Price: $$ (Mid-priced at $58-72)
Dates:
- Issaquah: January 18 – February 25, 2018
- Everett: March 2-25, 2018
Seating: Assigned
Link: http://www.villagetheatre.org/issaquah/the-gin-game.php
Mamma Mia! – Musical – 5th Avenue Theatre
Love, Chaos, & Dinner – Dinner Theatre – Teatro Zinzanni
Type: Dinner Theatre Show
Recommendation: So entertaining. See it! Much better than Cirque de Soleil.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.75 stars
Negatives: They pick audience members to “haze.” Among other things, some people in the audience got put in a cage and others were forced to dance. This may be a positive for you if that’s the experience you’re looking for. I usually just like to sit and watch without interaction (except sing-a-longs which I LOVE!).
Story, Script, and Lyrics: Simple story about the campy shenanigans behind the scenes when a food critic visits a restaurant. The story, script, and lyrics were nothing to write home about but the talent performing them was top notch.
Cast and Theater Company: Impressive how the performers wittily improvise and don’t break character even when mingling with the audience members during intermissions. Most actors had some sort of circus/carnival-type talent (like trapezee) that they showcased.
Venue and Set: Circular immersive theatre. The good thing about this is that there’s no bad view. The bad thing about this is that there is no “great” view. Every seat will miss something unless your eyes see 360 degrees. This theatre company performed across from the Seattle Opera’s McCaw Hall but they got kicked out and are now performing in a circus tent at Marymoor Park.
Music and Audio: Adequate sound engineering.
Food: Okay. Your typical pretentious, small-portioned American fare.
Price: $$-$$$ (Mid to high-priced at $99+). Keep in mind that this already includes dinner so you can technically classify as mid-priced. Check Goldstar for occasional discount or search Google for codes.
Dates: October 19, 2017 to April 29, 2018
Seating: Assigned at the facility. Be aware, you may be sitting with strangers.