Congratulations to Seattle Children’s Theatre on the opening weekend of their The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen #play production. On stage until 3/23/25. Full review coming soon! #Harlem
@showsiveseen Alvaro Saar Rios's "Luchadora!" #play at Seattle Children's Theatre starring Jordi Montes & Beth Pollack. Rousing fight choreography. Vibrant set, props, lighting, & costumes. Well-written and well-executed. Not just for kids! Get your tickets now since it closes this weekend on 3/17/24! Review: showsiveseen.com/8148 Photos: Truman Buffett Director: Johamy Morales Stage Manager: Elizabeth Yvette Ramirez #theatre#showsiveseen#girlPower#feminism#wrestler#wrestling#LuchaLibre#Mexican♬ Miedo – Rommel Hunter
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Luchadora! play at Seattle Children’s Theatre starring Jordi Montes & Beth Pollack. Rousing fight choreography. Vibrant set, props, lighting, & costumes. Well-written and well-executed. Not just for kids!
Recommendation See it!
Synopsis from the Theatre: Transport yourself to the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling, with this inspired adaptation of the Chinese legend Hua Mulan. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Washington grandmother, to share her coming of age story growing up in 1960s Texas. As we follow Lupita’s journey, we witness her life as a daring teen tomboy; bike riding with her friends, working at her father’s flower stand, and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita’s excitement explodes; she anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.
Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 2/23/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for my preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since it closes this weekend on 3/17/24!
Type: Play
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Several
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several
Static (Stationary) Set? It was a static set with many dynamic elements.
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but it helps to know some Spanish expressions.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes, but it wasn’t linear. The story was presented in flashbacks.
Equity Actors: 2
Total Number of Actors: 7
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed
Length (Including Any Intermission): 80 minutes
Was there an intermission? No
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 Above
Universal Age Suitablity: While this play targets the teen/tween demographic, adults and younger kids can definitely enjoy it. Honestly, the show could have easily been reworked into a grown-up play. I love finding jewels like this that universally attract all ages similar to Seattle Children’s Theatre’s previous The Boy Who Kissed the Sky musical.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
Magic Potion: My cynical adult side thinks the potion’s magic was just placebo effect. Either that or amphetamines!
Theatre Company: Seattle Children’s Theatre
Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 201 W Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109
Ticket Affordability Options: Each performance has a value option available online. Also check out the theatre’s discount page.
Dates: February 21 to March 17, 2024
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually find good luck with street parking around Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre on non-event days. I try to take the bus on event days since even the event street parking costs more than $12.
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Pictures: See pictures below and in video above by Truman Buffett.
James Schilling and Christian Zumbado in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.James Schilling and Christian Zumbado in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.Adria LaMorticella, James Schilling, Beth Pollack, Christian Zumbado, and Ana María Campoy in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.Adria LaMorticella, James Schilling, Christian Zumbado, Beth Pollack, and Ana María Campoy in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.Jordi Montes, Carter Rodriquez, James Schilling, Adria LaMorticella, and Beth Pollack in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.Ana María Campoy, Carter Rodriquez, and Beth Pollack in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.Adria LaMorticella, James Schilling, Beth Pollack, and Christian Zumbado in Luchadora! Photo by Truman Buffett.
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Dog Man: The Musical at Seattle Children’s Theatre by TheaterWorksUSA starring Brandon James Butorovich. Directed by Jen Wineman. Impressive pipes from Sadie Jayne Kennedy. Good way to introduce young kids to musicals. Corny humor like Disney Channel or ABC Family.
Synopsis from the Theatre: Dog Man: The Musical is based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be? With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. The show is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander, who collaborated on the Emmy-winning series Peg + Cat on PBS, TheaterWorksUSA’s Click, Clack, Moo, and Clifford The Big Red Dog on PBS and Amazon. Jen Wineman directs and choreographs.
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but kids would probably enjoy this more if they’re familiar with the graphic book series.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: No
Equity Actors: All
Total Number of Actors: 6
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast
Length (Including Any Intermission): 65 minutes
Was there an intermission?: No
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show: Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now: No
Recommendation: See it if you want to take kids to the theatre especially if they’re familiar with the series
Rant(s)
“Why?” Scenes: As I’ve mentioned in a previous review, I loathe on-stage or on-screen scenes where a kid inscenantly asks “why?” to an adult. Young audience members probably like it though.
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
Vocals: It felt less like a musical when they sang in unison. The score should include more harmony to feel more like a musical.
Cultural References: There were many references from (pop) culture like Hamilton, A Tale of Two Cities, and Annie that only adults would understand. It’s a shame these references fly over the young audience members’ heads.
Theatre Company: TheaterWorksUSA
Venue: Seattle Children’s Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 201 W Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109
Price: Cheap to Medium
Ticket Affordability Options: Each performance has a value option available online. Also check out the theatre’s discount page.
Dates: September 21 to October 22, 2023
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Paid street parking or various paid parking lots/garages. Street parking is sparse when there’s a major Seattle Center or Climate Pledge Arena event. I usually have good luck finding street parking around Lenny Wilkins Way next to the theatre on non-event days. I try to take the bus on event days since even the event street parking costs more than $12.
TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae, Brian Owen, Forest VanDyke, Jamie LaVerdiere, Dan Rosales. 2019TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Brian Owen, Dan Rosales, Forest VanDyke 2019TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R: Forest VanDyke, Brian Owen 2019
Dog Man: The Musical opening weekend at Seattle Children’s Theatre w/ TheaterWorksUSA. Performing until 10/22/23. Stay tuned for my full review! #dogMan #showsiveseen #theatre