Sense and Sensibility – Play – Village Theatre

Giveaway: I’m giving away a free ticket to this show. See more details here. Congrats to Annabel!

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Sense and Sensibility play by Kate Hamill at Village Theatre. Jane Austen meets Gossip Girl. Cute, basic (in a good way), & girly romantic comedy. Loved it! Clips by Nyhuis Creative. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. In a classic-modern mashup of the beloved Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility revisits the 18th-century England of the iconic characters through a contemporary lens. Layered with smart comedy and zany antics, this playful new adaption comes to life in a delightfully indulgent production directed by Jes Spencer. Sensible Elinor and sensitive Marianne’s fortunes become misfortunes after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Navigating societal pressures and relatable modern gossip, the two sisters learn to love while expressing their own sensibilities. Cheekily underscored by a contemporary mix of your favorite pop songs, Sense and Sensibility’s simple beauty and timelessness is a breath of fresh countryside air.

Reviewed Performance: 2/10/23 on Opening Weekend

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Awards: 2016 Off-Broadway Alliance Award

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it especially if you like Jane Austen or romantic comedies

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes if it was another Equity production

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.75 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: 3 but they were all good

Total Number of Actors: 10

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours – The second act felt slightly long

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Ball: Once again, Village Theatre triumphantly put on a dazzling ball as they did in Cinderella, their previous production. The chandelier-like disco balls were a nice touch.
  • Drag: Nick DeSantis was a hoot as Mrs. Ferrars in drag. I looked forward to each of his over-the-top campy costumes like the stuffy “Michelin Man” dress and the crocodile boa.
  • Personified Animals: Village Theatre must have heard good feedback from their last show, Cinderella, when ensemble actors occasionally portrayed animals since they did the same thing in Sense and Sensibility. The barking dogs surprised me at first!
  • Stuffed Animals: Speaking of animals, I also looked forward to seeing each new stuffed animal that the youngest daughter Margaret Dashwood (portrayed by Sophia Franzella) played with in each of her scene.
  • Town Gossips: The town gossips were a clever way to narrate the story.
  • London Transition: The transition from simpleton country to glamourous city reminded me of scenes where midwestern country bumpkins arrive in Manhattan.
  • Understudies: Kudos to Nik Doner and Michael Wu for seamlessly filling in the roles of Calder Shilling and Richard Nguyen Sloniker respectively the day after opening night.
  • Cliffhanger: The end of the first act was executed dramatically. I liked how they resumed the second act at the exact same scene.
  • Design: The lighting design, scenic design, and costume design were well-coordinated in the same beautiful feminine motif of pastel watercolors w/ warm lighting. The giant papier-mâché flowers conveyed a wholesome countryside cottage feel.
  • Drawing: The reveal of what Edward (or was it Elinor?) drew at the beginning of the play was funny. I doubt audience members in the back could see it though…
  • Cast Doubling: I’m usually not a fan of extensive cast doubling especially when it’s difficult to discern between characters. But when done successfully, I think it showcases the actors’ range of abilities. In particular, the understudies’ switched well from the awkward stiff personalities of Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars.
  • Modern References: It was fun seeing the actors wear or use modern props and costumes in this regency era production. I saw headphones, martini glasses, airport luggage, sneakers, capris, cowgirl frills, a hoodie, a Gucci logo, a steering wheel, leopard print, a letterman jacket, and a windbreaker. Modern songs were also integrated throughout the show like Celine Dion. Most of the songs were in the style of Postmodern Jukebox.

Rant(s)

  • Phones: While I enjoyed seeing modern props in this regency era play, the cell phones were over showcased. Too many theatre productions use cell phones as an easy crutch to add a modern flair to shows that take place in a pre-modern era. However, it was clever for the horse carriage driver to text while driving.

Theatre Company: Village Theatre

Venue: Village Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 303 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027 or 2710 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA 98201 depending on your performance date

Price: Medium-Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options: Check out their discount tickets page. TodayTix and Goldstar usually offer good options too.

Dates: February 1 to April 9, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free street parking and some free parking lot. Lot parking is pretty difficult to find though. I’ve basically given up on that. I usually end up parking on Rainier Boulevard North. As a last resort, I think you can always find parking at the library but it’s a little far. Remember, there’s a bottom floor parking lot under the library’s main parking lot that most non-locals don’t know about.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: Performance clips in TikTok video are by Nyhuis Creative. Pictures under video are by Angela Sterling Photography.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures

@showsiveseen “Sense & Sensibility” #play by @katehamill4sure at Village Theatre. #JaneAusten meets @xoxogossipgirl. #Cute, #basic (in a good way), & #girly #romanticComedy. Loved it! Review: showsiveseen.com/3773 Clips by Nyhuis Creative. #theatre ♬ Piano Concerto No. 22 3rd Movement Mozart(1003495) – takai
Sophia Franzella, Alegra Batara, and Sunam Ellis in Village Theatre’s Sense and Sensibility (2023). Photo by Angela Sterling.
Sophia Franzella, Calder Shilling, Alegra Batara, Suzy Hunt, Lindsay Welliver, Nick DeSantis, and Richard Nguyen Sloniker in Village Theatre’s Sense and Sensibility (2023). Photo by Angela Sterling.
Alegra Batara, Sunam Ellis, Josh Kenji, and Lindsay Welliver in Village Theatre’s Sense and Sensibility (2023). Photo by Angela Sterling.
Lindsay Welliver and Calder Shilling in Village Theatre’s Sense and Sensibility (2023). Photo by Angela Sterling.
Lindsay Welliver and Alegra Batara in Village Theatre’s Sense and Sensibility (2023). Photo by Angela Sterling.
RoleName
Marianne DashwoodAlegra Batara
Sir John Middleton / Mrs. Ferrars / Thomas / Gossip Nick DeSantis*
Mrs. Dashwood / Anne Steele / Gossip Sunam Ellis
Margaret Dashwood / Lucy Steele / Gossip Sophia Franzella
Mrs. Jennings / GossipSuzy Hunt*
Fanny Dashwood / Lady Middleton / Doctor / Gossip Jonelle Jordan
John Willoughby / Lady Middleton / Gossip Josh Kenji
Colonel Brandon / John Dashwood / GossipRichard Nguyen Sloniker*
Edward Ferrars / Robert Ferrars / Lady Middleton / GossipCalder Shilling
Elinor Dashwood Lindsay Welliver
Undeerstudies
Elinor Dashwood / Fanny Dashwood / Lady Middleton / Doctor / Gossip Shanna Allman
Marianne Dashwood / Margaret Dashwood / Lucy Steele / Gossip Cheyenne Barton
Colonel Brandon / John Dashwood / Sir John Middleton / Mrs. Ferrars / Thomas / Gossip Nik Doner
Edward Ferrars / John Willoughby / Lady Middleton / Robert Ferrars / GossipMichael Wu
Mrs. Dashwood / Anne Steele / Mrs. Jennings / GossipAnnie Yim
Stage ManagerShay Trusty*
Assistant Stage Manager Annika Evens
Production Assistant Ana Sepehri
DirectorJes Spencer
PlaywrightKate Hamill
Scenic Designer Parmida Ziaei
Sound Designer Tosin Olufolabi
Lighting DesignerAmiya Brown
Wig Designer Kaleena Jordan
ChoreographerKathryn Van Meter
Costume DesignerDanielle Nieves
Assistant DirectorBretteney Beverly
Associate Lighting DesignerCasey Price
DramaturgMarquicia Dominquez
Fight ChoreographerAlyssa Kay
Assistant Scenic DesignerLex Marcos
Dialect CoachGin Hammond
Intimacy DirectorKathryn Van Meter
Costume StitchersMeagan Kirby
Kali Pohle
* The Actors and Stage Managers are members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window – Play – Intiman Theatre and The William’s Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window play at Erickson Theatre w/ Intiman Theatre and The William’s Project. Well-written dialogue & strong acting. Intellectual, artsy, & bohemian in an NYC way.

Synopsis from the Theatre: It’s Greenwich Village in 1964, and Sidney Brustein’s living room is the place to be. The neighborhood bohemians gather here to drink, listen to records, and argue about politics, art, and sex. Soon, Sidney stumbles into owning a local newspaper and the arguments become more heated. With a marriage on the rocks, no money, and friends advocating for different causes, this aging idealist is forced to decide what he truly believes. Brimming with humor and pulling no punches, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window asks us all: how much are you willing to sacrifice to live your ideals?

Reviewed Performance: 2/9/23 on opening night

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: No – It was a lot of talking, which I usually don’t like but I still enjoyed the play because of the good scenes, writing, and acting.

Recommendation: See it if you don’t hate plays with a lot of talking and little action.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: 6

Total Number of Actors: 7

Length (Including Any Intermission): A whopping 3 hours!

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Scenes: There were countless powerful scenes in this production partly because of brilliant writing and partly because of good execution. Many of the scenes were monologue-like breaks. My favorite was probably Alton’s (Chip Sherman’s) tense commentary about how African Americans have been accepting the scraps from white people for years. Iris’s (Caitlin Duffy’s) description of the actor’s audtion process was also memorable with her strangely vivid storytelling.
  • Waterfall: There was a neat waterfall at the beginning of the second act that added artistic value to the production.
  • Costumes: The sparkly dresses that Iris and Gloria wore were stunning.

Rant(s)

  • Press Ticket/Media: I contacted Intiman Theatre twice for a possible press review ticket and for production photos but I did not receive any response. UPDATE 3/4/23: After I posted this review, the Intiman Instagram account messaged me how to get added to the press list.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Message: The playwright Lorraine Hansberry left a rich fodder for analysis with quotable lines and powerful scenes. But I couldn’t grasp any cohesive central moral of the play. Was it a nihilistic commentary about the futility of idealism and altruism?
  • Sign: If the sign was important enough to mention in the play’s title, what did the sign symbolize? Failed idealism?
  • Cutting Remarks: While I love watching cutting insults on-stage, why was Sidney such a dick to Iris?
  • Intellectuals: Was it just me or were the characters (Sydney in particular) reminiscent of pretentious highbrow hipsters who only listen to records, only drink single malt whisky, and are blissfully unaware of their privilege?

Theatre Company: Intiman Theatre and The William’s Project

Venue: Erickson Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 1524 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Price: Cheap to Medium-Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options: The ticketing website offers honor code discount options for students, military, industry, … or anybody. There are also 20 free rush tickets 1 hour before each performance.

Dates: February 7 to 25, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: It’s Capitol Hill … so good luck. Try to take the bus. The cheapest parking I could find was $10 on Harvard Avenue west of Seattle Central College.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See TikTok video below

Cast and Production Team: See after video

@showsiveseen “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” #play at Erickson Theatre w/ #Intiman Theatre & The William’s Project. Well-written dialogue & strong acting. #Intellectual, artsy, & #bohemian in an NYC way. “I just want something to happen in my life.” Review: showsiveseen.com/3891 #theatre ♬ Conspiracy Theory – Cali Rodi
RoleName
Sidney BrusteinMax Rosenak*
Alton ScalesChip Sherman
Iris Parodus Brustein Caitlin Duffy*
Wally O’Hara / MaxHoliday*
Mavis Parodus BrysonAlexandra Tavares*
David Ragin Lee Lebreton*
Gloria ParodusFrancesca Root-Dodson*
DirectorRyan Guzzo Purcell
PlaywrightLorraine Hansberry
Scenic and Costume DesignerAn-Iin Dauber
Lighting DesignerGeoff Korf^
Sound DesignerM.L. Dogg ^
Production Stage ManagerLaurel Nichols*
Assistant Stage Manager / Covid-19 Safety ManagerNik Nolen
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in USA
^Member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE

History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near – Play – ACT Theatre and The Hansberry Project

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near play at ACT Theatre w/ The Hansberry Project. Experimental show quite literally about the “history of theatre” from the perspective of past African American actors. #POC #BiPOC #vaudeville #black

Synopsis from the Theatre: Travel back in time – 200 years, to be precise – with your host, Sister Blacknall, and meet the Black theatre artists of America’s history, who have returned to ensure that this time, they will be remembered. Reginald André Jackson’s wildly original play challenges the stories we’ve been told about who makes theatre and who it is for; creating a spellbinding evening that is both illuminating and inspiring. History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near takes audiences on a journey from 1820 to the mid-1930s, through the lens of a contemporary artist making their way in our very own Seattle theatre scene. Witness the forgotten impact of The Rabbit’s Foot founder Pat Chapelle, who created the first all-Black touring vaudeville troupe in 1900, the boundary-breaking actors Ira Aldridge and Rose McClendon, as well as members of Seattle’s own Negro Repertory Company.

Reviewed Performance: 2/3/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy catching up on reviews since my dad was in town. I would have posted earlier than other reviews if I realized sooner that this play had such a short run. Usually, ACT Theatre plays last at least 3 weeks after opening night and I assumed this one was no different.

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Defined Plot/Storyline: No

Recommendation: See it if you’re into history and you have prior knowledge of African American theatre origins.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Equity Actors: 7

Number of Actors: 8

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 30 mins, which felt a bit long

Intermission: No

Rant(s)

  • Prior Knowledge: It will be difficult to enjoy this play if you don’t have prior knowledge of African American theatre history. A lot of references went over my head, and it was hard to keep track of all the characters I was unfamiliar with.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Experimental: This play was definitely different than what’s usually on stage. For starters, it was self-aware that it was play. It also addressed the 4th wall frequently and sometimes had arguments with itself. There was also time travel, which distorted the play’s chronology.
  • Audience: Where were the African American theatre patrons? The audience was a testament to the homogeneity in Seattle and theatre. But at least the play is a step in the right direction.

Theatre Company: ACT Theatre

Venue: ACT Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 700 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options: Visit the ACT Theatre Discount Page. Usually, Goldstar and TodayTix have good deals too.

Dates: January 28 to February 12, 2023 – Opening night was February 2. Sorry this review is so late!

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or paid street parking. If I don’t walk to this theatre, I park in the Convention Center parking lot with the entrance between Seneca and Pike. There is indoor access from the garage to the ACT Theatre going through the convention center.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See pictures below FaceBook post

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures

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Amy Thone and R. Hamilton Wright in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Tracy Michelle Hughes, Arlando Smith, and Be Russell in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Reginald André Jackson in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Dedra D. Woods and Reginald André Jackson in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
R. Hamilton Wright, Amy Thone, and Tracy Michelle Hughes in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Malcolm J. West, Be Russell and Arlando Smith in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Arlando Smith, Malcolm J. West, and Be Russell in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
The ensemble cast: R. Hamilton Wright, Amy Thone, Be Russell, Arlando Smith, Dedra D. Woods, Malcolm J. West, Tracy Michelle Hughes, and Reginald André Jackson in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Malcolm J. West, R. Hamilton Wright, and Be Russell in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
Dedra D. Woods in front of the ensemble cast in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
R. Hamilton Wright, Malcolm J. West, Arlando Smith, and Dedra D. Woods in the World Premiere of History of Theatre: About, By, For, and Near, by Reginald André Jackson and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, onstage February 2-12, 2023 at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre and in partnership with The Hansberry Project. Photo credit: Robert Wade.
RoleName
CastTracy Michelle Hughes*
Reginald André Jackson*
Be Russell*
Arlando Smith*
Amy Thone*
Malcolm J West
Dedra D. Woods*
R. Hamilton Wright*
UnderstudiesAnne Allgood*
Nicholas Japaul Bernard*
Alexandria J. Henderson*
Director Valerie Curtis-Newton
PlaywrightReginald Andre Jackson
ChoreographerDonald Byrd
Scenic DesignerJennifer Zeyl
Costume DesignerCathy Hunt
Lighting DesignerRobert J. Aguilar
Sound DesignerLarry D. Fowler
Projection DesignerJuniper Shuey
Dialect CoachAmani Dorn
Dramaturg Martine Kei Green-Rogers
Associate Lighting Designer LB Morse
Stage ManagerRuth Eitemiller*
Assistant Stage ManagerHazel Rose Gibson*
Production AssistantNoah Sarkowsky
* Members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professonal Actors and Stage Managers in the USA

Metamorphoses – Play – Seattle Repertory Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Metamorphoses play at Seattle Repertory Theatre based on the Roman Ovid’s epic magnum opus. Poetic storytelling at its finest. #Mythology #vignettes

Synopsis from the Theatre: A daring and intimate new production inspired by Ovid’s epic poems of transformation. This modern interpretation performed by a quartet of actors weaves together a collection of both well-known and rarely told myths that excavate the extremes of human experience through the purest forms of theatrical storytelling.​

Reviewed Performance: 2/5/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, it was multiple unconnected mythological tales

Recommendation: See it especially if you like Greek or Roman mythology. I read the Iliad and the Odessey but I’m unfamiliar with Ovid and I’ve actually never heard of any of these stories.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Probably not but it was good

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.5 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: All

Number of Actors: 4

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 30 mins

Intermission: No

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Silence and Shadow: The absence of sound (silence) was a big theme in Philomela and Procne’s story. You could hear a pin drop in the theatre. Additionally, this production created dramatic shadows (absence of light) on the walls with flashlights and spotlights. The silence and shadows complemented with the simple scenic design.
  • Nike Imouru: Nike Imouru was a good choice as one of the storytellers by just her accent alone … not to mention her acting. What is it about the British accent that makes storytelling so much more enchanting? I especially enjoyed when she poetically spun the tale of the spider (Arachne).

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Beginning: The first story in the play was about how the Earth began and it reminded me of Genesis from the Bible. I wonder what the similarities are between the Genesis text and the actual Metamorphoses text.
  • Climate Change: I was surprised there was a myth about climate change. I wonder if the playwrights intentionally framed the Phaethon myth to remind the audience about climate change or if Ovid’s original tale was inherently about climate change.

Theatre Company: Seattle Repertory Theatre

Venue: Seattle Repertory Theatre

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

Price: Medium to Expensive

Ticket Affordability Options:

Dates: January 27 to February 26, 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 a lot of 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. In those cases, I’ll park further north up on Queen Anne Hill.

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Other Video +/- Pictures: See below pictures under video

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "#Metamorphoses" #play at #SeattleRep based on the #Roman #Ovid's epic magnum opus. #Poetic #storytelling at its finest. Review: showsiveseen.com/3796 #Mythology #vignettes #theatre ♬ Pompeii – Bastille
Nike Imoru in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Meme García in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Darragh Kennan in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Nike Imoru and Kjerstine Rose Anderson in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Nike Imoru, Meme García, and Kjerstine Rose Anderson in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Darragh Kennan and Nike Imoru in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Meme García, Nike Imoru, and Kjerstine Rose Anderson in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Meme García in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Darragh Kennan in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Kjerstine Rose Anderson and Darragh Kennan in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters.
Nike Imoru in Metamorphoses (2023) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Nate Watters
RoleName
EnsembleKjerstine Rose Anderson
Meme García
Nike Imoru
Darragh Kennan
UnderstudiesMiguel Castellano
Varinique “V” Davis
PlaywrightsSami Ibrahim
Laura Lomas
Sabrina Mahfouz
Director Shana Cooper
ChoreographerErika Chong Shuch
Scenic DesignerSibyl Wickersheimer
Costume DesignerAn-lin Dauber
Lighting Designer Thorn Michaels
Sound Designer and ComposerRodolfo Ortega
DramaturgPaul Adolphsen
Stage ManagerJeffrey K. Hanson
Fiddle CoachWiley Basho Gorn
Directing ApprenticeLucas Esperanza
Lighting Design ApprenticeMel Williams
Stage Management ApprenticeMax Zamorano
DraperKim Dancy and Kirsten Hager
WigsShelby Rogers
Design AssociateIsabella Harris

Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play – The Phoenix Theatre

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play at The Phoenix Theatre. Hilarious slapstick comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. #theatre

Synopsis from the Theatre: ​Dr. Jekyll’s research finds him – as usual – investigating the split between good and evil in the human psyche. Of course, things get out of hand when he decides being evil might be more fun and recreational. This hilarious spoof of the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson will keep you in stitches as this fast-paced comedy takes the stage and is appropriate for all ages.

Reviewed Performance: 2/4/23 on opening weekend – Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy with my dad in town.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Recommendation: See it if you enjoy slapstick comedy. I usually do not but I still enjoyed the show.

Was This the First Time I Saw a Production of this Show: Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: Yes, if it was an Equity production

Rating Compared to Other Shows with the Same Production Value:
4.25 Stars (Out of 5 Stars)

Equity Actors: None

Number of Actors: 10

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1 hour and 45 mins

Intermission: Yes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned in Elevator Thoughts

  • Leading Actor: I was already excited to see Josiah C Miller because of his great performances in Chapter Two and Rocky Horror Show. In Chemical Imbalance, he commanded his portrayal of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a well-spoken, strongly-projected voice.
  • Cast Doubling: Obviously, cast doubling was involved between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There was also significant cast doubling between the good and evil identical twins Calliope and Penelope, both played by Julia Mounce. Both actors took on the challenge without using costume changes. The lisp was a clever way (or a crutch?) to help the audience distinguish when the actor was playing a good or evil character. If anything, I consider it a success when the audience is able to do this, regardless of the means … unless you use a big fat sign!
  • Favorite Scene: When a dinner party gradually and hilariously migrated to below the dinner table
  • Favorite Lines: “You have to marry and have children before your hair drops out” and “See about getting the carolers some table scraps from the kitchen. I do so like to support the arts.”

Rant(s)

  • Punches and Kicks: Needs to be more realistic

Theatre Company: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue: The Phoenix Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, WA 98020

Price: Cheap

Dates: February 3 – 26, 2023

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Free and plentiful lot parking in adjacent lot

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

Cast and Production Team: See below video

@showsiveseen "Chemical Imbalance: A #Jekyll and #Hyde #Play" at the Phoenix Theatre. #Hilarious #slapstick #comedy. Great leading performance by Josiah C. Miller as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Review: showsiveseen.com/3794 #theatre ♬ Bad Side – CRMNL

RoleName
Plodgett Ingrid Sanai Buron
Lady Throckmortonshire Melanie Calderwood
Euphronia Jekyll Susan Connors
Ivy Kaira Hensler
Xavier & Police LieutenantBrandon Jepson
ConstableJames Lynch
Dr. Henry Jekyll & Mr. HydeJosiah C. Miller
Calliope & Penelope ThrockmortonshireJulia Mounce
Rosamunda Dewthistle Amanda Petrowski
Ambrosia Jekyll Mckenzie Wilson
….
PlaywrightLauren Wilson
Director Eric Lewis
Fight CoordinatorSam Graves
Technical Director Craig Marshall
Stage ManagerIan Wight
Costumer Elizabeth Shipman
Set Dresser Susan Connors
Set Design Eric Lewis & Craig Marshall
Set ConstructionEric Helland & Ian Wight
Board OperatorCraig Marshall