boom – Play – Blue Hour Theatre Group

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): boom play by Blue Hour Theatre Group at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Modern earth experiences a semi big bang of sorts (or boom). Novel play-within-a-play museum framework. Makes me wonder how future generations will depict us thousands of years from now. Did not expect the twist at the end! Nice touch with the free drinks and raffle. #theatre #evolution #apocalypse #cataclysm #doomsday

Synopsis from the Theatre: A grad student’s online personal ad lures a mysterious journalism student to his subterranean research lab under the pretense of an evening of “no strings attached” sex. But when a major global catastrophic event strikes the planet, their date takes on evolutionary significance and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Will they survive? What about the fish in the tank? And who is that woman pulling levers and playing the timpani? An epic and intimate comedy that spans over billions of years, boom explores the influences of fate versus randomness in the course of one’s life, and life as we know it on the planet.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/11/22 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you like plays with 2 people (the 3rd person was more of a narrator who broke the 4th wall) or plays where all the scenes are in one room.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but they were good.

Length: 90 mins

Intermission?: No

Rant(s)

  • Theatre space was cold and the chairs were uncomfortable.

Other Thought(s)

  • Did the museum exhibit contain androids/robots? Or were we watching a screen? Leave a comment in my social media links below if you have any ideas!

Theatre Company : Blue Hour Theatre Group

Venue: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

Venue Physical Address: 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Price: Cheap

Dates: November 4 to 19, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Free lot parking. If the primary lot is full, you can park across the street in the park, which is also free.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: See under the pictures/video below.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photos and videos of production are provided courtesy of the theatre company.

@showsiveseen#boom” by Blue Hour Theatre Group at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Modern earth experiences a semi #bigBang of sorts. Novel #play-within-a-play #museum framework. Makes me wonder how future generations will depict us years from now. Did not expect the twist at the end! Appreciated the free drinks & raffle. showsiveseen.com/2026 #theatre #evolution #apocalypse #cataclysm #doomsday ♬ Boom Clap (From the Motion Picture Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter) – Charli XCX
RoleName
PlaywrightPeter Sinn Nachtrieb
DirectorBrian Brooks
Production DesignGreg Loproto
Stage ManagerSara Schweid
Technical DirectorJay Strevey
JulesBlake Simpson
JoBrittany N. Lael
BarbaraJordan Pontelondolfo

Corners Grove – Play – Cornish College of the Arts

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Corners Grove play by Cornish College of the Arts at Cornish Playhouse At Seattle Center. Modern take on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Reminded me of TV shows about privileged California teens & young adults.

Synopsis from New Play Exchange: A reverent nod to Our Town by Thornton Wilder, this play follows a group of young people in the town of Corner’s Grove from high school into adulthood as they deal with leaving home, falling in love, gender identity, and the death of Whitney Houston. It’s a story about growing up and hometowns, friendship and drinking in parking lots.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/6/22 Afternoon

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Recommendation: See it if you like the original Our Town play.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes, if it was produced by an Equity Theatre.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but they were good.

Rant(s)

  • I’m not sure if it’s a problem with the original Our Town (since I’ve never seen it) or this newer script but the play didn’t seem relatable through my POC eyes. It sort of reminded me of Dawson’s Creek or 90210 without the sex. Think of the MadTV parody “Pretty White Kids With Problems.”
  • I feel like audience members who previously saw the original Our Town would enjoy this more.

Other Rave(s)

  • The narrator had a great effortless feminine style.

Theatre Company : Cornish College of the Arts

Venue: Cornish Playhouse

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

Price: Cheap

Dates: November 3 to 6, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid lot, paid street, or free street parking. The free parking is a couple blocks north as you go deeper (and higher) into Queen Anne.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video

Other Video +/- Pictures:

@showsiveseen "Corners Grove" #play by #Cornish College at Cornish Playhouse in Seattle Center. Modern take on #ThorntonWilder's #OurTown. Reminded me of TV shows about privileged California teens & young adults. Review: showsiveseen.com/2012 #theatre ♬ goodbye & thank u – Kira Kosarin
RoleName
Sam Craig (u/s Halle, Luke)Adna Palic (They/Them)
Julia Webb (u/s Rebecca)Anika Thorson (She/Her)
Stacy McAllister (u/s Emily)Bryanna Finley (She/They)
Jo Crowell (u/s Julia)Catherine Tarlov (She/Her)
Simon Stimson (u/s George)Daniel Haskey (He/Him)
Melissa Cartwright (u/s Stage Manager, Wally)Emma Majewski (They/Them)
Halle Newsome (u/s Stacy)Emma Chang (She/Her)
Rebecca GibbsHattie Mae Rich (They/Them)
Luke Lorberbaum (u/s Simon)Jasper Law (He/Him)
Stage Manager (Character)Jo Branchflower (She/Her)
Lou Soames (u/s Vi, Sam)Kendal Butin (She/They)
Belligerent Audience Member,
Madeleine Beckner (She/They)
Maddy Pulaski (They/She)
Vi Crowell (u/s Joe)Vanessa (u/s Melissa, Lou)
Wally WebbMario Espinoza (He/They)
George GibbsPeter Schafer(He/They/She)
Emily WebbSena Hanson-Walker (They/Them)
Playwright and DirectorKaela Mei-Shing Garvin (They/She)
Technical DirectorMatthew McCarren (He/Him)
Assistant DirectorWill Boyer-Montgomery (He/They)
CarpenterKevyn Jordon-McKind (She/Her)
Intimacy DirectorSarah Harlett (She/Her)
Stage ManagerLarcyn Burnett (They/Them)
Scenic DesignerPaige Arseneau (She/They)
Assistant Stage ManagerAlex Walker (They/He)
Costume DesignerCaden Green (He/They)
Assistant Scenic Designer & Lead CarpenterEmma Boyd (She/Her)
Lighting DesignerCami Taliaferro-Barber (She/Her)
Assistant Lighting DesignerLocke Landis (He/Him)
Sound DesignerEmily Doorenbos (They/She)
Charge Scenic PainterJessica Christensen (She/Her)
Dresser/Stage HandBen Barton (He/Him)
Hero Stroverud-Myers (She/her)
Run CrewEm Weihofen (They/She)
Spot OpNolan Spencer (He/Him)
Light Board OpDominique Salas
Performance Production Area HeadMelanie Burgess (She/Her)
Visual & Performing Arts Production ManagerGavin Yehle (He/Him)
Theatre Department Faculty ChairSheila Daniels (She/Her)
Scenic/Props Design AdvisorMatthew Smucker (He/Him)
Scene Shop SupervisorMatthew McCarren (He/Him)
Production Lab InstructorAmy LaZerte (She/Her)
Lighting Design AdvisorPeter Maradudin (He/Him)
Props & Paint SupervisorJessica Christensen (She/Her)
Director of CSESPinky Estell (He/Him)
CSES Technical SupervisorMarc Mixon (He/Him)
Sound Design AdvisorTom Fallat (He/Him)
Costume Shop Supervisor & Practicum AdvisorCarl Bronsdon (He/Him)
Patron Service ManagerTony Rinehart (They/Them)
Stage Management AdvisorBret Torbeck (He/Him)
Theatre / Performance Prodcution Department CoordinatorRachel Brinn (She/Her)

Not / Our Town – Play – Pony World Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Not / Our Town play by Pony World Theatre at 12th Avenue Arts. Experimental take on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Performances differ based on audience survey. They pulled me on stage for rock, paper, scissors! Multilayered timeline. Great message about life’s mundane moments. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: With Not / Our Town, Pony World Theatre tackles the most iconic American classic: Our Town by Thornton Wilder. But how much this production feels like an old classic or something new, different, and weird is up to audience members. Before each show, the audience takes a survey with options for several different scenes, staging styles, and even story elements. The winning votes determine that night’s performance. This is not improvised theatre, but instead numerous possible variations of the script. Do you want to see teenagers on ladders or things falling from the ceiling? How about puppets? Would you like to see people fall in love or out of love? You can decide. Does someone need to know or appreciate the original Our Town to enjoy this creative imagining of an old story about life and family? Absolutely NOT. Both the 1938 original and this new play tell stories about family, community, and those journeys in life common to us all. Because even when the destination is the same, there are hundreds of different paths to get there.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/5/22 Evening

Type: Play

World Premiere: I think so?

Recommendation: See it if you like experimental theatre or the original Our Town play.

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but they were good.

Rant(s)

  • Even though I see average 3 shows per week, I didn’t understand some of the deep theatre references.
  • I know this is experimental theatre with a pre-performance audience survey but I got major FOMO knowing the show I saw that night wouldn’t match the show someone sees another day!
  • Despite the theatre’s synopsis, I feel like audience members who previously saw the original Our Town would enjoy this more.

Other Rave(s)

  • The stage effect right before the intermission was pretty cool. I won’t spoil it for you though!
  • I don’t know why but the waltz was one of my favorite parts especially with the solo dancer.

Other Thought(s)

  • If you think the play doesn’t make sense throughout the show, stay till the end! You’ll appreciate the take-home message of the play.
  • Get your tickets! I think they sold out opening weekend. I could barely find a seat!
  • Like the theatre synopsis says, this show isn’t true improv. But it had some improv energy if you’re into that. I mean, I was pulled up on stage!
  • They broke the 4th wall!

Theatre Company : Pony World Theatre

Venue: 12th Avenue Arts (aka Black Box Operations)

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

Price: Cheap w/ inclusive pricing options

Dates: November 4 to December 3, 2022

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. Cheapest paid lots are on 11th Ave across from the park. Sigh, “cheapest” was $16 dollars for me. 🙁

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Tanya Izadora Photography.

@showsiveseen "Not / Our Town" #play by Pony World Theatre by Brendan Healy at 12th Avenue Arts. #Experimental take on #ThorntonWilder's #OurTown. Performances differ based on audience survey. They pulled me on stage for rock, paper, scissors! Multilayered timeline. Great message about life's mundane moments. Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1933 #theatre ♬ Better Days – Animal Island
Alanah Pascual Pointing
Alanah Pascual Ladder
Lisa Viertel with Puppet and Jesse Parce
Ensemble in Avant Garde Scene
Augustya Kohli and Tyler Campbell
Amber Walker with Mark Fullerton in Background
Amber Walker Survey
Sophia Franzella with Puppet
Sophia Franzella on Ladder
Lisa Viertel Human Circus
RoleName
Actor (Played as Themselves)Tyler Campbell, Sophia Franzella, Mark Fullerton, Kathy Hsieh, Agastya Kohli, Jesse Parce, Alanah Pascual, Lisa Viertel, and Amber Walker
Playwright & DirectorBrendan Healy
Stage ManagerKristin Brown
Assistant Stage ManagerAnahita Sepehri
Scenic Designer and ChoreographerParmida Ziaei
Prop DesignerAndrea Spraycar
Sound DesignerAlex Potter
Projections DesignerTristan Roberson
Projections AssistantDamon Reaney
Costume DesignerSarah Brush
Puppet DesignerSann Hall
Survey EngineerMike Gilson
Technical DIrectorJustin Duffiance
Scenic Charge and Artist LiaisonAnnie Duffiance
Production ManagerEllie Hughes
Run CrewDaniel Anson

The Boy Who Kissed the Sky – Musical – Seattle Children’s Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Boy Who Kissed the Sky musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Inspired by the early Seattle life of Jimi Hendrix. Vibrant costumes & great music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous Seattle theatre stages. #JimiHendrix #musician

Synopsis from the Theatre: Set in the heart of Seattle’s Central District to the rhythms that shaped a generation, The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, is inspired by the early life and influences of Seattle native and musical icon Jimi Hendrix. The early era of rock ‘n roll music sets the stage as a young Black boy conjures his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this play inspires us to dream big when it matters most.

Reviewed Performance Date: 10/29/22 Early Afternoon – Sorry for the late review. I would have attended sooner and prioritized writing the review sooner if this theatre company provided me w/ a press ticket like most other theatres do. 🙁

Type: Musical but some may call it a play with music.

World Premiere: No. This might be their second run though. I think their first run was at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Leave a comment on my social media links below if you have any more information!

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you’re an adult or kid! I saw alone as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. The theatre website says ages 8 and up. I’d venture to change that to maybe ages 10 and up especially since it was on the longer side (but still only one act). I’m curious how 8 year olds enjoyed this. You also don’t need to be a Jimi Hendrix fan. I actually don’t like his music but I still enjoyed the show!

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 5 stars

Equity Actors: 8 out of 8

Rant(s)

  • Theatre was too cold.
  • The imaginary friend character needed a better cup so the audience doesn’t see his junk. As Gunther said in an episode of Friends, “Hey buddy, this is a family place! Put the mouse back in the house.”

Other Rave(s)

  • The professor was delightful!

Other Thought(s)

  • There are a few scenes involving depression. Obviously, they fit in just fine in an adult musical but some may question including the scenes in a children’s musical. I’m personally more in favor of the scenes than against the scenes. Children need to know real life! Maybe parents who tell their kids about Santa Clause would vote against these scenes.

Theatre Company : Seattle Children’s Theatre (and maybe Alliance Theatre Company?)

Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre

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

Price: Medium – Try Goldstar or the SCT Offers page for more affordable options.

Dates: October 11 – November 6, 2022

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center event or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking on Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre. My plan B is usually far away on the street near a electric substation (319 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109).

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Truman Buffet Photography.

@showsiveseen “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky” #musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre w/ @alliancetheatre. Inspired by the early life of #JimiHendrix. Vibrant costumes & great #music. Fantastic show for kids or adults. Good teachable moments. Fascinating lobby exhibit of previous #Seattle #theatre stages. Photo Credit & Review: showsiveseen.com/1937 #musician ♬ Purple Haze (Made Popular By The Jimi Hendrix Experience) [Vocal Version] – Party Tyme Karaoke
RoleName
The BoyBrandon L. Smith
J SonicCedric Lamar
Mel / Feedback 1Adam Washington
Donna / Feedback 2Aishé Keita
Shapeshifter 1 / Feedback 3Alexandria Joy
Shapeshifter 2 / Feedback 5Mike Spee
Shapeshifter 3 / Feedback 4Deborah Bowman
Understudy for Aishé Keita and Alexandria JoyClaudine Mboligikpelani Nako
Understudy for Deborah Bowman and Mike SpeeMartha Kathryn Smith
GuitarMiles Harris
BassKhari Simmons
DrumsRaoul Hardin
PlaywrightIdris Goodwin
DirectorTim Bond
ComposerDivinity Roxx
Composer / Music DirectorEugene H. Russell IV
ChoreographerSonia Dawkins
Scenic DesignerCarey Wong
Costume DesignerAlan Yeong
Lighting DesignerConnie Yun
Sound DesignerChris Lane
Projections DesignerMiko Simmons
Wig DesignerJoyce Degenfelder
Stage ManagerTori Thompson
Assistant Stage ManagerMichelle Chesley
Assistant Stage ManagerClaire Stark
Production AssistantIsabella Marziello
Script SupervisorJay Chavez

Jesus Christ Superstar – Musical – Reboot Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Jesus Christ Superstar musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly surprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: Don’t miss our high octane heavenly production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! We’re excited to continue our reputation for new interpretations of established musicals and long history of inclusive with this rockin’ fan favorite, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR focuses on the personal relationships between Jesus, Mary, and Judas, and examines the highs and lows of stardom, fanaticism, and mob justice.

Reviewed Performance Date: 11/4/22 Evening

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Live Band: Yes

Recommendation: See it! Especially if you like inclusive casting.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now?: Yes

Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 stars

Equity Actors: Zero but don’t let that steer you away from this production.

Rant(s)

  • Background vocals on namesake signature song “Superstar” needed more volume or energy.
  • While I appreciate the gender inclusive casting that Reboot Theatre is known for, I wish they would (or could?) transpose songs sung by the opposite gender of what the composer wrote it for. Often times, performers were singing at the lower end of their range and the audience either can’t hear it or it just doesn’t sound good.

Other Rave(s)

  • I loved how Noel Pederson portrayed Annas as a stern, cold, calculating corporate suit well on her way to eventually shatter the glass ceiling!

Theatre Company : Reboot Theatre Company

Venue: Theatre Off Jackson

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

Price: Cheap w/ inclusive pricing options

Dates: November 4-19, 2022

Seating: General Admission

Parking: Paid street parking is available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. I think there might be free street parking east of the theatre on Jackson starting under the bridge. There’s also paid parking lots nearby as well.

Social Media Posts: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Link(s):

Cast and Production Team: Under the video and pictures.

Other Video +/- Pictures: Photography in video and under video are by Colin Madison Photography.

@showsiveseen "Jesus Christ Superstar" #musical by @officialalw w/ Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel modernized production w/ a cool TV-driven set. Sweet harmony from the energetic inclusively-cast ensemble. Pleasantly suprised there was a tap dance number. Favorite actors were Herod, Annas, & Pilate. Review & Photo Credit: showsiveseen.com/1921 #Jesus #Christ #JesusChristSuperstar #JesusChrist #theatre #AndrewLloydWebber ♬ Superstar – Andrew Lloyd Webber & "Jesus Christ Superstar" 1996 London Cast & Zubin Varla
William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
Front: William Douglas Johnson (Jesus) and Shana E. Emile (Judas) with the ensemble of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.
Shana E. Emile (Judas), William Douglas Johnson (Jesus), and Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
Kiki Werner (Simon), Natalie Moe, Jordyn Day Palmer (Mary), Aaron Jin, Jacqueline Tardanico, and (kneeling) Matthew Reyes (Peter) in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Reboot Theatre Company.
Noel Pederson (Annas), David Breyman (Caiaphas), Mariesa Gonzale, Natalie Moe (Herod), and Aaron Jin in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
Noel Pederson (Annas), Mariesa Gonzale, Shana E. Emile (Judas), Khane Berry, and David Breyman (Caiaphas) in Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at Reboot Theatre Company.
RoleName
JesusWilliam Douglas Johnson
CaiaphasDavid Breyman
JudasShana E. Emile
PilateJasmine Joshua
HerodNatalie Anne Moe
MaryJordyn Day Palmer
AnnasNoel Pederson
PeterMatthew Reyes
SimonKristie Werner
SwingJoanna Hardie
Sarah Hooper
EnsembleKhane Berry
Mariesa Genzale
Aaron Jin
Jacqueline Tardanico (Jesus/Judas/Mary Understudy)
Conductor/Keyboard 1Sam Peters
Keyboard 2William Bryant
Jenny Nguyen (Alternate)
BassKendall Crane
GuitarCam Schneider
DrumsScot Sexton
______
Director/ChoreographerHarry Turpin
Musical DirectorSam Peters
Stage ManagerMeredith Zandi
Associate DirectorMandy Rose Nichols
Lighting DesignCarolina Johnson
Costume DesignJanelle Kimbrough
Video EngineerLaser Volcanoes: Grant Boling, Andrew Croll
Video Graphics and Poster DesignNoel Pederson
QLab ProgrammingBrendan Mack
Props DesignJessamyn Bateman-Iino
Sound DesignSandra Huezo-Menjivar
A/V InstallationBruce Hart
Production ManagerScot Charles Anderson
Artist LiaisonWei Low
Dance CaptainMariesa Genzale
Tap Dance CaptainMeredith Zandi
Fight CaptainDavid Breyman
ComposerAndrew Lloyd Webber
LyricistTim Rice
Executive Director (TOJ)Patti West
Business Manager (TOJ)Karen Shay
Technical Liaison (TOJ)Catriona Urquhart
Technical/Production Coordinator (TOJ)Frank Phillips
Front of House Manager (TOJ)Tim Crist