Category: Taproot Theatre

Happy Christmas, Jeeves – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey & @Heidi's "Happy #Christmas, Jeeves" #play at @TaprootTheatre. Starring @MocapMinute & Calder Jameson Shilling. A heartwarming comedy for the #holidays w/ funny gags. Review: showsiveseen.com/10926 Photos: Robert Wade Director: Karen Lund Stage Manager: Mackenzie Breda #showsiveseen #theatre #holiday #xmas ♬ Better Together – The Jilettes

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Happy Christmas, Jeeves play at Taproot Theatre. Starring Richard Nguyen Sloniker & Calder Jameson Shilling. A heartwarming comedy for the holidays with funny gags.

Recommendation:
See it if you’re looking for a funny Christmas-themed play.


My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Bertie is simply hoping for his “Christmas pudding” this holiday season (aka a peaceful, uneventful staycation). But, as always, friends and family chaotically drop by uninvited. Can Bertie and his ever-loyal valet, Jeeves, manage to salvage his Christmas pudding?

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Step into the whimsical world of Bertie Wooster and his impeccable valet, Jeeves, in this brand-new holiday play. All Bertie wants for Christmas is a quiet night at home with no relatives, but his tranquility is shattered by a love-smitten pal and the impending arrival of the meddling Aunt Agatha. Join the mirth and mayhem in a delightful comedy that will tickle your fancy and warm your heart.

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Just one – A living room

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’ll probably appreciate this play more if you’re familiar the PG Wodehouse’s “Jeeves” character.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Union Actors: 1

Total Actors: 7

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 125 minutes

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

  • Aunt Agatha: Kim Morris delightfully portrayed a bellicose strict aunt. It must be fun to play such a spirited role.
  • Gags: The script cleverly incorporated two funny gags. Firstly, there was a two-sided misunderstanding involving terminal illness. And secondly, there was a running joke of visitors knocking at the door just as Bertie mentioned them in conversation.
  • Audience: The opening night audience was energetic with laughter and even audibly awww-ed during a hugging moment.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Lady Bittlesham: I always pity actors like Nikki Visel (playing Lady Bittlesham) who must wait for more than half of the show to finally appear on stage in the second act. However, I did enjoy her predatory cougar-like scene. At least her character was mentioned several times before she appeared, which made her arrival feel more natural with anticipation. It’s definitely stranger when a character shows up out of nowhere with little setup. If I’m not mistaken, I recall this weirdness happening with one of Nikki’s previous roles in Taproot Theatre’s The Book of Will, when her character appeared in the second act without any prior introduction.
  • Costume: Oh my, those culottes Claude (played by Joe Moore) wore could have been a dress or elephant pants!
  • Scenic Design: The grand door in the back of the set was beautifully designed (and weirdly not the front door), but it seemed more appropriate for American opulent 1980s than Jeeves’s early British 20th century era.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taproot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price Range: $35-65

Dates: November 27 to December 31, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See production pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See pictures below.

ichard Nguyen Sloniker and Calder Jameson Shilling in Happy Christmas, Jeeves at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Joe Moore and William Eames in Happy Christmas, Jeeves at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Rachel Guyer-Mafune and William Eames in Happy Christmas, Jeeves at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Calder Jameson Shilling and Richard Nguyen Sloniker in Happy Christmas, Jeeves at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Production credits from the Encore program.
Production credits from the Encore program.

Preview Post – Happy Christmas, Jeeves – Play – Taproot Theatre

Congrats to Taproot Theatre on the opening night of their Happy Christmas, Jeeves world premier play. Performing until 12/31/24. Stay tuned for my full review! #xmas #holiday #holidays

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/happy-christmas-jeeves-play-review-taproot-theatre/

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/happy-christmas-jeeves/

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My Lord, What a Night – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen Deborah Brevoort's "My Lord, What a Night" #play at @TaprootTheatre. Starring Kataka Corn & Mark Emerson. Engaging dialogue, beautiful juxtaposition of opposites, timely message, thought-provoking quotes, & good exploration of dilemmas. Mah lawd! Closes next weekend 10/19. Review: showsiveseen.com/9904 Photos: Robert Wade Director: @Bretteney Beverly #showsiveseen #theatre #AlbertEinstein #Einstein #MarianAnderson #civilRights #racism ♬ Dere´s no hiding place down here – Kosti Vehanen & Marian Anderson

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): My Lord, What a Night play at Taproot Theatre. Starring Kataka Corn & Mark Emerson. Engaging dialogue, beautiful juxtaposition of opposites, timely message, thought-provoking quotes, and good exploration of dilemmas. Mah lawd! Closes next weekend.

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoy plays that are more dialogue than action.


My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Two famous opposites (Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson) meet and become friends. Together they struggle with the best way to respond to racism.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Based on the real-life friendship between famed contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein. Marian Anderson is denied lodging after delighting a sold-out Princeton audience. When her long-time fan, Albert Einstein, invites her to stay in his home, the two begin a lifelong friendship. Watch as they grapple with their responsibility as an artist and scientist in a world plagued by racial segregation and a looming world war.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 9/20/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since this production ends 10/19/24!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: I think there were only 2-3 scenes

Several or Few Settings/Locations: One – Albert Einstein’s living room

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you might appreciate the play more if you’re familiar with Albert Einstein, Marian Anderson, or western world history.

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, it was mostly dialogue

Equity Actors: 3

Total Number of Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 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: Low to medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Juxtaposition: The unexpected friendship between an eccentric scientist and an artiste blossomed beautifully on-stage. It was also refreshing to see two people, famous in their own realms, admire each other despite their opposite passionate pursuits. The right and left brains unite!
  • Dialogue: While I’m usually not a fan of plays heavy on dialogue and low on action, the discourse between the characters was engaging. I especially enjoyed the way Marlette Buchanan delightfully delivered Mary Church Terrell’s lines. However, a part of me wondered if that character was pandering too much to the audience as a stereotypical colorful older black woman caricature.
  • Hair and Makeup: Throughout the entire first act, I didn’t realize Mark Emerson played Albert Einstein until I saw his picture in the lobby during intermission. This transformation reminded me of how I didn’t recognize Cassi Q Kohl in Taproot Theatre’s The Hello Girls.
  • First Act Song: There was a lovely segment in the middle of the first act when Marian Anderson (played by Kataka Corn) entranced the audience with a vision and an acapella song.
  • Dilemmas: The script explored the arguments for/against each action (or inaction) well. There were seemingly no correct answers. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
  • Quotes: There were several thought-provoking quotes throughout the script. One example was something like “the treatment of the Negro is no different than the treatment of Jews” and it stood out the most since I disagree. Both groups were treated terribly throughout history (and I know it’s not a competition), but one group arguably had/has it way worse.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • First Act: Like many shows, the first act was better. But the first act also could have probably afforded to end earlier.
  • D Flat: Anderson and Einstein’s obsession with D flat was kind of weird. This is coming from someone who occasionally sings and plays the piano.
  • Marian Anderson’s Music: I’ve never heard of Marian Anderson or her music before attending this play. After the show, I curiously searched for her music recordings, and I’d have to say it was boring and stuffy. The music in my TikTok reel about this show was the most upbeat song I could find. But this is coming from someone who’s favorite artist is Lady Gaga and favorite genre is showtunes. 🙂

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price Range: $25-62

Dates: September 18 to October 19, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Marlette Buchanan and Kataka Corn in My Lord, What a Night at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Kataka Corn and Mark Emerson in My Lord, What a Night at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Andrew Litzky, foreground, with Mark Emerson and Kataka Corn in My Lord, What a Night at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Andrew Litzky and Mark Emerson in My Lord, What a Night at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Mark Emerson and Kataka Corn in My Lord, What a Night at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.

Preview Post – My Lord, What a Night – Play – Taproot Theatre

Happy opening night to Taproot Theatre’s My Lord, What a Night play production. Performing till 10/19. Stay tuned for my full review! #AlbertEinstein #Einstein #MarianAnderson #civilRights #racism

Final Full Review (Posted 10/9/24): https://www.showsiveseen.com/my-lord-what-a-night-play-review-taproot-theatre/

Tickets: https://taproottheatre.org/shows/2024/my-lord-what-a-night/

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Sister Act – Musical – Review – Taproot Theatre

@showsiveseen "Sister Act" #musical at @TaprootTheatre might be "THE" theatre show of the season. Great casting & costumes. Plus, Alan Menken music is always a crowd-pleaser. Wah wah pedal FTW! Starring Alexandria Henderson. Extended till 8/17. #catholic #nun #nuns #theatre #showiveseen #disco #sisterAct Review: showsiveseen.com/9150 Photos: Robert Wade Lyrics: Glenn Slater Book: Bill and Cheri Steinkellner Director: @Bretteney Beverly ♬ Take Me to Heaven – Sister Rosalie Taller

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Sister Act musical at Taproot Theatre might be “THE” theatre show of the season. Great casting and costumes. Plus, Alan Menken music is always a crowd-pleaser. Wah wah pedal FTW! Starring Alexandria Henderson. #disco

Recommendation
See it, especially if you saw the movie or if you grew up Catholic.


My Synopsis (No Spoilers): A disco lounge singer witnesses a crime and must hide in a convent disguised as a nun. She ends up leading the choir.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: A feel-good musical comedy like “nun” other! Deloris dreams of fame and fortune, but after witnessing a murder she lands in protective custody. Being disguised as a nun can’t cramp her style, and soon she’s inspired the whole choir.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Weekend 7/13/24 – I couldn’t attend the actual opening night since the show was so popular! Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Mostly yes, since it’s such a small theatre. However, this production reused the rotating door from Taproot Theatre’s previous show Sherlock Holmes & the Precarious Position to facilitate scene changes.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably enjoy this show more if you saw the original film or if you grew up Catholic.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Equity Actors: 3

Total Number of Actors: 12

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I previously attended Sister Act at Cornish College of the Arts.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Absolutely, but only professional productions like this one.

Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Casting: Bretteney Beverly (the director and casting director) did a great job picking actors that matched the energy of the original movie characters especially the refined/uptight Mother Superior (played by Anne Allgood), the contrasting casual down-to-earth Deloris Van Cartier (played by Alexandria J. Henderson), the timid petite vocal bombshell Sister Mary Roberts (played by Rebecca Cort), and the jolly Sister Mary Patrick (played by Hannah Schuerman).
  • Costumes: Kudos to Esther Garcia for her fantastic costume design. She took me back to the funky 1970s with the sparkly disco sequins, tacky wide collars, plaid bottoms, earthy leather coats, gold bling, groovy bell-bottoms, and leopard print. In particular, I loved Deloris’ white suit at the end of the show. She finally lived her Donna Summer dream. “She showed up simple, all in white. Yeah, she looked so classy… and she sang so nasty!” Also, Eddie Souther’s (played by Charles Simmons) double costume transformation was impressive. For a professional theatre with a lower budget than many other Puget Sound professional theatres, I was surprised that they pulled off this stage magic!
  • Sweaty Eddie: Speaking of Charles Simmons, I was impressed by his smooth 1970s voice in “I Could Be That Guy” reminiscent of Brian McKnight. The audience was surprised when he sang his first line and they ate up his performance.
  • Choreography: Surprisingly for a small stage, Jimmy Shields was able to devise entertaining fun choreography. Obviously, it would have looked better in a bigger space though.
  • Positive Energy and Joy: As someone with RBF, I love musicals where I catch myself smiling during songs like “Lady in the Long Black Dress” (with Bee Gee’s falsetto), “Raise Your Voice,” and “Sunday Morning Fever.”

Rant(s)

  • Original Songs: It will certainly disappoint viewers of the original film that this musical didn’t contain any original movie songs. I suspect it was due to licensing fees or licensing disagreements. That being said, Alan Menken always writes wonderful masterpiece suites.
  • Microphones: The wireless wearable microphones occasionally distractingly crackled like there was loose wire/connector. Also, the handheld microphone often overpowered the speakers.
  • Thrust Stage: Taproot Theatre’s Jewell Mainstage is a thrust stage where the audience sits in a U-shape surrounding three of the four sides. Every time I sit on the sides, I experience major FOMO. The actors (understandably) prioritize blocking towards the back of the theatre space, not the sides.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Christian Songs vs Love Songs: It’s amusing how both the movie and the musical poked fun at how love songs and Christian songs have interchangeable lyrics. In “Take Me to Heaven,” Deloris and the nuns separately sang “Don’t know how you do what you do. It’s like you’re almost too good to be true. You’re my hope. You’re my dream. You rock my world. You reign supreme.” Deloris first sang it to her beau, but later the nuns sang it to God. Turn on Christian contemporary radio and you’ll hear the same similarities.

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage at Taroot Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price Range: $25-62

Dates: July 10 to August 17, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See pictures below and in video by Robert Wade.

Rebecca Cort and Alexandria J. Henderson in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Ania Briggs, Connie Corrick, and Alexandria J. Henderson in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Alexandria J. Henderson with Cherisse Martinelli and Ania Briggs in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Anne Allgood and Alexandria J. Henderson in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Alexandria J. Henderson in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre, with Rebecca Cort, Hannah Schuerman, Cherisse Martinelli, and Ania Briggs. Photo by Robert Wade.
Rolando Cardona, Eyual Degaga, Danny Kam, and Christopher Clark in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.
Anne Allgood and Alexandria J. Henderson in SISTER ACT at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.